News & Events

David Mann Art Exhibition & Auction

The Spanish Mustang Foundation and Altermann Galleries and Auctioneers embarked on another art exhibition and auction to assist in the preservation of the Spanish mustang, which is on the critical list of rare breeds of horses. The two day event was an occasion to demonstrate the connection between the Spanish mustang and the 400th anniversary of the founding of Santa Fe.

The compelling painting, "Restless Mustangs," by David Mann was purchased for $5150 by Dr. And Mrs. Max B. Chennault at the silent auction at Doug and Julia Lanham’s ranch, Caballada Mestenada, on July 31, 2010 with all proceeds assigned to the foundation.

Mann does extensive research and includes his detailed discoveries in his paintings. He journeyed to the Little Cayuse Ranch owned by Donna Mitchell, Jim Sloan, and Sierra Perkins near Cedarvale, NM to study the horses. He came away with an enthusiasm for the horse that shines through his paintings and reflects the ancestral bloodline still present in the horses he scrutinized. The expression of what he observed portrays the horses so well that one recognizes individual horses as well as the character these ponies have held over the centuries.

We are already underway in our endeavors with Altermann Galleries for next year’s auction. Award winning western artist, Kim Mackey, will be coming to the Little Cayuse Ranch in early October to photograph the horses in preparation for a painting he will donate for the preservation of the Spanish Mustang.

We take this opportunity to offer our thanks, deep gratitude, and appreciation to Tony and Richard Altermann and David Mann.

Robin Doughman demonstration with Blue, SMR# 1743-


Elsa Kloess demonstration with Oshoto Kid, SMR# 3800 -

2010 Youth Clinics

The Spanish Mustang Foundation and trainer Robin Doughman continued the youth clinics in the spring and summer of 2010. The focus of these clinics is to educate students about the Spanish Mustang's role in history as well as the joys of horsemanship.

Please find out more about our Youth Clinics program here.

Mustangs & Mindfulness: Horsemanship Clinics with Robin Doughman

Horse training is not just about horsemanship. It’s about a way of life.

 

Over the last thirty years and more I have been working with horses. I’ve explored the methods of other horsemen and their words and techniques have penetrated and broadened my own relationship with horses. I don’t mind standing in the shade of these inspiring people; Buck Branneman, Emmett Brislawn, Leslie Desmond, Bill Dorrance, Tom Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Pat Parelli, and others. The practice of mindfulness is paying close attention to the present experience, intention and purpose and the awareness and clear comprehension that arises from it. When I work with mustangs my experience is often spiritual. I can compare my connection to Spanish Mustangs to Buddhist Vipassana meditation practices.

 

Click here to read more about Robin Doughman's Mustangs & Mindfulness Leadership Training Course.

 

We will be holding clinics with Robin Doughman in the fall of 2010, for more information about Robin’s clinics please contact us.

Spanish Mustangs & Equine Positional Release

The Spanish Mustang Foundation and Zarna Carter held an Equine Positional Release Clinic May 9-10 at the Little Cayuse Ranch in New Mexico. A number of trainers attended the clinic - Jack Craddock, Ben McVey, Sandy Bosben and long time Spanish Mustang trainer and advocate, Robin Doughman. Doug Lanham, president of The Spanish Mustang Foundation, was in attendance with his wife Julia.

The aim of the Spanish Mustang Foundation (SMF) holding the EPR clinic was two-fold. First, to conduct an educational program focusing on non-force equine body work which has helpful applications to behavior, training and re-education of the Spanish Mustang. Secondly, to promote public understanding of the Spanish Mustang, highlighting their unique nature and physiology.

As the SMF continues in it's efforts to understand the nuances of this particular breed, the clinic was a successful endeavor in many ways. It enabled both trainers and equestrians to explore the relationship between the nature of these horses and their behavior and specifically the link between health and behavior. There were multiple examples of foot pain, shoulder and back pain and their affects on behavior in the herd and with people.