The Mustang We Chose Not to Train
Clear Mental Horsemanship with Dennis Cappel
There is a story behind this bay Mustang that most people watching these clips don’t know.
For nine years, we chose not to train him.
He came here with another Mustang I was preparing for a Mustang Makeover. At the time, it was clear this bay horse was not going to be the one headed to competition. Rather than return him to the BLM, we chose to let him stay here.
We gave him a pasture, good care, and something else he needed---space.
We made no attempt to gentle him.
He has remained very much his own horse. He still lives with that strong fight-or-flight instinct that has helped keep him safe. He watches, he thinks, and he is prepared to leave if he feels threatened.
I’ve worked with many Mustangs, including several for Mustang Makeovers, and more than a thousand horses over the years. One thing I’ve learned is that every horse is an individual. Some settle into human interaction quickly. Others need much more time.
This horse is one of those.
We aren’t training him to ride. We’re not preparing him for a competition. Our goal is much simpler: we want him to eventually be safely catchable and handleable.
So we’re starting with something much more basic.
I’m creating opportunities to occupy positions around him that have previously been off limits.
Closer, then closer.
Eventually, I trust he will allow me to touch him without feeling that he has to flee.
The goal isn’t to conquer him or force him to accept a halter.
The goal is to communicate with him in a way he understands and accepts.
After a lifetime of working with horses, I know that getting a halter on a horse is one thing.
Earning the trust that makes the halter possible is something entirely different.
That’s what you’re seeing in these clips.
Not a horse being conquered.
A conversation beginning with the Mustang we call CC's Serenity!
Thank you all for being on the journey,
Dennis
Cappel Training and Shoeing
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September 26th, 2026
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