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Check out my blog at www.mustangadoptions.blogspot.com

for the latest news on adoptable mustangs in Northern California.

In addition to the Norco Extreme Mustang Makeover, in 2010 I trained 2 TIP horses, Ranger (pictured above) and Cody. They were both adopted by a wonderful family and live in Southern California. Their stories, as well as the other horses I am currently training are on the blog.

Competition and Happy Ending!

It went by so quickly! I met so many incredible people and had such a great time! Neo went to the BEST HOME with his new mom. We got so many compliments on how calm and sweet Neo was, I was proud to show off my first mustang. The first portion of the competition involved backing in the Y shape, getting on the trailer, hoof picking, and trotting cones all in hand. After, we headed out to the trail challenge. You can see some pictures from Friday above. Below are Saturday's arena pattern and downtown Norco challenge.








Sunday was the big day. Time for Neo to find the perfect home, and he did. I walked him out (reluctantly) into the arena bareback and took the microphone. I talked about his calm demeanor, positive attitude, and smart as a whip brain. We trotted around while the bidding process started. There a LOT of people interested. I am not kidding when I tell you he was one of the best. When the bidding was over Priscilla had won her true love. She had visited him many times throughout the weekend and was taken with his personality and looks of her previous mustang Rio. They were from the same Elko, Nevada herd so maybe they were related. Either way, it was meant to be. You can tell from the picture below that this mustang had a very, very happy ending! It looks like they are both smiling in this picture:

Getting ready for the big day...

After 90 days of preparing, the big weekend finally came. Andy and I set the alarm to 2am and made it out to the barn by 3 Thursday May 13th. Neo was lying down in his stall when we got there. We hooked up the trailer and loaded him up. 9 hours later we made it to Norco, CA. It really is a "horse town". The sidewalks are bridle paths and there are more tack stores than grocery stores. Most every house had a paddock in the backyard. After we unpacked, I saddled Neo up and neaded out with Janet and Charlie (2 other trainers). We went up the hills and took a look around at what our competition trails might be like. It was steep and Neo handled it like a pro. I knew from that moment he was going to do well and take good care of us both! Here are some pics from that first day:

Neo Noir does Dressage!

Gotta love those white polos! How cute is this horse? He can pretty much do it all and it is pretty clear from the pictures below.
PS The pictures were taken when the wind was blowing between 22-30 mph!

Official Stats for Neo Noir

Here is the info on NEO NOIR:

3 year old gelding mustang captured in Elko, Nevada.

Brought to Woodland, CA Feb 12 2010 to be gentled and trained for the Extreme Mustang Makeover May 14-16th 2010.

He currently trailers, hoofpicks, lunges, stands for farrier, walks on lead, walks on tarps, around dogs, cats, children, under saddle collected walk, trot, canter, jumps obstacles, navigates water obstacles, trail rides, goes bareback, works in indoor/outdoor arena or round pens. Please email alyssaradtke@gmail.com for any other questions or information. Neo will be available for adoption through the BLM Extreme Mustang Makeover Competition in Norco, CA May 14-16th.

Bath Time!

The first day to hit 75, Neo got a bath. It was pretty uneventful (which is a good thing!) His tail will be the next project to tackle, it is pretty tangled after 3 years of being wild on the range. By the time we get to Norco, he is going to be a real show stopper. I am hoping he sheds out all the way, the hair by his freeze brand is growing in SUPER BLACK! We went on a few trail rides this week and also his first trailer ride since coming here. He practically trotted onto the trailer when I offered him a carrot. He really thinks this whole 'gentling' process is no big deal, I think he may have some labrador retriever in him! I am hoping to get in lots of riding in our final month and pictures too. Keep checking back! XOX Olly & Neo

April Update

Well, there is about 4 weeks until the EMM competition and I am getting excited! I am going to focus on getting Neo trail ready this month so hopefully he wont be too suprised by anything at the show. We worked with the tarp this week, bridge step up, and walking in and out of the trailer. He also had some out of state visitors (my parents) who commented "Was he really wild when you got him? He seems so tame it's hard to believe he was ever wild!" What a compliment to our little guy. He got a new saddle and bridle (thanks Patty!) and is officially western even though we do a lot of dressage work too. His western trot is so nice, I could hold a glass of red wine in one hand and not spill drop! Maybe that will be our next Youtube video!