Two weeks ago I attended the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Tenn. (http://extrememustangmakeover.com/easternstampede.php). This wasn’t my first Mustang Makeover, so I knew what to expect. Yet I have to tell you I still came home impressed.

100 days prior to the event, 100 trainers each took home a wild Mustang. Then they came together to showcase the training they had done in that time and to compete for cash prizes. Most importantly, the horses were each up for adoption, so by the time they went to owners, they had solid three month’s work under their girths.

The horses were scored on body condition, which measures the overall health and condition of the animal; an in-hand course, which requires the trainer to demonstrate their ability to handle the Mustang on foot, including moving through an obstacle course, picking up the horse’s feet and loading it into a trailer; and a “horse course,” which requires the trainer to ride the horse through a series of obstacles and complete basic maneuvers, such as walk, trot and lope, stop and back.

The riding and training was good, and the show itself was first rate. But the spirit and enthusiasm really made the event. Everyone cheered for these amazing horses, and the camaraderie among contestants could be felt even up in the stands.

There was also a great sense of celebrating America, with the U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard riding palomino Mustangs, presenting the flag.

A number of riders did something to indicate they wanted to honor God with their training and performance — either by the choice of song for the freestyle, their comments when interviewed, or the discreet point of a finger toward heaven at the end of their run.

It was an uplifting weekend. If you’re tired of all the negativity on TV, put this Mustang project on your calendar for next year. You’ll be inspired by the horses and their trainers.

If you are anywhere near Heber City, Utah this weekend, you have a chance to attend the last Makeover of the year. (http://www.extrememustangmakeover.com/mountainvalley.php) It will be worth your drive.

And if you’ve even thought about training a Mustang, be sure to check out the 2010 Extreme Mustang events (http://extrememustangmakeover.com/). You could participate as a trainer or adopt a horse trained by one of the best!

P.S. I’ve been working hard at redesigning my website. And, in next week’s blog I’ll announce the launch of a free, daily, inspirational email called, “An Extra Flake” from Inspired by Horses. If you want to get in on the ground floor, you can sign up at http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/subscribe.