Special to the HT
MEEKER | The Meeker Mustang Makeover is honored to welcome two legendary horsemen for the Back on Track Horse Training Clinic, scheduled for June 14–15, 2025 at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds. This two-day clinic is one of the cornerstone events of the Meeker Mustang Makeover program—offering mid-challenge guidance for trainers and an unforgettable educational opportunity for the public.
In an exciting and rare opportunity, this year’s clinic will feature Bryan Neubert, a foundational figure in modern natural horsemanship. For decades, Bryan has been revered as a quiet giant in the horse world—a man whose style is steeped in feel, patience, and precision. He apprenticed directly under the legendary Ray Hunt, and lived next door to Tom Dorrance, two of the most influential horsemen of the 20th century and architects of the horsemanship philosophies that shaped today’s most respected trainers.
Neubert’s legacy is not built on flashy marketing or celebrity clinics—but on decades of cowboying, starting colts, and helping everyday horsemen understand how to better communicate with their animals. His teachings focus on intuitive learning and real-world application, shaped by years working on big ranches, traveling the country giving clinics, and quietly mentoring some of today’s best-known clinicians.
“Bryan Neubert doesn’t just teach horsemanship—he lives it. said Joseph Burtard, Executive Director of Meeker Mustang Makeover. His work has quietly influenced generations of trainers across the country. To have him teaching here, in Meeker, is both an honor and a testament to the growing reputation of our program.”
Joining Bryan is Steve Mantle, a longtime partner of the Meeker Mustang Makeover and one of the most trusted names in mustang training. From his family’s Wyoming ranch, Steve and his sons have gentled hundreds of wild horses, developed successful adoption programs, and served as mentors to trainers and adopters alike. Steve most recently led the 2025 Pick-Up Clinic in Meeker, guiding this year’s selected trainers through their first hands-on work with untouched horses.
The Back on Track Clinic brings together over 30 Meeker Mustang Makeover trainers—from youth and adults working in hand, to those preparing their horses under saddle. This mid-point check-in offers structured feedback, mentorship, and a community-driven environment to keep both trainers and mustangs progressing toward the August showcase.
Spectator Access:
This event is open to the public for auditing. A $25 spectator audit fee will apply for non-trainers who wish to attend. Whether you’re a seasoned horseman, a mustang enthusiast, or simply curious about the transformation of wild horses into adoptable partners—this clinic offers a front-row seat to the power of ethical training and horsemanship at its best.
Meeker Mustang Makeover Mission:
The Meeker Mustang Makeover is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting people with wild mustangs through rangeland management, ethical training, and public awareness. Its long-term vision is rooted in preserving wild horses and public lands for future generations. Since its founding, the program has matched over 180 wild horses with qualified trainers and adopters across the western United States.
Upcoming Meeker Mustang Makeover Dates:
• Mustang-Only Horse Show: Aug. 22, 2025 at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, Meeker, Colorado.
• Mustang Challenge and Live Auction: Aug. 23, 2025 at the Rio Blanco County Fairgrounds, Meeker, Colorado.
The Meeker Mustang Makeover includes three competitive divisions: Adult Under Saddle, Adult In Hand, and Youth In Hand. Trainers have 120 days to prepare their mustangs for the finale where the horses are showcased and offered for adoption to qualified homes.
Don’t miss your chance to see two masters of their craft in action, and to support a program making a real difference in the future of wild horses.
Audit passes and event information available at: www.meekermustangmakeover.org or https://MMMBackonTrack.eventbrite.com
