Humble Beginnings.....

Mystic stumbled into my life on July 13, 2013. I never expected I would own a horse, let alone a Mustang, after the loss of my last horse due to the break up of my marriage eleven years ago. Had someone told me three weeks ago, "Denise you will be the proud owner of a 2 year old Mustang soon" I would have laughed and told them they were crazy! I have previously owned and trained a number of young horses in my life. I like working with and starting youngsters. I love the bond and the relationship I develop with my horses. It has never felt like work to me. It has always felt like play. I didn't think I was looking for a horse when I found Mystic. I am pretty busy at my massage therapy job and spending time at my art studio/gallery in Idyllwild. Practically speaking, a young horse is not something I needed to add to an already full plate financially or time wise. At least, that's what my mind was telling me. Apparently my heart and Soul had other plans. After stumbling across an ad for a horse rescue site in a magazine, my heart took over my mind and I made contact with a woman named Nicki who owns the property and runs the equine rescue facility. I made arrangements with her to come take a look at the horses available for adoption on Saturday, July 13th. After visiting with a mare that I had seen in photos, I quickly decided she and I would not be a good fit. As beautiful as she is, she is a very sensitive horse that would require much time, patience and a bit of risk to work with. I needed a "puppy dog" personality. A horse that was quiet and looking for a person to bond with. In came Mystic. Nicki and I walked up to the small pipe corral he was standing in. He had not had much handling so was a little bit shy at first but there was a light and a twinkle in his eye that seemed to say, "just give me a chance". I spent some time petting him and he began to follow me. I knew he was choosing me. By the end of the day, I handed Nicki a check for his adoption fee and was now the happy owner of a young Mustang. The facility had given him the name "Tag" but I quickly changed it to "Mystic Moon". "Mystic" for short. I don't know much about Mystics story in his short life of two years. What I do know is, his momma was a Mustang mare found in a feedlot and Mystic was a young foal by her side. Someone contacted Nicki about her and asked her to rescue them. Nicki agreed and they were brought to the facility. The only other thing I know is that when Mystic was weaned from his momma, he was put in a pasture to run and play with some of the other rescue horses and pretty much left alone until a few months before I adopted him. Some of the volunteers worked with him and taught him to accept a halter and lead. It could not have taken too long as Mystic loves to follow people and is a very smart horse who catches on to lessons quite easily and quickly. Mystic is a very gentle and friendly soul. He was a favorite of a number of visitors and volunteers at the facility. I know he will be missed there. That is one of the reasons I have decided to create this blog. To give his "fans" a chance to keep abreast of his progress through stories and pictures as he grows up. This blog is also a chance for me to chronicle the adventures and lessons Mystic and I will share together. He is a very special horse and I know he has come into my life at this time for a reason. We are meant to be together and I am looking forward to sharing my life with him.