About Tonto

Tonto is our youngest equine rancher at just under 7 years old! This little Hackeny Pony Mule came to us when he was just a year old from a livestock auction. He went to the action with his sister and while she had a ton of bids but little Tonto didn't have a single bid and we knew that if we didn't bid on him, it was likely he would go to the meat-buyer. Luckily, we were able to bid on him and bring him to his new home. He showed us he was full of personality when he was brought into the auction ring and he's continued to show it the entire time he's been here at Wayward! He is not afraid to test boundaries with every person he meets, and then he'll check pretty often to see if they've changed, generally by spinning while going to or from the field and seeing if he can get away from his handler. Luckily he never goes far when he does get loose and can usually be caught with a bucket of grain in a few minutes, but he does like to make those few minutes full of excitement. He's also crazy smart, which is helpful because once he realizes he can't get away with things, he'll bond super closely to that person and is very trainable with a person who has the right amount of patience (sometimes being more stubborn than the mule is very much required). It's however, extremely unhelpful when he uses his smarts for chaos, which is whenever he can. For example, he's gotten very talented at opening gates and requires them to be double or triple locked for him to stay in the field he's supposed to be in. He's also very talented at letting you know where the weaknesses in your fencing are. . . by escaping through them and appearing in the barn aisle. His biggest flaw is that he absolutely detests vet care of any and every kind, making him very difficult to vaccinate, or even treat any injuries he may get. It's here that he is at his height of difficulty and will throw himself around or kick out to try to get out of being treated. Because of these things, we're going to be very careful in placing him, because while we love his personality and quirks, we know that not everyone will and it would be very easy for him to find himself in a bad situation. So right now we are looking to place him in a sanctuary or in a home with someone who has extensive experience with crafty equines (ideally mules in particular) and most importantly, someone who understands joy that comes from creating a partnership with one. If you think that person is you, let us know by reaching out or filling out an adoption application for him on our website, waywardranch.org!

Contact

Wayward Ranch Animal Sanctuary
Ulster County
Kerhonkson, New York 12446

Email

845-626-7645

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