My Wild Horse Story: Naomi Langdon
By Naomi Langdon
Despite resistance from those who warned me against it, I got my first mustang when I was 14 years old. The scrawny little bay gelding may not have seemed like much, but he was mine! #4457 (Malachi) was my first horse and although we definitely have had many ups and downs, struggles and successes and I have made plenty of mistakes with him, I would not change a second of it! Malachi has taught me an incredible amount - not only about horsemanship, but about compassion, patience, and my relationship with others and myself. I could not have asked for a better teacher, partner, and friend.
My second personal mustang is #4921 (Dakota). She was my partner and Champion of the 2019 Washington Mustang Madness challenge. Over the 100 days I had with her Dakota blossomed into the most willing horse I have ever worked with. There was nothing she wouldn’t try for me. During the event Dakota and I performed at Liberty, it was magical to experience the trust she had in me after just 100 days. Thanks to some incredible people at the event that were moved by the connection we had together, Dakota and I got to stay together.
I am incredibly grateful for all of the other mustangs I have had the privilege of working with as well. Every individual has added value to my life and has taught me something I needed to learn at the time. Not to mention the incredible community of people surrounding the mustangs!
Dakota and Malachi couldn’t be more different, but they are both so special to me and I couldn’t be more proud of them. Currently they travel with me doing demonstrations and liberty performances in order to promote the mustangs. My goal is to showcase what incredible partners the mustangs can be, as well as to share what I have learned along my journey with them in order to help horse owners have success and connection with their equine partners, while striving to achieve and inspire a more compassionate approach to horsemanship.
Image credits: Jessica Farren Photography, Conerly Photography, Michael T Photography, Laurel Beisner
