Mustang Million 2013 Competition to be Featured in Miniseries on Nat Geo WILD TV

Press release

The trials, tears and triumphs of five Mustang trainers on their way to Mustang Million will be featured in a new three-part miniseries on Nat Geo WILD. “Mustang Millionaire,” airing December 14, 21 and 28, 2013 at 10 p.m. EST, gives you a backstage pass to all the action from the adoption auctions to the sold-out Legends freestyle finals.

Mustang Million, the richest wild horse training event produced by the Mustang Heritage Foundation in partnership with the Bureau of Land Management, offered $1 million in cash and prizes and was held September 16-21, 2013 in Fort Worth, Texas. Over 400 trainers representing 40 states and the Mustangs of their choice flocked to Fort Worth to compete in events from cow work to hunter hack after 140 days of training. Through the national event, 562 Mustangs, yearlings to age six, were adopted into private care, saving taxpayers an estimated $6.7 million.

The three-part miniseries brings five cowboys and cowgirls together as they come from across the country to give it all they’ve got for their share of the million-dollar prize. Mustang trainers, Bobby Kerr, Jonathan Weisiger, Wylene Wilson Davis, Travis Dittmer and Mary Miller Jordan are featured. Former Road to the Horse champion, Dan James, also takes part in the series.

According to the Mustang Millionaire, “It is a journey of transformation not only for the horses but for the trainers themselves. ­­Along the way, they face the risk of injury, strained relationships with loved ones and an on-going crisis of confidence. On game day, each Mustang and its trainer must execute a complex feat that highlights the horse’s journey from unbridled animal to disciplined arena performer.”

Mustang Millionaire is produced by ABC News’ Sixty Six Media for Nat Geo WILD. For ABC News’ Sixty Six Media, executive producers are Morgan Hertzan and Terence Wrong. Co-Executive producer is Megan Harding and supervising producer is Sara Rodriguez. For Nat Geo WILD, executive producer is Ashley Hoppin, and executive vice president and general manager is Geoff Daniels.

About Mustang Million

The purpose of the Extreme Mustang Makeover is to showcase the beauty, versatility and trainability of these rugged horses that roam freely on public lands throughout the West, where they are protected by the BLM under federal law. The BLM periodically removes excess animals from the range to ensure herd health and protect rangeland resources. Thousands of the removed animals are then made available each year to the public for adoption. More than 5,000 wild horses have been adopted through Mustang Heritage Foundation events and programs since 2007. To learn more about Mustang Million, visit www.mustangmillion.com.

About the Mustang Heritage Foundation

The mission of the Mustang Heritage Foundation and the goal of the Extreme Mustang Makeover events are to increase the adoption of Mustangs across the country. The Mustang Heritage Foundation created the Extreme Mustang Makeover events to showcase the recognized value of Mustangs through a national training competition. The nonprofit organization also created the Trainer Incentive Program and the Youth Employment Program to raise awareness about America’s Mustangs. For more information, visit www.mustangheritagefoundation.org.

About the Bureau of Land Management

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for managing 258 million acres of public lands, located mostly in the West. Wild horses and burros roaming public rangelands are managed in a manner consistent with BLM’s overall multiple-use mission, as set forth in the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976. For more information, visit www.blm.gov or call 866-468-7826.

About Nat Geo WILD

Experience the best, most intimate encounters with wildlife ever seen on television. Backed by its unparalleled reputation for quality and blue-chip programming, Nat Geo WILD is dedicated to providing a unique insight into the natural world, the environment and the amazing creatures that inhabit it. From the most remote environments, to the forbidding depths of our oceans, to the protected parks on our doorsteps, Nat Geo WILD will use spectacular cinematography and compelling storytelling to take viewers on unforgettable journeys into the wild world. Launched in 2006, Nat Geo WILD is part of National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) and is available in more than 90 countries and 100 million homes. Nat Geo WILD HD launched in the U.K. in March 2009, and is also available in Greece, Latin America, Poland, Spain and Russia. Further expansion is expected globally. For more information, please visit www.natgeotv.com.