Frequently Asked Questions About Mustang Training and Buying a Mustang
FAQ's about
Wild Horsemanship Trainings & Workshops
Where do your Wild Horsemanship programs take place?
Our programs currently take place in Portugal, Germany, and North America. Each location offers a different perspective on horsemanship, wild horses, and training culture, while all events follow the same horse-centered philosophy based on trust, communication, and understanding.
What is the current situation in North America?
Due to the current political situation in the United States, our Mustang workshops are not taking place there at the moment.
Instead, our North American program has moved to Canada. This winter, I warmly invite you to join me there for a unique opportunity to experience the full cycle of wild horse selection, training, and international transport,
while my own Mustangs will be prepared to fly from Calgary to Europe.
What is the Canadian Wild Horse & Frontier Experience?
The Canadian program will be an immersive journey that goes far beyond traditional arena-based training. It combines Wild Horsemanship, untouched wilderness, and the cultural heritage of Western Canada.
Participants experience wild horses in their natural environment, gain insight into early-stage training, and learn through real-life observation and hands-on experience.
What will I experience in Canada?
The program includes several key elements:
Wild horses in the Rocky Mountains
- We travel into the Canadian Rockies with local guides to observe wild horse herds living freely in their natural habitat.
- Behind the scenes of training
We visit partner facilities where formerly wild horses begin their initial gentling and preparation. Here, participants learn observation skills, horse behavior, and training principles in real-world environments.
Frontier life experience
You will stay in historic-style log cabins that reflect the spirit of the Old West, with shared meals, storytelling, and evenings under the stars.
Can I buy a Mustang or wild horse in Canada?
Yes.
During the Canada program, there may be an opportunity to select and purchase a suitable former wild horse through trusted partner facilities. These horses are carefully evaluated, prepared, and matched before beginning their journey to Europe.
The focus is always on long-term suitability rather than quick sales.
How does horse selection work?
Across all programs, horses are carefully pre-screened based on temperament, health, training level, and suitability for the individual client.
Participants are actively involved in the selection process, whether the horse is already in Europe or being chosen in North America. This ensures that every match is thoughtful, informed, and horse-centered.
Can I meet a Mustang before deciding?
Yes.
In Portugal, at Rancho Terra Bravo, participants have the opportunity to meet former wild horses in person and experience them during training.
In Canada, participants can observe wild horses in their natural environment and visit training facilities where selection takes place.
In both cases, the goal is the same: to help you truly understand the horse before making any commitment.
What is the Portugal Wild Horsemanship Workshop?
The Wild Horsemanship Workshop at Rancho Terra Bravo in Portugal is a hands-on learning experience focused on trust, communication, and relationship-based training.
Participants work with Mustangs, observe training development, and learn alongside experienced trainers from North America and Europe. The environment is supportive, educational, and non-competitive.
What topics are covered in the workshops?
Topics may include:
- Wild Horsemanship principles
- Mustang training and development
- Horse behavior and psychology
- Groundwork and communication
- Reading body language
- Stress regulation and confidence building
- Horse management and welfare
- Hoof care and dental health
- Nutrition and movement
- Building long-term horse-human partnerships
Can I bring my own horse?
Yes, in selected programs.
Participants may bring their own horses depending on location, availability, and facility conditions. Working with your own horse allows for direct application of the concepts learned during the workshop.
Is this a riding clinic?
No, not primarily.
While some mounted work may occur depending on the horses and participants, the main focus is groundwork, observation, communication, and understanding horse behavior. Performance riding is not the goal.
Who are the workshops suitable for?
Our programs are suitable for:
- Beginners with no Mustang experience
- Horse owners
- Trainers and professionals
- Riders interested in behavior and communication
- People considering Mustang ownership
No prior experience with wild horses is required.
What makes Wild Horsemanship different?
Wild Horsemanship focuses on understanding the horse first.
Instead of pressure, speed, or performance, we prioritize communication, emotional balance, and trust. Horses are not treated as tools for performance but as individuals with their own history, needs, and personality.
What is the philosophy behind your work?
Our core philosophy is simple:
- Horse welfare comes first
- Trust replaces pressure
- Learning comes through observation
- Every horse is an individual
- Long-term partnership matters more than short-term results
How is Portugal connected to Canada?
Canada represents the beginning of the journey - wild horses, natural environments, and early-stage selection.
Portugal represents development - training continuation, refinement, and long-term partnership building at Rancho Terra Bravo.
Together, they form a complete cycle from wild horse to riding partner.
Where will I stay during the workshops?
In Portugal, accommodation options vary and may include staying at the ranch, nearby guesthouses, retreats, or camper facilities.
In Canada, participants stay in historic-style log cabins inspired by the pioneer era, combining comfort with an authentic frontier atmosphere.
Are meals included?
Yes.
Meals are included during the workshops, allowing participants to connect, reflect, and continue discussions beyond training sessions.
How long are the programs?
Program length varies by location.
The Portugal workshop typically runs over approximately four weeks, while the Canada experience is structured as a multi-day immersive journey. Participants may also join partially depending on availability.
How do I travel to the Portugal workshop?
The nearest international airport is Porto (Portugal). From there, Rancho Terra Bravo is approximately one hour by car, located near Cabeceiras de Basto between Porto and Braga.
Can I attend both Canada and Portugal programs?
Yes.
Many participants choose to combine both experiences - Canada for wilderness immersion and horse selection, and Portugal for training, development, and long-term learning.
How much do the programs cost?
Final pricing varies depending on location and program structure.
As some events are still being finalized, full pricing details are provided upon inquiry. Participants are generally responsible for flights and accommodation, while program fees cover training, activities, and guided experiences.
How do I register or ask questions?
You are welcome to contact me directly at any time to register without obligation.
Because group sizes are intentionally small, early interest is recommended to secure a place and ensure a more personal, guided experience.
FAQ's about
Importing a Mustang
How much does it cost to import a Mustang to Europe?
The total cost of importing a Mustang or Canadian wild horse to Europe depends on several factors, including the horse's location, training needs, veterinary requirements, and current air freight rates. As a general guideline, most projects range around USD 15,000 and include the horse's purchase, boarding, training, veterinary care, domestic transportation, and international flight. Every horse is an individual, and costs may vary based on its specific needs. Transparency is an essential part of our process, and all third-party expenses are passed directly to the client without hidden markups.
Can I adopt a Mustang and bring it to Europe?
Yes, but the process is more complex than many people realize. Traditional BLM adoptions in the United States are subject to specific regulations, including export restrictions. Depending on your goals, there may be alternative pathways that allow a horse to be exported once it has completed the necessary preparation and documentation requirements. Because regulations can change, professional guidance is highly recommended to ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes. We help clients navigate the entire process from horse selection to arrival in Europe.
What is the difference between BLM Mustangs and Canadian wild horses?
Both American Mustangs and Canadian wild horses are descendants of free-ranging horses that have adapted to life in the wild over generations. However, the legal framework, management systems, and acquisition process differ significantly between the two countries. BLM Mustangs are managed through federal programs in the United States, while Canadian wild horses are typically handled through provincial or private initiatives. Depending on the individual horse and the client's goals, one option may offer logistical or practical advantages over the other.
How long does it take to import a wild horse?
Most wild horse import projects take approximately three to six months from selection to arrival in Europe. The timeline depends on factors such as the horse's temperament, training progress, veterinary requirements, transportation schedules, and export paperwork. Our philosophy prioritizes the horse's mental well-being rather than rushing the process. Some horses adapt quickly, while others require additional time to build confidence and develop the skills needed for safe transport and handling.
Are Mustangs suitable for beginner riders?
Not every Mustang is suitable for a beginner rider. While many Mustangs become exceptional riding partners, they are intelligent, sensitive animals with unique life experiences. Successful partnerships depend on matching the right horse with the right person. Factors such as riding experience, training goals, confidence level, and support systems all play an important role. Careful screening and honest assessment are essential to finding a horse that is a good fit for your abilities and expectations.
What training does a wild horse need before export?
Before traveling internationally, a wild horse needs a professional foundation training focused on safe handling, trust-building, and stress management. The goal is not advanced riding performance but rather confidence and emotional stability. Training typically includes haltering, leading, hoof handling, loading preparation, veterinary handling, and exposure to new environments. Every horse learns at its own pace, and ethical training prioritizes the horse's welfare over achieving rapid results.
Can a Mustang be flown to Europe?
Yes. Every year, horses are transported internationally by air, including Mustangs and Canadian wild horses. Before travel, horses must meet veterinary requirements and obtain the necessary health certificates and export documentation. Proper preparation is critical to ensuring a safe and low-stress journey. Experienced transport companies, veterinarians, and handlers work together to coordinate every stage of the process, from ground transportation in North America to arrival and customs clearance in Europe.