Blood, sweat, tears and prayers is what it takes to become a millionaire for five mustang horse trainers. This is the beginning of the Mustang Million: one of the most competitive horse events in the world that offers a whopping $1 million in prizes. Nat Geo WILD has a front-row seat at all the action, as one lucky winner will become the winner of the Mustang Million! Tensions are high, whispers are soft and the chances of injuries are through the roof!
Mustang Millionaire premieres Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 p.m. ET/PT, on Nat Geo WILD. The three-part miniseries brings five mustang-crazed 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. We'll see them bid against some of the best horse trainers in the world, in the hopes of picking the one wild mustang that will give them the best competitive edge.
Following a government round-up of Mustangs some find controversial, our five horse trainers have only four months to tame a wild mustang and turn it into a show horse. They risk everything they have for the chance to win the grand prize and bragging rights. 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. And it all leads up to the final event, which occurs over five days in Fort Worth, Texas, where one misstep could spell defeat and kill any hope of winning a piece of the grand prize. 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.
The exciting competition features horse trainers transforming wild, untouched mustangs into willing and trusting equine partners. Through Mustang Million, 562 mustangs - yearlings to age six - have been placed into adoptive homes, helping raise awareness about the other 40,000 mustangs that are still waiting for adoption. This event provides a national stage to showcase the trainability, athleticism and talent of the American mustang and helps spread the word about these special horses.
Our courageous contestants include:
Bobby Kerr: The winner of last year's mustang competition, his humility and wisdom give him a true competitive edge. An old soul and cowboy sage, he doesn't let distractions come between him and his horses. But what will happen if this time his stunt is too ambitious?
Jonathan "J-Dub" Weisiger: A natural entertainer, he hasn't met an audience that he doesn't like. Gregarious, unguarded and always ready with a one-liner, he is brimming with confidence.
"Extreme Wylene" Wilson Davis: A gutsy cowgirl who would turn heads even if she wasn't riding an 800-pound animal, nothing intimidates Wylene, especially cowboys talking smack!
Travis Dittmer: A seasoned horse trainer, Travis has worked on ranches throughout the country. Now he is passing along that know-how to his twin boys, Jayde and Jerrad. Nobody on the circuit underestimates Travis or his chances to leave the pack behind and emerge a winner.
Mary Miller-Jordan: A devoted mother whose spiritual connection with horses supports her belief that a higher power is looking out for her; she is a first-rate horsewoman whose skills are second to none.
Premiere episodes include:
Mustang Millionaire: Place Your Bets Premieres Saturday, Dec. 14, at 10 p.m. ET/PT It all begins at the adoption auctions that take place across the country: cowboys and cowgirls flock to these sites to buy the horse of their dreams. Bobby, the competition's reigning champ, dives in headfirst; he gets his horse and starts training immediately. Wylene, the all-American cowgirl, doesn't make it to the Fort Worth auction; she picks up a strong mustang in California and begins training the wild animal. Mary, who came close to taking home last year's trophy, got away with buying her horse for a few hundred bucks, and in this case she hopes her horse has a hidden secret. J-Dub, on the other hand, doesn't get his hands on a mustang at the auction. Therefore, he's hoping he doesn't miss the competition. Over the course of four months, not only do our contestants have to break and train their mustangs, they must also think of a horse stunt that is imaginative and daring, and create choreography that demonstrates their command of the animal. The journey to winning the Mustang Million begins now.
Mustang Millionaire: Kick in the Teeth Premieres Saturday, Dec. 21, at 10 p.m. ET/PT There are just a few months left before the biggest competition in the Wild West, and it's anybody's game in a race for $1 million. While everyone else is focusing on building personal relationships with their horses, Bobby, this year's reigning champ, is already working on refining his stunt for the next show. But when his horse can't clear a jump for the routine, he realizes he might have to change the entire stunt. And, a new threat on the scenes mixes things up as, Australian stuntman; Dan James is in the game for his chance to make it big. Meanwhile, Wylene and her horse, King, are working hard on perfecting their routine for the million-dollar race. In North Carolina, Mary and her Mustang, Flying Colors, are invited to perform at a local horseshow, but last-minute location changes cause Flying Colors to become anxious. Wylene is also having trouble with her horse, King at a practice run in Ft. Worth, TX.
Mustang Millionaire: Photo Finish Premieres Saturday, Dec. 28, at 10 p.m. ET/PT Time has run out for our six mustang wranglers, and now it's showtime. Bobby, last year's reigning champ, is in first place in the first round. Wylene and her horse, King, do well enough to land in the top 20, and she makes strides to place even higher as the competition moves forward. But during the second round, King throws his head, and Wylene fears it could potentially cost them their spot in the finals. The Australian cowboy, Dan James, who is new to the wild mustang competition, places pretty high. Mary and Travis, however, are on the bubble. Travis can't seem to catch a break in the competition and feels his horse is channeling that energy. Over in the youth competition, Travis's twins, Jerrad and Jayde, are doing much better than their dad. And it's looking like Jerrad might have the chance to finally place higher than his brother. Finally, J-Dub is at the very bottom and if he doesn't do better soon, he will be long gone from this competition. But it all comes down to this, the million-dollar question: who wins?
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 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.
