Kigers Rescued

[toni]

Found this while surfing. These are domesticated not from the wild.

Seven Kiger Mustangs seized near Burns in an animal neglect case are arriving at a ranch in Wilsonville today for rehabilitation.

She said on a scale of 1 to 10 for malnutrition, they ranked very poorly, about 1.5.

The horses were among more than 20 that were rescued from a former wrangler at the U.S. Bureau of Land Management earlier this month. Their owner, Tim Westfall of the Burns area, faces misdemeanor charges of 22 counts of second-degree animal neglect and one count of first-degree animal neglect.

If convicted, Westfall could face up to a year behind bars and a $6,250 fine on the first-degree neglect count. He could also be forbidden to own a domestic animal for five years.

Rescued Kiger Mustangs Rescued Kiger Mustangs Seven rescued Kiger Mustangs arrived from Burns to the Nine Star Ranch in Wilsonville. Watch video
Westfall began working at the wild horse corrals last August but isn’t employed there, according to a BLM spokeswoman.

Harnew-Swanson would like to introduce young people, seniors and anyone else who’s interested about the breed, which developed naturally in Oregon and is now sought after in other parts of the world.

Harnew-Swanson urged anyone who’s interested to email her at [e-mail].

[mystickiger]

Thank you Stacey! Hoarders hid in all facets. Thank goodness for you, Ramona, and hopefully anyone else that is helping these horses. Hopefully those that were duped into "training" have their's back by now. www.oregonlive.com/wilsonville/index.ssf/2011/03/seven_kiger_mustangs_rescued_n.html

[staceyinoregon]

Yikes, the story is more complicated than the news article would make it seem and some things were just wrong. By the time the horses got here, they were looking better. I think the worst one I had would have been more like a three. The others looked thin and scruffy, but it has been three weeks and I have the worst of the bunch out on pasture...right by the road and have no fears that anyone will think twice about her weight. It seems these horses had been in good flesh not long ago, because they have bounced back quickly. Furthermore they are very kind horses...you can tell alot about an owner by the way their horses (and kids!) act. These guys are used to being loved.

I did not know Tim before this event, but from what I can ascertain and I have a bit of info that that news does not have, it seems that both Tim and the horses were really suffering this winter. Loosing your job and not being able to make ends meet is not a situation I would want to be in. The more I am around these horses I the more I think,"There but for the grace of God, go I."

On a happy note, I have a whole crew of awesome volunteers that are learning alot about Kigers. We have gotten some great media about the program "Project Kiger Mustang." We are having horse handling classes at my place 2 or 3 nights a week and then they are working with the horses every morning at 10. These people don't have the space to have horses and these horses are just the ticket for them. As we get further along we hope to have open houses where these volunteers can give tours and teach others about Kigers and other Oregon mustang herds. You wouldn't believe how many Oregonians don't have any idea that we have wild horses in Oregon.

[fantasykiger]

StaceyinOR ...I for one think it is just fantastic what you are doing and the opportunity you are giving the horses and the people who are coming to work with them who wouldn't otherwise be able to gain experience with horses. Just awesome and benefits for everyone, I can imagine your joy watching them learn together.
The horses can be seen here in photos before they met hard times and I do believe they were loved. I know what it is like to fall on hard times, yet I did reach out for help from wonderful friends and am very thankful I was able to continue to provide for my horses until things improved.

[rubymountainkigers]

Just for a point of clarification there were no horses in for training so noboby got "duped" out of anything. The horses that were with me that belonged to someone else were with me because either their owners didn't have another place for them at this time ( some belonged to kids who were attending college) or because their owner neither had a place for them nor could afford to care for them. In all cases I was taking care of them for free. All except one had been in my care for a period on no less than 3 years to 7 years. One had just came recently when it's owner needed a place for their horse immediately. At the time I had a permanent, full time job and plenty of pasture. Taking in extra horses and caring for them for free didn't present a problem for me. Things changed and I don't care to go into the details. I just want the truth to be known that I wasn't "dupping" anyone or making money off of these horse in anyway.

[Michelle Clarke]

I am sorry for this whole situation but as I read this thread the only thing I can really think of is that in this unstable time in history this can happen to anyone at any time.

[stlkigers]

Yes, I think "but for the grace of God that could be me" when I hear of a situation like that.....Tim it is easy to see from Sarah's pictures summer 2010 that they were in great shape then.....Sorry for whatever situation that occurred...that is unfortunate.

Here's to a better economy for us all in the coming months!!!!!!!!!!!

Angela

[staceyinoregon]

We have three boys fattened up and ready for new homes. These guys have outstanding pedigrees. All three are tall for their age and will mature to close to 16 hands. Fuego is 3 and very athletic. I learned this when I startled him with a wheelbarrow and he promptly made an exit--over the bottom half of a dutch door. When playing with in the round pen I quickly found out that this boy has tremendous moves and spins. I hope he goes to a home that will take him into reining/cutting. He is a doll as well. Loves people and very, very light. I love this guy. Montana is huge and muscular. Very strong boy, learns quickly. Quite a looker. He seems to latch onto his person. For instance, he whinnies when he hears my diesel engine and comes over to the fence. Patrick is 4 1/2 Kiger. 1/2 Quarter Horse. Very sweet boy. Tall and very easy to work with. Email me if you want information or know of anyone who might be looking for amazing animals. All three are halter trained and ready for saddle training. Fees range from $750- $2000. When you look over their pedigrees and good looks you will see why. More info and pictures can be found on Facebook-- www.facebook.com/pages/Project-Kiger-Mustang/196269903742107