Teen Tames Wild Mustang

Just a few months ago, a young, wild gray mustang was galloping through the wilderness on Snowstorm Mountain in Nevada.

That same horse, aptly named Storm, took part in the Mustang Challenge that was part of the Midwest Horse Fair April 12-14 at Alliant Energy Center in Madison. 

The wild horse engaged in a series of trials led by the calm hand of 15-year-old Trinity Dyreson. Working together, human and horse showed the judges just how far Storm has come since those early days wandering in the wilderness. 

For Dyreson, it’s just the latest in a series of equestrian adventures. The Mount Horeb teenager has been riding since she was barely able to walk, and she excels at barrel racing and other high-adrenaline sports on horseback. 

“I started riding when I was probably about four,” she recalls. “I started competition barrel racing when I was probably six. My grandma had a horse at her place, then my mom got me a pony so I guess I’ve been in love with horses forever.”

Despite the ample experience that belies her age, Dyreson is new to the Mustang Challenge. The premise is simple: to tame a wild horse that has been captured and brought to you in its most raw, atavistic form.

“I like to train animals,” she explains. “I think that first night I spent three hours in his pen, just sitting there, looking at each other, and letting him get used to me.”

In time, Dyreson earned Storm’s trust. 

“I think the idea is just to let them know you’re a good guy, not a bad guy,” she explains. “Lots of food, too.”

While a wild streak still runs through his veins, Storm is turning into a good show horse. 

“He is very loveable,” Dyreson says. “He acts like a big child, which he is; he’s only one year old.”

That powerful child now follows his trainer’s commands, and their bond will be put to the test this weekend. The Midwest Horse Fair will celebrate 40 years April 12–14, and this year’s theme is “40 Years of Legends.” 

The Mustang Challenge is new this year. The competition is designed to spotlight the iconic American wild horse. A total of 56 equine trainers — many from the Midwest, but some ranging from as far away as Canada, Florida and Texas — were matched with wild Mustangs, and have been working with the horses since January in preparation for the contest. 

The challenge is open to contestants of all ages but has a strong turnout of youth and female competitors, according to fair officials.

“We’re so excited to see the progress our Mustang Challenge contestants and their respective horses have made in just a few months,” said fair executive director Megan Hanuszczak. “Each trainer has been working hard to train and establish a unique bond with their horse.”

For Dyreson, it will be a new challenge. She’s used to danger, saying she enjoys the speed and exhilaration of barrel racing. 

“It’s fun,” she says. “I love that you get to go fast, you turn three barrels as fast as you can, and try to win some money.”

Asked if she’s ever scared, she replies: “Not really.”

“I wear a helmet,” she says. “I’ve never really been scared of it. When you are younger, you get bucked off a lot. But I always got back on.”

Because of Storm’s young age, he can’t be ridden yet, so all of his work this weekend will have to come through “in-hand” direction by his trainer. 

It all began when she applied last year to take part in the Mustang Challenge. She was accepted and paired up with a wild horse that had been captured in September. 

“They are completely wild,” she says. “We picked him up in January and had 90 days to train him. You have to go from completely wild to domesticated.”

“The first couple days were a little rough,” she laughs. “Other than that, it’s been a pretty good experience. He was a completely clean slate.”

Storm will be judged in several categories including body conditioning, patterns, a trail event, and if he makes it far enough in the competition a freestyle class on Saturday night. 

So, what will happen to this wild animal, brought down from the mountains and trained to trust a human hand? He won’t go far. He will be given to an 11-year-old girl named Ava. 

“When he’s old enough to ride, he’ll go to my sister,” says Dyreson. “I’m training him for her.”

ABOUT THE FAIR

The Midwest Horse Fair is the largest three-day horse fair in the country. Since 1979, in its goal of serving as America’s epicenter for the equine community, the fair strives to provide the ultimate experience for equine enthusiasts and the public through exposition, education and entertainment. It caters to both Western and English riders. The fair has an estimated $11 million economic impact on the Madison area each year, resulting from spending at local hotels, restaurants, shops, and other businesses. The Midwest Horse Fair® is owned by the Wisconsin HorseCouncil, a nonprofit organization that promotes the equine industry in the state of Wisconsin. All event proceeds are returned to the Horse Council to be used for grants and scholarships, trail improvement, leadership programs, and communication to help future growth and development of the equine industry. 

For more information, visit MidwestHorseFair.com.