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Extreme Mustang Makeover Heads West
The Extreme Mustang Makeover has touched off a firestorm of new fans for America's iconic mustang as 50 trainers have the opportunity to build transforming relationships with the wild horses at they work to gentle each animal in approximately 100 days. The trained mustangs will be judged on conditioning, groundwork, and a "Horse Course" that requires maneuvers and includes obstacles found in trail and recreational riding situations. Now recognized as America's definitive test of horsemanship, horsemen and women are invited to apply for a spot in the competition and must apply no later than February 1. Horses will be available for pick up March 13-14 at the Sacramento Horsemen's Association arena.
Horsemen and women can apply by visiting extrememustangmakeover.com and downloading an application or can call 512.355.3225 for an application. Adoption of the gentled mustangs will take place June 13 and potential adopters can apply for the opportunity to be included in the competitive bidding process at the event with BLM personnel available to review and approve the application on site. In order to apply, applicants must be at least 18 years old, have no prior conviction for inhumane treatment of animals or violations of the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act and be able to demonstrate that adequate food, water and facilities will be available to humanely care for the animal. Adopted horses remain with the adopter for one year before "title" of ownership is provided from the BLM. For full adoption requirements and information, go to http://www.wildhorseandburro.blm.gov/adoption.htm Additional Makeover events are being held in April at the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wis., and Ocala, Fla., during Lynn Palm's Women LUV Horses event, as well as in August at the Wyoming State Fair in Douglas. Events in Tennessee and Texas are also on the slate. The Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), created the Extreme Mustang Makeover and Mustang Challenge events to highlight the recognized value of American Mustangs through a national training competition. The event will give the public a unique opportunity to see the results of wild horses becoming trained mounts and then participate in a competitive bidding process to adopt one of these treasured animals. The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility, and trainability of these rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the BLM under Federal law. Nearly 26,000 Mustangs roam federal lands across the country. In order to manage the herds and maintain both land and herd health, the BLM oversees the adoption of wild horses and burros through public adoptions held throughout the United States. Since 1973, more than 219,000 wild horses and burros have been adopted. |
When more than 5,000 enthusiastic fans lined up to witness the transformation of 25 wild horses in 2008, the Extreme Mustang Makeover became a highlight of the Western States Horse Expo and will make a return engagement with 50 mustangs June 12-14. 
"We're finding new stars in the horse training world each and every time we host a Makeover," said Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert. "With the ability to take a horse from a virtual clean slate, these trainers are able to use their techniques to demonstrate how a wild horse can be transformed into a willing partner. The best result from all of this is that the trainers often become students themselves as that wild horse allows that communication to happen. It is really amazing." 