That’s a wrap for the 2022 Extreme Mustang Makeover Ocala! Last held in 2019, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion played host to 33 formerly wild horses and their trainers over the course of three days. Trainers competed in a variety of classes showcasing their horse’s unique talents and training to get their shot at over $40,000 in cash and prizes.
Competing trainers picked up their assigned horses in early January and began their 100 day journey to the show ring. The youth division were paired with yearlings from Nevada HMAs and were tasked with training the youngsters to hold their own during the in-hand competition in April. The adult division horses, all 3-4 year-olds also from Nevada herds, were started and shown under saddle at the April competition.
For the second year in a row, the Mustang Heritage Foundation hosted a Trainer Dinner after check-in on Thursday evening. This event was a great way to kick off the spirited competition and bring together MHF staff, the trainers and their families, some of whom traveled from as far away as Idaho, Illinois and Pennsylvania. MHF’s very own Ann Souders welcomed the trainers and hosted a lively trivia game, complete with prizes from local vendors.
Friday morning began with Youth and Adult trainers strutting their stuff during the Handling and Conditioning and Trail classes, allowing them to show how well their partnerships have evolved over just a few months. The afternoon wrapped up with our Youth trainers showcasing their amazingly choreographed Freestyle routines.
Saturday kicked off with the Adult Maneuvers class where trainers were able to highlight their horse’s accuracy and flexibility in the ring. Afterward, the final placings for the Youth Division were announced and awards given. A special congratulations to our Youth Champion, Sienna Pendergrass and her horse, Jelly Bean! The MHF Team then announced the Adult Top Ten finalists that would compete in the Freestyle Finals Performance that evening.
With just hours to prep their final performance, the Top Ten and their crews hustled to stage props, costumes and music in advance of the 6pm start. A crowd of over 1500 gathered in the stands awaiting the start of the Freestyle performances that have become synonymous with Extreme Mustang Makeover competitions…and this group of talented trainers did not disappoint! A replay of the Freestyle Finals can be found on our YouTube channel.
But, at the end, there can only be one!
With a truly exceptional showing in all of the preliminary classes and an outstanding Freestyle Finals performance, your 2022 Extreme Mustang Makeover Champion is Brittany Mayer and Cash Me Outside!
Congratulations to all of this year’s trainers! Your efforts and abilities to showcase these talented horses and their abilities is nothing short of amazing. We were so proud to have you as part of our mission to bring mustangs home!
Up next…the Virtual Extreme Mustang Makeover and Extreme Mustang Makeover Fort Worth! Check out our entire event lineup online.
Full class results for the 2022 Extreme Mustang Makeover Ocala can be viewed here. Results of the competitive bid adoption can be viewed here.
