What prospective owners need to know about caring for and training off-range mustangs

With his dense wavy mane, thick arched neck, and striking Buckskin markings, it is impossible to mistake Paco for anything other than an American Mustang. Since coming off the range years ago as a 2-year-old, Paco and his owner Bob Cohen have become fixtures on trails near Florida’s Gulf Coast. But, says Cohen, Paco’s journey from wild horse to reliable trail mount was a long and winding one.

Gathered from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Kiger Herd Management Area in Southeast Oregon, Paco was initially trained to be a reining horse. He made his way to Florida, where he also had some natural horsemanship training before Cohen purchased him through a trainer experienced in working with Mustangs. These days, Cohen shows off the now 15-year-old Paco every chance he gets.

“He gets a lot of attention, that’s for sure,” Cohen says.

Create a free account with TheHorse.com to view this content.