‘Now is a turning point for them’: C.O. horse rescue working with trainers to domesticate rare feral horses

(Update: Adding video, comments from organizations)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mustangs to the Rescue, a local equine rehabilitation and rescue organization, is working alongside professional horse trainers Reach Out To Horses to domesticate over a dozen Oregon tarpans since February.

We witnessed one stallion wear a bridle for the first time.

"He's never learned to follow the feel of a line, ever. They don't come with that ability. You have to train them," said Reach Out To Horses founder Anna Twinney,

"This would be the first time in his life where he's been asked to stop and not go back where he wants to go," she said Thursday.

Over the next few days, they expect the horses to be able to wear a bridle.

There are fewer than 50 Oregon tarpans in existence. This partnership aims to allow the mustangs to have the freedom of wild horses but with veterinary care and other services. 

"Now is a turning point for them," said Mustangs To The Rescue Executive Director Kate Beardley, "And so these horses at this clinic and the clinic we held in February are now being handled so they can receive veterinary care and foster care and be attracted to new homes and go about having a positive future."

Volunteers are very excited about these rare horses; one flew all the way from the Netherlands.

These mustangs are adoptable, and the directors say several people have already shown interest.