Branded Bonanza (1)

What is Branded Bonanza?

One of our many goals here at Forever Branded is to offer opportunities to grow our fantastic community. And one of the ways we do that is by partnering with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and aspiring trainers to get horses out of holding facilities.

While many training competitions exist, Branded Bonanza builds upon the success of Mustang Mania, created and hosted by our very own Matt and Stacie Zimmerman since 2016. The goal of this competition is not to "win," but rather offer an opportunity for the trainer to improve their horsemanship and the horse or burro to gain the skills they need to be successful in their new, domestic life. As a trainer or spectator, you will gain access to a true community of supportive folks just like you who are here to see to the success of these formerly wild horses and burros.

Our sincere hope is for you to have fun as part of this competition (however you choose to participate) and to come out of it with a sense of accomplishment and renewed love of America's wild horses and burros. Why? Because that is what will ensure growth in our community, growth in adoptions, and the BLM's ability to sustainably manage our wild horse and burro herds.

2025 BRANDED BONANZA EVENTS

IDAHO

July 4-6, 2025

Ford Idaho Center

Nampa, ID

NEBRASKA

August 22-23, 2025

Nebraska State Fairgrounds

Grand Island, NE

TEXAS

September 26-28, 2025

Texas Rose Horse Park

Tyler, TX

BE PREPARED: WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU APPLY

BLM APPLICATION

You must have an approved BLM adoption application before you apply to Branded Bonanza. As part of your application, you will be asked to submit a copy of your approval notification that shows how many animals you are approved for. Competitors are encouraged to complete the application using the BLM Online Corral to expedite the process.

REFERENCES

As part of your application, you will be asked to submit 2 completed reference forms filled out by non-family members who can speak to your facility, and ability to work with wild horses and/or burros. You will be asked to upload these in your application, so please have them completed prior to applying.

FACILITY PHOTOS

As part of your application, you will be asked to submit photos and/or video showing that the facilities where the animal will be housed and worked meet BLM requirements. Please have these handy when applying.

REGISTER FOR THE BRANDED OPEN

In conjunction with the Branded Bonanza training competition in Idaho and Texas, we will be hosting a fun open show for any mustang or burro! Bring your favorite wildling and join us for a day of fun and fantastic awards!

BECOME A BRANDED BONANZA VENDOR

BRANDED BONANZA EVENT SCHEDULES

ADOPTION CATALOG

Looking to add another wild horse or burro to your herd? Or maybe your very first one?

The Branded Bonanza trainers work hard from day one, gaining the trust of their wild horses and burros and, as much as these animals worm their way into your heart, some trainers will opt to rehome their trainees at the competition.

Stay tuned to get a first look at the available horses, learn how to adopt & more!

Bring Branded Bonanza to life!

We need your help to ensure the success of Branded Bonanza! Use the link below to share your support of these amazing horses, burros and trainers!

SPONSORSHIP LEVELS

Help us make Branded Bonanza Idaho an amazing event! Your sponsorship will go toward awards, operating costs, venue costs, trainer incentives, and more. As a thank you, you will receive sponsor recognition in the following ways based on your sponsorship level:

GOLD | $1000

  • Arena Banner
  • Website Logo/Link
  • 5 Social Media Posts
  • Event Booth Space
  • PA Announcements

SILVER | $500

  • Arena Banner
  • Website Logo/Link
  • Event Booth Space
  • PA Announcements

BRONZE | $250

  • Arena Banner
  • Website Logo/Link
  • PA Announcements