GMK: Why did you feel compelled to create Mustang Meadows Ranch?
HAD: I was never afraid of a challenge. When I ended up with this very beautiful,
productive 35,000-acre ranch, I somehow felt compelled to do something creative
and different with the land. Whether it was the ranch talking to me or me talking to
the ranch, I can’t answer, maybe some of both. I just knew that I had enough eggs
invested in cattle ranching. So when the possibility of keeping wild horses on this
land flashed in front of me, I grabbed it and ran. Some would call it stupid, some
impulsive. I called it exciting.
GMK: What makes the mustangs so intriguing?
HAD: The mystique of their running free across the prairie has appeal to everyone.
The idea that I could make friends with them and be accepted by them was a really
interesting concept to me and ignited my fire.
GMK: You maintained the mustangs for four years, and then the BLM (Bureau of
Land Management) awarded their care to a low-bid rancher. In the end, your
decision not to sue BLM when your contract was not renewed is commendable, and
I applaud you for that! In hindsight, would you walk away again?
HAD: Would I sue them, no. Should I have tried harder through other avenues,
such as calling my senator, yes. Maybe if I had alerted people in power that I was
getting run over, the outcome might have been different. Maybe I walked away too
soon. I did try filing a complaint, but from my perspective, the turndown reply was
classic bureaucratic double-talk.
GMK: How many Mustangs reside at Mustang Meadows Ranch today?
HAD: None. They were all shipped to Oklahoma and there they remained as far as
I know.
GMK: Will
you submit
a proposal
to BLM for
care of the
Mustangs in the
future?
HAD: No.
At this
point, I’m
retired
from
active
ranching.