Austin, Texas—Mustang Champions, the Austin-based nonprofit organization behind the Mustang Classic competition has been notified by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) that additional funding will not be provided to their agreement to support the continuation of previously scheduled events and programs. As a result, the 2026 Mustang Classic has been canceled.

“This is incredibly disappointing news for our team, our trainers, our adopters and the entire Mustang community. These events have always been about more than competition—they’ve been a celebration of the horses, the trainers who dedicate themselves to them and the supporters who believe in the mission of finding every Mustang a home,” a spokesperson for Mustang Champions said. “We want to sincerely thank everyone who has already adopted, registered, trained, shared and championed this event. Your passion and support mean more than we can express, and we remain deeply grateful for this community.”

Created to showcase mustangs’ talent and versatility in equestrian sport, the Mustang Classic, previously held at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, offered competition in English disciplines including dressage, show jumping and working equitation. The twist, however, was that all Mustangs must have been purchased or adopted through a BLM holding facility or satellite event and are required to be in training between 100 days and one year.

For More:

• Dressage Today and our sister brand Practical Horseman covered the 2024 and 2025 Mustang Classic competitions. Read more about these incredibly hearty and versatile horses and the trainers who love them here.
• The American Wild Horse Conservation reports more on the BLM funding cuts here.

About Mustang Champions

Mustang Champions is a 501(c)(3) headquartered in Austin, Texas. Mustang Champions is dedicated to the adoption of mustangs that have been gathered and are currently in BLM holding. Working in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management Wild Horse and Burro Program, mustangs in holding will be transitioned into private care to lessen the burden of an abundance of animals, reduce the cost of care to the American taxpayer and help protect rangelands. Mustang Champions will create and manage programs and events that showcase the ability and diversity of mustangs with the sole purpose of getting mustangs adopted. Mustang Champions is committed to the proper gentling, training, and treatment of mustangs. By enlisting qualified trainers, potential adopters, owners, and all Americans who want to support our efforts, Mustang Champions will prepare mustangs for homes outside of government holding. Additionally, Mustang Champions will provide educational and training resources to help those interested in and working with mustangs to improve their skills and knowledge, ensuring better handling and care of mustangs and help educate the American public about wild mustangs, raising positive awareness for the BLM and the WH&B Program staff. Mustang Champions hopes that, with their combined efforts and experience, they can give American mustangs in holding an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities as companions or champions.

About the BLM Wild Horse and Burro Program

The Bureau of Land Management manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.