Instructions
Know that herd animals, such as horses, see humans as predators. Avoid invoking the fight or flight response in your horse if you want to catch a wild mustang.
Realize that horses are driven by instinct, and the pain they feel from instinct denial is stronger than any physical pain they may experience otherwise. Understand that you will get much more cooperation from your horse if they accept you rather than fear you.
Treat a wild horse gently and with respect. Gain their acceptance. You will need to do this whether or not you decide to have a mentor help you with your horse.
Think about asking for a mentor's help so that you can learn, first-hand, how to properly catch a wild mustang and train it. Read about methods online at one of the Bureau of Land Management's affiliated mentors' websites if you feel confident enough to do it without help.
Know that according to the "KBR Horse Net" website, there are two primary methods used to catch a wild mustang. Read about each method under the training section on the website.
Note the basics of handling. Give the horse a lot of space when trying to catch a wild mustang. Avoid startling it. Direct anyone working with you to never drive the horse directly toward you, and don't stand directly behind it so that you can avoid being kicked.
Make sure your horse feels safe-if it feels secure, it will be open to learning. It can't learn when it's in fight or flight mode. Bond with your wild mustang by talking to it gently. Listen and pay attention to body language.
Show gentle leadership. Your horse will accept you as leader once it feels safe and bonds with you. Practice a calm approach to leadership to catch a wild mustang and begin training it properly.
How to Catch a Wild Mustang
Adopting a wild mustang can be a rewarding experience. However, some people have difficulty with their new horses because they don't feel confident handling them. The agency in charge of these adoptions, the Bureau of Land Management, provides contact information for mentors who can provide assistance and guidance to new owners. Contact mentors to help you with training if you're having difficulty. Start with basics to catch a wild mustang.