Eligibility
Trainers
Open to trainers of all experience levels unless otherwise stated.
Participants under 18 years old must compete in the Youth Division and have parent or guardian permission.
Trainers may enter more than one horse with approval from event organizers.
Horses
Mustangs will be provided by Soul Horses LLC. Horses will be assigned based on the existing training of the horse, alongside competitor tier selection and experience level.
Horses must be sound enough to safely participate. Please notify Soul Horses immediately if you notice something wrong with your horse.
Competition Timeline
The challenge runs for 90 consecutive days.
Day 1 – August 22nd.
Official start date. Pick-ups should be scheduled August 15-22nd with locations in Texas and Colorado.
Initial photos and videos due within 48 hours.
Weekly
Photo and video updates will be a requirement for ongoing eligibility. If you have a social media, we would love to tag you on our posts with you and your horse!
Day 90
Final submissions due by 11:59 PM November 20, 2026(Mountain Time).
Late submissions may receive deductions or be disqualified at the discretion of organizers.
Divisions
YOUTH
Open to trainers ages 12–17.
Judging emphasizes:
Safety
Horsemanship
Confidence building
Humane training
Progress over perfection
Youth may complete groundwork only or riding, depending on their horse’s level and parental approval.
HALTER
Groundwork only.
Examples of skills include:
Catching
Haltering
Leading
Backing
Yielding hindquarters
Yielding forequarters
Picking up feet
Trailer loading
Standing tied
Obstacle work
Desensitization
Liberty (optional)
No riding is required.
RIDING
Includes all Halter skills plus riding.
Examples include:
Mounting
Walk
Trot
Lope (if appropriate)
Stops
Backing
Steering
Trail obstacles
Gates
Sidepassing
Water crossings (optional)
Safe trail riding
Judges will prioritize quality over difficulty.
Video Requirements
Videos must:
Be recorded during the challenge period.
Be unedited except for combining clips.
Clearly show both horse and trainer.
Have adequate lighting.
Be uploaded by the deadlines.
Be submitted through the official online portal.
No AI-generated or altered videos are permitted.
Judging Criteria
Judges evaluate:
Horse progress
Partnership
Trust
Safety
Softness
Willingness
Quality of training
Overall horsemanship
Judges reward calm, confident horses over flashy performances.
Humane Training Standards
The Wild Ride Mustang Challenge promotes ethical horsemanship.
The following are prohibited; organizers reserve the right to remove any competitor for welfare concerns:
Abuse or neglect
Excessive force
Dangerous training methods
Abuse or neglect
Excessive force
Dangerous training methods
Sportsmanship
Participants are expected to:
Treat fellow competitors respectfully.
Display good sportsmanship online and in person.
Avoid harassment, bullying, or defamatory comments.
Unsportsmanlike conduct may result in penalties or disqualification.
Judging Decisions
All judges’ decisions are final.
Scores may not be appealed except in cases of administrative error.
Ownership
Participants retain ownership of all submitted photos and videos.
By entering the Wild Ride Mustang Challenge, competitors grant the organizers permission to use submitted media for:
Event promotion
Social media
Educational materials
Future Wild Ride Mustang Challenge advertising
Proper credit will be given whenever practical.
Liability
Participation is voluntary and at the participant’s own risk.
The Wild Ride Mustang Challenge organizers, sponsors, judges, and volunteers are not responsible for injury, illness, death, theft, property damage, or accidents involving participants, horses, spectators, or equipment.
Participants are responsible for complying with all applicable local, state, and federal laws regarding horse ownership, transportation, and care.
Expenses & Horse Pickup
All costs associated with participation in the **Wild Ride Mustang Challenge** are the sole responsibility of the competitor. This includes, but is not limited to, adoption or purchase fees, transportation, fuel, veterinary care, farrier services, feed, hay, supplements, tack, equipment, training supplies, boarding, insurance, and any other expenses incurred before, during, or after the competition. The Wild Ride Mustang Challenge, its organizers, sponsors, and affiliates are not responsible for reimbursing or covering any participant expenses.
Mustangs participating in the challenge may be picked up from designated pickup locations in **Colorado** and **Texas**. Competitors are responsible for arranging and paying for
Click here to join the wild ride!