Mustangs proved their mettle as sporthorses on the second day of competition at the 2024 Mustang Classic. Combinations competed in their choice of either arena cross country or working equitation in the morning, and then all competitors competed in show jumping in the afternoon.

Three trainers and their mustangs rose to the top in the respective divisions. Samantha Rock and the aptly named Handy Dandy took top honors in arena cross country, while Craig Moore and Toby won working equitation in the morning competitions. In the afternoon, Scotlyn Benge and Shes a Gem claimed the top spot in show jumping.

Samantha Rock and Handy Dandy Excel in Arena Cross Country

Rock grew up riding in hunter/jumpers and dressage before getting into Western disciplines, especially team roping. She has been training mustangs since 2015, and the English discipline-focused Mustang Classic brought her back to her equestrian sport roots.

Rock began looking for a mount for the Mustang Classic about a year ago. After being outbid on another mustang prospect at a Bureau of Land Management adoption event, Rock noticed Handy Dandy in the next pen. The young Mustang caught her eye as a possible English or Western mount.

“He was skinny, but I liked his (chocolate palomino) color and could tell that he was a good mover,” Rock said. “Even though the pens were muddy, he just had something that I was drawn to.”

Handy Dandy was originally very scared of people, but Rock used her experience gentling mustangs and had him under saddle in a month’s time.

“Now, he’s a chill, chill, pony,” said Rock. “I did obstacles with him in the beginning, so I always knew he was a good jumper because you could send him over something and he’d always jump it.”

Handy Dandy demonstrated his jumping style on the way to winning arena cross country and finishing second in show jumping with Rock. In the process of preparing for the Mustang Classic, Rock had her own personal educational moments.

“It brought a lot of confidence in my riding,” she said. “It’s just been fun. Cross country is a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed doing that.”

Craig Moore and Toby Shine in Working Equitation

Craig Moore was splitting his time as a paramedic and horse trainer a few years back before deciding to become a full-time horse trainer. He got into training mustangs in 2018, which connected him with his now wife and fellow mustang trainer, Katie Moore. Though his specialty is the Western disciplines, Craig got into English disciplines for a chance to compete in the Mustang Classic.

“I’m enjoying the English riding,” Craig said. ”I’m really enjoying the cross country and jumping. We’re hoping to get into that some more. It’s been awesome!”

Craig found Toby, his Mustang Classic mount, in Wyoming in November 2023, but Toby’s training was delayed when the Moores had their baby a week later. The five-year-old gelding’s training got serious in February, and Craig said Toby has turned into a solid mount.

“He is super tame. He loves scratches, lays down on cue, lays down on cue from the saddle,” he said. “I’ve done a lot of Western riding on him. He stops, spins, does little bit of roping, and, overall, he is a very nice horse and is very well-rounded. I like him a lot.” 

Looking back at the process of getting to the Mustang Classic, Craig said it was a learning experience for everyone.

“I learned so much. Once we started jumping, Toby discovered he loves it. He’s great jumper and is a natural, so that was pretty cool. I learned I like to jump, so it’s just been fun,” he noted. “The dressage is like the ballet of horse events. It’s very difficult. You’re trying to be absolutely perfect, which you never will be. But I’m competitive by nature, so I enjoy the competition. I’ve learned a lot and I think I’d like to come back.”

Scotlyn Benge and Shes a Gem Secure the Top Spot in Show Jumping

Scotlyn Benge came to the Mustang Classic looking forward to showing the first horse she started under saddle while competing alongside big names in the mustang training world. Little did she know that she would make a notable impression. Benge was shocked that she finished on top of the show-jumping leaderboard with Shes a Gem.

“I did not expect to come here and get a first place with so many talented people here, like Elisa Wallace, Sam Van Fleet, Camille White and others,” said Benge.

Benge said it was a childhood dream to train a wild horse, and she found her partner in Shes a Gem, or Ruby. The four-year-old mare has been under saddle between four to five months, but Benge was quick to credit the mare for making their top result possible.

“She’s a really special horse,” she said. “I don’t think we would have done this well if she didn’t have the temperament that she has. She’s so brave and willing.”

Shes a Gem was initially aggressive toward people when Benge first started working her. Benge noted that patience was a big takeaway from the training process, which had its ups and downs.

“Once I was able to focus that bravery and energy to where she just wants to take on anything, I could channel that toward our shared goals,” Benge said. “She is so amazing. I could never say enough nice things about this horse.”

The Mustang Classic Concludes Sunday

The combined scores from Friday’s dressage and Saturday’s divisions determined the top 10 combinations for Sunday’s championship final, consisting of a freestyle highlighting each horse’s best qualities. Elisa Wallace and Zephyr, Friday’s dressage winners, lead the talented group 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 will be live streamed for free on EQUESTRIAN+ (equestrianplus.com). You can also view after the event with a subscription.

To learn more about the 2024 Mustang Classic, click here.