Partners in Community
When we started down this path a little over a year ago, our little motley crew had a lot of hopes and dreams that seemed so incredibly large and out of reach. We had a vision of what this community could be. Collectively, to date, we have over 91 years of experience in this “mustang family.” We’ve trained, we’ve competed, we’ve cared for, we’ve loved, and we’ve lost.
We know what it means to be Forever Branded.
Just a few days ago, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) publicly announced Forever Branded as their newest nationwide partner. To say we’re humbled by their confidence in our proposal and faith in our ability to carry it out is an understatement. But…MAN are we ready!
We know you have questions, and we’ll do our best to answer them, but please know that we’re still finalizing the programs and complete information will be available soon. For now, you can follow the links to the respective program pages for expanded information.
Education & Outreach
This program will be funded by your donations and sponsorships directly to Forever Branded and is central to our mission. As we all know, education feeds interest and interest feeds participation and participation feeds adoption. Our team has key events planned throughout the country along with a number of outreach opportunities within schools and youth programs to drive interest in various and innovative ways.
Branded Partnerships
Branded Partnerships builds on the success of previous training/adoption programs while making thoughtful improvements that benefit the adopter, the trainer and, most importantly, the horse or burro. As a community and wild horse and burro advocates, our overarching goal is to move animals out of BLM holding and match them with the right, long-term adopters. By placing emphasis on partnering with trainers who share our vision and support the Forever Branded mission, we create an environment that places the horse or burro first. Through safeguards and careful matching, we do our part to ensure every animal enrolled in this program has the best chance of finding the correct, long-term partnership.
Branded Adoption Centers
Branded Adoption Centers are privately run facilities contracted through Forever Branded to house and offer wild horses and burros for public adoption. These facilities are vetted and inspected by both Forever Branded and BLM personnel to ensure they can safely care for and house at least 20 animals at one time. The facility operators are required to prove through a rigorous application and interview process that they possess the needed knowledge and skill and are aligned with the Forever Branded mission and values.
Branded Bonanza
While many training competitions exist, Branded Bonanza builds upon the success of Mustang Mania, created and hosted by our Forever Branded staff, Matt and Stacie Zimmerman, since 2016. The goal of this competition is not to “win,” but rather offer an opportunity for the trainer to improve their horsemanship and the horse or burro to gain the skills they need to be successful in their new, domestic life. As a competitor or spectator, you will gain access to a true community of supportive folks just like you who are here to see to the success of these formerly wild horses and burros. Additionally, an open show is hosted in conjunction with each Branded Bonanza event and adopters of both BLM and US Forest Service managed wild horses and burros are encouraged to participate.
Thank You
It’s not a myth to say we would not be here without the support of our community – YOU. Thank you for believing in what we’re building. Thank you for believing in our mission. Thank you for believing in us.
Thank you for being Forever Branded.