Wisconsin Mustang Show

Sep 16

3 min read

A chestnut mustang ridden in a western saddle by a blonde haired woman canter around a sand arena.

The last weekend of August at the Ozaukee County Fairgrounds in Cedarburg, WI found thirty-two mustang and rider pairs going head-to-head in a variety of classes to showcase their partnerships at the Wisconsin Mustang Show.

There was something for everyone to enjoy with 163 entries competing in a variety of disciplines including in-hand, jumping, showmanship, liberty, trail, speed events and more! Competitors who took home top scores also vied for placings as a division champion, overall champion, and for the coveted horsemanship award.

A table covered in prize ribbons for the 2026 Wisconsin Mustang Show along with a western saddle pad prize.

A Grand Story for a Champion

The Grand Champion at the 2026 Wisconsin Mustang Show, Bea Osborn bought her mustang, Margo, in May 2021. Bea was twelve at the time, using the money she had saved up from cleaning stalls to purchase the then seven-year-old mustang. "I had always wanted a horse that I could train myself, so that I could know that she was MY hard work, not the product of someone else's hard work," Bea explained.

Although Margo was extremely fearful at the start of their partnership, she was quick to learn, albeit quite stubborn when she decided that her way was the better option. It took almost two years of groundwork, desensitizing, and exposure before Bea was able to take a few steps under saddle.

"I remember being so frustrated that I didn't even want to go to the barn because I was so disappointed by our lack of progress. I was frustrated because we couldn't even ride in a circle, or in a straight line, or go on a trail ride, or do any trail obstacles, and I could not trust Margo because of her unpredictable behavior. Looking back, Margo was a greenbroke baby, and I was a 13 year old girl who didn’t know what she doing," said Bea. After an incident with Margo that resulted in Bea breaking her leg, she made the heartbreaking decision to give Margo to a friend.

This decision made all the difference. After 11 months, the friend reached back out to Bea and asked if she wanted Margo back. Those 11 months had been filled with educational experiences for Margo that had given her the confidence to be a much more reliable horse. Bea bought Margo back, continued their education together, and now compete on drill teams, participate in 4-H and WIHA, show at Open Ranch horse shows, and enjoy trail riding with friends. After their win, Margo shared, " I am SO proud of Margo for how far she has come, and for how she puts her heart and soul into everything she does. Margo and I could not have done this without the support of my family, friends, mentors, and trainers who have helped me and encouraged me so much every step of the way!"

It is events like the Wisconsin Mustang Show that provide the opportunity for mustangs to gain experience in a show environment and show off how far they have come in their training since adoption.

A Qualifier for the Finals

The Wisconsin Mustang Show is a qualifier for the Wild Mustang & Burro Finals happening this October at the Hoosier Horse Park in Edinburgh, Indiana. The Finals is an opportunity for qualified mustangs and their owners to compete in 8 divisions: Dressage/Western Dressage, In-hand, Jumping, Speed Events, Freestyle Invitational, Liberty, Western Versatility and Green Horse. For more information about Finals and to see if you qualify to attend, visit here.

A gray mustang is led by her handler around a green barrel in a pattern class.

Supporting the Mission

Funding from the Mustang Heritage Foundation Event Sponsorship grant directly supported this event— providing towards the facility rental and the awards for the show to celebrate the accomplishments of the top ranking mustangs and owners.

This is what community in action looks like.

It’s increasing public awareness.

It’s celebrating the partnership between owner and mustang.

And it’s exactly why supporting these grassroots events matters.

Help us keep moments like this possible.

When you become a member or make a donation, you’re directly supporting programs that allow the community to showcase the talent and versatility of these animals to encourage more people to choose a mustang or burro.

Give back. Be part of the impact.

For more information about the Wisconsin Mustang Show, please visit here.