Forever Branded Invitational Wild Horse Challenge

Forever Branded Invitational Wild Horse Challenge

Presented in Partnership with the Wisconsin Horse Council & the Midwest Horse Fair

Welcome to a premier showcase of horsemanship, trust, and the incredible versatility of America’s wild horses. Forever Branded is honored to partner with the Midwest Horse Fair, one of the top equestrian events in America since 1979, to present the Forever Branded Invitational Wild Horse Challenge.

For over four decades, the Midwest Horse Fair (owned by the non-profit Wisconsin Horse Council) has brought together horse lovers from around the country to celebrate the equestrian lifestyle. We are proud to join forces with this iconic institution to demonstrate the power of patience, partnership, and the boundless potential of wild mustangs.

The Event Overview

The Forever Branded Invitational is an elite, high-stakes competition bringing 20 hand-selected professional trainers together with 20 wild horses gathered directly from Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands.

Over the course of the Midwest Horse Fair, these horse-and-rider teams will demonstrate their bond, agility, and trust across demanding preliminary rounds, culminating in a spectacular, high-energy finals performance in the Blain’s Farm & Fleet Coliseum. Competitors will be riding for $50,000 in cash and prizes, along with the prestige of taking home the inaugural championship.

Competition Format & Disciplines

Competitors will test their horsemanship across three rigorous phases designed to highlight every aspect of a well-rounded equine partner:

• Ranch Riding: Demonstrating smooth transitions, responsiveness, and practical versatility under saddle.
• Trail Obstacle: Navigating complex physical and mental challenges to showcase trust, patience, and precise communication.
• Freestyle Final: The top 10 horse-and-rider teams will advance to the main arena for a crowd-favorite freestyle performance, blending creative storytelling, music, and advanced horsemanship.

Competitor Information (Invite-Only)

To deliver an elite, master-level atmosphere, the Forever Branded Invitational is strictly an invitation-only event.

• Applications are currently closed, and we are not accepting open competitor applications at this time.
• Invited trainers have been selected based on their proven track record of excellence in equine training, horsemanship, and wild horse advocacy.

Schedule

• Friday April 16^th: Ranch Riding Preliminary
• Saturday April 17^th: Trail Obstacle Course Preliminary
• Sunday April 18^th: Freestyle Final in Blain’s Farm and Fleet Coliseum

Spectator & Event Access

All Midwest Horse Fair attendees can watch the preliminary rounds and the Freestyle Final included directly with their general admission ticket! Come fill the stands, support these world-class trainers, and witness the transformative journey from wild to willing.

• Location: Alliant Energy Center — Madison, Wisconsin
• Venue: Blain’s Farm & Fleet Coliseum & Main Arenas
• Schedule & Tickets: For full fair schedules and general admission details, visit the official Midwest Horse Fair website.