PUT your Horsemanship and training skills to the ultimate test.
Competing in an Extreme Mustang Makeover is the ultimate way to test your horsemanship and training skills while helping a wild horse find a new home.
You’ll have approximately 100 days to train and build trust with a horse selected from a Bureau of Land Management holding facility. The horses are mares or geldings, typically four to seven years old.
After those 100 days, you’ll get a chance to showcase how much you and your horse have achieved by competing in a handling and conditioning, trail, pattern class. The top ten will advance to the finals – a freestyle showdown.
Did we mention you’ll have the chance to win a piece of $40,000 in cash and prizes? And don’t worry – we’ll be there every step up the way with details about picking up your horse, deadlines, and more.
Ready to prove you’ve got the grit to compete?
Choose one or all three of the events in 2021 to compete, but hurry – applications close soon.
Adults: APPLY TO COMPETE >
Youth (17 and under): APPLY TO COMPETE >
Forms & Information
2021 Application
ADULT APPLY NOW >
YOUTH APPLY NOW >
2021 Rules & Regulations
VIEW NOW >
Facility Requirements
VIEW NOW >
June 24 – 26, 2021
Lexington, Kentucky
Application deadline: February 1
Pickup Window: February 8 – March 20
August 11-14, 2021
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Application deadline: March 1
Pickup Window: March 29 – May 8
October 15-16, 2021
Logan Township, New Jersey
Application deadline: March 1
Pickup Window: June 1 – July 10
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are the age limits for adults and youth to compete?
To compete as a youth trainer, you must be ages 8-17 at the time of the application deadline to be eligible to participate. Adult trainers must be 18 years of age or older as of the application deadline date(s).
Always be sure to check the Rules and Regulations to clarify the age requirements.
Do I need an MHF Membership to be accepted as an EMM trainer?
Yes, you will need to be a current member to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover. Join now.
What facility form do I use and what are the requirements?
You will need to fill out the facility form included in the application. View facilities requirements here or contact your local BLM Office of Jurisdiction for help.
What happens once I am accepted to compete in the Extreme Mustang Makeover?
You will receive an emailed acceptance packet from the Mustang Heritage Foundation with information about the event and details about picking up your mustang.
As an adult trainer, am I adopting my mustang at pick up?
Adult trainers do not adopt their mustang at pick up. The mustangs they pick up are in foster care with the adult trainers.
How does a youth trainer adopt a mustang?
All youth trainers’ parents/guardians must adopt the mustang before taking possession of it. This includes completing a BLM Adoption Application, signing a Private Maintenance and Care Agreement, and providing a personal or cashier’s check in the amount of $25 made out to USDI/BLM. Youth trainers may reassign their mustang to a new adopter after the competition if they need to do so, however they may not SELL the mustang until they receive the title of ownership following the 12-month adoption period.
What do I do if I cannot pick up my horse?
There is an option for another approved EMM trainer to pick up your horse for you. This can be set up by completing the Alternate Pick Up Form provided in your acceptance packet.
How many days do I have to Train my horse?
You will have from the day you pick up until the event itself. This is approximately 100 days to train your mustang.
How many Progress reports will I Have to submit?
Trainers are required to complete and submit 4 different progress reports while they have their mustang in training. There will be progress reports due at 7-days, 45-days, 65-days, and 90-days.
How Classes are there during the show?
For adult trainers, there are 3 preliminary classes, including a Handling & Conditioning class, a Mustang Maneuvers class, and a Trail class. The finals competition consists of a Compulsory Pattern and a Freestyle Performance for the top-10 highest scoring competitors.
For youth trainers, classes will consist of Handling & Conditioning, In-Hand Trail, and Freestyle. The highest combined scores from these three classes will determine the winner.
How does the auction work for the adult horses?
Mustangs must compete at some level (competing in the Handling & Conditioning Class and in-hand in the trail/obstacle class is acceptable) in order to participate in the auction. Mustangs cannot attend the event for the auction only.
Trainers are required to stay and present their horse during the auction. Trainers are required to present their horse in a manner consistent with the appearance and level of training demonstrated during the competition.
Adult trainers will receive 50% commission. Trainers wishing to adopt their mustang must acquire a bidder’s number and bid (or have a representative bid for them) during the auction.
What if I am unable to compete after I have my horse?
In the case that a trainer is no longer interested or able to move forward with the competition, an email officially withdrawing must be submitted to the Event Coordinator.
