Heart of the Horse Expo & Trainers Challenge

Heart of the Horse Expo & Trainers ChallengeHeart of the Horse Expo & Trainers ChallengeHeart of the Horse Expo & Trainers Challenge

Heart of the Horse Expo & Trainers Challenge

Heart of the Horse Expo & Trainers ChallengeHeart of the Horse Expo & Trainers ChallengeHeart of the Horse Expo & Trainers Challenge
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AVAILABLE 2026 CHALLENGE HORSES - PRO DIVISION

SPLASH

Mistica

Mistica

 14 yr. old   15 H   Mare

Tattooed Mustang

Trainer: Cody Waldrup

Minimum opening bid - $1500

Splash has completely changed my perspective on mustangs—and she just might change yours too. She’s as beautiful as she is versatile, turning heads in any setting. Like many mustangs, she started out a bit flighty and unsure, but with consistent groundwork and desensitizing, she has come into her own in the best way. Today, Splash is calm, steady, and incredibly reliable. 


She has:
• Covered hundreds of miles on rough trails
• Logged 50+ miles on blacktop with heavy traffic
• Handled cattle and high-energy environments with confidence


What’s most impressive? She stays level-headed through it all. Kids can run, play, and be loud around her—and she doesn’t bat an eye. Splash would make a wonderful family pleasure horse for someone looking to continue her journey or enjoy her as she is. She rides soft, responds to light cues, and is ready to create many more miles (and smiles) with her next person.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate 

See more on Facebook -  Splash: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

Mistica

Mistica

Mistica

3 yr. old  14.1 H  Mare

Paso Fino

Trainer: Melinda Martinez

Minimum opening bid - $1500

 Mistica is a young Paso Fino mare with exceptional promise and the kind of versatility that opens doors in many directions.

She’s been thoughtfully developed with a strong, well-rounded foundation and has already been introduced to a wide variety of experiences, including cattle work, Obstacle challenges, introductory dressage concepts, jumping, and mounted archery.

All of this has helped shape a willing, curious mare who enjoys having a job and engaging with her rider. In the arena, Mistica continues to shine. She’s intelligent, responsive, and eager to learn, with steady progress that reflects both her mindset and her training. Like many young horses, she is still building confidence outside the arena and will benefit from continued, patient exposure to trails and more unpredictable environments.

Under saddle, she has a solid start and is developing nicely. She will need continued work to further refine her signature Paso Fino gait and strengthen her canter—but with consistency and thoughtful training, those pieces are expected to come together beautifully. Mistica is a talented young mare with a bright future. Given time, guidance, and the right partnership, she has all the ingredients to become a confident, capable, and truly versatile horse.

Minimum skill level required: Advanced Intermediate with Paso Experience and working with a trainer

See more on Facebook -  Mistica: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

steele

steele

steele

7 yr. old   14.2 H    Gelding

Tattooed Mustang

Trainer: Colby O’Conner

Minimum opening bid - $1500

 Steele is a thoughtful, sensitive Mustang gelding with a solid foundation and a promising future. Originating from the Twin Peaks Herd Management Area, he has been carefully started and developed with an emphasis on building trust, confidence, and correct fundamentals.

He demonstrates a strong base in groundwork and has been started under saddle. His training has included round pen work, trail riding, and exposure to obstacle courses, providing him with a well-rounded introduction to a variety of environments and tasks.

Under saddle, Steele is soft in the bridle and prefers a slower, more deliberate pace. He responds well to quiet, consistent handling and shows his best when given time to process and build confidence.

As a previously unhandled Mustang, Steele began with natural sensitivity and limited trust in people. While he has made significant progress, he will continue to benefit from a patient, experienced handler who can further develop his confidence and strengthen his connection with his rider.

Steele is best suited for a knowledgeable horseperson who values a soft, relationship-based approach and is willing to invest the time to bring along a sensitive horse. With continued guidance, he has the potential to develop into a dependable and versatile partner.

Minimum skill level required: Accomplished

See more on Facebook - Steele: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge  

 Click here to see video 

hank

steele

steele

 8 yr. old   15 H  Gelding

Tattooed Mustang 

Trainer: Johnna Pink

Minimum opening bid - $1500

 Captured from the South Steens HMA, where photo documentation showed him to be a band stallion, Hank is intelligent and capable with a strong, independent mindset. He is well-mannered in basic handling, leading quietly, standing tied for extended periods, and loading into a trailer. He accepts a saddle but will require additional foundation work before being ridden. He is learning to lunge and has been introduced to in-hand obstacle work. He picks up his front feet reliably and continues to improve with handling of his hind feet. Hank can be caught in a smaller pasture with patience and consistency. He is a thoughtful horse who benefits from a calm, fair approach and responds best to handlers who provide clear expectations and consistency.

Hank thrives in a structured program with regular handling and is not suited for an inconsistent or casual environment. As a sensitive individual, he tends toward flight rather than fight when uncertain and has demonstrated the ability to bolt when overwhelmed; however, he is generally level-headed when introduced to new objects.

He remains cautious with unfamiliar people and will require time to build trust and establish a relationship. Due to his nature and training stage, Hank is best suited for a professional trainer or an experienced owner working within a consistent training program.

With his intelligence and ability, Hank offers significant potential to develop into a rewarding partner in the right, knowledgeable hands.

Minimum skill level required: Accomplished with a trainer

See more  on Facebook - Hank- 2026 HOH Trainers Challenge 

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laney

monarch

monarch

11 yr. old   14.2 H    Mare

Grade

Trainer: Breanna Frey

Minimum opening bid - $1500

 Laney has a sensitive nature and a story that suggests she has experienced significant hardship. With thoughtful handling, she has begun to develop trust and is showing encouraging signs of connection and willingness.

She has a solid foundation in groundwork and demonstrates good basic handling skills. Laney loads, unloads, and hauls well, ties, and will pick up her feet—currently with more confidence when handled by familiar women. She has been introduced to in-hand obstacle work and navigates challenges such as bridges and a teeter-totter with care and composure. She is particularly mindful of her footing, indicating strong potential as a future trail horse.

Laney is ground driven, understands the “come get me” cue, and accepts a saddle, though she is not yet ready for a rider and will require continued confidence-building in this area.

Her primary challenge is developing trust with people. She can be cautious, particularly with men and unfamiliar individuals, and while she will tolerate handling, she has not yet fully relaxed or accepted all aspects of interaction. However, recent progress shows she is beginning to seek out connection and respond positively to consistent, patient handling. Due to her sensitivity, she may still exhibit occasional unpredictable behavior.

Laney is best suited for an experienced professional or trainer with a background in working with feral, older, or previously mistreated horses. In a knowledgeable and patient program, she has the potential to continue progressing into a thoughtful and rewarding partner.

Minimum skill level required: Professional

See more on Facebook - Laney: Heart of the Horse 2026 

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monarch

monarch

monarch

8 yr. old   14.3 H    Mare

Tattooed Mustang

Trainer: Christian Davis

Minimum opening bid - $1500

 Monarch is an intelligent, engaging mare with a willing disposition and a strong capacity to develop a meaningful partnership with her rider. She is curious, highly trainable, and thrives when given consistent, thoughtful direction.

She has been exposed to a variety of experiences, including cattle work, trail riding, obstacle courses, and limited lesson use. Monarch approaches new challenges with curiosity and bravery, and continues to build confidence through varied, purposeful work.

Monarch forms a strong bond with her primary handler and is most successful in a program that emphasizes trust, consistency, and clear communication. As a perceptive and thinking horse, she can become frustrated with excessive repetition, particularly when she believes she understands the task. She benefits from a balanced approach that keeps her mentally engaged.

She may be cautious with unfamiliar handlers and environments, and will require time to build confidence and establish trust with a new rider. In experienced hands, she has demonstrated the ability to transition successfully and adapt.

Monarch is best suited for a confident, knowledgeable rider who values a relationship-based approach and is committed to continuing her development. With the right guidance, she has the potential to become a consistent, capable, and rewarding partner.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate (working with a trainer) or Advanced Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Monarch: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge   

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mary jane

mary jane

mary jane

5 yr. old 14.1 H Mare

Tattooed Mustang

Trainer: Tyler McDermett

Minimum opening bid - $1500


Minimum skill level required:

See more on Facebook - Mary Jane- Heart Of The Horse Trainer challenge 2026

Click here to see video 

sahara

mary jane

mary jane

4 yr. old   15 H  Mare

Draft Cross

Trainer: Jonathan Chastain

Minimum opening bid - $1500


Minimum skill level required: 

See more on Facebook - Sahara: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

sedona

sedona

sedona

 3 yr. old  15 H   Mare

Quarter Horse

Trainer: Sarah Chastain

Minimum opening bid - $1500


Minimum skill level required: Accomplished

See more on Facebook - Sedona: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge

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ringo

sedona

sedona

 7 yr. old  14.3 H   Gelding

Quarter Horse

Trainer: Eric Stringer

Minimum opening bid - $1500


Minimum skill level required: Accomplished

See more on Facebook - Ringo: Heart of the Horse Challenge 2026 

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AVAILABLE 2026 CHALLENGE HORSES - AMATEUR DIVISION

confetti

confetti

confetti

7 yrs. old   15.2 H  Mare

Grade Appaloosa

Trainer: Brittany Price

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Confetti is a bold, athletic mare with a big personality and an even bigger stride. She is an enthusiastic trail partner who is confident both leading and following, though her natural ground-covering movement makes her especially suited to taking the lead.

She approaches obstacles willingly and without hesitation, including water crossings, and shows a genuine enjoyment of being out on the trail. Confetti is people-oriented and consistently one of the first to greet you at the gate. She is tolerant of activity and noise, and is comfortable around children with appropriate supervision.

Confetti has made significant progress in her groundwork and continues to improve under saddle. Due to her forward nature and confident personality, she will do best with a rider who can provide clear direction and consistent boundaries. She thrives in a program where she has regular work and enjoys having a job, though she can have time off and return to work without issue.

Confetti is a fun, capable mare ready to continue her journey with a confident, experienced rider who will appreciate her energy, willingness, and presence.

Minimum skill level required:

See more on Facebook - Confetti: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge  

Click here to see video

roxie

confetti

confetti

6 yr. old   15 H   Mare

Grade QH Cross

Trainer: Whitney Price

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Roxie is a forward-moving, athletic mare best suited for a rider who enjoys a horse with energy and responsiveness. She is not a “slow-paced” type, but her forward nature is manageable with a rider who can regulate her pace and provide clear direction.

She is a confident and capable trail partner, riding out well both alone and in groups. Roxie is comfortable leading and willingly navigates a variety of terrain and obstacles. She has been exposed to challenging obstacle courses, which she approaches with curiosity and confidence.

Roxie offers three distinct gaits with smooth, easy transitions and may have some gaited influence. She is well-mannered in handling and daily care, including standing for the farrier, bathing, loading, and hauling. She is also trained to sidepass and will step up to a mounting block.

She pastures well with other horses and is easy to catch. Roxie has a scar on her left knee from prior to entering the program; however, it has not impacted her soundness or performance, even on longer trail rides.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Roxie: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

renegade

renegade

renegade

10 yr. old   15.2 H   Gelding

NFS Mustang

Trainer: John Campbell

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Renegade is a bold, athletic Mustang captured from the National Forest, offering both history and versatility in one package. Renegade appeared to know basic ground work, but was surrendered by his owner for the Trainers Challenge due to bucking issues under saddle and occasional reactive behavior on the ground. Upon entering our program, he was restarted from the ground up. It was determined that his behavior stemmed from a tendency to mentally disengage rather than remain connected with his handler. With a complete reset and a focus on building true engagement, Renegade has made significant progress and has not exhibited bucking behavior since. Continued emphasis on connection and consistency will be important for his long-term success.

Renegade demonstrates excellent ground manners. He ties well, stands quietly for the farrier, and handles confidently in a variety of environments. Under saddle, he is forward-moving and energetic, requiring a rider who can maintain balance and control. He is lightly started with neck reining in a double rein.

He is a capable and versatile partner with experience in a range of activities, including trail riding, jumping, roping, dragging, and exposure to mounted shooting. He is not barn or herd bound and adapts well to new settings. However, he is very forward under saddle—when you let him go, he wants to move fast, so he requires a confident hand to keep him in check.

Renegade remains a work in progress but offers significant potential. If you’re looking for a spirited, hardworking partner ready for adventure, Renegade could be the one.

Minimum skill level required: Advanced Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Team Renegade 

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hopi

renegade

renegade

12 yr. old   14 H   Mare

 Gaited Saddle Horse

Trainer: Jessica Kolb

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Hopi is a kind, willing mare with a steady disposition and a strong preference for life outside the arena. While she is comfortable in an arena setting, she truly excels on the trail, where she confidently leads and maintains a consistent, comfortable pace.

She is naturally gaited and offers a smooth, easy ride. Hopi goes well in a variety of setups, including a snaffle, full cheek snaffle, hackamore, or side pull, though she prefers to stay within these familiar options.

Hopi demonstrates excellent ground manners. She stands quietly when tied (hard tie or cross ties), for grooming, farrier work, bodywork, and tacking. She is also a steady presence around other horses and often helps settle more anxious companions.

She loads and hauls well in a variety of trailers and adapts easily to routine care. Hopi maintains well on a forage-based diet with a ration balancer and has a tendency to gain weight easily. She is currently shod in the front and maintained on a regular five-week schedule.

Hopi is best suited for a kind, consistent rider. She offers a smooth, dependable ride and is an excellent choice for someone seeking a relaxed and enjoyable trail partner.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Hopi - 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge  

Click here to see video

EVERLEIGH ROSE

EVERLEIGH ROSE

EVERLEIGH ROSE

4 yr. old   13.3 H   Mare

Grade

Trainer: Ava Schuetzle

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Everleigh Rose is a refined, large pony-sized mare who has developed from a reactive, uncertain start into a friendly, engaged, and people-oriented partner. She now seeks interaction and demonstrates a willing, cooperative attitude in her work.

She is well-started under saddle with a solid foundation at the walk, trot, and canter, and has been lightly introduced to jumping. Everleigh has experience both in the arena and on the trail, and has been hauled off property. She rides alone or in a group and does not exhibit buddy sour behavior.

Everleigh is level-headed, adaptable, and consistently willing to try new tasks, making her a versatile prospect for continued development.

Her striking blue eyes and color command attention, while her size and build—offering the look of a small horse in a large pony frame—make her particularly well-suited as a step-up mount for a capable youth rider or a small adult seeking an all-around partner.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Everleigh Rose: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

stella

EVERLEIGH ROSE

EVERLEIGH ROSE

 9 yr. old   15.1 H   Mare

Quarter Horse

Trainer: Tosha Williams

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Stella is a forward-moving, athletic mare best suited for an accomplished rider. She has a solid foundation in groundwork with excellent responsiveness to cues, including backing, flexion, hindquarter control, and lateral movement. Under saddle, Stella is developing nicely with one-handed neck reining, leg pressure responsiveness, and consistent transitions at the walk, trot, and slow lope. She is confident on trails, willing to navigate obstacles such as logs and bridges, and continues to grow in her exposure to new environments. Stella has a big motor and prefers a rider who can provide clear direction and maintain softness while keeping her engaged. She is not a beginner horse but is a highly capable partner for someone looking for a responsive, performance-minded mare with a strong work ethic. 

Minimum skill level required: Accomplished

See more on Facebook - Stella: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge  

Click here to see video

storm

velvet

velvet

11 yr. old   14.3 H   Mare

Quarab

Trainer: Jessie Hemingway

Minimum opening bid - $1200

  Storm is a well-traveled, experienced mare who excels as a dedicated trail partner. With extensive exposure to a variety of environments—including long trail miles, off-property outings, obstacle work, arena schooling, and livestock—she is confident, capable, and dependable in real-world settings.

She is soft in the bridle and responsive to light cues, offering a pleasant and connected ride. Storm combines a gentle disposition with an engaging personality, making her an enjoyable horse to handle and ride.

While she has a solid foundation and broad experience, Storm is best suited for a confident, experienced rider who can provide clear direction. She is not recommended for a beginner rider, as she benefits from a rider with the confidence and ability to maintain consistency.

Storm is a seasoned, versatile mare who would be an excellent choice for someone seeking a capable and enjoyable trail horse.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Storm: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge  

Click here to see video

velvet

velvet

velvet

11 yrs old   16.1 H   Mare

Percheron

Trainer: Jessica Adams

Minimum opening bid - $1200

 Velvet is a large-framed mare with a calm disposition and a steady, unhurried way of going. She is best suited for a rider who appreciates a quieter-paced horse and is comfortable providing consistent leg support to maintain forward movement.

She has been exposed to a variety of experiences, including trail riding (both independently and in groups), arena work, obstacle challenges, and mounted archery. Velvet travels willingly on the trail at a relaxed pace and is comfortable navigating obstacles. She rides in a direct rein and responds to leg aids, with additional responsiveness to a crop or spurs when used appropriately.

Velvet is easy to handle on the ground and demonstrates good manners in routine care. Due to her size, she is best handled by a confident individual who can maintain consistency in her training.

She has previously shown some herd-bound tendencies, which have improved with consistent work, but should be considered in her continued development.

Velvet has large, durable feet and is currently maintained barefoot. She will benefit from a farrier experienced in managing draft-type hooves.

Velvet is a kind, steady mare who offers a quiet, dependable ride and is well suited for a confident intermediate rider or above seeking a relaxed and willing partner.

Minimum skill level required: Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Velvet: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

thunder

thunder

thunder

7 yr. old   16 H   Gelding

SSH Cross

Trainer: Victoria Morgan

Minimum opening bid - $1200

  Thunder is a steady, thoughtful gelding who continues to impress with his consistent disposition and rideability. He is the type of horse who builds confidence in his rider while offering a comfortable and enjoyable experience under saddle.

He moves out with a long, flowing trot and a smooth, balanced canter, providing a naturally comfortable ride suitable for a variety of riders.

Thunder particularly excels on the trail. He travels with a relaxed, low headset and demonstrates a careful, deliberate approach to his surroundings. He is sure-footed over varied terrain, including logs and uneven footing, and navigates obstacles with a calm, willing attitude. Whether riding independently or in a group, he adapts easily and is comfortable both leading and following.

His sensible nature and steady forward movement make him a strong candidate for riders looking to build confidence outside the arena, and his way of going would also lend itself well to activities such as fox hunting.

On the ground, Thunder is well-mannered and respectful, with a solid foundation in fundamental groundwork.

Thunder represents a dependable, trainable partner ready to continue his development and transition into a long-term riding relationship.

Minimum skill level required: Advanced Intermediate

See more on Facebook - Thunder: 2026 Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge 

Click here to see video

thunder

thunder

take one home!

You can adopt one of these beauties at

The 2026 Safe Horse Auction 

Kirk Fordice Equine Center, Jackson, MS

Apply to adopt by May 5, 2026 

For more information on the bidding process, click HERE

Adoption and Bidding InformationPro Trainer BiosAmateur Trainer BiosHome

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