The last few years have been challenging, to say the least. While many of our in-person events in 2020 and 2021 transitioned to virtual in light of the ever-changing climate, 2022 marked the first truly virtual Extreme Mustang Makeover.
Trainers completed their applications early in the year and, once accepted, had a 15-day window in April to adopt an eligible horse of their choosing from BLM and MHF Storefront facilities across the country. They then had approximately 120 days to gentle, train and prepare for virtual competition in early August.
Youth competitors adopted yearling horses and competed in-hand in Handling and Conditioning, Trail and Freestyle classes for their shot at the championship and share of prizes.
Adult competitors adopted 4-7 year old horses and competed in three preliminary classes; Handling and Conditioning, Pattern and Trail. Based on scores from the preliminary classes, the top adult trainers then advanced to the finals and completed a Compulsory Maneuvers class and Freestyle performance of their own creation.
A total of 55 horses were adopted in preparation for the Virtual Extreme Mustang Makeover with 19 completing the competition in August. What happened to the others? Well, their adopters fell in love! As anyone who has worked closely with a wild horse for any length of time knows, these horses make their way into your heart and, as the bond grows, the thought of parting post-competition becomes difficult for many trainers. We are excited to hear how these partnerships continue to grow!
Those who competed, submitted videos of themselves and their horse’s completing the assigned patterns in late July. Those videos were then judged, placed and debuted on YouTube for public viewing August 4-6, 2022.
As always, in the end there can only be one. Congratulations to our Youth Champion, Suanna Morris and Eclipse, and to our Adult Champion, Jessica Flaherty and Reina!
Full class and adoption results and Virtual Extreme Mustang Makeover information can be found on the event page.
If you missed the action, head over to the Mustang Heritage Foundation YouTube channel and the Extreme Mustang Makeover Facebook page to catch up!
Congratulations to every trainer who participated in the first Virtual Extreme Mustang Makeover! Your efforts and abilities to showcase these talented horses and their abilities is nothing short of amazing. You should be very proud of your new partners!
Up next…Extreme Mustang Makeover Fort Worth, September 8-10, 2022! Check out our entire event lineup online.
