NORCO — Last year, when Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert agreed that Norco, California, would host one of 10 nationwide Extreme Mustang Makeover events in 2009, the outcome was as predictable as grass under a leaky spigot. The winner would be the event itself.

“Horsetown USA,” with both its backdrop hills and downtown trails providing the challenge, hosted the fifth nationwide EMM event this year May 15-17, and there were winners all around: There were Hometown trainer Buzz Riebschlager and Windy”, who shared top score with Corpus Christi, Texas, trainer Lorrie Grover on “Jessie Jane”; there were the Norconians who supported and thoroughly enjoyed both participating and watching the event; and there was the event itself, the creation of Colbert in 2007 as a way to highlight the trainability and market value of the iconic American mustang.

Julie Bryant photos

Friday evening's entertainment centered on the "Smackdown" between the 2008 EMM winner, Mark Lyon and "Christian" (left), and Norco's own Ray Ariss and the town's official mascot, "Hail Yeah" (right). After a half-hour of good-spirited one-upsmanship, the winners were obvious: the audience and a pair of adopted Mustangs who amazed the crowd.

Julie Bryant photo

Corpus Christi trainer Lorrie Grover (left) on Jessie Jane, and Norco's Buzz Riebschlager on Windy shared top honors at the end of the Extreme Mustang Makeover Trail Challenge Finals.

More than 1,000 horses have been placed for adoption through Makeover events and its Trainers Incentive Program. Also, the Foundation reports that about 100,000 fans have filled the stands and walked the barns of events held across the U.S. Since January, events have been in held in Fort Worth, Texas, Albany, Ore., Ocala, Fl., Madison, Wisc., and Norco. Next is the Western States Horse Expo (June 13) in Sacramento, and then on to the Wyoming Extreme Mustang Makeover Aug. 14-16 in Douglas and the Heber City Extreme Mustang Makeover Nov. 7 in Utah. Two “national” competitions will be held this fall, one in Fort Worth Sept. 18-20 and a new one in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Oct. 23-25.

In the Makeover, Mustangs trained 90 days 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 animal¹s unique talents in a two-minute freestyle before qualifying for the final top 10 round. All mustangs in competition are made available for adoption the final day of each show.

“The city of Norco has hands-down been the best host we’ve experienced with the Extreme Mustang Makeover,” said Colbert. “Harvey and Mynon Sullivan spearheaded an incredible group of dedicated and friendly volunteers who made one of the most physically challenging events we’ve ever held possible. The uniqueness of this community, both in its culture and quality of people, is certainly one we’re proud to be associated with.”

At the end of the Norco EMM competition, officials discovered that the horse trained by Riebschlager “had been previously adopted and received a limited amount of gentling” according to Colbert, and the results were revised.

“The Foundation appreciates the Bureau of Land Management accepting responsibility and is now moving forward to bring recognition to all our great trainers,” she said.

EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER TOP 10
May 15-17, 2009 / Norco, Calif.

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 $350, 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.