How do I get a Little Mustang from V.E.T.S.?

The first phase of the Little Mustang Program is the gentling process and lasts for about 30 days. Horses are worked 6-10 times over the first half of the 30 or so days with the concentration being on gentling. Initially this is done from on horseback with pens getting smaller and human contact increasing as the animals settle into their new environment. They are moved from pen to pen frequently with gentle methods thus creating a relaxed acceptance of changing environments and external stimuli. As quieter animals are identified they are promoted to the ground-work phase of the program where they are introduced to halters, ropes, trail obstacles, trailers and the concept of a kind human leader. This initial phase requires a team of quiet, observant and measured horsemen utilizing well designed facilities and the right equipment. We encourage the public to come out and watch this fascinating phase but please be aware that the high points come quietly. When working with livestock it can be said that "The slower you go, the faster that you get there" and our pens can get pretty boring at times. We work long hours but we don't move so fast.
The next half or so of 30 days or so entails another 6-10 sessions putting the animals into draft. We start out with repaired harnesses and make trips over bridges and hills on the trail course. Once our partners have accepted the presumably unnecessary accessories that we have encumbered them with we introduce them to pulling ropes, then flags, then tires, then drags and finally a cart.

• At the end of this first phase the horses are available for adoption but call us at 713-825-5997 to check on progress as certain pens go a little bit faster than 30 days and some just take a bit more time and we will start the adoption when the time is right because horses don't use calendars.
• If you want first pick of the horses that will be ready in 30 or so days, you may preview the pen and see if there is a horse that you "just can not live without". To reserve a specific horse all you have to do is pre-commit to your animals care and feeding with a nominal prorated hold-fee of $150 to V.E.T.S. and send in an application and payment to the BLM before your horse's phase 1 is complete.
• You are adopting the horse from the BLM. Please follow the steps below.

  A. Download the Adoption Application.

  • Click here to download the application.
  • Click here to learn more about the facility and adoption requirements.

  B. Fill out the Adoption Application.

  • We can help you fill out the application.

  C. Mail your completed adoption application to the Bureau of Land Management.

  • Click here to see where you need to send the adoption application.
    • If you are in Texas the address is:
      BLM
      221 N. Service Road
      Moore, OK 73160
      fax:(405) 790-1050, phone:(800) 237-3642
  • We can help you with the paperwork and evaluating your facility. Just call 713-825-5997 and come by and see the available horses.

  D. V.E.T.S. has a couple of documents that we want you to review and sign also please.

  • Click here to download the V.E.T.S. assumption of liability and care for BLM horse
  • Click here to download the V.E.T.S.recognition of cost of return of BLM horse