Post by tireddog on Aug 6, 2008 17:28:26 GMT -5
Mustang Trainer Begins Cross Country Trek to Makeover
Nevada horseman rides for breast cancer and mustang awareness
Las Vegas, Nev., horse trainer Matt Replogle is making his journey to the
Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth, Tex., September 18-21, a different,
and perhaps more meaningful one. He's inviting other trainers and mustang
fans to join him.
While others will be loading their mustangs into trailers, Replogle is
making the 1,200-mile journey to Fort Worth riding his yet unnamed mustang
to the event in order to raise awareness about the value and trainability
of mustangs along with bringing a focus to breast cancer.
"After having such a positive and life altering experience with The Western
States Mustang Challenge, I was motivated to continue this forward momentum
and entered into The Extreme Mustang Makeover," Replogle, who began his
journey August 5, said in a telephone interview. "My goal is to set a new
record and in the process demonstrate to the American people how limitless
our reach is when we come together as a whole, as in we the people of the
United States."
Replogle, who placed sixth at the Western States Mustang Challenge in
Sacramento, Calif., last June, has already entered Arizona and will be
crossing through that state to New Mexico into Texas. He'll make stops in
Albuquerque, Amarillo, and Wichita Falls during his journey.
While Replogle credits the Western States Mustang Challenge with changing
his perspective on training and horse relationships, he credits fellow
Challenge competitor and eight place finisher Janet Titus with helping him
better appreciate those who are suffering from breast cancer.
"I chose breast cancer awareness as an additional cause to ride for upon
learning that one of the competitors in the Western States Mustang
Challenge, Janet Titus, is a breast cancer survivor," he said. "When Chris
Cox asked the crowd of spectators to stand if they have had a friend,
family member, or have themselves been impacted by this disease--- I was
moved by the majority of people who rose to their feet."
While he emphasizes the health and safety of the three-year-old mustang
will be a priority during his trip, he has already faced personal
challenges; riding through the night during a driving rain storm and then
being bitten by a rat that, at the same time, was being eaten by a snake.
"The rat bit me on my chap, so it didn't break any flesh, but it did leave
a bruise," he said. "I got a picture of it and am going to put it on my web
site."
Contributions to fund Replogle's journey are being accepted, which includes
bids to name the mustang that is carrying him to the Extreme Mustang
Makeover. Contributions to the Mustang Heritage Foundation can be made by
going to mustangheritagefoundation.org and donations to the John Wayne
Cancer institute can be made by going to jwci.org. To follow his trek or
contribute, go to mattreplogle.com. If you'd like to contact Matt and ride
with him, email him at lucky13kowboy@aol.com, or call 702-372-8827.
Nevada horseman rides for breast cancer and mustang awareness
Las Vegas, Nev., horse trainer Matt Replogle is making his journey to the
Extreme Mustang Makeover in Fort Worth, Tex., September 18-21, a different,
and perhaps more meaningful one. He's inviting other trainers and mustang
fans to join him.
While others will be loading their mustangs into trailers, Replogle is
making the 1,200-mile journey to Fort Worth riding his yet unnamed mustang
to the event in order to raise awareness about the value and trainability
of mustangs along with bringing a focus to breast cancer.
"After having such a positive and life altering experience with The Western
States Mustang Challenge, I was motivated to continue this forward momentum
and entered into The Extreme Mustang Makeover," Replogle, who began his
journey August 5, said in a telephone interview. "My goal is to set a new
record and in the process demonstrate to the American people how limitless
our reach is when we come together as a whole, as in we the people of the
United States."
Replogle, who placed sixth at the Western States Mustang Challenge in
Sacramento, Calif., last June, has already entered Arizona and will be
crossing through that state to New Mexico into Texas. He'll make stops in
Albuquerque, Amarillo, and Wichita Falls during his journey.
While Replogle credits the Western States Mustang Challenge with changing
his perspective on training and horse relationships, he credits fellow
Challenge competitor and eight place finisher Janet Titus with helping him
better appreciate those who are suffering from breast cancer.
"I chose breast cancer awareness as an additional cause to ride for upon
learning that one of the competitors in the Western States Mustang
Challenge, Janet Titus, is a breast cancer survivor," he said. "When Chris
Cox asked the crowd of spectators to stand if they have had a friend,
family member, or have themselves been impacted by this disease--- I was
moved by the majority of people who rose to their feet."
While he emphasizes the health and safety of the three-year-old mustang
will be a priority during his trip, he has already faced personal
challenges; riding through the night during a driving rain storm and then
being bitten by a rat that, at the same time, was being eaten by a snake.
"The rat bit me on my chap, so it didn't break any flesh, but it did leave
a bruise," he said. "I got a picture of it and am going to put it on my web
site."
Contributions to fund Replogle's journey are being accepted, which includes
bids to name the mustang that is carrying him to the Extreme Mustang
Makeover. Contributions to the Mustang Heritage Foundation can be made by
going to mustangheritagefoundation.org and donations to the John Wayne
Cancer institute can be made by going to jwci.org. To follow his trek or
contribute, go to mattreplogle.com. If you'd like to contact Matt and ride
with him, email him at lucky13kowboy@aol.com, or call 702-372-8827.
