International
Wild Horse Training
ARIZONA, USA
April 2026
EXPO-Wochenende: 4 und 5 April
Take Home Your Mustang – your journey starts here.
A project that changes the lives of horses – and maybe yours, too.
The Wild Horse Training program by Ride the Brand offers you a rare opportunity to learn directly from horseman and Mustang expert Travis Elliston how to gently introduce untouched, wild Mustangs to humans.
Whether you're a beginner or more advanced, anyone with an interest in wild horses is welcome. You'll learn through a combination of theory, observation, and hands-on sessions tailored to your experience level.
After the EXPO weekend, each participant is assigned a Mustang to work with throughout the training—and if you wish, you can take your horse home afterward. Alternatively, you’re welcome to join the course with your own Mustang.
Course Overview
Lead Trainer: Travis Elliston
2 Assistants
6 Participants – 6 Mustangs
Guest speakers and cultural program
Day trips and a weekend stay at a traditional cattle ranch in Mexico
A total of 30 training sessions per horse
Full-time attendance is not required – flexible participation is possible
Who is this workshop for?
This course is for anyone who wants to better understand Mustangs and learn respectful handling techniques—regardless of whether or not they plan to adopt a horse.
It’s also ideal for trainers, horse owners, and volunteers in the equine field, especially those working with young or challenging horses.
If you already own a Mustang and are looking for training support, you’re in exactly the right place—you're welcome to bring your own horse.
What’s the goal?
We prepare Mustangs for a safe, human-oriented life—whether in Europe or the U.S. A key focus is stress-free loading, essential for safe transportation.
The training is done entirely from the ground. Each horse is approached individually, given time to adjust, and supported in building a solid foundation for its future.
Why take part?
This event is more than just a training course—it's a life-changing opportunity to get to know a Mustang, train it, and if you choose, bring it home.
Each horse comes with the necessary paperwork, whether it stays in the U.S. or is imported to Europe. Our mission is to match each horse with the right person.
What can you expect in the training?
Your first encounter with the Mustangs is guided by Travis Elliston and begins with observation only. Immediately following the EXPO weekend, personalized training with your Mustang begins.
You’ll learn essential skills such as haltering, picking up feet, and handling your horse safely in various situations. From there, you'll progress to more advanced groundwork tailored to your horse's individual personality.
Throughout the training, Travis and his team will offer personalized support and guidance.
Trainers & Organization
Travis Elliston will once again lead the training in 2026. With his extensive experience in Mustang handling and his calm, clear approach, he creates a highly motivating and educational atmosphere.
Karin Finney is the organizer and on-site contact. She manages the overall logistics, cares for the horses, arranges excursions, and coordinates transport. As a Mustang owner based in Germany, she has long been committed to the advocacy and placement of these remarkable horses.
Cultural Highlights & Experiences
The training is enriched by unforgettable experiences and fascinating insights into the world of wild horses:
Wild Mustang observation along the Salt River
Visit to a BLM facility with insights into wild horse management
Storyteller and horseman from the Navajo Nation, including horse blessing and traditional evening gathering
Stay at a working cow ranch in Sonora, Mexico with trail riding, local crafts, and ranch life
Overnight at historic Hacienda Bacasobabi with regional cuisine and warm hospitality
Participation & Pricing
Price depending on scope of booking: $3,000–$5,499 USD
Registration fee: $80 USD
Only 6 spots available – early registration is strongly recommended
Travel & Accommodation
Arrival airport: Tucson, Arizona
Arrival date: April 1, 2026 – Overnight stay at airport hotel
Pickup: April 2, transfer to Sierra Vista
Accommodation: Shared double rooms with breakfast at Karin’s guesthouse
EXPO location: Rodeo Grounds at the Sierra Vista Riding Club
Training site: E Slash Nine Ranch
Weather in April: Warm and sunny during the day, cold at night, mostly dry, occasionally very windy
Impressions Wild Horse Training
– the real “First Touches”
This program covers all essential aspects of working with wild horses and offers you an exciting blend of hands-on knowledge and unforgettable experiences.
One key point: without this foundational training, it’s simply not possible to safely bring a Mustang to Europe. Many Mustangs offered as “untouched” in Germany are, in reality, already significantly mishandled—often the result of unprofessional interaction during their early phase. If the basic training is done incorrectly, it harms not only the horse, but also the long-term relationship with its future human.
Experts will guide you through everything related to keeping wild horses healthy.
Alex Beeshligali, a storyteller and horseman from the Navajo Nation, will introduce you to the traditions surrounding their wild horses. The evening will include a blessing ceremony for the Mustangs and a shared dinner.
You’ll also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at a BLM facility and gain fascinating insights into how wild horses are managed.
Wild Salt River Mustangs
An unforgettable experience awaits as you observe and photograph wild Mustangs along the Salt River near Phoenix. Accompanying the group is photographer Ray Redstone, whose stunning images you’ll also find throughout my website.
Working Cow Ranch
Sonora, Mexico
The journey continues across the border into Sonora, Mexico, where you'll visit a traditional working cow ranch that still operates on horseback. Look forward to a trail ride with the Vaqueros, meet local leather artisans, and experience the authentic rhythm of ranch life.
Your overnight stay will be at the beautiful Hacienda Bacasobabi, which is part of the ranch. There, you’ll be welcomed with warm hospitality, delicious regional food, and captivating stories about horses and ranch life—best shared over a good glass of tequila.
