Testimonials
George Brauneis, Eagles and Wild Horses
I’d like to share a little real-world perspective on how a Squeeze and Tilt chute can make all the difference when you’re dealing with a hard-to-handle horse—especially a mare with a halter that’s grown right into her face.
Out here, we don’t get to pick the easy ones. Sometimes you’re working with a horse that’s never known a kind hand, or one that’s scared enough to fight anything that comes close. And when you’ve got a halter cutting into flesh, time isn’t on your side—but rushing in without the right setup can make things a whole lot worse.
That’s where a Squeeze and Tilt chute earns its keep.
It’s not about force—it’s about giving that horse a chance to stand still without fear taking over. The gentle squeeze helps settle them, takes the edge off the panic, and keeps everyone—horse and human—out of harm’s way. Then with the tilt, you can safely and carefully get to where you need to work, whether that’s freeing a halter, cleaning a wound, or just giving that horse a fighting chance at healing.
Trying to do a job like that out in the open, with a reactive horse, is a good way to get someone hurt—or leave the job half done. And half done doesn’t cut it when a horse is suffering.
In my experience, this kind of equipment isn’t about control—it’s about compassion done right. It lets you step in, do what needs doing, and get that horse back on a better path without adding more fear to the story.
Sometimes the kindest thing you can offer a horse… is the right kind of restraint, used the right way.
Tessa Archibald, Homes for Horses Coalition
A portable tilt chute would be very helpful to many mustang owners across the state. I
have started working with a mare called Peaches who was removed from Twin Peaks
HMA, who is taking her time in adjusting to domestic life. She has yet to seek human
contact or truly relax in the presence of people.
Over the 11 months that she has been in human care, she has received periods of
training with different styles, none of which have provided a clear path to a safe and
comfortable horse. Through this time, her hooves have grown and have broken
irregularly at the toe. Because she is still so wild, she cannot be turned out in a big
space to wear her hooves naturally, and they have grown under fairly sedentary
conditions.
While we did not want to rush her, her hooves started to become an issue that needed
to be addressed. Her owner decided to create a makeshift squeeze using round pen
panels, which was a less-than-ideal solution. This DIY management created a
dangerous situation for the people involved, as well as for the mare, who thankfully
chose “freeze” in that moment, instead of “flight” or “fight.”
There are some mustangs—and domestic horses—who just take a little more time to
come into their own in a new situation. In fact, she arrived with another mare, who over
the same period is gentled and has had her feet trimmed. They are simply very different
horses.
It would be really helpful to have a safe way to address any of Peaches’ health
concerns and trim her feet, without putting undue stress on her or creating extra risk for
the people and horses involved.
Tracy Scott, Steadfast Steeds Mustangs
Steadfast Steeds has been saving Mustangs since 2010. Many of our horses are elderly now. We chose to take in elderly mustangs that were not handled, and we do not handle them. As Mustangs age, they experience stiff joints and greater difficulty moving. The result? Hooves that are no longer wearing down on their own. Long hooves also mean stress on joints, exacerbating stiffness and pain. Access to a squeeze and tilt chute is a great way to help those older friends keep their hooves at a comfortable, healthy length.
Person 4
Coming soon!
Person 5
Coming soon!
Contact Us
Have a question or need more information? Contact us: by phone 970.241.0939, email coloradomustangs@steadfaststeeds.org
Flying W estimate >>> The unit weighs 7200 lbs. Flying W recommends a 3/4 ton or larger pick up truck to move the unit around.
