The Bureau of Land Management (BLM), in partnership with 4-H, offers a program for youth aged 14 and up to train wild mustangs removed from public lands. Participants receive a yearling mustang to train over 90 days, focusing on gentling the horse and preparing it to complete an in-hand trail course at the Eastern Idaho State Fair. After demonstrating their horses’ skills and temperament, the mustangs are auctioned, with proceeds benefiting the 4-H clubs and a small adoption fee returned to the BLM. The program emphasizes building strong bonds between trainers and horses, providing valuable hands-on experience in horse training and care.

This year, three Oneida County 4-H members—BreElle Ferree, Paisley Mosey, and Addysin Murdock—trained mustangs named Monroe, Whiskey, and Sister, respectively. Each shared their personal experiences, highlighting the challenges and rewards of earning their horses’ trust and progressing through training. The mustangs were auctioned for amounts ranging from $1,200 to $1,900, but the true value lay in the deep connections formed and the life-changing impact on both the youth and their horses.