Horse Trainer and Mustang Break World Record With 52 Tricks

Lauryn Zepeda and her mustang Gringo just proved that the best partnerships are built on trust, not pressure. The Bolivia, North Carolina trainer recently earned a Guinness World Record for performing the most tricks with a horse in under three minutes, completing an incredible 52 tricks in just two minutes and 47 seconds.

The journey to world record holder started completely by accident. Zepeda was competing in obstacle challenges with Gringo and used trick training at home as a way to build their bond through clicker training.

While waiting on the sidelines at competitions, she'd show off what Gringo could do. People noticed when they saw the mustang sit down, lie down, and perform other impressive moves. Soon, event organizers started asking if she could perform at halftime shows, and her performance career took off from there.

The record attempt came with a major twist that raised the stakes considerably. Guinness World Records told Zepeda she couldn't use a halter, bridle, or any equipment on Gringo whatsoever. She couldn't even hold tools in her hands, meaning every single command had to be verbal or sign language.

Gringo rose to the challenge because Zepeda never pushed him beyond his comfort zone. She explained that performing creates pressure to deliver for the watching crowd, but horses don't understand that human expectation. If she forced Gringo to do something he didn't want to do, he'd feel betrayed, and their trust would break.

Sunny's Take

This story reminds us that the best achievements happen when we prioritize relationship over results. Zepeda carries her physical Guinness World Record certificate to events because it still doesn't feel real, but what's more remarkable is her commitment to listening to her horse. She'll only continue performing "until the horses tell me no."

Her mission extends beyond entertainment too. Zepeda wants to change how people think about horses, especially older ones or those who can't be ridden anymore. Knowing horses can have meaningful work on the ground gives them purpose and a career beyond their riding years.

She's now working on opening a public farm called The Branch in Bolivia, where people can experience her training philosophy firsthand. As for breaking her own record? She's already thinking about it for next year, but only if Gringo is willing.

The world record is impressive, but the real win is showing that trust always comes before the trophy.