Mustang Trainer Begins Cross County Trek to the
Extreme Mustang Makeover 2008

Nevada Horseman Rides for Breast Cancer and Mustang Awareness

Las Vegas, Nev., horse trainer, Matt Replogle, is making his journey to the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover (EMM) in Fort Worth, Tex., September 18-21, 2008 a different and perhaps more meaningful way. He's inviting other trainers and mustang fans to join him in his journey.

Matt's "touring" mustang prior to pick-up from a BLM facility.

While other trainers participating in the 08 EMM will be loading their mustangs into trailers, Replogle is making the 1,200 mile journey to Fort Worth, Tex. riding his yet unnamed mustang to the event in order to raise awareness about the value and trainability of mustangs along with bringing a focus to breast cancer.

"After having such a positive and life altering experience with The Western States Mustang Challenge, I was motivated to continue this forward momentum and entered the 2008 EMM," Replogle, who began his journey August 5, said in a telephone interview. "My goal is to set a new record and in the process demonstrate to the American people how limitless our reach is when we come together as a whole, as in we the people of the United States."

Trainers, Chris Cox and Matt Replogle, at the 2008 Western States Horse Expo Mustang Challenge.

Replogle, who placed sixth at the Western States Mustang Challenge in Sacramento, Calif., held in June 2008, has already entered Arizona and will be crossing through that state to New Mexico into Texas. He'll make stops in Albuquerque, Amarillo, and Wichita Falls during his journey.

While Replogle credits the Western States Mustang Challenge with changing his perspective on training and horse relationships, he credits fellow Challenge competitor and eight place finisher Janet Titus with helping him better appreciate those who are suffering from breast cancer.

"I chose breast cancer awareness as an additional cause to ride for when I learned that one of the competitors in the Western States Mustang Challenge, Janet Titus, is a breast cancer survivor," he said. "When Chris Cox asked the crowd of spectators to stand if they have had a friend, family member, or have themselves been impacted by this disease --- I was moved by the majority of people who rose to their feet."

Mustang trainer, Matt Replogle, with "Jennifer" at the 2008 Western States Mustang Challenge.

While he emphasizes the health and safety of the three-year-old mustang will be the priority during his trip, he has already faced personal challenges; riding through the night during a driving rain storm and then being bitten by a rat that, at the same time, was being eaten by a snake.

"The rat bit me on my chap, so it didn't break any flesh, but it did leave a bruise," he said. "I got a picture of it and am going to put it on my web site."

Contributions to fund Replogle's journey are being accepted, which includes bids to name the mustang that is carrying him to the EMM 08. To follow his trek or contribute to his cause, please visit www.mattreplogle.com. If you'd like to contact Matt and ride with him, email him at lucky13kowboy@aol.com, or call 702-372-8827. Contributions for the Mustang Heritage Foundation are being accepted, as well as donations to the John Wayne Cancer Institute.

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