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Extreme Mustang Makeover - Media

EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER - MEDIA

MUSTANG HERITAGE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCED 2012 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER SCHEDULE
From California to New Jersey and points in between, talented Mustangs will be showcased.

Georgetown, Texas, September 12, 2011 - Since the first Extreme Mustang Makeover event was held in 2007, the Mustang Heritage Foundation has facilitated the adoptions of more than 3,000 gentled American Mustangs. In 2012, the Foundation in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management will continue to increase its efforts to raise awareness of adoptions of America's Mustangs. Next year, the Mustang Heritage Foundation will host eight Extreme Mustang Makeover events and travel to new areas in the United States.

The year begins in Fort Worth, Texas, at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo with the invitational Mustang Magic. More than 20 Mustangs and their trainers are scheduled to compete January 19-21, 2012. The Mustangs will be available for adoption following the competition.

In April, the Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to the Midwest Horse Fair in Madison, Wisconsin. The Wisconsin Extreme Mustang Makeover will take place April 20-22. Applications for the Midwest Horse Fair Extreme Mustang Makeover will be available at www.extrememustangmakeover.com after October 1.

In May, the Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to Norco, California. Living up to its Horsetown USA moniker, Norco competitors will showcase their Mustangs' talents on an urban trail course as well as other classes. The event is scheduled for May 18-20, 2012.

June will be a busy month for the Extreme Mustang Makeover crew as they travel to Colorado and Oregon. The Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Collins, Colorado, will be held June 8-10 at Colorado State University. The Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to Oregon to the Linn County Horse Center in Albany. The Oregon event will be held June 29-July 1.

In 2012, the Extreme Mustang Makeover will travel farther north and east than ever before as Mustangs make their first extreme appearance in New Jersey. August 10-12, the Extreme Mustang Makeover will travel to the northeast for an event at New Jersey Dram Park in Gloucester County, New Jersey.

The Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover will add a new twist in 2012 as 100 yearlings will be offered for adoption for a new youth division. Yearlings will be adopted prior to the Supreme similar to the 200 older horses that will be offered, too. In 2012, three adult divisions will again be offered with an estimated $200,000 purse in addition to the new youth division. Dates for the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover competition are being finalized, but the adoption auction will take place March 31.

The final stop on the schedule will be in Clemson, South Carolina, October 19-21, 2012. The Extreme Mustang Makeover will make its first-ever visit to South Carolina.

Excluding the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover event where horses will be adopted prior to competing, Mustangs will be available for adoption at all Extreme Mustang Makeover events. Trainers interested in competing in Extreme Mustang Makeover events must complete and submit an application, which will be available for the first event at the Extreme Mustang Makeover website after October 1. Excluding the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover, trainers competing at an Extreme Mustang Makeover event receive $700 for reimbursed expenses, and there are no entry fees to enter. More than $350,000 in estimated prize money will be available at the 2012 events. Following the success of the bonus divisions for Rookies (first time EMM trainers), Young Guns (trainers 18-21 years old) and Silver Bullets (trainers 50 years old or older) in 2011, the bonuses will return in 2012. Visit www.extrememustangmakeover.com for the latest information on the Extreme Mustang Makeover events.

Date Event - City, State
January 19-21, 2012 Mustang Magic - Fort Worth, Texas
March 31, 2012 Supreme Extreme Mustang Adoption - Fort Worth, Texas
April 20-22, 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Madison, Wisconsin
May 18-20, 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Norco, California
June 8-10, 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Ft. Collins, Colorado
June 29-July1, 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Albany, Oregon
August 10-12, 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Gloucester County, New Jersey
September TBA, 2012 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover - Fort Worth, Texas
October 19-21, 2012 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Clemson, South Carolina


SCOTT STINEMETZ AND DIEGO WIN LINCOLN EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER

Georgetown, Texas, September 25, 2010 - Scott Stinemetz and Diego turned in a championship performance to win the 2010 Extreme Mustang Makeover in Lincoln, Nebraska. The pair earned $2,500 for their performance. Scott and Diego wowed the crowd and the judges - scoring an 86 in the finals out of a possible 90 points.

Scott and Diego were ranked third coming into the finals. The pair finished fifth in the in-hand class and second in the horse course. Given the opportunity to show their best in the freestyle finals, the pair shined. Demonstrating total trust between horse and rider, Scott blindfolded Diego and asked the willing gelding to walk on a see-sawing bridge. Diego patiently felt with his hoof and stepped onto the wobbling bridge.

Twenty-eight Mustangs competed at the Lincoln event. The American Mustangs were previously untouched by humans before training began June 11 for the competition. In the designated time, the trainers have worked with their Mustangs using natural horsemanship techniques in order to show the talents of their Mustangs at the Extreme Mustang Makeover.

Read the full story here...


EXTREME MUTT MAKEOVER RETURNS TO FORT WORTH
Shelter Dogs Receive a New "Leash" on Life

Georgetown, Texas, May 4 - Dogs destined to live, or more likely, die in a North Texas animal shelter will now receive a new "leash" on life as the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) and the North Texas Humane Society team up again in 2010 to host the Extreme Mutt Makeover.

The Extreme Mutt Makeover will be held August 13-14 in Fort Worth, Tex., during the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover that will feature more than 100 formerly wild horses competing for a purse of $100,000.

Read the full story here...


TEAM EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER MARKS AN EVOLUTION
Clinic/Competition Concept Wave of the Future

Georgetown, Texas - The Team Extreme Mustang Makeover marked a turning point, of sorts, for both the participating trainers and the Extreme Mustang Makeover initiative as nearly 40 horsemen made their way to Fort Collins, Colo., to work with world champion Al Dunning and nationally known clinician Ken McNabb in a team concept that also offered individual recognition.

Like other Extreme Mustang Makeover events, the competition climaxed with a freestyle finals held Saturday, June 12 at the B.W. Pickett Equine Center on the campus of Colorado State University. The crowd came in anticipation of a final that the Makeover has become known for and the 12 finalists didn't disappoint.

Read the full story here...


YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM
Youth & Young Adults Ages 15-24

Do you have a passion for the American Mustang and need a little cash this summer? Then APPLY TODAY for one of four job opportunities available through the Mustang Heritage Foundation!

Become a Mustang Representative, a Mustang Apprentice or a Mustang Camp Counselor!

Click here for more info!


MUSTANG HERITAGE FOUNDATION ANNOUNCES 2011 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER SCHEDULE
From California to Tennessee and points in between, talented Mustangs will be showcased.

Georgetown, Texas, October 5, 2010 - With more than 30,000 American Mustangs waiting to be adopted in BLM facilities, the Mustang Heritage Foundation is stepping up its efforts to help these American legends find adoptive homes. In 2011, the Mustang Heritage Foundation's Extreme Mustang Makeover events will continue to showcase the talents of the American Mustang and will up the ante by offering the largest purse ever in Mustang competition.

Building on the success of the 2010 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover, the 2011 event will be bigger and better. Two hundred Mustangs will be available for adoption and will be eligible to compete for their share of an estimated $200,000 purse at the September 16-17 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover to be held in Fort Worth, Texas. With double the purse of the 2010 event, this will be the richest wild horse competition in history! With the larger purse available, the Supreme event follows a different format than other Extreme Mustang Makeovers, and Mustangs are adopted prior to the competition. A competitive-bid adoption will be held April 16 and will be televised through Superior Auction Services on RFD-TV. Bidders must be pre-approved by March 1.

The year begins in Fort Worth at the Southwestern Exposition Livestock Show and Rodeo with the invitational Mustang Magic. Twenty-five Mustangs and their trainers will compete January 21-22, 2011. The Mustangs will be available for adoption following the competition.

In May, Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to Norco, California. Living up to its Horsetown USA moniker, Norco competitors will showcase their Mustangs' talents on an urban trail course as well as other classes. The event is scheduled for May 13-15, 2011.

Equine superstar Al Dunning will again add extra excitement to the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dunning will offer insight and coaching at the Colorado State University event June 10-12.

The storied history shared by Mustangs and Native Americans will be front and center when the Extreme Mustang Makeover makes a stop at the Navajo Nation and Dine College in Tsaile, Arizona. The scenery will be breathtaking and the experience unforgettable August 12-14, 2011.

The final stop on the schedule will be Murfreesboro, Tennessee, October 21-23, 2011. The Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to Tennessee Miller Coliseum on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

Excluding the Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover event where horses will be adopted prior to competing, Mustangs will be available for adoption at all Extreme Mustang Makeover events. Trainers interested in competing in Extreme Mustang Makeover events must complete and submit an application, which will be available for the first events at the Extreme Mustang Makeover website after November 1. Visit www.extrememustangmakeover.com for the latest information on the Extreme Mustang Makeover events.

Date Event - City, State:

January 21-22, 2011 Mustang Magic - Fort Worth, Texas
April 16, 2011 Supreme Extreme Mustang Adoption - Fort Worth, Texas
May 13-15, 2011 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Norco, California
June 10-12, 2011 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Ft. Collins, Colorado
August 12-14, 2011 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Tsaile, Arizona
September 16-17, 2011 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover - Fort Worth, Texas
October 21-23, 2011 Extreme Mustang Makeover - Murfreesboro, Tennessee


AMERICAN MUSTANGS CELEBRATED AT CAMP WILDFIRE
National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame to Host

Fort Worth, Texas, July 6, 2010 - Youth in Dallas, Fort Worth and the surrounding area are set to experience an exciting summer as members of Camp Wildfire, August 13-14, at the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame.

Funded through a grant from the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, youth ages 9 and older are invited to take part in two days of activities that center around the stewardship of the land and protection of the wild horse.

The program will focus on National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee Velma "Wild Horse Annie" Johnston and will feature an opportunity to learn from professional horse trainers involved in the $100,000 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover at the Will Rogers Memorial Equestrian Center. Each camp participant will receive a souvenir t-shirt, backpack and camera, as well as tickets to a Supreme Extreme evening performance.

Cost for the program is an affordable $10 for both days to include lunch. Scholarships are available. Activities will begin at 1 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday, with both days ending at 4 p.m. Register online or go to cowgirl.net.

For more information, please contact the National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame at 817.509.8967 or go to cowgirl.net.

About the National Cowgirl Museum

The National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame honors and celebrates women, past and present, whose lives exemplify the courage, resilience, and independence that helped shape the American West, and fosters an appreciation of the ideals and spirit of self-reliance they inspire.


EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER FAN BASE REACHES 10,000
It's Nice to be "Liked

Georgetown, Tex., June 29, -The Extreme Mustang Makeover Facebook page reached a milestone today with the accumulation of 10,000 people indicating they "like the effort to place wild horses in Bureau of Land Management (BLM) short-term holding facilities for adoption through a training competition.

"This is the largest Facebook group focused on the adoption of or concerns about wild horses, ‘said Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) Executive Director Patti Colbert. "Along with our sister pages, National Wild Horse Adoption Awareness and the Mustang Heritage Foundation, the outreach to educate the public about the adoptability and trainability of America's wild horse is reaching more than 12,000 people on a regular basis.

The growth of the Makeover's Facebook page mirrors that of the social networking phenomenon whose growth has increased by 145% in the past year. More than 80% of the Makeover fans are female, with the majority of those fans being between the ages of 35-55. Fans are not only found in the U.S., but in Canada, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Australia, Sweden and Italy, as well as a number of other countries.

Colbert attributes the growth to the appeal the wild horse has across a broad spectrum of the public.

"The American public realizes that this horse is truly ‘ours' and that perception has been evident in the reception the Makeover receives from basic animal lovers to people with deep roots in the mainstream horse industry, she said. "Makeover events typically draw an average of 2,500 spectators to its finals performances, with thousands more visiting events during go rounds and down times to meet trainers and see the horses.

Colbert said national media attention on outlets such as Fox News and CNN, as well as in large market areas like Los Angeles, Denver and Dallas, have spurred the attention people are placing on the possibility of adopting a mustang in training and continuing that journey with that horse as an adopter.

The Makeover Facebook page features photographs and videos of events, as well as constant updates regarding adoption opportunities, training programs and other information.


A SUPERIOR ADOPTION BEGINS $100,000 JOURNEY

Georgetown, Texas, April 24 - An historic adoption ended Saturday April 24 when the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) placed 108 six-year-old mustangs for more than $70,000, averaging $650 per head. Drew Olsen of Georgia claimed the high-adopting mustang, a bay gelding, for $3,700. Cindy Branham of Kansas came in close behind taking a striking buckskin gelding for $3,500.

The adoption was carried live on RFD TV through Superior Livestock Productions in Fort Worth and the bidder lines were smoking.

Adopters for the event were pre-approved for their chance to clam one of the wild horses for their chance to enter the $100,000 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover August 13-14 in Fort Worth, Texas, where $50,000 is guaranteed to the winner.

Current plans include competition similar to that of the Extreme Mustang Makeover, which consists of body condition scoring, which measures the overall health and condition of the animal; an in hand course, which requires the trainer to demonstrate their ability to handle the Mustang on foot, including moving through an obstacle course, picking up the horse's feet and loading it into a trailer; and a "horse course," which requires the trainer to ride the horse through a series of obstacles and complete basic maneuvers, such as a walk, trot and lope, stop and back. Twenty finalists will compete in a freestyle competition to determine the winner and are encouraged to use props, music and other theatrical methods to demonstrate the skills they have taught their Mustangs since pickup. Trainers will have approximately 120 days to get their new charges in shape for the competition.

"This was nothing short of amazing," said MHF Executive Director Patti Colbert. "We had barely welcomed viewers to the show before bidders were calling in to place their bids. Incredible. Just incredible."

Colbert said the adoption barely went past the two-hour broadcast window available on RFD, with seven horses adopted via the Internet at superiorlive.com.

"The Foundation is so grateful to everyone who hung in there with us and supported this adoption," she said. "This adoption was truly an act of faith and belief that Extreme Mustang Makeover fans would want an event like this to happen."

At six years old, the mustangs were likely headed to a long-term holding facility, but with this adoption, they have not only found a home, but a purpose.

The $100,000 Supreme Extreme Mustang Makeover competition will be the richest wild horse competition in history. Tickets are available through www.extrememustangmakeover.com.


EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER GRAD BECOMES OFFICIAL COLLEGE MASCOT

Northeast Alabama Community College in Rainesville, Ala., now has a new official mascot, according to college officials: Trouper, a mustang owned by Amber Rain Mathewson, a horse trainer from Henagar.

"Since our official symbol/mascot for the college is the mustang horse, we are very pleased that we will now have an actual mustang to represent the college and parades and other events here and off campus," stated Dr. David Campbell, NACC President. Campbell added that Mathewson generously volunteered Trouper as the college mascot.

Trouper is originally from the mountain ranges of Nevada, but came to the Southeast as a part of the United States Bureau of Land Management's mustang relocation program. This program addresses the problem of the overpopulation of mustangs in the western states by finding trainers and owners for them in other parts of the United States. Land Management officials point out that a mustang herd can double in numbers in as short as a four year period and that food supplies for horses on the Western ranges have become increasingly scarce.

Mathewson obtained Trouper through this program, but only after she had trained him and competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Murfreesboro last October. Mathewson operates Whispering Rain Farms near Henagar and her husband, Jamie.

" I am so excited and thrilled," Mathewson told the Foundation. "I'm in awe of what all has come out of the Extreme Mustang Makeover for me. What started off as something that I probably should not have done because of my health has turned into a complete life changing experience. Because of the BLM, MHF, EMM, the Dawn Lappin Fund and of course, Trouper, I am now going to be able to go back to college and finish my degree How wonderful is that!"

Trouper is now a part of the Mathewson family, with even the Mathewson's young daughter Montana to peting him and with support sitting astride him. Mathewson continues to own Trouper and will keep him at her family farm, but will bring to the college or other locations for special Northeast events.

The college has long been symbolized by the Mustang image, and its sports teams of the 1960s and 1970s were called the Mustangs. "Several years ago, we revitalized the mustang symbol and made it a part of our official seal," Campbell stated. "And our new Health Education and Workforce Development Building features this seal in the lobby of the building. This seal is quite impressive."

College officials say that Trouper is the first actual mustang used as the mascot for Northeast, although in the 1970s, there were some photographs made of a horse representing the college's mustang symbol and students for one of the school's yearbooks. This horse was owned by someone living near the college. Although this was a prize-winning horse, it was not a mustang and was not used for any other events. Actual mustangs originate from those brought to America by Spanish explorers. They later were used by Native Americans, the American cavalry, and settlers in the West. Mustangs are recognized for their strength, durability, and sense of spirit. These traits, along with the fact that there was a riding arena located near the college, lead college officials to chose the mustang as the symbol/mascot of the college.

"We are very pleased to have Trouper now as an official part of the college," Campbell stated. "We also have awarded Ms. Mathewson with an Achievement Scholarship to handle and train trouper, provide educational information on animal training, and to bring Trouper to college events and activities. In addition to being an expert trainer, Ms. Mathewson also is a very good student." Campbell added that he had seen a news article about Mathewson and Trouper winning the mustang competition, and asked the college's event planner, Susan Barron, to see if Mathewson could bring Trouper to the college to show students, staff, and faculty and to explain the legacy and history of the mustang. As a result of Mathewson's subsequent presentation, Trouper is now the official NACC mascot.



EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER HORSE CAPTURES ADMIRATION AT IDA SHOW

A graduate of the Extreme Mustang Makeover is snatching admiration from college students in the Intercollegiate Dressage Association. A show was hosted by Florida State University January 23rd and 24th where the mustang, Onyx, was a true star.

Almost a year to the date after first meeting Onyx, a wild Nevada Mustang, Onyx was handily carrying riders through dressage tests at a competition where colleges compete against each other to via for spots for Dressage Nationals.

In IDA, schools from each region converge to compete against one another to national points. The interesting thing about IDA is that students do not ride their own horses. Visiting schools, and a lottery provides horses, or random draw selects the horse that the student is to ride. The student is allowed 10 minutes to "warm-up" their unfamiliar mount, and then head straight to the show ring to perform their dressage test in front of the judge, with their respective schools routing them on. It takes a special horse to be used for IDA, both talented and well trained, but also a horse with a heart of gold and excellent patience to handle being ridden in a show environment with unfamiliar riders. Three different riders typically ride each horse each day of competition.

Onyx, a fifth place finisher in the 2009 Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover, (now owned by Holly Bailey of Monticello, Fl) performed flawlessly for her college-age riders over the weekend, scoring in the mid to high 60's, and even receiving many votes by the students for the "Best Draw" of the day award, where students vote on the most desirable horse to draw for the show.

Schools present included Florida State University, University of Florida, University or Central Florida, and Central Florida Community College.

The Coach of FSU is Marsha Hartford Sapp, who trained Onyx for the Mustang Makeover, and also was a top 10 finisher for the Eastern Stampede Extreme Mustang Makeover.


BOOTS MADE FOR WINNING AT EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER EASTERN STAMPEDE
Tennessee trainer to donate earnings to local hippotherapy program

Rock'n Red and Jessica Davis of Janesville, Wisc., captured the Idols championship with a stunning and graceful routine to "Puttin' on the Ritz."

An accomplished dancer, Diane Ward of Brandon, Miss., strikes a pose aboard Docs Golden Allegro to take the win in yearling competition.

Boots Burro completes his bridleless ride as trainer Gary Stanfill of Lexington, Tenn. acknowledges the crowd.

Murfreesboro, TN, October 25, 2009 - Boots Burro's life was probably on the losing track as he stood in a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) holding facility in June, but that all changed when trainer Gary Stanfill drew him as his mount for the Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede and the pair took the win October 24 in the $15,000 Legends division.

The four-year-old sorrel gelding didn't even have a name, just a number that identified him as one of 30,000 wild horses under the care of the BLM, who provides wild horses to the Mustang Heritage Foundation for adoption through its Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions around the country.

Stanfill, of Lexington, Tenn., said the gelding surprised him. "I was very surprised at how athletic he turned out to be and how quickly he came around," said the trainer, who has been involved with American Quarter Horses most of his life. "This has been a great experience for me; a fun experience."

Stanfill's win didn't come easy, though, as he bested a field of 28 in the Legends division. In a rare tie for first place, Stanfill had to go up against Dillinger and Hank Hepperly of Walland, Tenn., in a "mustang smackdown" to determine the winner after both had performed and received the same score for their freestyle performance. With music selections by management and two minutes to perform, Boots Burro repeated his ease of movement and lead changes, not to mention his clear connection to the rider, to take the win over Dillinger, whose sliding stops were a crowd favorite.

Stanfill earned $5,000 for the win, which he plans to donate along with funding raised through Lexington businesses to a local hippotherapy program. Boots had a strong following at the show, having already raised a fan base in Lexington when Stanfill made front page news for riding Boots into the mayor's office, as well into a local bank lobby to make a deposit.

The more than 90 horses in the competition were scored on body condition, which measures the overall health and condition of the animal; an in hand course, which requires the trainer to demonstrate their ability to handle the Mustang on foot, including moving through an obstacle course, picking up the horse's feet and loading it into a trailer; and a "horse course," which requires the trainer to ride the horse through a series of obstacles and complete basic maneuvers, such as walk, trot and lope, stop and back.

Three levels of competition were presented during the Extreme Mustang Makeover, including Idols and Legends, featuring three and four year old geldings, as well as Mission 008, featuring yearlings with trainers age 18 and under. Idol and Legend levels are determined by the trainers own assessment of the horse's progress and level of ability. A total of $30,000 was offered in the competition, with a $5,000 prize going to the Legends champion, while the Idol champion will take home $3,000 and the youth champion taking home $1,500.

After 100 days of work, on October 23, Jessica Davis and her four-year-old American Mustang Rock'n Red traveled from Janesville, WI to Murfreesboro, Tenn. to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede where they were named the champions in the Idols Division.

Performing to the tune "Puttin' on the Ritz," it was hard to imagine the sorrel gelding as a wild horse with moves that included great extension at the trot and a classical frame worthy of any dressage arena. The pair bested a field of 34 contenders and earned $3,000 of the $10,000 purse and a championship Gist Silversmith buckle for the win.

A total of 22 youth returned to Murfreesboro with their young charges and inspired the audience with their dedication and effort. Taking the Mission 008 championship was 18-year-old Diane Ward of Brandon, Miss. Bringing her dance experience to the arena, Diane and her palomino gelding Docs Golden Allegro wowed the crowd with a performance the incorporated flame and finesse. The pair earned $1,500 of the $5,000 purse.

The MHF on cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to highlight the recognized value of 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 the Bureau of Land Management protects them under Federal law. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure heard health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption.

View full results here.


MARINE COLOR GUARD FEATURED AT EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER EASTERN STAMPEDE
Formerly Wild Horses Serve A Mounts for Color Guard

October 10, 2009, Georgetown, TX - In a rare public appearance east of the Mississippi, the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard will appear October 23-24 during the Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard was formed aboard Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow, Calif., in 1967 and designated an official Mounted Color Guard by Headquarters Marine Corps in 1968. This is the only remaining Mounted Color Guard in the Marine Corps today.

This elite military unit has performed throughout the Western United States, traveling as far as Memphis, Tenn. The Mounted Color Guard has received numerous national awards including Overall High Point Champion and Class Champion from the California National Association of Paraders from 1980 to 1985, 1989 and 1991 to 1997, and Overall Outstanding Equestrian Group from 1987 to 1989. The Mounted Color Guard no longer competes due to military regulations.

In January 1985, the Mounted Color Guard made its first appearance in the Tournament of Roses Parade. Since January 1990, the Mounted Color Guard has participated in the Tournament of Roses. The Mounted Color Guard has been given the extreme honor of the first military unit to lead the parade 1990, 1995, 1998, 2001 and 2002.

The Mounted Color Guard has also participated in events such as the Fiesta Bowl, Super Bowl Parades and Military Finals Rodeos. This unit is active with public schools and participates with the DARE Program and Good Citizenship Programs. This unit also sponsors and provides training for the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Mounted Color Guard in Sturgis, S.D.

In what would seem a nod to history with mustangs having derived in part from released cavalry horses, the Mounted Color Guard rides wild mustangs of Palomino color adopted from the Bureau of Land Management's Adopt a Horse and Burro Program. The mounts are gentled and trained by inmates from the Warm Springs Correctional Center in Carson City, Nevada, under the supervision of Hank Curry.

The Bureau of Land Management honored this unit by portraying it on the first edition of the BLM's "Wild Horse" trading cards.

The Mounted Color Guard members are active-duty Marines who volunteer their time evening, weekends, and holidays and perform these duties in addition to their regular duties.

The Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede will feature nearly 100 formerly wild horses and the trainers competing for a purse of $25,000. Tickets for the Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede October 24 finals are available at extrememustangmakeover.com. All other events are free.


EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER EQUINE CONTENDERS TO BE PRESENTED DURING SMU VS NAVY GAME OCTOBER 17
T.Boone and Madeleine Pickens To Make Presentation of Adopted Mustangs

Georgetown, Texas, Sept. 30, 2009 - Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens of Dallas, Tex., adopters of two Extreme Mustang Makeover equine contenders, El Compadre and Felio, today announced that they will present the mustangs to Southern Methodist University during its contest against Navy October 17 in Dallas.

The announcement was made during a press conference highlighting the coming halftime activities at Gerald Ford Stadium on the SMU campus. At the game, Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens will present SMU President Dr. Gerald Turner, SMU Head Football Coach June Jones and Southern Methodist University with the beautiful and trained Nevada Mustangs as a gift to the school.

"This is a great opportunity for our program and we were honored that the Pickens' approached the Foundation to assist them in identifying appropriate horses," said Patti Colbert, Executive Director of the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF). "The Foundation certainly supports Madeleine in her goal to protect the wild horse population and appreciates her bringing attention to the value of the human-animal bond created through the mustangs, their trainers and adopters."

El Compadre, a three-year-old bay gelding gathered from the Maverick Medicine herd management area, will be under the hand of trainer Jesus Jaruegui of Bailey's Harbor, Wis. El Compadre and Jaruegui were among the top 10 in the Legends division at the recent Extreme Mustang Makeover Western Stampede competition in Fort Worth September 18-20.

The black gelding, Felio, also a three-year-old, will have trainer Scott Stinemetz of Great Bend, Kan., in the saddle. Felio, who was among the top 20 in Legends competition, was gathered from the Owyee region of Nevada.

Currently, the mustangs are under the care of SMU Equestrian Team Head Coach Haley Schoolfield.

"These mustangs are certainly not what we expected and don't fit the stereotype," she said. "They are truly good looking horses and we're amazed with how far they've come in their training under Jesus and Scott."

Ms. Pickens said the connection with the SMU Mustangs and her goal to protect wild horses through her National Wild Horse Foundation was "divine intervention."

"I'm sure there are people wondering why we are doing all of this," said Madeleine Pickens. "One of my life's passions is to protect and save America's Wild Horses -- a living symbol of our American heritage and freedom. What better place to get the word out about protecting and saving wild horses than Dallas, Texas, and a football game at the home of the SMU Mustangs. We thought the perfect game would be against Navy, as we can not only salute the American Mustang, but we also can salute the men and women of our Armed Forces."

Ms Pickens was joined at the news conference by her husband, as well as Dr. Turner, Coach Jones, and former Dallas Cowboy quarterback and NFL Hall of Famer Roger Staubach, a member of the National Wild Horse Foundation advisory board, which is chaired by Coach Jones.

The Extreme Mustang Makeover, the nation's most unique equine competition, will offer an estimated $300,000 in prize money as it enters its third year of competition after two years of what industry observers are calling nothing short of amazing events across the United States. Working in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, nearly 2,000 mustangs have been placed for adoption through MHF programs and events.

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation
The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the Extreme Mustang Makeover are to increase the adoption of mustangs across the country. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to showcase the recognized value of mustangs through a national training competition.

About the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing 258 million acres of public lands, located mostly in the West. Wild horses and burros roaming public rangelands are managed in a manner consistent with BLM's overall multiple-use mission, as set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 220,000 horses and burros into private care through adoption. For more information, visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call 866-4MUSTANGS.


REMBRANDT'S PICTURE PERFECT PERFORMANCE WINS THE 2009 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER LEGENDS CHAMPIONSHIP
Unique equestrian competition paints a new picture of the American mustang

SEPTEMBER 21, 2009, FORT WORTH, TEXAS - American mustang Rembrandt and trainer Wylene Wilson of Queen Creek, Ariz., delivered a picture perfect performance to capture the hearts of fans, $5,000, and the 2009 Extreme Mustang Makeover Legend division championship September 20 in Fort Worth, Tex. Rembrandt and Wilson's victory was made sweeter still by the fact that Wilson's daughter was in the crowd, fully recovered from a serious head injury that occurred the same day they got Rembrandt.

"It's still so surreal that we won, she's okay and she got to see it," said Wilson. "I didn't even have a routine planned, but I wanted to bring that element of horsemanship to my performance; so, I just went out there and rode."

While Rembrandt and Wilson will hold the champion title as Legend champions, Surplus and Careen Hammock of College Station, Texas, took home the Idol championship and $3,000. And, yearling mustang Sweet Sugar Jack and trainer Jake Lundahl, 17, of Wakefield, Neb., were the Mission :008 Youth champions and won $1,500 in prize money. Wylene and all of the mustang trainers at this year's event are helping paint a new picture of the American mustang-one in which horsemen and women nationwide can see the versatility and trainability of these American icons.

Additionally, as a new edition to the Extreme Mustang Makeover, the crowd in the Will Rogers Coliseum saw the first ever champion named in the Extreme Mutt Makeover-Tess, a black lab mix, and her trainer Karen Deeds. As she accepted her award and $500 prize, a tearful Deeds told the story of who would be taking the big hearted Tess home.

"He came up to me and said that after losing his wife he was looking for his soulmate, and I said, 'So is she.'"

All 92 horses participating in the competition were placed for adoption with the high-adopting horse adopting for a fee of $9,000 to well-known mustang advocates T. Boone and Madeleine Pickens of Dallas, Tex., who phoned in their bid. The couple adopted top-ten finisher El Compadre, trained by Jesus Jauregui of Bailey's Harbor, Wis., along with another mustang.

Known for its ability to transform wild horses into willing partners, the Extreme Mustang Makeover collaborated with the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT) to bring this new dimension to the animal adoption world to highlight the time-honored partnership of man with dogs and horses. All of the dogs from the Humane Society of North Texas that participated in the event were adopted, following their performances.

Complete scores and results to be posted soon.

RESULTS

* Idols Tabulation
* Idols Contest Scores
* Legends Contest Scores
* Legends Finals
* Mission 008 Contest Scores
* Mission 008 Finals
* Extreme Mutt Makeover Finals
* Adoption Results


COCA-COLA JOINS EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER EASTERN STAMPEDE
America's favorite soft drink refreshes trainers in more ways than one

Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated (CCBCC), the nation's second largest Coca-Cola® bottler has joined the corporate partnership roster for the $25,000 Fort Dodge Extreme Mustang Makeover Eastern Stampede in Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 23-25. The company joins other top industry leaders Fort Dodge, Western Horseman, Martin Saddlery, Smith Brothers, Daily 72, Roper Apparel, Vetericyn and Equestrian Singles in supporting the nation's most unique equine competition.

"Having the support of a company with this brand strength is not only important to the Extreme Mustang Makeover, but to the horse industry," said Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert. "Coca-Coca Consolidated has a long history of supporting its community and the efforts to restore our natural resources, so this was a good fit for both groups."

The Charlotte, N.C. based bottler is a leader in manufacturing, selling, and distributing soft drinks and does business in eleven states, primarily in the Southeast. Founded in 1902, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated has one of the highest per capita soft drink consumption rates in the world and manages franchise territories with a consumer base of more than 18 million people.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated makes, sells, and delivers carbonated and noncarbonated beverages, primarily products of The Coca-Cola Company. The Company's product offerings include carbonated soft drinks, bottled water, teas, juices, isotonics, and energy drinks and it will provide those products to Eastern Stampede trainers, along with t-shirts and cash prize support.

"At Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated, we believe that our mission is to be a leader in service to our communities and responsible stewards of the God-given natural resources we use," said Ceil Watson, CCBCC Manager of Stewardship Programs. "Our continued success lies in being responsive to the needs of our consumers while being good stewards as we strive to be "The Real Thing" not only in terms of refreshment but in good corporate citizenship. We believe the Extreme Mustang Makeover is making real strides in the mission to maintain healthy herd management levels while placing these beautiful horses in adoptive homes."

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation
The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the Extreme Mustang Makeover are to increase the adoption of mustangs across the country. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to showcase the recognized value of mustangs through a national training competition.

About the Bureau of Land Management
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing 258 million acres of public lands, located mostly in the West. Wild horses and burros roaming public rangelands are managed in a manner consistent with BLM's overall multiple-use mission, as set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. Since 1973, the BLM has placed more than 219,000 horses and burros into private care through adoption. For more information, visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call 866-4MUSTANGS.


TIE BRINGS WESTERN STATES MUSTANG MAKEOVER BATTLE OF THE SEXES
Adoption Finds Homes for 22 American Mustangs

It all boiled down to the dashing cowboy and the dazzling cowgirl. After two days of go-rounds and stiff competition from 20 other trainers looking for their share of the $7,500 purse, Californians Katherine Cumberland of Santa Maria, riding Wendy, and Joel Sheridan of Acton, riding Lilly Bet, grabbed the attention of the judges in very different ways at the Western States Mustang Makeover in Sacramento, June 12-13.

In a finals competition featuring 11 formerly wild horses, Sheridan managed to grab the attention of nearly 5,000 spectators and judges Ken McNabb, Donna Synder-Smith, Tootie Bland and Tommy Garland with an original routine that featured a battle of the blades between Zorro Sheridan and an evil foe. Lilly Bet took the swordplay, as well as the noise of the crowd, along with small jumps and standing on a platform, all in stride.

Cumberland, though, a recent graduate of Cal-Poly with a degree in Animal Science, gave the crowd a lesson in horsemanship with Wendy, having perhaps the most correct routine of the evening when it came to lead changes, spins and variation in speed in her circles. Wendy worked quietly throughout the routine with a headset that would be the envy of a veteran horse, let alone one with only 90 days training. John Lyons, commentating from the arena along with two-time World Greatest Horseman Russell Dilday, complemented Cumberland on her riding style, saying she had the best conformation he'd seen for a rider.

Scores for technical merit and artistic merit are offered during the finals competition, and it was clear that Sheridan had won over the judges with his theatrics while Cumberland had them with style. The result was a mustang smackdown like none ever seen in prior Extreme Mustang Makeover history.

With 90 seconds to perform and music selection management's choice, Cumberland won the coin toss to perform first. The petite blonde urged Wendy along to the strains of the theme song to "The Sons of Katie Elder," working the four-year-old bay through rhythmic movement and showing the judges that the mare was hardly flustered at having to perform again. Sheridan followed to the rock beat of "The Great Adventure," by Stephen Curtis Chapman, moving Lilly Bet into her circles right away, while removing his jacket and spinning it around her head, followed by some solid stops and spins. But it was technical merit and grace that took the win for Cumberland and a first-place prize of $2,000.

"This mare has been the sweetest horse since the day I got her," said Cumberland. "I was able to get on her after only three days and from then on she was just so willing to learn what I had to teach her."

That willingness shown through during the adoption that immediately followed the competition, as Wendy was also the high-adopting horse at $4,000, while Lilly Bet adopted for $1,400. The second highest adopting horse went to Marley, trained by Greeley, Colo., horse trainer Randall Davis, who adopted for $2,200 and placed fourth in the competition. All 22 mustangs were adopted for an average of $1,100 per head.

The Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), created the Extreme Mustang Makeover events to highlight the recognized value of American Mustangs through a national training competition. The event gives 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 29,000 Mustangs roam federal and privately held contracted 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.

Results:
1. Wendy, shown by Katherine Cumberland of Santa Maria, CA, earning $2,000 and adopting for $4,000.
2. Lilly Bet, shown by Joel Sheridan of Acton, CA, earning $1,500 and adopting for $1,400.
3. Kanterry, shown by Bob Britland of Galt, CA, earning $1,000 and adopting for $1,500.
4. Marley, shown by Randall Davis of Greeley, CO, earning $800 and adopting for $2,200.
5. Cowgirls Hotrodd, shown by Amber Bussell of Oakdale, CA, earning $600 and adopting for $1,650.
6. Wild Rose Mustango, shown by Krista Koenig of Paso Robles, CA, earning $500 and adopting for $1,500.
7. Kto~, shown by Mardi Radway of Roseburg, OR, earning $400 and adopting for $1,000.
8. Sangria, shown by Juliane Hanley of Fall City, WA, earning $300 and adopting for $1,100.
9. Abby Lane, shown by Gary Wedemeyer of Winton, CA, earning $200 and adopting for $500.
10. Bella, shown by Joe Weitekamp of Las Vegas, NV, earning $200 and adopting for $500.

Other Adoption Results

  • MissFire, shown by Jennifer Mothershead of Buckley, WA, adopted for $600.

  • Tonopah Ora, shown by Steve Bauhr of La Grange, CA, adopted for $1,000.

  • Slippery When Wet (Slipper), shown by Julie Baumann of Lincoln, CA, adopted for $700.

  • Tesla's Sweet Dream, shown by Julie Baumann of Lincoln, CA, adopted for $1,000.

  • Shekinah, shown by Destry Campbell of Alturas, CA, adopted for $550.

  • Monique, shown by Micheal Carpenter of Lincoln, CA, adopted for $950.

  • Acacia, shown by Stephanie Korhel of Maple Valley, WA, adopted for $400.

  • Payette, shown by Curtis Northrup of Alturas, CA, adopted for $500.

  • Chili Pepper, shown by Rob Radway of Roseburg, OR, adopted for $800.

  • Barbwire, shown by Carlos Talamantes of Oakdale, CA, adopted for $400.

  • Mustang Candy, shown by Gena Wasley of Roseville, CA, adopted for $1,800.

  • Ima Your Horse, shown by Susan Watkins of Sheridan, CA, adopted for $900.


NORCO EXTREME MUSTANG TRAIL CHALLENGE RAISES THE BAR
A BLM Error Results in Co Champions

She's Country carries trainer Logan Leach of Tuscon, Ariz., through the Rural Trail Challenge. She's Country was the high adopting horse at $4,700.

Buzz Riebschlager of Norco, CA, becomes the new hometown hero with his win aboard Windy at the Norco Extreme Mustang Challenge.

There has likely never been anything like it. A test of horses with only 90 days training in the controlled environment of an arena competition, with the added challenge of a rural and urban trail course. It was, however, something that Extreme Mustang Makeover visionary Patti Colbert had in mind when the Norco Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge kicked off on May 15 in Norco, Calif. What she didn't know was how strongly the city of Norco would respond to the event, and respond it did, to the grace of one rider and the hard charging skill of another.

But these weren't just any horses. These were mustangs, gathered in Nevada and picked up by 29 trainers in Ridgecrest, Calif., in February. The challenge, which had percolated in the minds of Colbert, who serves as the Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director and former Norco mayor Harvey Sullivan since 2007 when Norco trainer Ray Arris wowed Norco and the 2007 Extreme Mustang Makeover audience with the transformation of Hail Yeah, a mustang who is now the official Norco city mascot.

"Norco is Horsetown USA for a reason," said Colbert. "This city of a little more than 20,000 people is passionate about horses and what horses do for man. So, when Harvey said he'd like to see a mustang event come to Norco, I knew it needed to be one that honored the traditions of this great city and would really show with the American Mustang was capable of."

The elements of the event including those that have been in all Makeovers since the competition began in 2007; body conditioning, an in-hand obstacle course and a mounted horse obstacle course. Added to that, though, was a demanding rural trail challenge, that climbed to 1,200 feet over rugged terrain, along with an urban trail challenge, that wove through the streets of Norco and included barking dogs, llamas, busy intersections and a riverbed crossing.

"When we designed the trail courses, we did so with two things in mind; make it challenging and keep it safe," said Sullivan. "The city has a designated riding trail along most of its Œold town' streets, so it was easy to map that out, realizing that these horses had likely never seen anything like that before. The rural trail challenge included trails that the folks here in Norco ride frequently, but again, could be a challenge for a young horse."

A total of 25 horses, all mares, made their way to the competition -- four of them with foals by their sides ranging from three weeks to two months in age.

For them, in addition to the Trail Challenge, the Mustang Heritage Foundation hosted a $2,000 Mommy and Me class complete with baby shower. Taking the win in that class was Mustang Sally and her three-week old filly Delilah, a fiery bay, trained by Bob Mundy of Norco and winning $800. But the real test for this working mom was the trail challenge events held May 15 and 16.

Taking a commanding lead early on in the competition was Lanny Leach of Tucson, Ariz., riding a three-year-old brown mare he named Soso gathered from the Nevada Wild Horse Range. The duo was the high scoring pair at the conclusion of both series and were the heavy favorites going into the finals May 16.

"Soso has one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen in a horse," said Leach, who along with his son, Logan, Leach operates a training center in Tucson and had competed in the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth. "She'll make a good horse for someone and already shows a lot of potential."

With a crowd of 2,000, of mostly Norconians, looking on May 16, the top 10 finalists brought their best game, which required compulsory moves of a walk, jog, lope or canter, as well as circles to the right and left lead along with a 360 degree spin or turn to the right and left. Other than that, the trainers could bring whatever they thought would showcase their horses talent.

Jessie Jane, a four-year-old sorrel mare showed the most quiet and graceful routine of the evening, with a bridleless routine under trainer Lorrie Grover of Corpus Christi, Tex., that left the crowd breathless. Judges Mark Lyon and Ken McNabb rewarded the duo with near perfect scores in recognition of the mare's fluid moves and correctness of gait.

Drawing up last in the competition, Buzz Riebschlager finally unveiled the full force of his routine that his fellow citizens had only caught glimpses in the past weeks as he ponied Windy through town at first and then began to ride her. He did his best to keep the rest of the routine a secret.

Entering the arena with Windy standing in a flat bed trailer and being pulled by a truck. Riebschlager twirled an American flag around Windy's head before guiding her to leap from the trailer to the arena floor. Windy worked the arena like a pro, performing a relaxed and smooth reining pattern, with large circles and several easy flying lead changes, Then it was on to play a few games, as she picked up her knees to move a large ball across the arena floor and then acted totally nonplussed as Riebschlager rode her through the colorful, waving arms of an inflatable balloon.

While the original placing had Riebchlager edging out Grover by a scant point, the two ended up sharing the championship with both receiving a $3,000 check.

"It was discovered after the close of competition that the horse trained by Buzz Riebschlager had been previously adopted and received a limited amount of gentling" said Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert. "The Foundation appreciates the Bureau of Land Management accepting responsibility and is now moving forward to bring recognition to all our great trainers."

All other trainers were elevated one spot as a result of the co-championship decision and received the allocated compensation for that placing.

"This was an outstanding competition with just the right mix of trainers," said MHF event coordinator Randi Blasienz, "but, of course, the ultimate goal of the events are to get horses placed for adoption and these horses really showed they were highly marketable animals."

All 25 mustangs were adopted for an average price of $1,910 per head. The high-adopting horse was She's Country, a four-year-old brown mare trained by Logan Leach of Tuscon, Ariz., who placed third and adopted for $4,700. Windy was adopted for $3,750.

The Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), created the Extreme Mustang Makeover events to highlight the recognized value of American Mustangs through a national training competition. The event gives 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 29,000 Mustangs roam federal and privately held contracted 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.

Click here to watch Windy and Buzz Riebschlager.
Click here to watch Jessie Jane and Lorrie Grover.

Results:

1. Buzz Riebschlager, Norco, CA, showing Windy, earning $3,000, adopting for $3,750
1. Lorrie Grover, Corpus Christi, TX, showing Jessie Jane, earning $3,000, adopting for $2,500
2. Logan Leach, Tucson, AZ, showing She's Country, earning $2,000, adopting for $4,700
3. Linda Smerber, Bloomington, CA, showing Shelby, earning $1,500, adopting for $1,500
4. Lanny Leach, Tucson, AZ, showing Soso, earning $1,000, adopting for $1,950
5. Tim Delsman, Baker City, OR, showing Traysay, earning $750, $adopting for $2,000
6. Madelyn Wagner, Valley Center, CA, showing Valentine, earning $550, adopting for $2,500
7. Tom Shiloh, Pahrump, NV, showing Tiny Dancer, earning $400, adopting for $1,950
8. George Ortiz, Ventura, CA, showing Camilla, earning $300, adopting for $3,600
9. Jennifer White, Corona, CA, showing Ruger, earning $250, adopting for $1,500
10. Alissa Booher, Perris, CA, showing Sheza Arwyn R, earning $250, adopting $1,000


FIFTH TIME'S THE CHARM FOR TENNESSEE TRAINER
Midwest Makeover places 28 wild horses for adoption

Chase Dodd of Soddy Daisy, Tenn., has been the bridesmaid, but never the bride, so to speak, until he met the mare he named for Pat Summit, the winningest basketball coach in Tennessee history and with that legacy already on her young shoulders, the three-year-old mare proved she and Dodd made quite a couple taking the win in the April 19 Midwest Extreme Mustang Makeover finals in Madison, Wis.

In a performance that judge Ken McNabb said "brought tears to my eyes," Dodd took the black mare through a routine that showed softness, flexibility and a maturity of movement that belied the only 90 days training the mare had received from the Tennessee farrier.

This was Dodd's fifth try at an Extreme Mustang Makeover win. He competed in the 2007 and 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeovers in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as in the 2008 Midwest Mustang Challenge and was invited to be a contestant in Mustang Magic, a special event produced for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. Each time, the 26-year-old trainer would make the final round, but had never been able to capture the top spot. He was known for being able to gentle mustangs for mounted shooting and other spectacular tricks, but not this time. This time, Dodd went for beauty and finesse.

"That was an absolutely fantastic performance," said judge Diane Eppers. "You were soft, beautiful, elegant and accurate. Outstanding." Judged on technical skills, Dodd and Pat Summit received two 9's and one 10 from the judges, and for artistic and athletic ability the duo scored two 10's and one 9.5 to best a total field of 28 horses competing for an $11,000 purse. Dodd and Pat Summit took home first prize earnings of $3,500. (Watch the championship ride at http://www.youtube.com/xtrememustang)

Crowd favorite from the 2008 Midwest event, Lalo Govea of Kenosha, Wis., took the second place prize of $2,000 riding Skys The Limit in a routine that almost equaled Dodd's for finesse and softness, but also mixed in cattle work with Govea throwing a spectacular loop to catch a steer while Skys The Limit faced the animal.

The Midwest Extreme Mustang Makeover is one among nine events to be held in 2009. Events included the invitational Mustang Magic competition at the famed Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo January 23 and 24, as well as the Northwest Extreme Mustang Makeover in Albany, Ore. March 20-22 and the Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover held in conjunction with Lynn Palm's Women Love Horses in Ocala, Fla., April 3-5. It continues with the Norco Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge May 15-17 in Norco, Calif., the Western States Extreme Mustang Makeover June 12-14 in Sacramento, the Wyoming Extreme Mustang Makeover August 14-16 in Douglas and the Mountain Valley Extreme Mustang Makeover November 7 in Heber City, Utah. Two "national" competitions will be held in Fall 2009, with a return engagement in Fort Worth September 18-20 and a new competition in Murfreesboro, Tenn., October 23-25.

Trained mustangs are judged on conditioning, groundwork, and a "Horse Course" that requires maneuvers and includes obstacles found in trail and recreational riding situations. Each trainer also has an opportunity to showcase their animal's unique talents in a two-minute freestyle before qualifying for the final top 10 round. All mustangs in competition will be made available for adoption the final day of each show.

The Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF), in partnership with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), created the Extreme Mustang Makeover events to highlight the recognized value of American Mustangs through a national training competition. 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 29,500 Mustangs roam federal and privately held contracted 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 220,000 wild horses and burros have been adopted.

Final Scores


 

THE WOMEN LOVED THEM AND A MAN TAKES THE GATORLAND EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER WIN

Bertram, Texas, April 7, 2009 - It was the first foray for the Mustang Heritage Foundation into the Southeast, so far from what many see as "cowboy country," but Florida proved it was the home of great horsemen and women during the Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover April 3-5.

Held during Lynn Palm's Women Luv Horses in Ocala, the Gatorland brought a new facet to the legendary Ocala area, replete with million dollar Thoroughbred racehorses and hunter jumpers. Hosting 34 trainers from throughout the Southeast, among them was Jesse Peters, a northern transplant from Astonia, Ohio, who came to Florida to work as an instructor with Pat Parelli.

A lanky 6' 7" horseman, Peters was paired with a bay mare that barely stood over 13 hands tall he named Aspire. Like all the trainers who compete in Extreme
Mustang Makeover events, Peters' horse was selected by a draw before he ever arrived at the Marianna, Florida, facility in January to pick her up for 70 days of training, the shortest period ever in Extreme Mustang Makeover competition.

"When Pat saw the horse for the first time, he asked me why I didn't choose another one, and I told him I didn't choose her, but when you're a horseman, you work with what you've got," he said.

Work with her, indeed. Peters proved that even with a scant 70 days of training, with the first few of those focused on just getting the horse to allow the touch of a human hand, the American mustang is a trainable creature, which is, of course, the purpose of the whole competition.

"The Extreme Mustang Makeover has gotten the reputation of being one of the best and most original equine competitions in the industry," said Patti Colbert, executive director of the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) that produces the event in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). "The facts are, however, that the competition has absolutely no meaning if at the end of the day the horses are not adopted to good homes. So, it's very important that the public have the opportunity to see how willing these horses become in the right hands."

After the preliminary go-rounds, which included a body conditioning score, an in-hand trail obstacle course and an under saddle obstacle course, 12 finalists were invited back for a freestyle performance. Working fourth in the order, Peters made it an original entrance, backing an enormous trailer into the entry gate and releasing a large green ball, with Aspire bounding out of the trailer after it. Working through a number of obstacles, familiar to any Parelli fan, Peters made his exit just as dramatic, standing in the saddle, and then dropping to take the horse into a lope and leaping back into the trailer.

Judges Heidi Cecil, Margo Ball and Suzy Jeane were clearly impressed, giving the pair scores of 9 to 9.5 on horsemanship and perfect 10s on artistic impression for the routine.

Peters took home a check for $3,500 as well as a $500 Mercedes boot gift certificate and other prizes courtesy of Lynn Palm's Women LUV Horses and its sponsors.

Coming in second, after tying for the position, were Mary Berlauk of Tallahassee, Florida, and the black mustang pony, Tiramisu. With a light step and a natural snap to her knees, "Tira" showed a natural ability that judge Heidi Cecil said could not be taught. That pair earned $2,000 of the $10,000 purse.

With an appreciative crowd in attendance for the finals performance, it was only natural that another large crowd would gather for the adoption taking place April 5. Maintaining it's 100 percent adoption rate, all horses in the competition were placed for adoption by the Foundation, with Aspire taking the top spot at $3,000, while Tiramisu was adopted for $1,825. The second highest adopted horse went to Kit, trained by Katie Williams of Ocala, who was adopted by $2,000 by a generous benefactor who transferred the adoption to Katie.

"With the tough economic condition the country is in right now, we feel truly blessed that all of the horses were placed for adoption and at prices that helps the Foundation continue it works," said Colbert.

Gatorland Extreme Mustang Makeover Results

1. Aspire, shown by Jesse Peters, Ocala, Florida, earning $3,500
2. Tiramisu, shown by Mary Berlauk, Tallahassee, Florida, earning $2,000
3. Mona Lisa, shown by Joe Williams, Reddick, Florida, earning $1,500
4. Serendipity, shown by Betsy Moles, Woodstock, Georgia, earning $1,000
5. Onyx, shown by Marsha Harford-Sapp, Tallahassee, Florida, earning $750
6. Kit, shown by Katie Williams, Ocala, Florida, earning $500
7. Mustang Sally, shown by Keri Ann Davidson, Adairsville, Georgia, earning $275
8. Doc Desert Diamond, shown by Cohn Livingston, Florence, Mississippi, earning $200
9. Jessie Jane, shown by Marc Chancey, Waynesboro, Georgia, earning $150
10. Liza, shown by Steve Hayden, Griffin, Georgia, earning $100

Gatorland Scores : The Gatorland scores are in - congratulations Jesse Peters of Astonia, Ohio!

Scoresheets: Condition | Freestyle | Horse Course | In Hand | Total


MUSTANGS BLAZE NEW TRAIL IN MAY NORCO COMPETITION

Mustang fans and interested adopters will see more than 36 hardy horses in a new environment when they compete in the Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge in Norco, Calif., May 15-17.

For the first time, Mustangs and trainers will be asked to take the competition through downtown Norco and across trails in the foothills to encounter obstacles such as getting the mail and crossing creeks. But a new, and happily unexpected element has been added, as it was discovered some of the mares provided for the competition through the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were in foal.

"Mares in the wild are often harder to determine in foal, especially if they're maiden mares, but we were shortly getting phone calls from our trainers that the mares were definitely going to foal prior to the competition," said Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert, who oversees the nationwide Extreme Mustang Makeover competition series. "Now, in addition to the planned competition, the Norco Trail Challenge will include a 'Mommy and Me' class for these mares and their foals that will be safer for the pair and allow people to take a look at these little treasures."

Mares and their foals will be adopted as pairs, and for an added element, the Norco Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge will host a 'baby shower" for the newcomers and invites supporters and fans to bring donated foal halters and feed to be donated to adopters and to area rescue centers.

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. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption. All of the animals involved in the "Makeover" competition will be available for adoption May 17.

Adoption fees will be set by competitive bid with initial fees being determined by the level and quality of training each horse has received. To qualify to adopt, one must be at least 18, with no record of animal abuse. In addition, adopters must have suitable facilities and can adopt no more than four animals. Adoption applications may be obtained and approved on the spot.

The Extreme Mustang Makeover is sponsored by Fort Dodge Animal Health, Western Horseman magazine, Martin Saddlery, Roper Apparel, Smith Brothers and Daily 72. To apply for a trainer's position, go to http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com or call 512.355.3225.


Laird McCabe of Yamhill, OR takes Mustang Sally over a jump. Photo courtesy of Cyndie Planck.

MUSTANG SALLY TAKES FIRST NORTHWEST MAKEOVER WIN
Yamhill, Oregon cowboy comes from behind

While her name, somewhat predictably, was Mustang Sally, perhaps it should have been Pegasus as the smallish brown mare virtually flew over jumps with rider Laird McCabe of Yamhill, Ore., aboard, impressing the judges to take the first Northwest Extreme Mustang Makeover win March 21 and a champion's check for $3,000.

Even the lyrics of the famous song almost fit the five-year-old mare gathered from the Jackie's Butte herd management area.

"Mustang Sally now baby
Oh Lord guess you better
Slow your Mustang down hu-oh yeah

You been runnin all over town now
Oh I guess I have to put your flat feet
On the ground
Hu! what I said now"

Slowing down was not in the cards for Mustang Sally, though, as McCabe took her through her required paces, showing great variations in speed through both right and left circles and then guiding the mare to ground-churning stops. But it was the jumps that got the standing room only crowd on its feet as the little mare easily cleared three-foot jumps with room to spare.

McCabe played the field right as he came into the finals held at the Northwest Horse Fair in Albany, Ore., with just enough scores to get the mare into the final round. Early leaders Matt Zimmerman and Corrine Elser had already gotten the best from their horses in early go-rounds, with Zimmerman falling to sixth place in the finals, while Esler took fourth. It was McCabe's easy handling of Sally that won the judges and the crowd, as well, as the mare showed she had a lot left to give. Judge Ed Mayfield gave the pair a nine for both technical and artistic merit, while judge Denny Jones got the crowd cheering with 10's for both categories.

"This was a fantastic finish to the event," said Kali Sublett, Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) event coordinator. "Sally and Laird were the last horses to compete and they did an incredible job showing the crowd what great horses these mustangs can be."

Twenty eight of the Pacific Northwest's best horsemen and women competed in the event after having 90 days to gentle a wild horse they picked up in Hines, OR, December 5 and 6 to compete for a total of $7,500 in prize money.

The four and five year old mustangs, gathered in Oregon, were judged March 19 and 20 on conditioning, groundwork, and a "Horse Course" that requires maneuvers and includes obstacles found in trail and recreational riding situations. The top 10 then competed in the finals March 21 with all horses placed for adoption immediately following the competition.

The high-adopting horse, ironically, did not qualify for the top 10 finals, but trainer Jani Mari Sigray-Cochran of Rogue River, Ore., had already earned a reputation as a good trainer having earlier competed in Craig Cameron's Extreme Cowboy Race aboard a mustang. Her mustang, Cayuse, a brown gelding, was adopted for $5,000 by Mary Kulish of Eugene. Mustang Sally was adopted for $2,000 by Don Miller of Jefferson, Ore., while Rudy, a very stout black gelding who placed second in the competition with Dave Weeding aboard, was adopted for $3,500. A total of 28 horses were adopted for an average of $1,142.86.

"It's really not unusual for the high adopting mustang to be one from the 'field,'" said Sublett. "The people who come to adopt spend a lot of time in the barn area looking over the horses and talking to trainers and have already decided which horse they are interested in before the competition."

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. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption.


Wylene Wilson of Queen Creek, Ariz. can't help but smile as she puts Filthy Rich through his paces to complete the obstacle course against Road to the Horse boss wrangler Thomas Saunders.

Mark Lyon of Atherton, Neb., brings Christian to one of his crowd pleasing stops at the Extreme Team competes against the Road to the Horse.

It's not often Patti Colbert is stunned, but she was with the announcement the Extreme Team had defeated the Road to the Horse veterans and that both she and Tootie Bland would receive a Rickrageous Jacket courtesy of Filthy Rich's adopter, Sharon Miller of Corpus Christi, Texas.

MUSTANGS GET OUT THE VOTE AT ROAD TO THE HORSE
Makeover Stars Trump Road to the Horse Veterans

What began as a friendly bet between two of the nation's most dynamic equine entrepreneurs turned out to be a sound affirmation of the interest in and support of America's wild horse.

Two of the top 10 finalists from the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth, Texas, were tapped to take on two representatives of the original colt starting challenge, Road to the Horse, during that event March 14. Tootie Bland, producer of Road to the Horse, threw down the gauntlet during the 2008 Makeover and challenged Makeover visionary Patti Colbert with a "Battle for the Bling," with the loser buying the winner an original Rickrageous Jacket, designed by Denise Strickland of Blue Spring, Mo.

While a panel of five judges scored the tests and ensured fairness, spectators were also able to get in on the action, text messaging their choice to determine the winner. By a 60 to 40 percent margin, the more than 4,000 fans gave a resounding vote of confidence to the "Extreme Team," crowning them the winners of the "Battle for the Bling."

Taking on 2008 and 2008 Road to the Horse contender Tommy Garland of Powhatan, Va.,  was 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover champion Mark Lyon of Atherton, Neb. riding his mustang, Christian. Top 10 Makeover and Extreme Cowboy Race finalist Wylene Wilson of Queen Creek, Ariz., riding the mustang Filthy Rich, faced Road to the Horse boss wrangler Thomas B. Saunders V of Weatherford, Tex.

Garland and Lyons went head to head performing maneuvers that would test even veteran reining horses. Lyons took to the arena first riding Christian, who had only been in training for eight months, With his freeze mark glowing like a neon sign, Christian responded to Lyons with a willing attitude, performing flying lead changes and precise circles with a marked variation in speed. His stops, however, were what brought applause from the crowd as he dropped his hindquarters and churned up the dirt.

Garland and Spirit were clearly the crowd favorites, though, as they entered the arena to cheers and applause. Despite soft circles and crisp lead changes, the duo was not able to overcome the dynamic edge of Christian and Lyon, receiving just a slightly lower score from the panel of judges.

It was the timed obstacle course, however, that brought the biggest reaction from the crowd. Never one to back down from a challenge, Wylene Wilson entered the arena riding Filthy Rich bareback to take on Saunders, who brought a wealth of cowboy experience to

the contest. At the sound of the buzzer, both were off to throw water balloons in buckets, complete spins in a box, race around poles and then return to the finish carrying a live chicken. Even though Sanders edged Wilson out at the finish line, the crowd still crowned the blonde bombshell the winner with their vote.

"I'm not shocked very often, but I was this time," said Colbert following the announcement of the winner. "Tootie Bland has done more to help bring awareness to the American mustang to the American public and we can't thank her enough for that."

To top the surprise win, Colbert not only received a Rickrageous jacket emblazoned with the Extreme Mustang Makeover logo, but Bland also received a jacket with the Road to the Horse logo, contributed by Filthy Rich's adopter, Sharon Miller of Corpus Christi.

"There are no losers in something like this," said Miller. "Both of these women have done so much to bring the horse industry to a new level of experience and expectation and I wanted to honor them for their dedication."


MUSTANGS BRING MAGICAL PERFORMANCE TO FORT WORTH STOCK SHOW

The fans had it right. When given the opportunity to predict the winner of the January 23-24 Mustang Magic competition, more than 10,000 voted on line for Norman, Oklahoma's Bill Lopez and the mustang Spoonful of Buckshot. The team did not disappoint as they bested a field of 11 other mustangs at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo. (Pictured at right: Bill Lopez and Spoonful of Buckshot - Photo by Charles Brooks ©)

Read the full story here...

View The Dallas Morning News exclusive video here...

Trainers discover that wild mustangs have the power to heal.

WINNER HEAD OVER HEELS IN 2008 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER

Mark Lyon of Arlington, Neb., took the grand prize at the second annual Fort Dodge Extreme Mustang Makeover Legends Finals, September 20 in Fort Worth, Texas, in the event's most difficult level of competition, after falling from his horse mid-performance. He demonstrated that a well-trained horse doesn't always need a rider to win, capturing the $12,500 top prize and the hearts of thousands watching his performance on Christian, a three-year-old, bay, mustang gelding

Read the complete article.


2008 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER RESULTS

The results are in! Click here to view results for the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover!


THE EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER HEADS TO THE NORTHWEST!

Albany, OR is the next step for the Extreme Mustang Makeover Competition Series as the Northwest Horse Fair and Expo welcomes 30 trainers and their wild horses March 20-21. A total of $7,500 will be up for grabs and trainers have until November 1 to submit their applications. Pick up for the horses will be in late December or early January (location and date to be announced).


WINNER HEAD OVER HEELS IN 2008 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER
114 Mustangs Compete for $50,000

SEPTEMBER 20, 2008, FORT WORTH, TEXAS - Mark Lyon of Arlington, Neb., took the grand prize at the second annual Fort Dodge Extreme Mustang Makeover Legends Finals, September 20 in Fort Worth, Texas, in the event's most difficult level of competition, after falling from his horse mid-performance. He demonstrated that a well-trained horse doesn't always need a rider to win, capturing the $12,500 top prize and the hearts of thousands watching his performance on Christian, a three-year-old, bay, mustang gelding.

Well into Lyon's textbook perfect performance, which included a ballet of movement including deep stops and picture perfect spins, the crowd's hearts fell when he leaned to Christian's side in a tight turn and his saddle slipped causing him to fall. Since the entire focus of the judges was on the mustang's ability, judges awarded Christian for his reaction to this unforeseen happening. Judge and famed horse trainer, John Lyons, said, "That was the best part of the whole performance. He did exactly what he was trained to do," describing how Christian stood and waited for his rider to get back on. Lyons went on to take the horse through his paces firing a shooting pistol at balloons and riding through a ring of fire.

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MUSTANG TRAINER BEGINS CROSS COUNTRY TREK TO MAKEOVER
Nevada horseman rides for breast cancer and mustang awareness

Las Vegas, Nev., horse trainer Matt Replogle is making his journey to the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth, Tex., September 18-21, a different, and perhaps more meaningful one. He's inviting other trainers and mustang fans to join him.

While others will be loading their mustangs into trailers, Replogle is making the 1,200-mile journey to Fort Worth riding his yet unnamed mustang to the event in order to raise awareness about the value and trainability of mustangs along with bringing a focus to breast cancer.

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