The Wild Horse Symposium 2026

Bruce Anderson has dedicated his life to working with horses across the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States. A former member of Trinidad and Tobago’s National Show Jumping Team, he has experience in horse breeding, Thoroughbred racing, and the hunter/jumper industry, where he is now established as a trainer in South Carolina. Certified through the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s Trainer Incentive Program, Bruce has extensive experience working with Mustangs and helping horse owners build stronger relationships with their horses. His work with feral horses included assisting with Nunki, the last surviving mare of the now-extinct Abaco Island Wild Horses, an experience that later became the subject of a documentary. Bruce also works alongside mental health professionals, educators, and community organizations to provide Equine Assisted Services that support learning, personal growth, and well-being.

Paige has been involved with horses throughout her life, gaining experience across a wide range of disciplines while developing a strong appreciation for the horse-human bond. After adopting her first mustang, Zyana, in 2018, she focused her work on mustangs and has since trained and partnered with horses from diverse backgrounds. She spent three years as a Mustang Heritage Foundation TIP trainer, participated in multiple mustang makeovers, and competed in the inaugural Mustang Classic at the Kentucky Horse Park. Paige holds a Master of Science in Anthrozoology, the study of human-animal interactions, and is especially interested in strengthening relationships between horses and people. Her approach emphasizes LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) principles and science-based training methods that prioritize the well-being and understanding of the horse.

George Brauneis has had a lifelong connection to horses and burros, inspired by his early support of efforts to protect America’s wild horses and by his childhood experiences growing up with both horses and donkeys. After earning a college degree, he worked in aerospace engineering in California before returning to rural Colorado, where he reconnected with his passion for horses. George’s approach to horsemanship is influenced by his long-standing practice of QiGong, which emphasizes calmness, presence, and awareness in interactions with animals. He works with horses in a low-stress environment that encourages trust, confidence, and voluntary connection. His focus is on helping horses feel safe, understood, and able to develop positive relationships with people while honoring each horse’s individual needs and experiences.

Mustangs have played a significant role in shaping Mary's approach to horsemanship and training. Since beginning her work with mustangs in 2011 through the Extreme Mustang Makeover program, she has developed a deep appreciation for the patience, consistency, and trust required to build successful partnerships with these horses. Her experience has included training and competing with mustangs in national makeover events, where she gained valuable insight into the unique qualities and challenges they present. Through these opportunities, mustangs have remained central to her growth as a horsewoman and continue to influence her training philosophy. She values the resilience, intelligence, and adaptability of the American Mustang and the lessons these horses have provided throughout her career.