Gator
Trained by Marissa Filbrun
Age
5 yrs
Sex
Gelding
Height
14.2 hh
Color
Bay
State
OH
Placing
—
HMA (Herd Management Area)
Murders Creek, OR
Trainer Biography
Marissa, 24, is a horse trainer from Preble County, Ohio, specializing in colt starting and foundation-based horsemanship. Over the past several years, she has built a successful training program focused on starting, restarting, and developing horses through clear communication, consistency, and trust. Marissa's training philosophy emphasizes creating confident, willing partners by building a strong foundation before advancing to more complex work. She believes horses learn best through fair leadership, understanding, and the opportunity to think through challenges rather than simply react to pressure. Inspired by respected horsemen including Craig Cameron, Stacy Westfall, Jesse Peters, Buck Brannaman, and Ray Hunt, Marissa is passionate about showcasing the intelligence and potential of America's wild horses through thoughtful, patient horsemanship.
120-Day Training Story
Gator is a young Mustang with a solid foundation, a smart mind, and a ton of personality. On the ground, he leads, backs, disengages his hindquarters and forehand, sends out, circles, changes direction, works through obstacles, and has been introduced to liberty. He also knows some fun extras, including how to sit, which definitely fits his curious, willing personality. Under saddle, Gator is walking, trotting, and cantering with a rider. He is learning to stay relaxed on a loose rein, steer, stop, back, transition smoothly, and stay focused in new environments. He has been ridden outside the round pen, on trails, and through water crossings. One of his biggest accomplishments has been learning to stop and think instead of immediately reacting. His confidence has really blossomed, and he is becoming much more dependable. Gator is intelligent, affectionate, curious, and very people-oriented. He loves scratches, learns incredibly fast, and genuinely wants to please. He is still green and would be best suited for an experienced horse home that understands young horses and is willing to continue his education. He could make a really fun prospect for versatility, obstacles, trail riding, liberty work, or someone wanting a smart Mustang to keep developing. The relationship matters to Gator. He does best with someone patient, confident, and clear who is willing to earn his trust rather than rush him. He has come a long way from being wild, and the right person is going to get a very special horse.
Published Results
No published results are available for this horse yet.
Auction
In Auction
This horse will be offered through the Bluegrass Mustang Makeover live auction on October 31, 2026, following the competition and awards ceremony. All horses are sold as-is, with no guarantees expressed or implied. Buyers are encouraged to speak with the trainer, review the horse’s information, and watch the horse compete before bidding.
Auction Terms
All sales are final. The highest accepted bid will be considered the winning bid. The Bluegrass Mustang Makeover reserves the right to reject or reopen a disputed bid. Buyers are responsible for all costs associated with the horse after purchase, including transportation, boarding, veterinary care, and any required paperwork.
Buyer Requirements
These horses are being transferred under BLM sale authority, so a BLM adoption application is not required. Buyers must be at least 18 years old and able to provide safe, appropriate care, fencing, shelter, and transportation for the horse. The Bluegrass Mustang Makeover reserves the right to refuse a sale if there are concerns about the horse’s future care or placement.
Payment Info
Payment is due in full immediately following the auction. Accepted payment methods will be announced before the sale. Horses will not be released until payment has been completed and all required sale documents have been signed. Any processing fees associated with card payments may be added to the buyer’s total.
Pickup Info
Purchased horses may be picked up after payment and paperwork are complete. Buyers must provide safe, appropriate transportation. All horses must leave the Henry County Fairgrounds no later than noon on November 1, 2026, unless other arrangements have been approved in advance. Any additional boarding or care costs caused by delayed pickup will be the buyer’s responsibility.