Scanning for Potential Matches

The atmosphere buzzed with nervous excitement, a mix of anticipation and possibility thick in the air. It felt like speed dating, tables and chairs replaced by stalls, first impressions made not with words but with the flick of an ear or the way a horse held itself. I had my list, my “matches” carefully chosen from weeks of scrolling through photos, videos and profiles online.

One by one, I made my rounds, my eyes scanning each potential partner like I was at a gala filled with eligible bachelors. My gaze trailed from their sturdy, unshod hooves, broad and solid, built to carry them across rough terrain, to their muscular legs, each one a study in power and grace. I admired the curve of a strong, arched neck, the proud set of their heads, ears flicking with curiosity. Their coats shone in the late summer sun, hues of golden buckskins, striking palominos, and rich sorrels glowing like polished copper.

Observing the Candidates

I watched how they carried themselves, how they responded to the trainers at their sides. Their focus was palpable, ears tuned to their handlers, bodies poised and ready for the next cue. Each movement was deliberate, a quiet testament to the months of hard work and trust that had been built. Some stood calmly, waiting their turn to perform, their stillness exuding a quiet confidence. Others paced with a simmering energy, not out of nervousness, but as if eager to show what they could do when their moment came.

There was a steady rhythm to it all, each horse a blend of strength and sensitivity, a partner ready to meet the right person. I couldn’t help but wonder, which of these incredible Mustangs was about to become mine?

Searching for a New Partner

The spring and summer of 2024 were consumed by my search for a second horse. My heart horse Joe, had sustained a tendon injury in early 2023. Though he was healing, it became clear that asking him to return to competition wasn’t in the cards. It was a difficult realization, but it opened the door to an exciting new chapter, finding a younger horse to bring along as my next mounted archery partner.

After months of online browsing and weighing my options, I had my heart set on a Mustang. Having owned Quarter Horses for over 20 years, I loved their steady mind, versatility and athleticism, but I wanted a horse with stronger legs and hooves, one built for soundness and a lifetime of partnership. That’s when I found myself captivated by the Teens and Oregon Mustangs program.

Discovering Teens and Oregon Mustangs

The program is a partnership between trainers and wild Mustangs pulled from the Bureau of Land Management pens. Each year, 100 Mustangs are selected, paired with trainers, and given over 100 days of intensive training. The journey culminates in a competition and auction over Labor Day weekend. I spent the summer poring over each trainer’s Facebook page and updates, following the progress of the horses and their trainers. By the end of August, I had swiped right on six geldings, each between the ages of three and five, all ready to compete in the riding portion of the event. With my list in hand,and budget secured, I made the solo trip down to Albany on the Friday of Labor Day weekend, hopeful that I would come home with my new partner.

The Sorrel That Stopped Me in My Tracks

When I arrived Friday morning, the show was already underway. I made my way to one of the arenas, where the fitting and showing portion of the competition was taking place. Each horse faced a series of in-hand challenges: loading into and out of a trailer, being turned loose in a pen and caught by a stranger, and standing calmly while their handler picked up each hoof.

Amid the flurry of activity, my attention caught on a small sorrel gelding standing quietly outside the pen. His young trainer was chatting with her family, and he stood beside her as if the commotion all around didn’t exist. His eyes stayed on her, his expression saying, Just give me the word, and I’ll do whatever you ask next.

Sizing Up Toby Keith

I couldn’t help but notice how much he resembled a well-put-together Quarter Horse. My gaze drifted down to his feet, four large, solid hooves built to last. I scanned up over his sturdy joints, larger than Joe’s, and admired how his hip flowed seamlessly into his short back. His neck set beautifully on his shoulder, his compact frame balanced and athletic. His rich red coat gleamed in the sunlight, offset by a striking blonde mane and tail and two white hind socks.I pulled out my catalog and checked the trainer’s back number. The sorrel gelding was Toby Keith, number three on my list. In that moment, I knew this little horse was something special. 

I spent the rest of the day tracking down the other horses on my list Maverick, Simba, Legend, Brandon, and Chiloquin. Each one checked all the boxes: sturdy, athletic, well-trained, and ready for a partner. They were all viable candidates, yet I kept finding myself in front of Toby Keith’s stall.

I wasn’t the only one drawn to him. TK had the kind of following that made him feel like a rock star, with a constant stream of admirers stopping by to meet him. His young trainer, Lucy, was gracious and patient, entertaining every question from the steady flow of potential bidders. On one visit, I watched an entire family exit TK’s stall. As they walked away, I heard the dad say, “I think he’s the one.”

Watching the Competition

I was up early Saturday morning, unable to sleep from the excitement of what the day would bring. Today, I would finally see my list of candidates perform under saddle. Each horse in the riding division faced a trail pattern that tested their training and temperament, including challenges like a gate, poles, a bridge, and a daunting banner at the far end of the arena. Afterward, they would complete a pattern at all three gaits.

Upon arriving at the fairgrounds, I stopped by TK’s stall, only to find him out for a walk with Lucy. I jotted down her number to set up a meeting after her ride and moved on to watch the competition. I was captivated by so many impressive rides. These horses, who had been wild only months ago, now navigated a trail course that even seasoned domestic horses might find daunting.

A Quiet Confidence

In the middle of one ride, my attention was drawn to a familiar flash of red entering the building. My heart stopped. It was Toby Keith. I watched as Lucy stood with him, waiting for their turn. TK stood outside the arena completely relaxed, as if he might doze off at any moment. If not for the brand on his neck, I could have easily mistaken him for a well-bred Quarter Horse.

When their turn came, I was struck by the quiet patience Lucy showed with TK. He hesitated at the same banner that had spooked other horses. Lucy didn’t rush him, instead, she stroked his neck, murmuring reassurance while giving him the time he needed to assess the situation. Within moments, he calmly walked past the banner without a second thought. That composure, that willingness to trust his handler, was exactly the kind of mind I was looking for.

Meeting the Rock Star 

When I arrived at TK’s stall, yet another group of potential bidders was just leaving.TK stood calmly in his stall, seemingly unbothered by the constant flow of attention and the bustling show stall atmosphere around him. He took it all in stride, his demeanor steady and composed, as though he had been doing this his entire life.

I introduced myself to Lucy and gave her a brief overview of my horse experience. I shared how Joe and I had competed in Mounted Archery and explained his backstory, how he had been aggressively trained as a young horse for Western Pleasure and how I had spent the past few years healing his body and mind. I told her I wasn’t just looking for another horse, but for my next equine partner.

I complimented her riding and expressed how much I appreciated the way she allowed TK to carry himself, letting him find his own balance instead of forcing collection. We talked about TK’s training, how he interacted with other horses, and how he handled hauling. Lucy assured me that TK would do just fine in my two-horse slant-load trailer. Our conversation left me even more convinced that TK was something special, but I couldn’t shake the nerves knowing I wasn’t the only one who had noticed. 

Talking Myself Off the Ledge

Saturday night offered little rest as my mind refused to settle, thoughts of Toby Keith swirling endlessly. I kept reminding myself to stay open to the other horses on my list, but my heart had already made its decision. Simba had surpassed my budget in the online pre-bidding, and Maverick was quickly approaching it. Although I had met a few other promising candidates over the weekend, none had captivated me the way TK had.

The next morning, over hotel breakfast, I struck up a conversation with one of the participating trainers. As we chatted about the auction, I shared that Toby Keith was my top choice. She smiled warmly and said, “He’s a really nice horse,” before wishing me luck. Her words gave me a small boost of confidence as I prepared for the day ahead.

Before leaving the hotel, I had an honest conversation with myself. I finalized the maximum amount I was willing to bid for TK, promising to stick to it no matter what. I also resolved that if I didn’t win the bid, I would consider walking away empty-handed and return to searching the open market. The stakes were high, but I knew clarity and discipline were my best allies heading into the sale.

Auction Day

I arrived at the sale several hours before the auction was set to begin. I wanted to find a good spot in the seating area, close enough to see every horse and the auctioneer clearly. The excitement in the air was palpable as people began filing in, studying their catalogs, and making last-minute notes about the horses they had their eyes on.

As I walked around, I noticed they had set up a bar near the seating area. I couldn’t help but chuckle to myself, bidding on horses was already a high-stakes game; adding alcohol to the mix seemed like pouring gasoline on a fire. For me, the adrenaline of the moment was more than enough encouragement. I didn’t need a drink to help me make poor financial decisions when it came to buying horses!

The pre-sale presentation that morning was nothing short of inspiring. All 100 competition horses entered the arena together. The sight was breathtaking, a sea of Mustangs that had transformed from wild to willing partners through months of dedicated training. Erica, the founder and president of Teens and Oregon Mustangs, introduced the program and shared its inspiring journey.

She spoke passionately about the program’s beginnings, how it had started as a small effort to give Mustangs a chance and had grown into a celebrated annual event that changed lives—both human and equine. Her words resonated deeply, especially as she shared stories of Mustangs finding perfect homes and trainers discovering their own strengths through the process. As someone who understood the challenges and rewards of non-profit work, I couldn’t help but admire the heart and determination behind it all.

When the presentation concluded, they announced the winners of the weekend’s show divisions. My heart leapt as they named Toby Keith and Lucy as Reserve Champions in the Youth Riding Division. The recognition felt like validation, not just for Lucy’s hard work, but for the reassurance that my choice of TK was a sound one, not merely the result of being caught up in the moment. I had chosen well. His placement also meant he’d be one of the first horses in the auction order, giving me a chance to test my resolve early.

A Four-Minute Adrenaline Rush

Waves of nerves washed over me as the first few horses were bid on. Their final prices were below my budget. I had one eye on the action in the arena and one eye on my phone, refreshing the online bidding page for TK so I knew what price I would need to jump in at. My heart raced as TK and Lucy entered the arena. The auctioneer handed the microphone to Lucy, inviting her to share a few words about TK before the bidding began. Her voice carried both pride and a hint of sadness as she spoke about how easy-going and willing Toby Keith was, how anyone could ride him, and what a truly nice boy he was. It was clear this moment was bittersweet for her, a culmination of hard work and the realization that she was about to let him go.

Her words hung in the air, amplifying the anticipation in the arena. As the auctioneer took over and the bidding began, the energy in the room seemed to double.

Total bid time was under four minutes, but to me, it felt like an eternity. I locked eyes with the gentleman helping me bid, who expertly signaled when I needed to jump back in. Toward the end of the bidding, Lucy stopped TK and stood on her saddle, drawing a collective gasp from the crowd. I groaned under my breath, this attention was the last thing I needed. The bidding narrowed to just two of us, the tension thick as the prices climbed. My budget was nearly maxed when the other bidder raised her card one final time. I hesitated for a fraction of a second before countering. The auctioneer returned to her, but she shook her head. It was over.

The gavel fell, and with it, so did my breath. Toby Keith was mine. I had hit my budget exactly, and the rollercoaster of emotions left me exhilarated and utterly drained. I had done it. I was taking my new partner home!

A Shared Celebration

I left the stands to the sound of applause around me, my emotions still catching up to the moment. As I walked toward the arena, Lucy spotted me and broke into a smile that spoke volumes. “It’s you!” she exclaimed. “I hoped you would get him.” Her words carried the relief and pride of someone who had poured her heart into TK’s training. Her parents introduced themselves next, their faces lighting up as they said, “You’re the archery lady!” It seemed as though everyone knew me, and I couldn’t help but feel a wave of warmth knowing TK’s future was now a shared celebration.

This wasn’t just a purchase; it was the moment my search officially ended. The horse I had envisioned, a strong, sound, and capable partner for the journey ahead was now mine. Together, TK and I were ready to forge a future full of promise, trust, and shared adventures.