WELCOME TO WAYMAKER'S WILD TO WILLING TIP CHALLENGE PAGE!

What is a TIP challenge and who can compete? 

"TIP" is a program established by the Mustang Heritage Foundation as an incentive to help mustangs get gentled and placed into homes. You can learn more about that program and the MHF at https://mustangheritagefoundation.org/

Youth ages 8-17 are one division, and Adults ages 18-(no limit) is the other division. Everyone must get approved by the BLM- (link is listed below in "Important Information" section). 

THIS is an in-hand competition only, based on the minimum TIP requirements from that program! Basically, horses need to lead, load, pick up feet and be gentle doing those things. That means, this competition is a GREAT way to get involved with saving an American icon-the mustang horse!

Our TIP challenge is for all levels of horse experience! 

How does it work?

As a trainer, you pay $125 (adult) and $25 (youth-who get yearlings) to adopt from a selection of BLM mustangs on a specific date and location). For our 2023 event our pickup location is at Moore Horsemanship on February 25th, 2023 in May, TX. For competitors that cannot make that specific date, an alternative date will be worked out with them.  Horses will be picked BEFORE February 25th details will be sent to all accepted trainers. Trainers have a minimum of 100 days to take a wild, untouched mustang to an in-hand competition. Trainers are encouraged to get help along the way and there will be free and discounted help days and practice days leading up to competition. You are NOT left alone to figure it all out, we are here to help! You will arrive on June 15th to compete no earlier than 4:00 pm. There will be a mandatory trainer meeting that evening. The first class will start Friday morning and there will be two classes on Friday and freestyles will be held on Saturday followed by the awards ceremony. EVERYONE should attend the awards ceremony as we will be giving out rookie awards, young gun award, senior young gun award and senior award along with a buckle for every class and ribbons and other prizes. You do not want to miss it!

How much does it cost?

For the TIP challenge- Your adoption fee is your entry fee! No other fees involved! Your stall is paid for Thursday and Friday night with a bag of shavings included. Additional nights are $35. (Additional stalls are available, contact us for more details if you are bringing more horses not part of the TIP challenge). Additional shavings must be purchased from the facility and are $10. (We encourage everyone to add at least 2 more bag of shavings, but it is not required). As a competitor you are responsible for all costs associated with caring for the horse once you adopt. This includes, but not limited to, dental work, vet work, deworming, farrier work feed and travel. (All competitors who show up for the competition and compete receive $200 cash to help with these expenses).

Can I compete with more than one mustang?

Yes! At this time we are limiting each competitor to two horses maximum for this competition for this first year. As long as the BLM approves you for two horses. Each of your picks will be in random draws for their own picking order. I realize this may stem some questions so please contact Mandy for answers. MOST people will only choose one horse, but if anyone is wanting two we encourage it as our ultimate goal is to home as many mustangs as possible!

Can I ride my horse?

Per BLM rules for adoption-NO horse aged under 3 years old (this means yearlings and two year-olds) can be ridden at all leading up to or at the competition. Any mustang 3 years old or older per the BLM paperwork received with your mustang on adoption day, MAY be ridden PRIOR to arrival of the competition. ONCE YOU ARRIVE AT CIRCLE T ARENA FOR THE COMPETITION YOU CANNOT RIDE YOUR HORSE UNTIL AFTER THE AWARD CEREMONY ON JUNE 17TH, 2023. This means you CAN ride your horse and compete in the Open show the next day if you want. Anyone caught sitting or riding their horse during the time of arrival before the end of the awards ceremony will be disqualified, and no awards nor incentive pay will be given, and no refunds for shavings, RV spots, etc will be given. 

The classes-

Handling and conditioning-horses are judged on their body score (we are here to help guide you through nutrition choices to make them look their best in such a short time) as well as their willingness to go through a short pattern that MAY include things like picking up feet, brushing, trailer loading, and trotting in hand.

Trail-This will be an arena trail class with walk/trot that MAY include crossing a bridge, going through a rope gate, backing through an L, side-passing to and away from you, trotting over poles, etc. Patterns will be released ahead of time. 

Freestyle: This is a costume and props class to music of your choice! Trainers have 3.5 minutes to walk/trot/lope in hand (or at liberty). Score sheets will be shared ahead of time so you will know what is being scored! This is a fun class to show how well you have trained your horse and to showcase your horse's willingness and abilities!

What happens to the horse after competition? 

You have options! You can choose to keep the horse-you will have officially adopted him or her! You can choose to rehome your horse for a training fee of your choice (BLM mustangs are not eligible to be SOLD until after they are titled which happens after one year of adoption). You can learn all of the rules at: www.blm.gov/programs/wild-horse-and-burro/adoption-and-sales/how-to-adopt

Where do I stay?

We will provide a list of hotels in the area soon. There is also an Inn at the Circle T as well as RV hookups. You can sign up for RV spots and extra stalls, etc. when you get your official entry form.

This is a FUN, safe, free from judgement-and-ridicule event! Again, WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! This is family friendly, and all are welcome (as long as you are approved by the BLM).

For other questions contact Mandy at (254)396-0229

We are working on the details of the open show! This will be for all horses with  mustang-incentive prizes! 

There will be ranch horse classes for high point, a jackpot freestyle with limited entries and more. The divisions will be youth, walk/trot and walk/trot/lope. We are excited to include liberty classes along with a NEW TRICKS class! If your horse can spanish walk, or sit or lay down, this will be a fun class for you and your horse (and these will not count toward high point). Please fill out an interest form so we can keep you uupdated as information comes out!

That's right!! We are excited to bring you live music from Jamie Richards! He will be performing Saturday night in the main arena on the stage above the bar! This is a free show to all the trainers. Tickets for general public are $20.00   

Check out Jamie here:   Jamie Richards – "The Real Deal" Available Now! (jamierichardsband.com) 

There will be CASH prizes along with prizes you don't want to miss out on! We do not want a single person to walk away without something they have won! We will be giving away buckles for each class in the TIP as well as for high point in youth and adult divisions! Check back here as we update! ALSO, every TIP competitor receives $200 just for making it to the competition! 

More details to come on this class for the OPEN show!

More details to come, but the high point classes will be ranch horse classes including ranch riding, a simple reining pattern, and ranch trail! 

Thats right! Come show off your liberty skills! Classes announced soon!

Does your horse lay down, sit, count, Spanish walk or piaff? Have something special you taught your horse-there will be a time for you to showcase it?! This is a fun class with unique prizes! More details and patterns coming soon!