We’re dialing it in with two of our Wild Mustang & Burro Finals judges! Jesse Westfall will be judging Western Versatility—including reining, ranch riding, and trail—while Riva England takes on the in-hand divisions, including horsemanship, showmanship, and in-hand trail. We’ll get their perspective from the judge’s seat and talk about what competitors can do now to refine, focus, and get Finals-ready.

The Mustang Journey Episode 3–Show Notes and Links:

• Your Hosts: Danielle Aamodt, Director of Programs and Meg Magsig, Director of Marketing of the Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Brought to you by: Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Sponsors: Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals, EspañaSILK
• Subscribe to the The Mustang Journey Podcast - Search The Mustang Journey on your podcast player.
• Guest: Jesse Westfall
• Guest: Riva England
• Follow Horses In The Morning on Facebook
• Follow the Mustang Heritage Foundation on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Time Stamps:

04:46 - Jesse Westfall

26:06 - Riva England

In this episode of The Mustang Journey we chat with trainer Matt French, who shares the remarkable story of his once‑shut‑down $250 Mustang, Navarro, and their journey from rebuilding trust to representing Team USA at the Working Equitation World Championship in Spain. Along the way, they dig into partnership, pressure, training philosophy (“go slow to go fast”), and how Mustangs can be versatile, competitive athletes in any arena. The episode also highlights the upcoming Wild Mustang and Burro Finals in Edinburgh, Indiana, and ongoing efforts to showcase Mustangs on bigger stages.

The Mustang Journey Episode 2–Show Notes and Links:

• Your Hosts: Danielle Aamodt, Director of Programs and Meg Magsig, Director of Marketing of the Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Brought to you by: Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Sponsors: Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals, EspañaSILK
• Subscribe to the The Mustang Journey Podcast - Search The Mustang Journey on your podcast player.
• Guest: Matt French
• Follow Horses In The Morning on Facebook
• Follow the Mustang Heritage Foundation on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

In Episode 1 of The Mustang Journey Podcast, hosts Danielle and Meg explore the people and stories that make the mustang community unique. They sit down with Texas trainer Nate Eicher to discuss his path into wild horse adoption, professional training, and his insights on Freestyle performances.

Additionally, the episode features Ann Hanlin of the Maryland Mustang Mission, who shares the journey of Woodrow, a once-wild mustang who became her personal horse. This episode provides an inside look at the advocacy and training efforts shaping the future of the mustang community.

The Mustang Journey Episode 1 –Show Notes and Links:

• Your Hosts: Danielle Aamodt, Director of Programs and Meg Magsig, Director of Marketing of the Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Brought to you by: Mustang Heritage Foundation
• Sponsors: Double Devil Wild Horse Corrals, EspañaSILK
• Subscribe to the The Mustang Journey Podcast - Search The Mustang Journey on your podcast player.
• Guest: Ann Hanlin of the Maryland Mustang Mission
• Guest: Nate Eicher of Eicher Ranch Academy
• Follow Horses In The Morning on Facebook
• Follow the Mustang Heritage Foundation on Facebook | Instagram | YouTube

Time Stamps:

• 00:30 - Hosts & new monthly segment
• 01:39 - Mustang Heritage Foundation history
• 03:30 - Building Mustang community & demand
• 06:46 - U.S. Forest Service wild horses
• 08:06 - Guest Nate Eicher intro
• 11:07 - Nate’s Mustang “Cadillac” story
• 14:04 - Freestyle creativity & props
• 17:52 - Freestyle tips for competitors
• 20:07 - Why Nate loves Mustangs
• 25:50 - Guest Anne Hanlon & Woodrow
• 31:10 - Parenting while training Mustangs
• 36:10 - Mustangs in English/eventing
• 40:42 - Maryland Mustang Mission founded
• 43:25 - Advice for new Mustang adopters