News Release

For Release: May 6, 2009     
Contact:   David Briery 951.697-5220 or e-mail dbriery@ca.blm.gov
CA-CDD-09-42

Mustangs, Trainers Challenge Equine Stereotypes; Competitive-Bid Adoption Follows Trail Challenge

What can you teach a wild horse in 90 days?  In the Norco Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge, May 15-16, 27 trainers from throughout the West will test their skills and those of their assigned mares in a competition through downtown Norco and nearby foothills as they cross streams and encounter obstacles.  The Rural Trail Challenge is Friday, May 15; the Urban Trail Challenge is on Saturday.  Both competitions begin at 9 and are free to the public.

Competitions are sponsored by the Mustang Heritage Foundation (MHF) to showcase the beauty, versatility, and trainability of rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the West – where they are protected by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) under federal law.  The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources.  Thousands of horses are then made available each year for adoption to the public. 

In a typical BLM wild horse and burro adoption, mustangs have yet to be trained or gentled.  However, through competitive bid at noon on Sunday May 17, adopters will take home 29 formerly wild horses who have been trained by 27 of the West Coast’s best horsemen and women.

An extra event at 3 p.m. on Friday May 15 has been added to the competition as a result of the discovery that several of the mares have been in foal.  Patti Colbert, MHF executive director, explained “I’ve received phone calls from about half a dozen trainers saying their mares were going to foal prior to the competition.  As a result we’re including a ‘Mommy and Me’ event for these mares and their foals that will both be safer for the pair and allow people to see these little treasures.”

Mares and their foals will be adopted as pairs, and for an added element, the Norco Extreme Mustang Trail Challenge will host a “baby shower” for the newcomers.  Supporters and fans are invited to bring foal halters and feed to be donated to adopters and area rescue centers.

On Friday evening at 7, the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover Champions, Mark Lyon and Christian will give a special presentation, followed by Ray Ariss and Hail Yeah, Norco Horsetown USA Mustang Mascot.  These presentations are also free to the public. On Saturday at 3:30 p.m., the top ten finalists for this year’s competition will be announced.  The finalists will then perform at 7 p.m., tickets required.  The George Ingalls Equestrian Event Center is located at Sixth and Crestview in Norco.

-BLM-

California Desert District Office – 22835 Calle San Juan De Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, California - (951) 697-5220