The Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen would like to extend a big thank you to Sheriff Nowlin for coming and educating us on his vision for a mounted patrol here in this area. What a great idea to have this historic and needed presence here.
Many of our Chapter members were excited to hear about his plans to roll out this program, provided the sheriff’s department has the necessary funding and community support.
Many of our members suggested he contact the Bureau of Land Management and utilize mustangs trained by Canon City and the WHIP program. They do a wonderful job of training mustangs for what they’re needed for, including requests for mustangs in the Border Patrol. Mustangs are hardy, sure footed and can be great mounts for many years.
One correction to note from the article that ran on March 5, headlined “Nowlin unveils plan for mounted patrol”:
Although we do have a herd here practically in our backyard — the Spring Creek Basin mustangs — there aren’t any in the WHIP program or in BLM holding facilities.
The National Mustang Association, Colorado, has worked extremely hard since the mid-1990s to ensure the preservation of this herd, as well as to assist the BLM to manage the herd humanely and effectively. NMA/CO has also worked tirelessly to ensure that all mustangs from Spring Creek Basin are placed in good homes when removal from their range is necessary. For more information on Mesa Verde Back Country Horsemen, visit www.mesaverdehorsemen.com.
For more information on the National Mustang Association, Colorado, visit www.nationalmustangassociationcolorado.org.
Latifia “Tif” Rodriguez
Mancos