2025 Branded Bonanza Idaho Recap
In late February, 98 horses and burros left Bureau of Land Management holding in Boise, ID. Matched with approved trainers, they loaded onto trailers bound for various destinations throughout the mountain west to begin their journey toward the Branded Bonanza competition in July.
The Branded Bonanza competitions are designed to support community across the board and offer a low-key, low stress show environment that caters to a variety of horsemen and women. Competitors ranged from seasoned trainers to first-time wild horse and burro handlers, and there were trainers from 8-years-old all the way to 67. Truly an event for everyone!
As anyone who has worked with horses and burros knows, training can often take twists and turns. Life happens. Of the 98 animals adopted, 64 returned to competition – 20 burros and 44 horses – spread among 38 adult and 26 youth competitors.
On Friday, July 4th, competitors graced the arena early to showcase their animals in the Handling and Conditioning class. Judges watched as horses and burros were led in, released in a round pen, caught, haltered and led through a series of maneuvers before finally loading onto a trailer. Following Handling and Conditioning, trainers had the chance to strut their stuff in the Trail class and tackled obstacles like a gate, bridge, tight turns, and backing.
Saturday, July 5th, competitors returned for an early start with the riding divisions testing their skills in a Pattern class. After the completion of the Pattern class, the event rolled right into everyone’s favorite – FREESTYLE! There were SO many creative and skilled performances!
Thanks to all our volunteers and staff who selflessly gave of themselves all weekend long to help this event run smoothly. Thanks to the hard-working folks at the BLM Wild Horse & Burro Program who care about these horses and burros more than most understand. And a huge thank you to all the families and spectators who showed up to support these competitors in innumerable ways throughout their journey.
We’re incredibly thankful for our amazing sponsors and all they did to support this event and the competitors and their horses and burros. Thank you to Remount, Foothill Tilesetting, Clear Water Fence, Idaho Ink Spot, Saddle Up, JW Brooks Custom Hat Company, Pat Doak Photography, TroubleMaker Trading Company, Mountain Ridge Gear, and Richard Winters Horsemanship!
Many of the horses and burros that competed at Branded Bonanza Idaho are in search of their forever partners and can be found on Forever Branded Classifieds or by visiting the Branded Bonanza Idaho Facebook group.
Your 2025 Branded Bonanza Idaho Winners
Our team was SO proud of every single competitor that adopted for this competition -even those who were unable to return. The time and dedication you put into these horses and burros showed. We understand the trials of training and know that the road isn’t always easy. Thank you setting these animals up for success beyond holding and thank you for being Forever Branded!
All photos are complements of Lamberson Photography.
What’s Next?
Branded Bonanza Nebraska: August 22-23, 2025
- Follow along the Nebraska competitor journeys in the Facebook group!
Branded Bonanza Texas: September 26-28, 2025
- Follow along the Texas competitor journeys in the Facebook group!