A Conversation with Susan Sutherland, Executive Director
The Colorado Horse Source takes pride in featuring and supporting Colorado (and beyond) equine-related businesses. This helps our readers find the services and supplies they need to take the best possible care of their horses and properties. If you’re interested in having us feature your business, tell us about it at coloradohorsesource.com/your-business-profile.
How and why did you get started in business?
We had several mustangs and we wanted to share them with the public to be ambassadors and share their story as formerly wild horses. We started the Mustang Ambassador Program (MAP), a not-for-profit, in 2014 and do various programs with our horses. MAP’s signature events are youth programs that provide learning, leadership, and life lessons. The students learn how to care for horses as well as learning equitation skills.
What is your history with horses?
We have over 40 years of history with horses and natural horsemanship. We gravitated to mustangs because of the battle to keep them safe after being rounded up from the wild. MAP has 20 mustangs, some donated domestic horses, and three formerly wild burros. The mustangs are trained and make very willing and perceptive companions.
What are you most proud of?
MAP is very proud that many of our students have been with us for several years. A high percentage of the students come by word of mouth, and the feedback from the students and parents is extremely gratifying.
What sets your product or business apart from the competition?
The differentiating factor from customary horse programs is the fact that MAP weaves in discussion and execution of leadership skills including responsibility, communication, problem solving, relationships and resilience.
What can clients expect to gain from your product or service?
Students are provided with a safe and supportive environment. They are also taught by very experienced equine instructors and educators. They are taught how to care for horses and learn to ride at their appropriate level from beginner to intermediate to advanced.
Contact MAP
Phone – (719) 229-9551
Email – mustangambassadorprogram@gmail.com
On the Web – www.map1.org
See this article in the May/June 2023 online edition:
The Colorado Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in Colorado and surrounding area. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.