Kristina Mitchell, a student at Steamboat Springs High School, has a task on her hands this summer. She has 120 days to gentle the wild yearling mustang she was assigned to this spring just in time for the annual Meeker Mustang Makeover.

Event Celebrates Wild Horses

Mitchell is one of twelve youth trainers taking part in the fourth edition of the event that celebrates wild horses. Another ten trainers will work with horses in the three-years-plus category.

Wild Horse Population a Concern

Overpopulation of wild horses on lands in the West, together with a drier climate, continues to put the ecosystem at great risk. Sparked by fear for the future of these areas and the horses, a group of ranchers, trainers, and veterinarians sought a viable solution.

Annual Event Continues to Grow

The event has morphed in size and categories since the inaugural event in 2019 when just six trainers competed. “It’s a great opportunity for young trainers to show the public what they can do, while learning life skills such as patience, persistence, and courage. The event is not for the faint hearted,” McNab continues.

A Brighter Future

This year’s auction takes place on August 27, 2022, at the Meeker Fairgrounds. The 2022 horses hail from BLM lands in Wyoming and Utah. Five of this year’s Mustangs will spend their summer in Moffat and Routt Counties, being readied for a chance of a brighter future.

Keep up to date with event on Facebook: @MeekerMustangMakeover