YOUTH AND YEARLING MUSTANG CHALLENGE

What is “Youth and Yearling Mustang Challenge”? Youth and Yearlings is a program dedicated to presenting the American Mustang to the public as a “trainable” and “desirable” horse, while empowering the youth of America, by giving them the opportunity to train a wild Mustang,(Since these mustangs are only “yearlings” it is “in hand only”).

What is the cost? The youth get to adopt a mustang yearling for $25.00, which is the total cost! The Mustang Heritage Foundation will also reimburse each youth trainer with a check for $200.00 on the day of the competition. So the cost is virtually nonexistent.

When does it start? We have a few “YAY” events per year. The pickup dates for the Mustangs are open right now for the 2012 season as we are getting our schedule together.

When do I sign up? We need you to sign up asap so that plans can be made for the amount of yearlings we will need

Who can enter? Any youth from 8 yrs old through 18 years old (as long as you do not turn 19 before the day of competition), can sign up.

What will the competition consist of? The competition will have two categories; the fist one will be 50% of the overall score, of which 30% will be on the BCS (body condition scale) of the horse, and 20% on how well you and your horse are communicating with each other. The second half will be an obstacle course that you and your horse will go through, and you will be judged on how well you communicate to your horse and how well your horse responds to you.

Can I have help with my horse? Yes! We encourage this to be anything from a “family project” mother/son, father/daughter, etc to “club or barn” projects, or simply on your own.

Can I keep my horse? Yes we encourage you to keep it and there is no cost for that. You may also elect to have your horse adopted to another party at the end of the competition (this will be by a bid format), and the youth get to keep any money in excess of $25.00 (for instance if your horse brings $300.00, you keep $275.00), however if your horse does not adopt you are still responsible for your horse.

Are there prizes? Yes!! We will have a beautiful handmade saddle (msrp on the saddle is $1,800.00) by R.W. Bowman Co. for the grand prize and there will be several other great prizes like silver belt buckles as well.

What are the requirements for housing the mustang? The requirements are simple; all you need is a 400 square foot turn out that is 5’ high, and a shelter that has a roof and two sides to help protect the mustang from inclement weather. The turnout area cannot be “barbed wire” or electric, it is best made from wood or the use of good stock panels is highly recommended. If you have questions on this please ask Mike Branch, at flyingbhorsemanship@gmail.com

How do I transport the mustang? It is best to use a “stock” type trailer to transport. The trailer must be a fully enclosed trailer with swing out-doors (ramp loads that are a part of the door are not acceptable), two horse trailers must have the divider removed, and the door must go all the way to the top.