All kidding aside ... I'm surely not complaining, instead beaming with appreciation, for my recent endeavor with my big lens for my job at Horsecity.com. In mid-February I got the opportunity to meet and shoot two transplanted Texan cowboys here in Aiken. Tommy Gesell and Gerry Gesell grew up near San Antonio and their mother, Carin had them in the saddle since they were toddlers. They know horses inside and out and have lived through all the blood, sweat and heartache that we all associate with being devoted to these beautiful hooved animals.
In an effort to preserve the history and legacy of wild horses, Ned and Diana Twining created 88 Ranch in Wyoming. As trainers for 88 Ranch, Gerry and Tommy provide the captured horses a chance at a new life through trust, teaching acceptance and work. The horses are adopted out to new owners at the end of their time in The Young Horse Program and ensure new careers with their owners as trail horses, fox hunters and even polo ponies. The ability of the wild horses to adapt to a new environment and way of life is amazing. It truly confirms the outstanding ability of an animal to enlighten all the senses and pull our heartstrings.
The 2009 program of eight horses was an incredible success. Gerry selected the horses from the BLM holding pens based on their conformation. Within a few days, all the horses were haltered, led, tied and learned to pick their feet up. By the end of the year they were all saddle broke and willingly working which made them great prospects for their new owners. But this story does not end here ...
The two brothers "winter" in Aiken and commute back to Wyoming every Spring. In April 2010, they will find the most "critical" equines that are permanent residents of the BLM pens to give them a new life. Fifteen mares in the 5-6 year old range will be chosen and brought along in the program, and into prospective owners hands by the time Fall comes. These will never be "ordinary" animals because they will forever be stamped with the BLM "badge of honor" brand on their neck. Who knows, you may see one in the show ring or on the polo field in 2011!
I'll be doing a follow-up post about a few Aiken horses they have in training as well as follow-up of the 2010 wild horses throughout the year. Enjoy!
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