By Rachel Winner

My name is Rachel and I live in Bolinas, California. For as long as I can remember, horses have always held a special place in my heart. The first time I sat on a horse at the age of 2, it was quickly apparent that horses were to become my greatest joy. I couldn't get enough of them! 44 Years later they still remain my biggest passion in life.

I am versed in many disciplines of riding but my most favorite thing is to rehabilitate horses with trauma and neglect. Nothing makes me happier than to give a horse or pony a second chance. I currently teach, train, and facilitate Equine Learning. I believe in the healing power horses offer humans through their ability to connect to something deep within us.

I first learned of Mustangs as a child. I always dreamed to someday have a wild horse of my own. About 4 years ago I heard about Montgomery Creek Ranch through a friend. I had the opportunity to attend a Scarpati Clinic at their Sonoma, CA ranch. My love for the breed grew and I began to explore the idea of adopting a Mustang. I watched their website for several years when a group of Devil's Garden babies came in. I quickly fell for Fisher AKA " Peanut". The big white heart on his forehead and his flaxen mane and tale, and playful personality just melted us. My partner was looking for a horse and I knew right away he was the one. I quickly made contact with MCR and we went for a visit.

Rachel and her partner with Fisher, aka Peanut.

We were only planning on adopting Fisher, but while we were there this beautiful bay filly named Selena caught my eye. Let me make this clear, I was not looking for another horse for myself, but I simply couldn't resist her as she kept coming over to say hello. I guess my childhood dream was about to come true. We adopted Selena and Peanut.

The past year with them has been an amazing journey. First, we have learned that they are a bonded pair. Watching the love they share for each other has been a beautiful experience. They are inquisitive, kind, playful, intelligent, confident, beautiful, and loyal. They love learning new things and both enjoy be groomed and playing games. Most of what we have done with them is the groundwork to build trust. We are teaching them through patience, kindness, and consistency in how to navigate the human world. We believe in partnership with our horses and Mustangs clearly know how to be a part of a team. This coming up year we will start them under saddle. They trust us completely and have enjoyed having us sit on them bareback. We are so excited about the future with these two.

Adopting our Mustangs from MCR was one of the best decisions we could have ever made.

The work that they do with their horses definitely has set them up for success in their future. After spending time with the breed I can honestly say I think I prefer working with Wild Horses over their domestic counterparts. They are more sensitive, intuitive, and intelligent and the bond between a horse and their human is the most fulfilling relationship I’ve ever experienced with a horse.

We are so grateful able to give these horses a forever home and be a link in the chain with those passionate about helping these majestic wild horses who deserve to remain wild and free.

Interested in adopting? Check out our available horses here.