NML Pony Challenge Horse and Tack Auction

Saturday, May 14 at 2pm

Sale starts with New and Used Tack at 2pm

Pony Challenge begins at 6pm, followed by sales of other horses or ponies

The second annual Pony Challenge was introduced in 2021 as a way to showcase the talents of area youth in training and riding horses. Six ponies are purchased and presented to the riders as projects. The youth ride and train the ponies until May 14 at which time they are offered to the public at Live Auction. The riders keep and split all profit over the original purchase price of the ponies. 

Trophy buckles are presented to each participant at the beginning of the auction. One custom engraved Corriente Trophy Saddle is presented to the Pony Challenge Champion.  The champion is selected from the unofficial results of social media response, selling price vs purchase price, and overall showmanship-riding ability.

The event can be followed online at LMAauctions.com by selecting Northern Michigan Livestock. Online bidders should submit registration before sale day.

Other horses will be consigned and sold after The Pony Challenge. These horses and ponies may be viewed on the Northern Michigan Livestock Auction Facebook page. 

Pony and Rider #1

Brooklyn and Gus Gus

11 year old Brooklyn has been riding 7 year old Gus Gus and working with him to make him the perfect kids pony. Gus Gus is broke to ride, but has a super big attitude and typically takes advantage of inexperienced riders. Brooklyn has been working from the ground up to teach manners and desensitizing. 

Pony and Rider #2

Silver Braska and Jolene

Little Silver is 6 years old and working with 7 year old paint, mare pony she calls Jolene. Silver is homeschooled with her two older twin sisters who are also in The Pony Challenge. Jolene has been ridden, but not very much. She has had at least one foal, and not been handled a whole lot. Silver's parents and her siblings are all pitching in to ensure the Jolene is riding at her best on sale day!

Pony and Rider #3

Turnner and Steam

Turnner is a 9 year old student in Pine River Elementary. He is working with a little 7 year old palomino pony mare that he calls Steam. Steam came to Turnner as a pushy little pony that needed to learn some respect and boundaries. Turnner has set a training schedule and strictly follows it even when Mother Nature is less than cooperative.

Pony and Rider #4

Cyris, Jayden and Sonic

Cyris and Jayden are brothers who have teamed up to train a 6 year old appaloosa pony gelding that they call Sonic. Cyris is 7 years old and Jayden is 8 years old. These boys live on a horse farm near Petoskey with their parents Clint and Beth. These boys have found Sonic to be kind and interested but very leery of adults. Sonic is quick to startle, and the boys needed dad's help when handling his feet. They plant to earn Sonic's trust and work very hard on his riding skills.

Pony and Rider #5

Aliya and Stanly

Aliya is an 11 year old from Reed City that lives with her family on a horse farm. Aliya is working with a young paint pony gelding that she named Stanley. Aliya comes from a family of cowboys and cowgirls who ride and rodeo regularly. Aliya found Stanley to be very green, but willing. She says that Stanley has a good mind, and is quick to pick up on her training. Together they make a great team.

Pony and Rider #6

Braska Twin Sisters Hadlea and Haiden with their Mini Mule Jenny named Beth

Hadlea and Haiden are repeat participants in the Pony Challenge.  In fact, Haiden is the returning Champion! These girls have taken on a very tall task of taming a timid, spooky and untrusting little Jenny mule named Beth. This little mule has only been used as a pasture pet-livestock guardian and companion. Riding and handling has been very foreign to her. Hadlea and Haiden, along with the help of their dad immediately trimmed Beth's feet and then got to work on building a foundation. They now are able to lead and ride Beth and hope to be riding out alone soon.