In 2008 The Mustang Heritage Foundation, in cooperation with the federal Bureau of Land Management, created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event in order to recognize and highlight the value of Mustangs through a national training competition.
Wild Mustang horses are an important part of America’s history and these days the BLM is responsible for the herds. There is a lot of controversy about how well they are doing that job but the reality is there are thousands of mustangs taken off the range each year and offered up for adoption. Not enough are being taken by the public so this event is one attempt to spread the word on how great these horses can be and help people adopt one.
In 2008 200 trainers, professional and amateur, were picked to each train a wild Mustang for 100 days. They then traveled to Fort Worth, Texas, to show their horse and compete for a $50,000 top prize. At the conclusion of the event the participating Mustangs were available for adoption by competitive bid.
Some trainers produced amazing results. Some had problems but that was probably more about the trainer than the horse. In 2009 there will be a series of six competitions all over America so more people can see them. I have two friends who have been chosen as trainers who will be at the Sacramento Horse Expo in June. I believe some of the competitions this year will be shown on RFD-TV.
From the Extreme Mustang Makeover website:
“The American Mustang is more accurately termed the “feral horse”. Feral horses (commonly known as Mustangs) are those horses whose ancestors were domestic horses that were freed or escaped from early explorers, native tribes, ranches, cavalry, etc. to become free-roaming herds all across the United States. The first domestic horses in America arrived with Columbus on his second voyage in 1493. During the early Spanish exploration years, horses came over with each voyage. The Spanish explorers were supplied these horses by breeding farms in the West Indies. It is not well documented on how or when the first horses were either stolen or escaped from the Spaniards, but it is estimated that by the 1800’s there were 2 to 5 million head of feral horses, mostly in the Southwest. These horses are virtually all colors, shapes and sizes. They are recognized for having an extremely tough hide, being very hardy and a large hoof.”
Interesting and worthwhile event.
They are based in Bertram, Texas and you can get more information at Extreme Mustang Makeover.
If you have problems seeing the video below click HERE
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