At a Glance
- 13-year-old trainer Eloise Ogier has guided three wild mustangs to show-ready status.
- Craig Moore’s horse, A Boy Named Sioux, won first place in its first class and placed sixth in the second.
- Twenty mustangs will go to auction after the finals on January 24th, with prices ranging from $500 to $25,000.
- Why it matters: The event showcases how skilled training can transform untamed horses into gentle, rideable companions and offers buyers a chance to adopt a horse with a proven temperament.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Mustang Magic segment draws attention to the potential of wild mustangs when paired with a dedicated trainer. The competition provides a platform for trainers to demonstrate the transformation of these horses from feral to show-ready, highlighting the importance of trust, respect, and control.
The Event and Its Significance
The Mustang Magic portion of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo focuses on the relationship between trainer and horse. It showcases what a good trainer can achieve when paired with a wild mustang, turning raw energy into disciplined performance. The show’s goal is to spread awareness of the breed and help find homes for these animals, likening the process to adopting a dog.
Young Trainer Eloise Ogier
Eloise Ogier, a 13-year-old from Round Rock, has made a name for herself by training three wild mustangs for the show. She described the relationship with the horses as a “2-way street of respect and trust.” According to Ogier, the horses do not see her size or age; they see how in control she is. She first learned about the youth division at a previous show and joked with her parents about her potential. Now, she has successfully guided her mounts to compete.
Ogier’s work demonstrates that age is not a barrier to mastering the skills required to handle mustangs. She emphasizes the importance of building a connection that lets the horse feel secure and responsive. Her approach highlights that even a young trainer can achieve remarkable results with dedication and the right mindset.
Experienced Trainer Craig Moore
Craig Moore, a trainer from Stephenville, believes that not everyone can train a wild mustang, but those who can offer something special to the public. He described his horse, A Boy Named Sioux, as a unique, special horse with a strong personality. After the competition, the horse placed first in its first class and sixth in its second class.
Moore explained that competitions like Mustang Magic help spread awareness of the breed and help find homes, comparing it to adopting a dog. He said, “You don’t always know what you’re going to get, but it is like adopting a dog, but it’s adopting a horse.” His philosophy centers on the idea that training transforms a wild animal into a companion that can be ridden and enjoyed.
The Training Process
Both trainers highlighted the importance of building trust. Ogier said, “You give them some, they give you some, and they don’t see your size, they see how in control you are.” Moore echoed this sentiment, noting that a good trainer can guide a horse to become a rideable, gentle creature. The process involves repeated, calm interactions that reinforce the trainer’s authority and the horse’s willingness to cooperate.
The trainers also noted that the mustangs’ personalities can be challenging. Moore recalled that in August, his horse was completely wild and “you couldn’t touch him.” Over time, through consistent training, the horse’s temperament improved, demonstrating the effectiveness of patience and persistence.
The Competition and Sales
The finals are scheduled for 6:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24th. After the event, twenty mustangs will be sold. The expected price range is $500 to $25,000. Potential buyers can purchase tickets for the finals and view the horses in action before deciding on a purchase.
The sale process mirrors the adoption model used for dogs, providing a structured way for buyers to acquire a horse that has already proven its temperament in a competitive setting. The auction offers a chance for new owners to bring home a horse that has undergone rigorous training and assessment.
Audience and Impact
Attendees of the Mustang Magic finals witness the transformation of wild horses into show-ready animals. The event educates the public on responsible training methods and the benefits of giving wild mustangs a second chance. By showcasing the success stories of trainers like Ogier and Moore, the show encourages more people to consider adopting a horse.
The competition also raises awareness about the importance of providing a home for mustangs that might otherwise remain untamed. Through the sale of twenty horses, the event directly supports the relocation of these animals to families that can care for them.
Key Takeaways
- Youth can lead: A 13-year-old trainer has successfully guided three wild mustangs to competition.
- Professional training yields results: Craig Moore’s horse achieved top placements in two classes.
- Sale event: Twenty mustangs will be auctioned after the finals, with prices from $500 to $25,000.
- Adoption model: The process is likened to adopting a dog, emphasizing care and responsibility.
- Community impact: The event spreads awareness and provides homes for wild mustangs.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo’s Mustang Magic segment continues to demonstrate that with the right training, wild mustangs can become gentle, rideable companions, offering both excitement for the audience and new homes for these animals.
