MEET THE 2025 WILD HORSES OF ROOSEVELT’S BADLANDS
MAGICA – “Thunder’s Sweet Magica”
May 1, 2017-Aug. 5, 2025
**SPECIAL NOTE: Magica sadly passed away following emergency colic surgery on August 5th, 2025. Magica was the inspiration for this show, and many of the scenes in the show were centered around Magica. While the show will go on in her honor, the loss of Magica has left a huge hole in the program that will be hard to replace in the 4 weeks until showtime. I have been completely devastated by this loss as she was my liberty partner and closest equine friend. Magica absolutely loved performing in front of an audience and this would have been her greatest performance.
-Laura Baker, Producer & Liberty Performer
Magica is a striking 2017 North Dakota Badlands Horse mare, proudly descended from the rugged lineage of Thunder Cloud and Taylor. Born of wild heritage, Magica now captivates audiences across the United States as a key member of the liberty performance team. Her natural charisma and connection to her handler shine in every appearance. Magica’s favorite signature moves include the Rear, Lay Down, and Roll Over—each performed with precision, flair, and unmistakable joy. Her presence in the arena is not just a display of skill, but a celebration of trust, freedom, and the enduring spirit of the wild.
MOTUNUI
Motunui, or Mot for short, is a 2017 BLM Mustang mare from the Sheepshead–Heath Creek Herd Management Area. She was Laura Baker’s draw for the 2023 Extreme Mustang Makeover. From the start, Mot showed intense reactivity and explosive energy—more than could be channeled in the short timeframe of the event. Laura made the difficult but wise decision to withdraw Mot from competition to give her the time and trust she needed to adjust to her new world. That patience paid off. Over time, Mot revealed herself to be a powerhouse in liberty work, with a deep connection to Laura and a love for the art. Now a solid, shining star on the liberty team, Mot performs with strength and heart. She’s often found waiting at the gate, ready to play—living proof of the transformation possible when wildness is met with respect.
SULLY – “Badlands Mysterious Sullivan”
Born wild in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Sully is a 2015 North Dakota Badlands Horse and a proud member of the Westby family. Removed as a weanling using low-stress handling methods, Sully was brought home and trained entirely by Sam Westby. He’s a bold, versatile athlete, competing successfully in cowboy mounted shooting, WSCA events, team sorting, penning, barrel racing, and skijoring. Fast, responsive, and full of heart, Sully shines as Sam’s main shooting mount. Whether running patterns or covering rugged trails, Sully’s grit, athleticism, and willing spirit embody the true legacy of the North Dakota Badlands Horse. He’s the kind of horse every cowboy dreams of.
OKIE – “Oklahoma”
Okie is a 2016 North Dakota Badlands Horse, born wild in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. As a foal, he survived getting stuck in deep mud and spending time separated from his natal band before being removed through low-stress handling methods. He eventually found his forever home with the Westby family in 2023. Sensitive, athletic, and full of heart, Okie has flourished—excelling in WSCA game shows, obstacle challenges, and out on the trail. In 2025, he will begin his next adventure in cowboy mounted shooting.
From early struggles to a bright future, Okie shows that heart and trust can carry you anywhere.
DALTON – “5 O’Clock Dalton Mist”
Dalton may have been a $100 purchase, but he’s proven to be worth his weight in gold. Now 22 years old, this registered Paint gelding has become the seasoned anchor of Laura Baker’s liberty team. Originally partnered with Magica, Dalton quickly showed he had a flair for liberty work—and a personality all his own. With his “show smart” attitude, he knows exactly when the audience is watching and occasionally likes to add his own creative spin to the routine. Despite his playful independence, Dalton brings a calm, experienced presence to the team. As the elder statesman of the group, he helps guide the younger horses and brings a steady, reliable energy to every performance. What started as an unexpected purchase turned into one of the most beloved and dependable partners on the liberty field.
DIEGO – “Dun In Gold Style”
Diego is a 2004 Quarter Horse gelding with undeniable flair and presence. A newer addition to the liberty team, he has already made a name for himself by placing first in pattern work at local liberty shows—proving he’s not just style, but substance too. Diego has a natural charisma that turns heads the moment he steps into the arena. He knows he’s “got it,” and he carries himself with the confidence of a seasoned performer. Whether he’s executing precise maneuvers or simply soaking up the spotlight, Diego brings energy, elegance, and a touch of swagger to every performance.
LENA – “Weavers Lena Lou”
Lena is a 2010 American Quarter Horse mare and a true cornerstone of the Westby family herd. Joining the family as a two-year-old, she quickly proved herself as a horse who could do it all. From earning AQHA points in reining and ranch horse classes to winning money in team penning, sorting, and cowboy mounted shooting, Lena’s versatility and grit stand out. Over the last six years, she’s been Olivia’s trusted partner, leading her to success in saddle club events, WSCA shows, and the WSCA Champ Show.
Now taking on a new role with Harrison, Lena continues to guide the next generation with her steady heart and unmatched spirit.
KISMET – “Firewhiskey Smarts”
Kismet is a 4-year-old American Quarter Horse mare bred, born, and raised at the Westby home. A product of heart, heritage, and a touch of fate, Kismet’s name reflects her pedigree and the Westby family’s love of the Harry Potter series. Out of the proven mare Weavers Lena Lou, Kismet is already stepping up with enthusiasm, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. She’s taken to trail riding and is quickly learning the ropes of cowboy mounted shooting. With energy, heart, and a bright future ahead, Kismet is ready to make her mark as a true all-around partner.
MERLIN – “Merlin’s Magical Thunder”
Merlin is a 2019 North Dakota Badlands Horse, born wild in Theodore Roosevelt National Park to the well-known pair, Thunder Cloud and Taylor—making him the full brother to Magica. At just six months old, Merlin was culled from the park only two weeks after sustaining an eye injury in the wild. The untreated wound left a small blind spot, but it never dimmed his spirit. With quiet determination and heart, Merlin has exceeded every expectation. He now rides beautifully and, in 2025, proudly joined his sister on the liberty team. His presence in the arena is a testament to resilience, transformation, and the enduring strength of wild-born horses.
JEWEL – “Shockin’ Jewel”
Standing tall at 16 hands, Jewel is a striking 2017 bay Appaloosa who is quickly becoming a standout on the liberty team. With her expressive eyes and bold presence, she naturally draws attention—even before she steps into the arena.
Though still newer to liberty and just beginning to develop her saddle skills, Jewel shows immense promise. She brings a calm curiosity to each training session and continues to grow in both confidence and ability. Her quiet intelligence and willingness to try make her a joy to work with—and a horse to watch in the seasons to come.
As one of the younger team members, Jewel adds freshness and beauty to the lineup. She’s the kind of horse you can’t help but root for, with all the potential to shine as she finds her rhythm both under saddle and at liberty.
PUNKY – Escape to Autumn”
Born wild in Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Punky is a 2019 North Dakota Badlands Horse out of Autumn and the legendary stallion Vamoose. Though she was an unexpected addition to the herd, fate had a different plan—Punky was culled from the park at just six months old and began a new chapter under human care.
Now a fresh face on the liberty team, Punky is stepping into her own with heart and curiosity. Many who know the Badlands lines say she carries her sire’s unmistakable build, and her unique spotting along her ribcage makes her truly one of a kind.
With every session, Punky reveals more of her bold spirit and willingness. As she continues her training, she’s quickly becoming a promising young partner—proof that even the most unexpected horses can rise to shine in the spotlight.
V-“Velocicoaster”
“V” is a 2021 BLM Mustang gelding from the Triple B Herd Management Area in Nevada. Picked up from the holding facility in Ewing, Illinois on June 1, 2024, V is at the very beginning of his journey into the world of riding and building a trusting partnership with humans. With his keen awareness and thoughtful nature, he’s learning to navigate new experiences one step at a time. Though he’s not part of the liberty team, V’s story represents the quiet beginnings of something powerful—proving that with patience and connection, even the newest partners have something special to share.
BASHFUL
The Heart of a Wild Horse, the Soul of a Family Bashful, a 2007 grey gelding from the North Dakota Badlands Horse registry, first captured hearts when he made a daring escape from the sales ring at just two years old. Rounded up from the wild herds of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Bashful wasn’t ready to be tamed—until he met Dan Sparling. Purchased by Michael and Dan Sparling, Bashful’s story took a turn from wild to wonderful. Under Dan’s patient guidance, Bashful transformed from a spirited mustang into a loyal companion. Their bond marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey working with wild horses, and Bashful quickly proved himself to be the best horse Dan had ever owned. Willing, intelligent, and deeply intuitive, Bashful does more than ride—he cares. Whether it’s navigating trails or gently watching over Dan’s grandchildren, Bashful brings a quiet strength and loving presence to every moment. His story is a testament to the power of trust, the beauty of wild heritage, and the magic that happens when a horse chooses you back.
TEFITI
TeFiti is a mustang who began her journey with Mitch as his 2023 Extreme Mustang Makeover draw. Together, they placed 5th overall in Handling & Conditioning, showcasing her natural talent and trainability. After the competition, Mitch continued developing her skills at liberty, where TeFiti quickly excelled—earning several 1st place finishes in International Liberty Horse Association classes.
Originally, TeFiti was not slated to perform in Untamed Legacy. However, following the sudden passing of Magica, she was brought forward to carry on the spirit of the liberty team. In just two weeks, TeFiti was refreshed on her liberty work and even learned a brand-new skill—working liberty alongside a ridden horse. Despite the challenge, she has embraced it with heart and determination, proving her willingness to grow and shine.
EAGLE
Eagle, a stunning 2006 black and white Overo gelding from the North Dakota Badlands Horse registry, was born wild in the rugged expanse of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Captured during a roundup, Eagle came to Dan Sparling two years later—still carrying the weight of his untamed past. From the beginning, Eagle revealed himself to be an extraordinarily sensitive horse. Adjusting to domestic life was a slow and delicate process. For nearly two years, Dan worked patiently to earn Eagle’s trust, never rushing the bond that would become the foundation of their partnership. Once that trust was established, the real journey began. Through countless hours of training and riding, Eagle grew into a well-trained and reliable companion. His loyalty to Dan is unwavering, and their connection is built on mutual respect and understanding. Yet, despite his progress, Eagle remains cautious around others—his wild instincts still flickering beneath the surface. Eagle’s story is a testament to the power of patience, empathy, and the unique challenges of working with wild-born horses. He may never fully embrace human interaction beyond Dan, but in that singular bond, he has found safety, purpose, and love.
FIRE – “Ember’s Fire”
Fire was born in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in April 2003 out of The Dirty Brown Mare by Embers. He is a Dunn Bay Roan. He was removed by helicopter roundup that October. When Henry Weber got him home, he was very depressed and allowed them to work with him. When he perked up the initial work was done. Henry was concerned about him getting big enough as many of the park horses were small. He ended up 15-3 hands tall and 1450 pounds. His ancestral DNA showed he has a lot of draft horse background. His temperament is very much in line with that background. Henry rode him back to the park as a 3-year-old. Unlike domestic horses he had ridden in the park, none of the scary crevices, holes, rocks bothered him. One unique habit was that he would not pass up water. It had rained and water was standing in the horse and bison tracks. He would move from track-to-track drinking water. He will still do it. Henry and Fire have averaged 3 trips back to the park per year for the last 18 years. They are now exploring the many trails in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
SUGAR
“Baldy”
Baldy is a 20 year old Flea bitten grey mustang, out of Bella & High Star. Baldy is one of the
North Dakota Badlands Horse founding horses, with many of the other horses you might have
heard of. Baldy is a fun all around horse, who has done everything from bridle less riding in
Medora, to mounted shooting, with a bit of liberty thrown in there too!! Baldy has even done a
bit English riding and small jumps too. This old man even does some speed events, from barrel
racing to pole bending. In 2009 Baldy came out of the park as a wild 4 year old stallion it took
about 2 years to gentle and train Baldy under saddle. Now as a 20 year old gelding he loves trail
riding and racing his friend Dokata who is owned by Emma's good friend. Baldy also loves his
treats like bread, no butter or jelly, just plain bread. Baldy’s plans are to live the retired life
apart from his trail rides and helping Emma train the baby Friesians, which he lives with.
JOIN THE BARNYARD EXPERIENCE AFTER THE SHOW!
Wrap up your evening with an unforgettable behind-the-scenes experience! After the performance, join us in the barnyard to meet the liberty horses, pet a few of your favorites, and hear stories from the cast. This special add-on lets families connect with the stars—both two-legged and four. Perfect for kids, horse lovers, and anyone curious about the magic behind the scenes. Space is limited to keep it personal and meaningful.