When Natalie and Scout sat down to record Episode 16 of McFarland Minutes, they didn’t know just how powerful a story their guest would bring to the mic. Matt Manroe, executive director of Mustang Champions, shares how every step of his journey led to one mission: elevating the Mustang from an overlooked symbol of the West to a celebrated competitor on the national equestrian stage.

That mission is Mustang Champions, a groundbreaking program that not only honors these iconic horses but also reimagines what’s possible for them. Historically, Mustangs have shined in Western arenas, but Matt and his team saw a broader horizon. What if these horses, so often misunderstood, could take on English disciplines like show jumping and dressage? What if they could perform with music and flair in freestyle routines that bring audiences to their feet?
Under Matt’s leadership, those questions turned into reality. Today, Mustang Champions hosts competitions at venues as prestigious as the South Point Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas and the Kentucky Horse Park. Riders compete for prize money, yes, but they also compete for something bigger: the chance to shift public perception of what Mustangs can do.

As Matt shared his story, one moment stood out: his experience training Mustangs alongside his daughter. He described it like something out of Avatar, a spiritual, almost electric connection between human and horse. The trust that Mustangs offer, once earned, is deep and rare. It’s that bond, Matt believes, that makes them so special, not just in competition, but in life.

But Mustang Champions isn’t only about horses. It’s about people, too. A Mustang event feels less like a competition and more like a reunion. Riders cheer each other on. Families bring their kids. Newcomers are welcomed with open arms. Matt explained that, unlike many traditional equestrian spaces, this community thrives on camaraderie and inclusion.

And there’s more at stake than ribbons or accolades. As taxpayers, Americans technically “own” over 60,000 Mustangs managed by the Bureau of Land Management. That number is more than a statistic; it’s a responsibility. Mustang Champions seeks to turn that distant fact into a personal cause by giving people the chance to meet, train, and love these horses firsthand.

Whether it’s through VIP seating at a live event or tuning into the livestream from home, Mustang Champions invites everyone to witness the magic. And if you’re inspired to go further? Adopt a Mustang. Volunteer. Spread the word.

For more details or to get involved, visit mustangchampions.org, mustangchallenge2025.com, or mustangclassic2025.com. We’ll be right here cheering them on and we hope you will too.