Entry applications are posted online for the Mustang Open, a competition for BLM-branded mustangs and burros, presented by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. The events will be held in conjunction with three Extreme Mustang Makeovers in 2016 in the states of Missouri, Virginia and Texas.
Getting ready for a mustang competition
All levels of horsemanship can participate in all-around competition during the Mustang Open for BLM-branded mustangs and burros, presented by the Mustang Heritage Foundation to be held in conjunction with three Extreme Mustang Makeovers in 2016 in the states of Missouri, Virginia and Texas.
© 2016 by Extreme Mustang Makeover
An estimated 67,000 wild horses and burros roam public rangelands in the West. The Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Those animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption.
The Mustang Heritage Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) public, charitable, nonprofit organization is dedicated to facilitating successful adoptions for Americaâs excess mustangs and burros through innovative training and gentling programs, such as the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Trainer Incentive Program (TIP).
âWe want the Mustang Heritage Open Shows to be a place where mustang owners feel welcome to show at any level but can also feel encouraged to involve themselves in the future in other competitive events like endurance racing, trail riding and stock horse shows,â said Kali Sublett, Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director.
Competitors can compete in three divisions, including in-hand; walk/trot; and walk/trot/lope. Each division will feature a trail, pattern and freestyle class. A keyhole race will be offered as a jackpot class.
Jackpot monies will be paid based on number of entries. Buckles will be awarded to the highest-placing competitor in each division and ribbons will be awarded to competitors placing 1st-5th in each class. A buckle will also be awarded to the overall, highest-scoring burro exhibitor.
All classes are optional and require a $20 entry fee.
Contestants must be eight years old or older at the time of entry. Competitors do not have to exhibit their own horse(s) or burro(s). All previously adopted mustangs and burros with BLM freeze marks of any age are eligible to compete.
Yearling and 2-year-old mustangs and burros are eligible for the in-hand division only. Any mustangs or burros that are eligible for title must be titled in order to compete.
âAs we approach our 10th year of the Extreme Mustang Makeover and the Trainer Incentive Program, we wanted to provide an opportunity for the nearly 7,000 adopted mustangs and their owners to demonstrate what they are capable of,â Sublett said.
Entry forms and more event information about the Mustang Open can be found at http://www.mustangheritagefoundation.org/events.php
2016 Mustang Open Schedule
Date Venue Location
July 14-16 Missouri State Fairgrounds Sedalia, MO
August 25-27 Virginia Horse Center Lexington, VA
September 15-17 Will Rogers Equestrian Center Fort Worth, TX