The Panel
Meet the Judges
Mark Lyon
Judge
Mark Lyon is a lifelong horseman, trainer, clinician, and the owner of Lyon Horsemanship. After years of studying under respected horsemen including Buck Brannaman, Martin Black, and Peter Campbell, Mark began training horses professionally in 2004. His approach blends practical, real-world horsemanship with the balance, softness, and refinement of the traditional Vaquero style. In 2008, Mark was selected as one of 200 trainers to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover, where he transformed an untouched mustang named Christian in just 100 days and earned the championship title. Mark and Christian later placed second in freestyle competition at the 2009 Sun Circuit and went on to win the “Battle for the Bling” competition against Tommy Garland. Throughout his career, Mark has continued expanding his horsemanship through liberty work, clinics, expos, equine theater performances, and film projects. At the heart of his program is a focus on communication, helping horses and riders build clearer, softer, and more confident partnerships. His extensive experience with mustangs, performance horses, liberty work, and developing versatile equine partners makes him a valuable addition to the 2026 Bluegrass Mustang Makeover judging panel.
Sam VanFleet
Judge
Sam VanFleet is a professional horse trainer, clinician, and longtime mustang advocate known for her thoughtful approach to gentling wild horses and developing willing, confident partners. She began working with horses as a young teenager and competed in her first Youth Extreme Mustang Makeover at age 15. Since then, she has participated in more than ten mustang challenges and has consistently earned Top 10 finishes. Through VanFleet Mustangs, Sam works with young horses and mustangs while specializing in colt starting, groundwork, liberty, trick training, and dressage. Her training emphasizes patience, trust, body language, and adjusting her energy to meet the individual horse rather than relying on a single method. Sam also travels as a clinician, sharing her knowledge of mustang gentling, liberty work, and building stronger communication between horses and handlers. Her extensive makeover experience and commitment to creating relaxed, willing equine partners make her a valuable addition to the 2026 Bluegrass Mustang Makeover judging panel.
Rebecca Bowman
Judge
Rebecca Bowman is the owner and manager of Fall Creek Falls Equestrian, a working horse and cattle farm located in Pikeville, Tennessee. With many years of experience training and caring for horses, she also teaches riders of all ages and experience levels. Rebecca is deeply involved in the mustang community as a trainer, event organizer, and advocate for America’s wild horses. She has competed in Mustang Magic and has hosted multiple Mustang Heritage Foundation challenges, including events in Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina. Through these programs, she has helped provide youth and adult trainers with opportunities to gentle, train, showcase, and place BLM mustangs and burros. Her extensive experience with mustangs, equine competitions, event management, and developing horses and riders makes Rebecca a valuable addition to the 2026 Bluegrass Mustang Makeover judging panel.
Dr. Mikala Vig
Judge
Dr. Mikala Vig is an equine veterinarian specializing in sports medicine and rehabilitation. She earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Midwestern University College of Veterinary Medicine in 2020 before completing an equine medicine and surgery internship at Chaparral Veterinary Medical Center in Cave Creek, Arizona. After spending time in private practice, she completed a residency in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation at Colorado State University in 2025. Her professional interests center on equine athletes, including lameness, rehabilitation, injury prevention, and helping horses perform comfortably and successfully. Throughout her education and career, Dr. Vig has remained committed to keeping the horse’s overall well-being at the center of treatment and training decisions. Dr. Vig’s veterinary knowledge and experience evaluating equine soundness, movement, conditioning, and long-term welfare bring an important perspective to the 2026 Bluegrass Mustang Makeover judging panel.