Bishop Family Mustang Band: Makeover Results

The family that mustangs together stays together.

Last weekend, horse lovers from all around the Northwest gathered for the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo in Albany, Oregon. There were many things for equinophiles to enjoy including breed highlights, riding demonstrations, and knowledgeable clinicians, but the highlight of the weekend was the Teens and Oregon Mustang Makeover competition. Earlier this year I introduced you to the Bishop family, a horse-crazy bunch that bonds over gentling mustangs. They had three family members competing in the makeover: Jessica (mother), Shelby (daughter), and Joe (son), and I was there to watch the action!

Here’s how they stacked up against the competition.

Joe and Cupcake

Joe put in an impressive performance with his Cold Springs filly, Cupcake, and took reserve champion in the youth in-hand division.  The pair exuded confidence  and seemed to really enjoy the competition. Due to her undeniable cuteness Cupcake gained a multitude of fans and an enthusiastic cheering section over the course of the weekend. The icing on this Cupcake story is that the perfect home opened its arms to this precious little filly.

Joe Bishop and Cupcake, second place in the youth in-hand division. Photo courtesy of Jessica Bishop.

Shelby and Patsy Cline

Next up was the adult under-saddle division. After watching several horses struggle with the trail obstacles, Shelby and her South Steens filly Patsy Cline put in a performance that gave me chills and had the crowd going wild. They had clearly developed a strong partnership together and even when Patsy was a little unsure, she trusted Shelby to show her the way. The pair ended up third overall, and even though Shelby will have a Patsy-sized hole in her heart, the filly was adopted by an excellent home.

Shelby Bishop and Patsy Kline, third place overall. Photo courtesy of Jessica Bishop.

Jessica and Silver Bell

While Jessica’s Cold Springs filly, Silver Bell, has been under saddle at home, Jessica opted to show her in hand. Bell has taken a little longer to gain confidence and Jessica wanted to ensure that the competition was a positive experience for her. A competitor was able earn 50% of points possible while competing in-hand in the under-saddle division. With Jessica by her side, Bell was able to complete all of the obstacles on the trail course, and her stellar performance attracted the attention of the perfect adopter.

Silver Bell had a great showing and found the perfect home. Photo courtesy of Jessica Bishop.

After a successful showing at the Teens and Oregon Mustang Makeover, the Bishops took a very quick break and were then on the road again to pick up there next set of mustangs for the Washington Trainer Incentive Program (TIP) Mustang challenge.  After seeing how lovingly this family interacts with one another, I think it’s safe to say that a family that trains mustangs together stays together!

Go Bishops! Go mustangs, and go riding!