Youth Trainer Program
The Program
The Wild Rose Youth Trainer Program originated in 2020 when WR sponsored 2 youth trainers to participate in the Mustang Heritage Foundation Trainer Incentive Program. Since then the program has grown over the years into its own program.
Wild Rose now sources yearling mustangs once a year and disperses them to youth trainers to train over a 12-week summer. At the end of the summer youth trainers and their mustangs return to show off their hard work at the Wild Rose Mustang Youth Trainer Showcase.
The Program Overview and Requirements
- Youth trainers, ages 10-17, will be accepted to work with a 1-year-old mustang.
- Youth trainers can apply to work individually, request to be paired, or apply as a pair to the program
- Trainers working as a pair may cost share board/care while the yearling is in your care.
- Application deadline for the program is May 1, 2026
- The program will run May 30-Aug 23, 2026 (~12 weeks). With possible preparatory online or in-person training sessions prior to the pick up dates.
- Program Fees: $500 covers the costs of twice monthly trainings and entry to the end of summer Showcase. Youth trainers are responsible for all veterinary/farrier needs that arise between pick up date and the showcase, with the exception of pre-existing conditions.
- Fundraising for youth trainers can be done in the name of Wild Rose with funds raised going towards the above program fee. Ask us for a fundraising link!
- Youth Trainer Financial Responsibilities:
- Board for the yearling.
- Any veterinary or farrier care costs of the yearling that arise while in the youth trainer’s care.
- Any cost of working with a privately sourced trainer or other professional.
- Cost of any feed or other supplies needed for the yearling.
- Facilities:
- All fences for yearling mustangs must be 5 Feet Tall and meet the standards of the BLM
- Yearlings must have access to water, food, shelter and have at least 400 sq feet of corral space per animal.
- Trailers must be stock type, covered, have swing gates, and sturdy walls/floors.
- Wear an appropriate/approved helmet at all times while working with the Wild Rose yearlings.
- Need help finding boarding space or travel arrangements? Let us know!
- Included in the program:
- Twice monthly in person trainings with
- Wild Rose Trainers
- Veterinarians
- Farriers
- Access to Wild Rose Trainers
- Online resources to guide and educate the youth trainers.
- End of summer showcase entry. All yearlings will participate in the Showcase regardless of adoption status prior to the event.
- Twice monthly in person trainings with
- The yearlings will have had all medical needs met and a Coggins test prior to pick up.
- Organization of the Youth Trainer Showcase and Mustang Open Show, Date and Location TBD (roughly Aug 23rd 2026 in Fort Collins)
- After the event, the yearlings will be returned to Wild Rose to be offered for adoption, provided they meet training requirements and are sound and safe.
- Youth trainers are offered first right to adoption at the end of the summer.