The second day of the 2024 Mustang Classic saw talented trainers and their mustang partners demonstrate the breed’s adaptability and athleticism across various equestrian disciplines. Competitors showcased their skills in either arena cross country or working equitation in the morning, followed by an exciting show jumping competition in the afternoon. Three remarkable partnerships rose to the top, highlighting the potential of these wild horses.
Samantha Rock and Handy Dandy Triumph in Arena Cross Country
Samantha Rock, with her mustang Handy Dandy, secured the top honors in the arena cross country division. Rock, who has a background in hunter/jumpers and dressage before transitioning to Western disciplines, found the English-focused Mustang Classic a perfect opportunity to return to her equestrian roots. She discovered Handy Dandy, a striking chocolate palomino, at a Bureau of Land Management adoption event after missing out on another prospect. Despite the mustang’s initial skittishness, Rock’s experience in gentling wild horses allowed her to have him under saddle within a month. Handy Dandy’s inherent jumping ability, honed through early obstacle training, proved invaluable as he led Rock to victory in the arena cross country and a second-place finish in show jumping. Rock found the experience to be confidence-building and incredibly enjoyable.
Samantha Rock and Handy Dandy jumping a fence during the arena cross country competition.
Craig Moore and Toby Excel in Working Equitation
Craig Moore, a full-time horse trainer who transitioned from a paramedic career, demonstrated his skill in working equitation with his mustang Toby. Moore began training mustangs in 2018, a journey that also led him to his wife, fellow mustang trainer Katie Moore. Although his primary expertise lies in Western disciplines, Moore embraced the English disciplines for the Mustang Classic. He discovered Toby in Wyoming in November 2023, but their training was briefly delayed by the arrival of their baby. Since February, Toby has developed into a reliable mount. Moore described Toby as exceptionally tame, capable of laying down on cue from the saddle. The gelding is well-rounded, excelling in Western riding, including stops and spins, and has also shown a natural talent and love for jumping. Moore found the dressage portion challenging but enjoyable due to his competitive nature, and he learned a great deal from the experience, expressing a desire to return.
Craig Moore and Toby navigating an obstacle in the working equitation event.
Scotlyn Benge and Shes a Gem Clinch Show Jumping Victory
Scotlyn Benge achieved a remarkable first-place finish in the show jumping competition with her mustang, Shes a Gem, affectionately known as Ruby. Benge, who had dreamed of training a wild horse since childhood, was surprised by her top performance, especially competing against renowned mustang trainers. Ruby, a four-year-old mare, has only been under saddle for four to five months. Benge attributes their success to Ruby’s exceptional temperament, describing her as brave and willing. Initially, Ruby displayed some aggression towards people, but Benge’s patient training approach helped channel the mare’s bravery and energy towards their shared goals. Benge expressed immense pride and admiration for her partner, emphasizing Ruby’s amazing qualities.
Scotlyn Benge and Shes a Gem clearing a jump during the show jumping competition.
The Mustang Classic Culminates with Championship Finals
The combined scores from the initial dressage and Saturday’s competitions determined the top 10 combinations advancing to Sunday’s championship final. This final round featured a freestyle competition designed to highlight each horse’s unique strengths. Leading the pack were Friday’s dressage winners, Elisa Wallace and Zephyr, followed by Samantha Rock and Handy Dandy, Laura Wilson and Sporty Shorty, Ann Hanlin and QR Code, Chelsea Candey and Luna, Sierra Steffen and Dazzle, Lily Hughes and London Fog, Amber Hofmaier and Snoop Dogg, Jessica Flaherty and Inky, and Chris Phillips and WFR Sin City Sister. The entire event was available via live stream on EQUESTRIAN+, with replays accessible through a subscription. Further details about the 2024 Mustang Classic can be found on the event’s official website.
