2024 Meeker Mustang Makeover
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
2024 Meeker Mustang Makeover Shatters Records and Helped Every Horse Find a Home with the Help of Nunn, CO Trainers, Eric Pfluger, Syndee Julian and Clara Phillips
Meeker, CO – The 2024 Meeker Mustang Makeover, held on August 24th, 2024 will be remembered as a landmark event, shattering records and capturing the hearts of all who attended. From a record-breaking audience turnout to a spectacular auction, this year’s Makeover has set a new standard for mustang events across the nation.
The event was elevated with a high-energy performance by the Westernaires, making their debut appearance at the Meeker Mustang Makeover. Their skilled horsemanship and synchronized riding electrified the crowd, setting the stage for an evening full of excitement and anticipation.
For the first time in the event’s history, the Meeker Mustang Makeover drew its largest audience ever, with attendance numbers doubling compared to previous years. The energy was palpable as spectators from across the country gathered to witness the bond between trainers and mustangs, a testament to the growing popularity and significance of this annual event.
This year’s auction proved to be nothing short of extraordinary. The bidding wars were fierce, and by the end of the night, the auction had not only doubled the previous record for the biggest auction total but also saw one of the top horses selling for an astounding $18,500 trained by none other than Sydnee Julian. This remarkable achievement underscores the value and potential of these once-wild mustangs, now transformed into exceptional equine partners.
Among the highlights of the auction were the mustangs trained by Eric Pfluger, Sydnee Julian, and Clara Phillips, from Nunn, Colorado. Eric, who worked with his mustang Pearl Snap and returned for his third year as a Meeker Mustang Makeover trainer, earned the title of Reserve Champion in the Under Saddle division, and Pearl Snap was sold for an impressive $14,500. Sydnee Julian had the top selling horse, Hoolihan who sold for a record breaking $18,500 all while placing third in the Under Saddle Division.
The Meeker Mustang Makeover continues to be a significant event for both trainers and the local community, not only highlighting the potential of wild horses but also the commitment of trainers like Eric and Clara who dedicate themselves to the cause. The auction proceeds support future adoption and training efforts, ensuring that more mustangs can find homes and thrive in new environments.
Former champion and multi year trainer, Eric Pflueger says “I feel honored to compete in the Meeker Mustang Makeover. The management of this show is unlike anything I've ever seen. They are dedicated to providing an entertaining show for the audience but more importantly they do everything for the betterment of the horse. Without these amazing animals we have no show. They do a great job of selecting quality trainers and providing those trainers with some absolutely phenomenal wild horses. I’m hooked on this show and I hope to compete for years to come.”
But perhaps the most heartwarming outcome of the night was that every mustang found a loving home. The connection between the horses and their new owners was evident, and the joy on their faces as they led their new companions out of the arena was a beautiful reminder of the life-changing impact of the Meeker Mustang Makeover.
As the dust settles on the arena, the legacy of this year’s event will continue to inspire and pave the way for future mustangs and their trainers. The Meeker Mustang Makeover has once again proven that with heart, determination, and community support, anything is possible.
See below the list of winners:
Under Saddle:
1st: Johna Pink and T-Rex
2nd: Eric Pflueger and Pearl Snap
3rd: Sydnee Julian and Hoolihan
4th: Marny Belt and Oscar
5th: Angelina Bouzarelos and Goodr
Yearling In-Hand:
1st: Addie Barnes and Moose
2nd: Magnolia Marchand and Kanga
3rd: Maya Varela and Rune
Additional Awards:
Best Poster: Layla Churchley
Hard Luck: Lily Hair
Fire in the Gut: Kinsey Huckaby
Every mustang finds a home at 2024 Mustang Makeover
September 4th, 2024 | Special by the Herald Times
MEEKER | The 2024 Meeker Mustang Makeover, held on Aug. 24, will be remembered as a landmark event, shattering records and capturing the hearts of all who attended. From a record-breaking audience turnout to a spectacular auction, this year’s Makeover set a new standard for mustang events across the nation.
The event was elevated by a high-energy performance from the Westernaires, making their debut appearance at the Meeker Mustang Makeover. Their skilled horsemanship and synchronized riding electrified the crowd, setting the stage for an evening full of excitement and anticipation.
For the first time in the event’s history, the Meeker Mustang Makeover drew its largest audience ever, with attendance numbers doubling compared to previous years. The energy was palpable as spectators from across the country gathered to witness the bond between trainers and mustangs—a testament to the growing popularity and significance of this annual event.
This year’s auction was nothing short of extraordinary. Bidding wars were fierce, and by the end of the night, the auction had not only doubled the previous record for the highest auction total, but one of the top horses sold for an astounding $18,000. This remarkable achievement underscores the value and potential of these once-wild mustangs, now transformed into exceptional equine partners.
But perhaps the most heartwarming outcome of the night was that every mustang found a loving home. The connection between the horses and their new owners was evident, and the joy on their faces as they led their new companions out of the arena was a beautiful reminder of the life-changing impact of the Meeker Mustang Makeover.
The success of the 2024 Meeker Mustang Makeover is a testament to the dedication of the trainers, the passion of the bidders, and the support of the community. It’s a celebration of the wild spirit of the mustang and a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together with a shared purpose.
As the dust settles on the arena, the legacy of this year’s event will continue to inspire and pave the way for future mustangs and their trainers. The Meeker Mustang Makeover has once again proven that with heart, determination, and community support, anything is possible.