The Competition

Eligibility:

Mustangs meeting the following requirements will be eligible to compete in the 2024 Mustang Classic.

  • BLM mustangs 3 years of age and older as of January 2024, adopted or purchased at a BLM off-range corral or BLM satellite event within the eligibility window of;

    Sept. 8th, 2023 - June 1st, 2024

  • BLM mustangs adopted during the eligibility window and reassigned to a new adopter during the eligibility window.

  • BLM mustangs purchased during the eligibility window and sold or transferred to a new owner during the eligibility window.

  • BLM mustangs adopted or purchased through the BLM Internet Adoption program and picked up (paperwork finalized and taken possession of) within the eligibility window.

Mustangs matching any of the following statements will NOT be eligible to compete in the 2024 Mustang Classic.

  • Wild, free-roaming horses that fall under other government agency management; USFS, NPS, NFS, and others.

  • BLM mustangs with an adoption or purchase date outside of the eligibility window.

  • BLM Mustangs adopted or purchased at the 2024 Mustang Magic competition.

  • BLM Mustangs adopted or purchased that competed in The Fort Worth Mustang Show, September 9, 2023.

Class Format: 

All classes are designed to demonstrate the mustang’s willingness to perform various maneuvers and obstacles under saddle. Mustangs competing in The Mustang Classic have been in training from 100 days to one year. While we understand that training a mustang to any degree in less than one year is an accomplishment to be celebrated, we have developed the classes in an effort to allow high performing mustangs and exhibitors to rise to the top. The top 10 best performing exhibitor and mustang pairs will get the chance to compete in a championship competition to become the Mustang Classic Champion 2024.

Training Level Dressage

The Training Level Dressage test is designed to showcase the foundation of training and partnership between a mustang and rider through balance, flexibility and obedience.

Dressage Test (100 points) All horses will perform the 2023 US Equestrian Federation Training Level Test 2 before a single judge. The test is scored using USEF scoresheets, awarding a percentage score of maximum possible points.

Show Jumping

Horses will complete a show jump course of 8-12 efforts, that includes one combination. Heights will be 2’3” (Maximum).  Judges will award a score of 0 to 10 on each jumping effort. This course will present turning or adjustability questions and may include fence options which will allow the trainer to demonstrate the mustang’s suitability for Show Jumping.

Horses are judged on:
a) Way of moving: balance, stride, adjustability, rhythm, and balance

b) Acceptance of rider’s aids

c) Straightness between fences and over the jumps

d) Relaxation, confidence, carefulness

e) Jumping technique

Arena Cross Country

All mustangs will be judged over a cross-country course of approximately 10 obstacles in an arena. The jumps will be horse Trial Starter level with maximum height of jumps at 2'3” (27 inches). Cross-Country Overall Impression Scores (20 points). The judge will award a score of 0 to 10 on each jumping effort.

Horses will be judged on:

a) Rideability between fences

b) Form over fences  

c) Open gallop  

OR 

Working Equitation

Working Equitation is a real test of the mustang’s temperament and training, the riders skill and ability and of course the relationship between horse and rider combining dressage with obstacles. The sport promotes classical training principles, and encourages the preservation of techniques developed in different countries for working horses in the field, such as the ability to cross different terrain, open gates, rein back, stand quietly, pick things up and carry them,  maneuver in tight spaces and listen to the rider no matter what difficulties they may face. Competitors will compete at the Novice level, ease of handling as per the USA Working Equitation Organization.

Mustang Classic Championship Finals - Rolex Stadium 

The top performing mustang and exhibitor pairs will be invited to compete in the championship finals, a freestyle performance to determine the Mustang Classic Champion. Scoring will be based on training level dressage and your freestyle performance. The finals event is designed to encourage riders to exhibit the athletic abilities of the mustang to the crowd in an exciting and appealing way. The exhibitor will have three and a half minutes to showcase their mustang through a creative display of choreographed maneuvers that entertain the crowd and demonstrate their horsemanship. The exhibitor should incorporate props, costumes, and music to demonstrate their skills and the talents of their mustangs.

Payout:

Mustang Classic Championship Finals guaranteed payout: 

$50,000 - Champion

2nd - $20,000

3rd - $12,000

4th - $8,000

5th - $5,000

6th - $2,000

7th - $2,000

8th - $2,000

9th - $2,000

10 - $ 2,000

Class prize money 

1st - $3k

2nd - $2k

3rd - $1k