TIL about Bob Lemmons, an expert “Mustanger.” Freed by the Civil War, he learned to tame horses. Usually herds of wild mustangs were run down by groups, but Lemmons worked alone. Riding with the herd for several weeks, he’d gradually take over, mount the stallion and lead the horses into a corral.

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1. Awesome. The Lone Lemmons.

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2. Wild mustangs were rounded up by groups of cowboys who would chase them until exhausted, then lasso them and bring them in. The horses often had to be broken several times and sometimes suffered injury or died during the round up.

   Lemmons found he had an affinity for horses and worked alone. He’d avoid all human contact while on the range and pickup the smell of the herd. Making sure the herd only saw him on horseback, he’d fit in with them and ride with them until accepted. Then he’d start to assert himself and lead the herd, eventually being able to mount the stallion and ride him back to the ranch. The rest of the herd would follow, riding with him into the corral.

   Eventually earning enough to buy his own ranch and becoming a respected member of the community, Lemmons had to retire as the area became more settled and wild mustangs became more scarce.

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