Horse Illustrated Magazine

Lexington, Ky. — The Mustang Classic, the first of its kind English discipline national Mustang competition, will return to the Kentucky Horse Park this month. The event will award $50,000 to the champion from a $125,000 total purse. The goal of The Mustang Classic is to showcase the skill and adaptability of the American Mustang and the talented trainers that work with them in the English discipline. The event will provide the public an opportunity to witness a Mustang that has been given a foundation for success on its journey from government holding to private ownership. The Mustang Classic is open to exhibitors (ages 18 and older) that have adopted or purchased a BLM Mustang between September 8th, 2023, and June 1st, 2024.

All exhibitors must complete the Mustang Trainer Readiness Curriculum prior to entering the Mustang Challenge completion. The goal is to improve training techniques. All exhibitors must show proof of pre-Classic show competition experience prior to the Classic competition September 13-15, 2024. The goal is to give more time and require competitor to expose their Mustang to other audiences to prepare for competition.

Mustang Classic Championship Finals

Kentucky Horse Park, Rolex Stadium | Sunday, September 15, 1 pm. – $50,000 to the Champion

The top 10 performing Mustang and exhibitor pairs from the preliminary classes will be invited to compete in the championship finals to determine the Mustang Classic Champion. Scoring will be based on training level dressage scores and a freestyle performance. The finals event is designed to encourage exhibitors to exhibit the athletic abilities of their Mustang to the crowd in an exciting and appealing way. The exhibitors will incorporate props, costumes, and music to demonstrate their skills and the talents of their Mustang.

◆ For Classic Championship Finals tickets, click here.
◆ For more information, click here.

The Schedule (Tentative)

Friday, September 13
◆ Rolex Stadium: Training Level Dressage

Saturday, September 14
◆ R Ring: Working Equitation
◆ Rolex Stadium: Arena Cross-Country/Show Jumping
◆ Awards Presentation and Top 10 Announcement

Sunday, September 15
◆ Rolex Stadium
◆ 10 a.m.: Doors open (ticket required)
◆ 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.: VIP Brunch (separate ticket required)
◆ 1 p.m.: Classic Championship Finals

Preliminary Classes

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.

Show Jumping

Horses will complete a show jumping course of 8-12 efforts, that includes one combination. Heights will be 2’3” (Maximum).

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).

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.

Mustang Classic Championship Finals

◆ Rolex Stadium
◆ $50,000 to the Champion: 1 p.m. competition start

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.

—Edited Press Release | Source: Mustang Champions