The Mustang Challenge

The Mustang Challenge

Topic Author: Terri Russell

Posted: 6:02 PM Jul 17, 2009

Replies Posted: 19 comments

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July 17th: Congress has passed a measure that would rescue wild horses and burros from government-sponsored slaughter and give them millions more acres to roam.

That's one of many fronts attempting to keep wild horses running free in the west. 36,000 wild horses and burros live in 10 western states, most of them are in Nevada. The Bureau of Land Management and the Mustang Foundation are trying another tack. Taking some of those mustangs off the range, training them and adopting them out in hopes those horses can serve as ambassadors to their brethren out in the wild.

Lemmon Valley resident Sauyna Bolton has been a horse trainer most of her life. Last year she participated in the Western State's Mustang Challenge. The program gave her a wild horse off the range near Pyramid Lake, and she had that mare in competition in 90 days. Something that normally takes about 6 months to do. Diva, as Saunya called her, was adopted at the end of the challenge and lives up in the Red Rock area.

But Saunya wasn't done. Organizers approached her again this year to take part in the ultimate, "Extreme Mustang Makeover," to be held in Fort Worth Texas in September. We went with her as she picked up her mustang in Palomino Valley in early June and have been following her progress with the four year old gelding yet to be hamed. We have gotten firsts, set backs, and challenges that will hopefully show just how unique and versatile these animals truly are. The progress has been remarkable-- from a horse trying to scale a 20 foot wall, to one that now loves people, loves to be touched, and will try anything Saunya asks of him.

Our stories begin Wednesday July 23rd at 5:00 and another will air one week later on the 30th. We will continue to update Saunya's progress through August and September, and yes we'll be in Forth Worth for the "Big Show" I'm excited about the project and hope you will be too. You can also follow Saunya's personal observations and progress on her blog at www.renosmustangdiva.blogspot.com or you can contact her at saunyajo@charter.net

I hope you enjoy our continueing coverage of "Extreme Makeover: Mustang Edition" and I trust you'll gain a new appreciation of the mustang and those who try to bridge the gap between wild horse and wonderful companion.

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by Tammy Vukovich Location: Auburn, CA on Jun 18, 2010 at 03:54 PM

Save the Mustangs for all of our children and grandchildren to understand their heritage.

by Marilynn Location: Sparks on Oct 24, 2009 at 07:01 AM

Great Story. Certainly did open my eyes to the situation of the mustang and how atheltic they really are. What a story of a true American Icon. Thank you Terri, KOLO, Saunya and all those associated with this project for making it happen. Good luck to all.

by Meredith Mayeroff Location: Reno, NV on Oct 13, 2009 at 04:23 PM

I have enjoyed the series on the Mustang Makeover, and even recorded episodes I was not able to be home for. Saunya has done a wonderful job with Il Divo, he is a lucky horse to have her, and he will make a great horse for his next owner. Thank you for covering the work she did with him, and thanks to the author, Terri Russell. Keep up the good work.

by Jackie Location: Reno on Oct 12, 2009 at 10:33 PM

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!! Terri and Walker-great story. Saunya--KUDOS. Il Divo is a remarkable creature and Saunya has done a remarkable job with him. the person who ends up with him is the luckiest person in the world. He will be a true friend and a wonderful steed. Way to go girls

by Leona Location: Reno on Oct 12, 2009 at 01:03 PM

GREAT STORY. I was fortunate enough to watch Saunya train these mustangs from the day they were picked up from BLM to their trips to the show rings. The day to day progression that these animals make under Saunya's professional, talent hands is nothing short of remarkable. I feel EXTREMELY fortunate that IL Divo (the latest mustang to be trained by Suanya for the Ft. Worth Challenge) is coming back to Reno and will be my primary riding horse. To have a Saunya Bolton trained mustang is a privelege and honor. Terri, you did a WONDERFUL job covering these stories and we want to see MORE of them. Way to go.

by Jenni on Sep 28, 2009 at 12:43 PM

I love this kind of story! It's the horse world's "rags to riches"!!! Where there are more happy endings then sad ones! But only if we continue to be smart about our wild heritage. The wild horse struggle epitimizes the tenacity of the human and horse spirit working together for survival! This is what America is supposed to be about...to live a dream and save what is worth saving! Thank you to Saunya and her posse and to Teri/KOLO for covering this beautiful evolultion!

by Leslie Location: Shingle Springs on Sep 27, 2009 at 10:27 PM

Terri did a great job following Saunya's progress. Saunya is an exceptional horse trainer as well as an exceptional person. She is a winner in all categories. Congratulations with everything that you have done with IlDivo. He's a beautiful horse who will make someone a very wonderful soulmate, thanks to all your hard work Saunya. Bless you and your Diva Gang. Just sorry I wasn't there to share the experience in Fort Worth. Be proud, you did good!!!!

by Shiela Location: Reno on Sep 25, 2009 at 06:37 PM

I absolutely love this story. It is informative, human, interesting and uplifting. Could we see more of Terry and Saunya and this story? In times of so much doom and gloom this makes me happy!

by .Cindy Location: reno on Sep 2, 2009 at 08:13 AM

What a great on going story. We look forward to keeping up with the progress on this great annimal and the great trainer who has taken on a tremendous task. Keep up the great coverage on this story, we look forward to seeing the end result. Thanks Terri for the great coverage, keep it up.

by Christine Location: Carson City, NV on Aug 22, 2009 at 03:03 PM

Today I went to the Wild Horse and Buro show in Reno just to see Saunya and Il Divo. I got to take her photograph and meet Terri R. as well. It was amazing to see all the work Saunya and Il Divo in the ring. He was able to side pass and lope for us. She is an inspiration to all horse people and she demonstrates how teachable wild Mustangs are. Saunya is amazing with the horse. He really listens to her when she means business. If you have not had a chance to go out and see them, well your missing out. What a great story and great people! Thanks for letting me take your photo! I truly enjoyed visiting with you and may need to come again before you leave for Texas! :) Great Job!

by Rhae Location: Lemmon Valley on Aug 17, 2009 at 11:47 AM

I stopped by the Lemmon Valley Horseman's Arena last Friday to watch Saunya work her mustang. Amazing trainer, amazing horse...the combination makes for a magnificent duo! Terri, your coverage of this dynamic duo has been, and am sure will continue to be, fantastic. I feel as though I'm in the stands watching every breath taking moment of each new first.

by Leona Galau Location: Lemon Valley on Aug 6, 2009 at 06:58 PM

EXCELLENT story. Thank you Terri and Walker for covering another great Mustang Adventure. Saunya is doing another EXCELLENT job with this little "wild beauty". If I didn't have 5 horses already this one would be coming home to my place. Who knows, maybe he will anyway. He is a treasure and a true representative of what these "wild mustangs" can do. Especially, when they get their start with a wonderful trainer like Saunya Bolton.

by Meredith Location: Reno, Nevada on Aug 4, 2009 at 10:23 AM

Thanks to Terri Russell for bringing us such an interesting story about Saunya's work with her mustang. I will follow it closely and wish Saunya much success.

by saunya Location: lemmon valley on Jul 31, 2009 at 05:27 PM

email address is saunyajo@charter.net

by janice Location: red rock reno on Jul 30, 2009 at 05:51 PM

This last year has been a wonderful journey, Thanks to Saunya Bolton, Diva's #1 Mustang Nanny. Saunya really does care...a true professional.

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