RBC | The finale of the 2025 Meeker Mustang Makeover (MMM) was this past weekend, Sept. 26-27. Challenged by the postponement from the wildfires which delayed MMM an additional month, the horse show and auction presented with great success. The event had its highest purchase price at $22,000 dollars for Clyde, trained by Sydnee Julian of Nunn, Colorado, and spectators were full of praise for the batch of impressive horses this year, signaling a bright future for the nonprofit’s event.
When the organization started out in 2019 their first show had only six trainers and one category: under saddle. This year, Meeker Mustang Makeover had 32 trainers split between categories including in-hand yearling division for trainers 10-17 years of age, adult under saddle for trainers 15 and up, and adult in-hand for two-year-old mustangs with trainers aged 17 and up.
Friday began with the youth and adult in-hand trainers showing their mustangs through an obstacle course. The youth trainers are a large focus for the organization. Just like the adults the youth trainers must apply and be chosen for the event. They have the same timeframe to gentle their mustangs, bring their horse through the same obstacle course as the adults, are judged by the same judges as the adult class, and must create a freestyle performance with their yearling. Their dedication shone through with how calm and quiet the arena was with the happy young horses confidently displaying their brand-new skills.
Also on Friday was the first Mustang Only Horse Show. Since the beginning of the Meeker Mustang Makeover the organization has been finding ways to spread the word and show the rest of the country how capable these horses are. The Mustang Only show was just that. With events like One Man Ranch Sorting and Hunter Hack Over Fences, contestants participated side by side in English and Western saddles and attire showcasing the versatility of the mustang.
Saturday held both the Adult Under Saddle and Freestyle events. The Adult Under Saddle is a completion of the obstacle course simulating daily tasks riders and horses will encounter, from going through a gate to walking over water. Each trainer added in something extra showing their Mustangs abilities. The Freestyle event is always exciting with trainers creating a routine with their horse to music. Trainer Nathan Horn, who placed second overall, brought his daughter into the arena while he rode his mustang Bowie without a bridle. Trainer Serafina Churchill loaded her mustang, Juney, up onto a flatbed trailer while carrying the Colorado flag and the pair were driven around the arena. And, during the Youth In-Hand Freestyle trainer Kinsey Huckabay shot at balloons while holding her mustang, Firefly, calmly by her side. The creativity and dedication the trainers showed through their horsemanship was amazing to see.
The Meeker Mustang Makeover has grown a lot over the years. Board President Deirdre Macnab is looking ahead. “The enthusiasm from trainers, adopters, and spectators alike has been truly inspiring. Our event not only showcases the remarkable transformation of these wild horses, but also reflects our broader mission: to serve as a model for other communities working with wild herds. We’re proud to bring attention to the importance of responsible mustang management while continuing to attract visitors to our town… a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when community, conservation, and compassion come together.”
By JOSIE TUTHILL
Trainer Sydnee Julian, third place winner, with her mustang Clyde. Julian is wearing Buckaroo Tackhouse handmade chaps.