Mark Lyon guides his mustang, Christian, through a fiery hoop to win the 2008 Extreme Mustang Makeover.

After taking a spill mid-performance, Mark Lyon of Arlington, Neb., and his 3-year-old mustang, Christian, took the grand prize at the second annual Fort Dodge Extreme Mustang Makeover . The finals for the Legends division, the highest level of competition, were held on September 20 in Fort Worth, Texas. The pair captured the $12,500 top prize and the hearts of thousands watching their performance, which was highlighted by deep stops and picture-perfect spins before Lyon’s fall. The mishap, caused by the saddle slipping as Lyon leaned into a turn, demonstrated that a well-trained horse doesn't always need a rider to win. Since the focus of the judges was on the mustang's ability, Christian was awarded for his reaction to this unforeseen snag.

A total of $70,000 was awarded during the three-day run of the show that ended with the adoption of all competition horses. The Mustang Heritage Foundation, in cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management, hosted the Fort Dodge Extreme Mustang Makeover for the second year to increase mustang adoptions. This year's event featured more than 300 mustangs that were gentled by trainers from around the country for just 100 days.