By Shannon Lukens. (Courtesy photos)
Horse trainers are needed to participate in the Meeker Mustang Makeover.
Twenty-five are needed, and ten will be ages ten to 17. The trainers receive a wild American Mustang and have 120 days to train it where it will then be presented on Aug. 24 at the Meeker Mustang Makeover. They are then auctioned off to a new home, and the trainers win big money and scholarships. Apply before April 1. Pickup day for the horses is April 27 at the fairgrounds in Meeker. This year’s horses are from the Piceance and Sand Wash Basin Herds, and are currently being held by the Bureau of Land Management. This is the 5th year for the Meeker Mustang Makeover.
Press release; Feb. 5, 2024.
Experience the magic of the Wild West at the Meeker Mustang Makeover
Trainer applications now open for fifth anniversary event
MEEKER, COLO. – It is one of the most beautiful and untrammeled places in America, where mountain and high desert meet, and wild mustangs still roam. The spirit of the Wild West echoes across this landscape, and if you listen hard enough, you can almost hear the sound of long-gone hoofbeats, the echo of a pianola, or even the pop of a Colt-45.
It’s a place you’ve probably never heard of, but it’s the place to be if you want an unforgettable experience this August.
Every year, the friendly town of Meeker, Colorado, offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience the west as it once was with the Meeker Mustang Makeover (MMM). This year, talented horse trainers will take on the ultimate challenge: taming a wild American mustang in just 120 days. On August 24, they will gather in historic Meeker to showcase not only their horsemanship, but their incredible bond with these magnificent animals.
Out of a host of applications, only 25 trainers are selected, ten of whom are aged 10 to 17. Winners will receive a total of $15,000 in prizes, with youth trainers taking home both prize money and scholarships. Trainers also receive half the proceeds on the sale of their horse at the auction finale.
Amateur and professional trainers are welcome to apply for the fifth anniversary event by April 1, 2024. Find the application and additional details at meekermustangmakeover.org
MMM offers an array of other activities to enjoy in addition to the main event. The first occurs April 27, which is known as “Pickup Day.” Trainers get to meet and draw for mustangs at the historic fairgrounds in Meeker. This year’s horses, who are currently in Bureau of Land Management holding facilities, will hail from the nearby Piceance and Sand Wash Basin herds.
New this year are two free Wild Horse Kids Camps, which will help younger trainers improve their skills and prepare for the final competition. Two-day camps over two weekends will be directed by Makeover board member Rouven Krauer (The Chalet Ranch), a former mentor and experienced therapeutic riding instructor.
In addition to the Wild Horse Kids Camps, two weekends clinics for all trainers will also be offered. These clinics will be directed by professional wild horse trainer Steve Mantle and will give trainers a unique opportunity to learn from one of the best. The public may attend any of the clinics for a nominal fee that directly supports MMM.
While MMM provides these clinics to help trainers through the process, applicants should have prior trainer experience, as these horses are truly wild.
The Friday before the competition, interact with the trainers and experience Meeker hospitality at the Mustang Mingle. Enjoy dinner, drinks, dancing, and more.
The exciting final competition begins early Saturday, Aug. 24, 2024. The show will be followed by a live and online auction that will allow these beautiful animals a second chance at a wonderful life.
Learn more about this event at meekermustangmakeover.org and on Facebook and Instagram @meekermustangmakeover.
Call trainer liaison Shanna Lewis at 970-846-9834 with any questions.
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