We’re back, Mudslingers!
After a summer of planning, organizing and a little bit of rest, our 2025–2026 season is officially underway — and what a fantastic start we had at our September 27 show.
Welcome Back, Warren Martin!
One of the biggest joys of the day was welcoming back our head judge, Warren Martin. Many of you know Warren has spent a significant amount of time in the hospital over the past year, and we are beyond happy and relieved to see him back in the arena, looking strong and doing what he loves.
Not only is Warren returning to judging, but he’s also stepping into a new leadership role as Head Judge in our newly formalized Mudslingers Judges Program. Over the summer, our judges met to refine the rulebook, add clarifications and establish a clear apprentice and certification pathway for new judges. You can read the summary of changes here. More details are available on our Judges Program page.
Calling All Apprentice Judges
We’re looking for apprentice judges to join our Judges Program. The more judges we have, the less time each judge spends in the arena. And there are perks! Apprentice judges earn generous volunteer hours and get access to our coveted Judges Lounge at the Mudslingers Summer Showdown. (Check out photos and highlights on Ford Media channels here, here and here.)
Volunteer Program Updates
We’ve also added more structure to our volunteer program this season. Now, you can see your volunteer hours after each show, which is perfect for tracking your contributions to the club. If you know high school students looking to fulfill community service requirements, invite them to volunteer with us! As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, their hours count toward official school and community service programs.
Speaking of volunteering… we’re giving the Mudslingers equipment trailer some much-needed TLC! Initially, our idea was to remove the bed and fridge from the trailer and re-organize. Now, however, the board has decided to clean up and sell the trailer and purchase a smaller trailer (with no bed and fridge) and organize the space so it’s easy to use on show days. If you love organizing and tidying or just enjoy being productive with fellow equestrians, join us for this work party on Sunday, November 16 at 2 p.m. in Bonsall. You’ll earn volunteer hours and help make our shows run even smoother.You can reach out to a board member or email us to let us know you’re interested.
Day-of Awards Change
The board has also decided to set a minimum number of points for earning an award in the AAA division for day-of awards at shows. We already established minimums for year-end awards (minimum 100 points to place in a division). Now we’re extending that to a minimum of 20 points to earn an award in AAA for a one-day show.
September Show Highlights
Special congratulations to DJ Johnson, who bumped up two divisions (from A to AAA) and took home High Point in AAA at the last show — an incredible achievement!
We also want to give a big shout-out to our former lead liners, all of whom have graduated to riding solo. This is a brave and significant milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of you.
Thank you to our judges: Andrea, Marty, Travis and Warren.
September Show Wrap-up
Thank you to our judges: Andrea, Marty, Travis and Warren.
Placings from the September 2025 Show:
| Division | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th |
| AAA | DJ Johnson / Sicario | Kasinda Thompson / Connect the Dots | Paisley Mendenhall / Hot Rod | Naakai Yazzie-Watson / Delo | |
| AA Youth | Sierra Mendenhall / Olive Martini | Dannilynn Thomas / American Spirit | Hazel Scanlan / Who Let the Fox Out | Elizabeth Yan / Smokin the Competition | Harlynn Eidsvold / Honey |
| AA Adult | Mila Cochran / Mouse | Charissa Yazzie / Horace | Kerri Graham / Gin | Carrie Cave / Tango | |
| A Youth and Teen | Sara Flora / Rita | Lily Holder / Red | Carina Murray / Hot Spots | Aubree Maresca / Cow | Emi Vieths / Eat My Dust |
| A Adult | Andrea Thill / Firecracker | Chloe Clark / Bodhi | Savanna Smith / Artex | Shelby Vadnais / Lil Red | Georgia Ducoulombier / Hurricane |
| FC Youth | Emilia Jacoby / Second Star to the Right | Dannilynn Thomas / Rosie | Mika Vieths / Lightning McSteve | Bella Sanchez / Phoenix | Elina Cochran / Lulu Lightning |
| FC Adult | Chloe Clark / Kniya | Vikki Fraysure / Crimson Tide | Sydney Armacost / Pinto Bandito | Therese Ducoulombier / Whiskey | Liana Smith / Flash |
AAA+ Times:
- Hazel Scanlan | Who Let the Fox Out – Poles 1
- Kerri Graham | Gin – Poles 1
Bumps:
To AAA:
- DJ Johnson / Sicario
To AA:
- Charissa Yazzie / Horace
- Sierra Mendenhall / Olive Martini
To A:
- Anne-Marie Alcorn / Snickers
- Emi Vieths / Eat my Dust
- Molly Koehn / Sting Like a Bee
Looking Ahead
Mark your calendars for our November two-day show! Don’t forget to reserve your camping spots and stalls early. It’s going to be a great weekend of riding, community and fun.