Mustangs join Marine Corps Color Guard

Mustangs join Marine Corps Color Guard
CARLA ROCCAPRIORE
RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL
Posted: 6/4/2006
Photo credit: ANDY BARRON/RENO GAZETTE-JOURNAL

Three wild Nevada mustangs gentled and tamed by prison inmates were handed over to the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard on Saturday.

The ceremony at the Warm Springs Correctional Facility in Carson City was followed by a public auction of 15 other horses and a burro.

All of the horses were found on public lands, got necessary veterinary care and were taken to the prison for a four-month training program. Inmates working with horses must have a good record while incarcerated.

This was the first time the Marines have adopted horses trained at a prison, Gunnery Sgt. Ivan Collazo Sanchez said. The federal Bureau of Land Management suggested it to the Marines.

"They're behaving great, excellent," said Sanchez, who is based out of Barstow, Calif., as he rode one of the horses. "We're very impressed."

The Mounted Color Guard participates in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif., along with other parades and shows...

..."I've been in prison for six years, and this program has saved me from going insane," said Terry, who trained "Karma," who was adopted for $2,600. "We put a lot of love into the horses, but it's good when you see them going off to a good home. It makes it all worth it." [READ ENTIRE ARTICLE...]