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NORCO — The Extreme Mustang Makeover returns to Ingalls Park on May 14-16, and with it comes one of the most unique and challenging equine competitions in the country. Trainers will compete for a part of the $10,000 purse as judges will evaluate each horse and trainer on body condition, groundwork, and how the horse maneuvers through an obstacle “horse course” that simulates trail and recreational riding situations.

In addition, the trainers will be competing on actual trails in and around “Horsetown USA.” The public will be invited to adopt one of the Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge animals on Sunday, May 16.

Tickets are now on sale for $16.50 at www.extrememustangmakeover.com or $20 at the door for the event freestyle finals Saturday night. All other events are free. Proceeds benefit the Mustang Heritage Foundation.

Here’s the schedule:

Thursday, May 13

  • 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Trainers and Mustangs arrive, check-in
    Friday, May 14 — FREE TO PUBLIC

  • 8:00 a.m. Rural Trail Challenge
  • 7:00 a.m. “Spirit Mustangs — A special presentation by Livesavers Wild Horse Rescue”
  • 7:30 p.m. “Smackdown” with Ray Ariss & Hail Yeah – Norco “HorseTown USA” Mustang Mascot, and Wylene Wilson – 2009 Western Stampede EMM Champion

Saturday, May 15 — FREE TO PUBLIC

  • 8 a.m. Urban Trail Challenge
  • 4 p.m. Announce Top 10 Finalists in Ingalls Park arena
    Saturday Night, MAY 15 — TICKETED EVENT

  • 7 p.m. Top 10 Freestyle Finals Performance – A Grand Entry and Special Presentation by The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team

Sunday, May 16 — FREE TO PUBLIC

  • NOON Mustang Adoption

“The Extreme Mustang Makeover Trail Challenge is one of the favorite events of the year and allows the public to see these gentled wild horses at their very best,” said Mustang Heritage Foundation Executive Director Patti Colbert. “What’s even better is the public can see these horses from the streets of Norco or hike up into the hills and watch them perform on the trail.”

Ray Ariss and Hail Yeah

Ray Ariss and Hail Yeah

An event highlight will be held Friday evening May 14 when Ray Ariss and Hail Yeah, Norco’s official mascot, will take on Extreme Mustang Makeover Western Stampede Champion Wylene Wilson of Queen Creek, Ariz., in a Mustang “Smackdown” competition. This event is free to the public.

Mustangs were picked up by trainers at the Ridgecrest Regional Wild Horse & Burro Corrals in Ridgecrest in early February and will have had approximately 90 days to gentle the animal selected for them by lottery. The purpose of the competition is to showcase the beauty, versatility, and train-ability 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 16. 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 powered by Wheaties FuelTM and sponsored by Pfizer Animal Health, Western Horseman magazine, Martin Saddlery, Vetericyn, Smith Brothers, Gist Silversmiths, Equestrian Singles and Daily 72.

Mustang Heritage Foundation
The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the Extreme Mustang Makeover is 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. Go to www.mustangheritagefoundation.org for more information.

Bureau of Land Management The BLM manages more land – 253 million acres – than any other Federal agency. This land, known as the National System of Public Lands, is primarily located in 12 Western states, including Alaska. The Bureau, with a budget of about $1 billion, also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. The BLM’s multiple-use mission is to sustain the health and productivity of the public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations. The Bureau accomplishes this by managing such activities as outdoor recreation, livestock grazing, mineral development, and energy production, and by conserving natural, historical, cultural, and other resources on public lands. For more information, visit wildhorseandburro.blm.gov or call 866-4MUSTANGS.

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