“A horse is the projection of peoples’ dreams about themselves -strong, powerful, beautiful- and it has the capability of giving us escape from our mundane existence” Pam Brown
Spanish Mustang Gelding
Of all of the mustangs that have come through the farm, Echo has been the most challenging to build trust in. He is full brother to Magic but the similarities end there. It seems as though the one and a half years that Echo experienced with little to no handling prior to his arrival at HWH really took their toll on his ability to trust people. He was still a colt when he arrived on the farm, and we were told that getting him haltered and on the trailer from South Dakota was quite traumatic for him. After having him gelded, it took months of groundwork just to develop a basic working relationship with him. Echo is exceptionally smart and loves to learn new things, but it takes a great deal of “feel” to ensure that you do not betray the trust he has built in you. He is the type of horse that requires a relationship to be built with each of his handlers. Once the foundation has been laid he is the most amazing student and partner.
Though it took years to get us where we are today with Echo, he has taught all of us a great deal. He has taught us to be humble and honest in our intent and he gives all he has if you work for it. Echo demands a willingness to let go of our self-imposed deadlines, training markers, and standard measures of success and instead helps us each find the playfulness that we sometimes leave out of our training routines. Once his trainers open up to creativity and fun, Echo becomes a different horse! He loves to play, and to egg on his trainer with new games or experimental moves. He loves to try new things, and is very affectionate and calm. Until his trainer releases his or her own addiction to the deadline, he simple will not progress. As horse people we have been blessed to take this journey with Echo and to learn so much from him. Little things like standing quietly for the farrier, or being dewormed have become monumental milestones with Echo.
Echo is being ridden on a regular basis and loves the trail. He excels at obstacles and loves anything that causes him to think. Someday we are hoping that a person with patience and the desire to build a meaningful relationship with that special horse will come along. The ideal interested adopter would be willing to come work with Echo under our trainer’s supervision until a proper foundation has been laid for success. Due to his extreme sensitivity to human emotion, we believe Echo would also make an ideal therapy horse for use in highly specialized communication and emotional rehabilitation clinics. Until then, we will continue to challenge Echo with new and exciting things and help him to grow, as he surely will help us grow.
UPDATE: Echo has found his forever home. Thank you Karen, for opening your heart and your barn to a rescue horse!
UPDATE: After many wonderful years and countless adventures with his loving mom, Echo was put to sleep due to severe and untreatable laminitis. Karen knew that his quality of life would continue to deteriorate, and made the ultimate loving and heartbreaking decision to peacefully end his pain. We thank Karen for offering Echo endless love, care, and commitment throughout his life, and we are so grateful for her ownership. Rest in peace, Echo.
