Kentucky Extreme Mustang Makeover Draws Record Crowds and Inspires Change
Lexington, KY – The 2024 Kentucky Extreme Mustang Makeover was a resounding success, attracting thousands of spectators and showcasing the incredible potential of wild Mustangs. Hosted at the Kentucky Horse Park, the event highlighted the powerful bond between humans and horses, as trainers unveiled months of hard work in taming and training these iconic symbols of the American West.
This year’s event featured 50 trainers from across the country who had just 100 days to transform their untamed Mustangs into willing partners capable of excelling in everything from obstacle courses to freestyle performances. The stakes were high, with cash prizes, awards, and the admiration of a passionate audience on the line.
One standout performance came from trainer Sarah Jensen of Louisville, KY, whose Mustang, Spirit Dancer, wowed the crowd with a jaw-dropping freestyle routine set to a traditional bluegrass tune. “This isn’t just about competition,” Jensen said. “It’s about showing the world what these Mustangs are capable of and how deserving they are of loving homes.”
At the heart of the event was the Mustang Adoption Auction, where all the trained Mustangs were available to adopt. By the end of the weekend, every horse had found a home, with some fetching bids as high as $12,000. Proceeds from the auction support the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s ongoing mission to promote Mustang adoption and awareness.
“This event is more than a competition,” said Mustang Heritage Foundation Director Jim West. “It’s a chance to connect people with these extraordinary animals and demonstrate the transformative power of patience and partnership.”
The Kentucky Extreme Mustang Makeover continues to grow in popularity, serving as both an exciting spectacle and a critical part of efforts to address the challenges facing the over 60,000 wild Mustangs currently in government holding facilities.
As the dust settles, trainers and adopters alike leave Lexington with unforgettable memories, a renewed sense of purpose, and, for some, a lifelong equine partner.
For more information on future events or how to adopt a Mustang, visit MustangHeritage
Foundation.org.
