Rising Stars: Meet Justin Dunn

Today we’d like to introduce you to Justin Dunn.

Justin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My parents divorced when I was five, I found horses helped me understand myself and deal with life events.

I have had the benefit of horses and witnessed what horses can do for others. When I was in the 9th grade, I was asked to help with horses at a school for handicapped children. We took the horses over to the school and assisted the children as they got to ride the horses. The feeling I got from seeing those children riding the horses was one of the greatest feelings I can remember. I knew right then, that I would be helping people with horses.

I started training horses professionally at 20 years old. Once I became proficient in training horses, I started a trail ride business in Colorado. I specialized in training wild horses, or American Mustang horses. After a few years of sharing my horses in the mountains with thousands of people, I wanted more.

I ran an equine program with all of my horses at a camp for children with cancer. I witnessed what horses can do for children again, and it prompted me to explore more possibilities.

After 13 years in the Colorado Rockies, outfitting, and the camp for children, I wanted to be more accessible. I also wanted to share horses with people that otherwise would never have access to them and needed them the most.

My family and I picked up and moved to North Carolina in 2019. We sold almost everything, except our 9 horses, two dogs, and two cats.

We started our horsemanship school, American Mustang School. We teach horsemanship, or the horse and human relationship. We specialize in promoting mental health and wellness, through the preservation of the American Mustang Horses. We don’t focus on any particular illnesses or labels. We do focus on becoming better people and presenting the best version of ourselves to the horses. We consider playing with horses as an ability to upgrade ourselves.

American Mustang School has a specific program, tailored to the participant’s needs, providing equine-assisted services to Active Duty Military, Veterans, and their family members. Also, first responders, and their family members. We also provide services for the general public.

Our program here at American Mustang School is one of a kind and was developed over 25 years. We have a 100% success rate in suicide prevention. The therapeutic value of horsemanship is not widely known or fully understood, and we are continually seeking and sharing the wonders of horsemanship with people from all walks of life.

How horsemanship works: Horses read intent and analyze things in life for survival. The horses gather information through their five senses, just like us humans. When we present ourselves to the horses, the horses give us valuable information in the feedback. I call this transfer of information a feedback loop. We get to think and do, controlling ourselves. We present what we expect to the horse, and observe feedback from the horse, make changes in ourselves, and present again to get the desired results.

We become conscious of our thoughts and actions and are able to connect with the horse on a much deeper level. Through repetition, the horse will pick up on what a person is trying to accomplish, and becomes willing to be part of the relationship. When a horse helps a person discover themselves on a deeper level, and gain control of themselves, it’s therapeutic.

Although we have a proof of concept, a tried and true method of horsemanship, there is so much more to learn about the horse-human relationship and therapy. If you would like more in-depth information or would like to experience the joys of true horsemanship, check out our website https://www.justindunnhorsemanship.com/

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It was fairly easy to be successful in creating what we have today. I was fortunate to have horses as teachers early on in my life. Horses taught me to have a purpose, follow a plan, and take action. By following a flexible plan, it’s easy to create what I want in life.

Everything that could be considered a challenge or an obstacle was more of a learning opportunity. Once the obstacle was overcome, the value of the learning experience was a motivator for the next obstacle. Each new challenge was looked at with energy of enthusiasm.

Horsemanship gives me an edge over others that do not have access to horses. I get to practice thinking and doing, being responsible for myself. Whether I succeed or suffer a temporary defeat, I know it’s in my control.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in training wild mustang horses and asking them to assist me in promoting mental health and wellness for people.

I’m probably most known for designing the “Justin Dunn Bitless Bridle” which is a bridle for horses without a metal bit. I designed my bridle to eliminate the possibility of causing pain to my horses in the trail ride business in Colorado. We never force a horse to submit with pain or fear, and the Bitless Bridle is key to effective communication with horses.

I’m most proud of my wife and children, as they are my biggest supporters. Through the years, of developing the horsemanship business, they were right there with me.

What sets me apart from others is not following traditional practices in almost everything. We train horses non-traditional in the fact we don’t use bits, spurs, whips, or horseshoes.

My religion is set apart, as I embrace Hebraic roots. I don’t push it on others, but practice the teachings of the scriptures daily. I don’t cut corners when it comes to living a life of obedience to the creator.

My finances are set apart, as we don’t carry any debt. Everything is paid for as we go.

I value people and animals, nature, and the laws that govern everything in the world. I value life and want to enrich the lives of others, which always enriched my life.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
At this time in my life, I invest my time in the study of horses. The Bible is one book I use continuously as a resource to better understand and become better.

In addition, I invest time into a private Facebook group, where I share information and videos of horsemanship and how it works.
To join the online training, follow this link:
https://www.justindunnhorsemanship.com/membership

Pricing:

• Hourly horsemanship training fee $150
• Hourly horsemanship training fee Military $125
• Online training group Facebook $ 250-lifetime membership
• Overnight horse pack trip/camping $2,400-$5,400

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.justindunnhorsemanship.com/home
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JustinDunnMustangHorsemanship