2009 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER KICKS OFF WITH IDOLS IN HAND COMPETITION

SEPTEMBER 18, 2009, FORT WORTH, TEXAS – Today, the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) kicked off its 2009 Extreme Mustang Makeover at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in Fort Worth, Texas, with the Idols In Hand competition, which includes three and four year old geldings. Besting 46 other contestants in the Idols division with the highest total score for both body conditioning and in hand performance is the mustang Cletus and trainer Cody Sewell of Pollock, Texas.

During the In Hand competition, trainers demonstrate their ability to handle their mustangs on foot through an obstacle course and show off their mustang’s overall health and condition. While Cletus and Sewell earned the highest total points for both aspects, Solomon and Ethan Lee of Pine Grove, La., brought home the most points for the in hand course. Awards will be presented in each area of competition for the first time, in addition to the finals.

Later today, Idol trainers will compete in their Horse Course, which requires them to ride their horse through a series of obstacles and complete basic maneuvers, such as a walk, trot, lope, stop, and back. Ten finalists based on the results of the in hand and horse course competitions will compete on Saturday for the championship and $3,000.

The MHF in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) created the Extreme Mustang Makeover event to highlight the recognized value of mustangs through a national training competition. The event will give the public a unique opportunity to see the results of wild horses becoming trained mounts and then participate in a competitive bidding process to adopt one of these treasured animals. Adoption of all horses will take place September 20 with BLM personnel on hand to answer questions and assist adopters with the application process.

All events are free with the exception of the Legends Finals September 19. Tickets are on sale now through www.extrememustangmakeover.com for this entertaining and heartfelt event.