Mustang Magic 2023 (100 Day Training Challenge)

Moscato is a 5-year-old mustang mare from Fish Creek Nevada. She was my draw for the 2023 Mustang Magic Trainer's Challenge in Fort Worth Texas.
We picked up in September and had approximately 120 days to tame, train, and compete with our mustangs January 19-21. Trainers and mustangs spend the time preparing for a handling & conditioning class, trail class, maneuvers class, and compulsory. Top 10 competes Saturday night and a competitive bid and auction follows the makeover.
34 selected and invited trainers picked up initially for this competition, 23 made it to the event.
Moscato and I made the Top 10 landing 7th overall in the Prelim classes. We had a last minute planned freestyle class which kept us in 7th overall. She is going to a really good home in Florida.
For more information on the mustang makeovers, please visit
www.extrememustangmakeover.com
www.mustangheritagefoundation.com
Thank you to my sponsors on this journey with Newt:
Espana Silk (www.espanasilk.com)
Counter Canter Designs (www.countercanterdesigns.com)
Riding Warehouse (www.ridingwarehouse.com)
Excel Supplements (www.excelsupplements.com)
Prosperity Farm Sport Horses
To follow daily updates on my mustangs in Facebook or Instagram:
@vanfleetmustangs

[@gabypicard797]

The way she held so still while her new mom hugged her at the end literally melted my heart. She's gorgeous, great job Sam

[@felipev.mendoza6826]

Hznnnzznzbzbnzbbxjzdjbbdbbdbjdhbdjddjbdzjzbzbbzjzbbzzbbzbnznnnzbzzbzbbzzbzbbzbbzbbbzbzbbbzzbbzbznznznnnznznzn

[@leofarrell7839]

Hi Sam

[@imjustabee]

I literally never tear up at videos, but the way her new owner got so emotional and hugged her choked me up. Well done with her Sam, and congrats on her new family, she's an absolutely stunning horse

[@rizalblagger7488]

🕴

[@annagarner1280]

Yes I'm not the only leaky eyed individual....I m in love with mo...great job sam

[@mattiescreations_0560]

Ngl I cried

[@NZKaz]

Every mustang deserves an excited reaction like her new Mums. So sweet. Beautiful job done!

[@danielabaumann1165]

Im fifty now, and train Horses over 30 Years. And i can tell you: you did a great job. Its not only that we can ride a Horse at the end... Its about how we get there. Understanding, willing to listen, patience, knowledge, feeling for finding right timing dure training. And youve got it. Keep on training Horses. It means the World to me, hope it means the World to you too 🥰 Big Hug from Switzerland

[@annagarner1280]

❤

[@plips71755]

Absolutely, it will carry over for the rest of the mare’s life and into the performance with the new owner. If she never learns to want to do and wants to trust you, you haven’t gotten anywhere. All you did was force her and that’s not what you want in the end. Trust and bonding the goal, or should be. This girl did a great job. I had horses for later part of 60s through 2009 and showed for most of that time period, bred and raised 3 colts.

[@blessedfire365xgf]

Awesome 💯😎

[@emmyennit]

im 3 minutes in and already CRYING. Watching a wild, scared horse becoming friends with a human is the most beautiful thing

[@Ohiogirl71]

Wow. Just wow. Is it just me or does Moscato have something extra special?! ❤ Absolutely loved her new mom’s reaction!

[@Hannahs_Mustangs]

Im not all the way through yet, but oh man there's such a big difference between day 1 and day 3!!! Sam you are amazing!! Edit: aw I love that she ended up with such a good home! I love seeing makeovers like these!

[@pattips5464]

Oh, to form that bond and then to let her go must be so very emotionally difficult. But to see your friend's Mom so tearfully happy and to see Moscato accept her arms wrapped around her in a hug...it looks as if Moscato knew this is where I belong.

[@tamitaylor9742]

She is absolutely beautiful ~ what an amazing job you did congratulations. My 14 year old daughter wants to train the babies.

[@audreygregis8721]

Now THAT was a happy ending....and what a tear jerker. Mo was supposed to be hers. Simply beautiful mare, and look at that mane and forelock. Always beautiful training. Love, love, love seeing a Mustang mare get such a good forever home.💞

[@ameliagpeters]

Seems like her perfect family was waiting for her the whole time💜

[@autumntaylor3532]

When her new mom saw her and realized it was her I started tearing up 🥹 ❤

[@SouthCarolina007]

Sam, you are amazing. You certainly have a gift for training. Love and respect.

[@janedeclarico5920]

There's something so special about Mo. She is an amazing little mare. Of all the mustangs you have worked with (other than your heart horse) she was my favorite. Slow, steady, willing and kind. And she's beautiful with the prettiest eyes I've seen on a horse in years. Zane Gray was a famous western writer and Mo is very much like the type of horse he so admired and put in his books. He loved mustangs and could never say enough good things about what magnificent horses they are. Hopefully through young, passionate, trainers like you the Mustang will continue to meet the American public. They are great, all around horses and a national treasure. Thanks for all you do for these wonderful horses.

[@leahworth8477]

i just love her amazing temperament . not once did she ever try to put you in harm and she took to everything so well

[@rizalblagger7488]

🕴

[@nbt3663]

Sam, missed your videos. Im we all will watch this several times. The end is so special. I'm sure the pride in your heart was huge!! I know mine was! So awesome.

[@lancemiller4647]

I've watched several of your 100 day gentling videos and I'm always amazed at how wild some mustangs are but after a 100 days they can't get enough of your loving touch.. Great work. I hope you are proud of all that you have accomplished - I so hope that when you look in the mirror the image looking back has a huge smile on its face.

[@abbykoop5363]

I'm so glad she wound up where she will be loved and appreciated. Great job on her! In my area I see so many people pick up feral horses with good intentions, yet have no idea what to do and the horses wind up being neglected. It's so wonderful to see how they can transform in the right environment. Well done!!

[@mikaylaauvil6350]

She seems like such a sweet mare. You did a fantastic job with her!

[@scottbell5867]

I live about 10miles away from Fishcreek and helped run cows on that range. Years ago one of the ranch managers cleared the range of most of the studs and tearned out thoroughbreds. All of the horses in that unit are good looking.

[@pnhnut]

I'm not crying your crying!! OMG, I love what you do Sam... was beautiful to watch Moscato develop and go home. Can't wait to see who you get next.

[@leanneadams2549]

What a treat this vid is !! You can plainly see how this mare just wants to please her and to watch her perform her signature moves !!! Same is so gifted and has a life I could only dream of having but pretty happy she lets us tag along !!!! All the best to truly great horsemanship- or should a say horsewomanship !!!! ❤️🐴❤️

[@jessicat3951]

I always am fearful nearing the end of these videos because I the trust and love with the trainer is so great, and then the horse gets sold on and I worry the next owner will not understand or be kind. It can be such a rough life for horses with owners who don’t understand horses, or worse think they do, when they really only understand how to dominate horses. But then the way this woman held Moscato’s head… I cried. Thank you both for showing this beautiful girl a good life!

[@MBHacres]

Been waiting for this! Thanks for all you do for these beautiful horses!

[@ThePyrshepnBelgn]

I love this mare. What a big heart. I also love seeing your reaction and how you meet each horse where they need you. You are a phenomenal trainer.

[@J_MHequi]

You might be one of my favorite trainers to learn from… just watching how you hold your leg or how you time a release is just so good. Stacy Westfall, Amy Skinner, Warwick Schiller… watch out, this girl is the future.

[@rogergriffith3924]

Larissa Zeeuwe, a young Dutch woman has reacted to Sam's 2023 Mustang Magic video. Her reaction is special because she admits that she doesn't know anything about horses. Her reaction is worth a watch!

[@erikafreebird6449]

I have seen most of your makeovers and none of them made me cry like this one. I am so happy Mo.💖🐴

[@rogergriffith3924]

Larissa Zeeuwe, a young Dutch woman has reacted to Sam's 2023 Mustang Magic video. Her reaction is special because she admits that she doesn't know anything about horses. Her reaction is worth a watch!

[@dariohidalgo72]

Felicitaciones por ese trabajo maravilloso que hiciste con ese caballo!!!! Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@donnac.1609]

Wow! It was such a great journey with a super nice mare! Looks like she found her forever home! Our Mustangs are truly a treasure in the rough!

[@vixlin]

i saw how the first day it looked as if you were fighting a bit with each other, but it just strengthened your bond forward. i havent watched the whole video yet, but im expecting a few bumpy patches because that’s just what happens with things you cant really communicate how you would normally to. i can tell youre very experienced in this and she’s so lucky to have you working with her. she already trusted you on the second day of your togetherness, and that’s something i might see often, but i still treasure and adore how beautiful those moments are. ❤

[@lilyfreeborn3550]

I love that by day 3 you can see how excited she is to learn! A little wary of some things at first but eager to understand and get the hang of it! Love it so far!💙

[@rofiahcrawford3250]

Wowee! What a job! So happy for the lucky owner who clearly loves her to bits! God is So GOOD!

[@april5666]

Congratulations on placing so highly in your first Magic Mustang makeover Sam. You are so talented and kind, I was not surprised but, of course, pleased for you and the very lucky and lovely Mo. Great video journey too. Thank you for all you do to help wild horses return to freedom :)

[@nbt3663]

A top 10 horse, lucky 7, fantastic Sam!

[@pauloricardomunrodacosta2448]

Parabéns e sucesso

[@budnspud]

She is such a beautiful horse.

[@vanityfair5823]

Bravo! You did a fantastic job with Mo. It takes a strong person to allow a horse you started/trained to go on with its life away from you. Looks like you gave Mo the perfect home.

[@evloftis4143]

I have had a few mustangs in my days as a trainer and they make some of the best horse's. and watching these videos makes me want to train more of them. awesome job young lady

[@Marta-df2hs]

OMG -brought tears to my eyes. What an amazinng mare! Mo is beyond magical and so special. Sam, thank you for what you do. I can't imagine doing it and not getting attached. My heart would break and I'm sure she will remember you always. Your interaction was built on consistent trust and thus, she did all she could for you. I understand by helping her and finding her a loving home, you can move on to the next one who needs it. Hoping Mo continues to be loved and respected for the beautiful being she is. ❤️🐎

[@rogerfillion2804]

I find amazing to witness how psychology applied by trainers differ from one to another. I like Sam's application.

[@calysiagamer1237]

I fell in love with her too - As soon as I saw the first video of her I was like 'Oh good gosh I love her and want her' Sadly, I don't have the experience, funds, means, or location to have ever gotten her. I'm glad she went to such a loving home though. She deserves it

[@bethanys-herd]

The amount of skill and talent it takes to make those first few days look easy like this... Incredible! Great job, Sam!

[@Mediatesproduction]

Wonderfull the work you make with this Horse, compliments you are wonderfull, thank you so much

[@lovecommonsense]

It's always so amazing to watch them go from a terrified prey animal to a confident partner. It's almost like "magic" (I couldn't resist...sorry, not sorry). As always Sam, great job.

[@joannepantale483]

Awww, such a sweet story! I cried at the end when your friend's mom got her. You perform miracles with those horses, Sam. Much ❤️ from Michigan 🌊

[@americannavajopatriot9412]

Your horsemanship skills is amazing👍🏾💯 That's awesome n what you do.

[@leanneeastcoastparanormalc9817]

She is precious ❤

[@emilystambaugh2627]

Her moms reaction has me bawling 😭🥰 so happy for all of you!! Well done! 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@Cat_KH1]

My fiance said i could get a horse but i had to train it. Growin up i watched my dad train my horse bullet but his methods didnt seem to be working. They were a bit harsh imo. But u seem to be so gentle when training them that i think I'll learn some more and may try the more gentler way. Thank you for the inspiration

[@rogeriofernandes1245]

Muito bom parabéns que Deus abençoe sempre

[@lindasmith744]

Great work with a smart mare! And that was possibly the sweetest reveal of a horse to a new owner, ever! I think she's where she was meant to be! A+ job!

[@timklassen421]

A great beginning and a beautiful ending .

[@carleenjohnson9063]

Excellent job Sam, wow is right. I just dont know how your able to do this, knowing at the end of your journey's with these beautiful animals, your giving them up to another home. I really dont think I could do this, my heart used to break when I had to give kittens or puppies to new homes once they were old enough, but a horse, I just couldnt, so my hat is off to you my dear. Just keep doing what your doing , you are awesome.

[@rofiahcrawford3250]

I love your opening explanation. For many who don't know it's very helpful. Hope you're living well, taking care of your health, both spiritual and physical. God bless and keep up the transforming work!

[@User-without-name]

I love the horses very much and this is a beautiful harmony between human and horse. Just thanks for the sharing. Even if I can’t be with a horse because of my health, because of you I could enjoyed the beautiful friendship. Thanks. 😌 You’re helping me to leaving my passion. ☺️

[@carolmurray3674]

I was so glad to see you had a new video up! You got a very beautiful mare to work with. I enjoyed every minute. Too too bad for the supposed original buyer but boy did they sure made one special lady very very happy,🍎❤️🍎🇨🇦

[@rgould4196]

Sam, you do such a wonderful job, and so kind. Mo is precious, and I'm so glad she'll be close to you in FL. This one brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing your teachings, and mostly, for helping to save these beautiful horses.

[@SmM33380]

Amazing! She is such a beautiful horse! The best thing though, she is in the hands of someone that truly loved her!

[@mikemikolon3949]

You are absolutely blessed with the softest touch when working with horses keep up the great work those horses are absolutely beautiful ❤❤❤

[@CB-eq5if]

You are a great lady and a great trainer. Love your videos. Thank you so much. ✌️

[@user-kt6yx7ox7z]

That is a gorgeous mare!

[@FyreHeartStudios]

I'm not crying at the end, totally not crying. . .

[@liesjelualockse6377]

You got me; a teared up again! From the way you find loving contact from the very first moments, the way you build up trust; the amazing speed you have taking these horses through our human world with all that goes with it somehow knowing all the steps the horse needs.... You are so inspiring! Mo is absolutely stunning and seeing her arrive at her forever home with her human mum absolutely overjoyed made my day. Thank you so much for sharing Sam, wishing you well from the Netherlands

[@sb4759]

Oh I just loved watching this horse be transformed. I hope she is happier now than she was before. Just beautiful. Thank you for sharing. Precious horse!

[@mikeconrad3094]

What an amazing video, loved every minute of it!

[@jamestrotter9677]

You are an amazing young lady Sam. I envy the connections you are able to make with these horses. Keep up the exceptional work.

[@amyberg1413]

From fears to tears-beautiful. Another horse well trained and getting a great home! Congrats Sam!

[@eyesea123]

What an amazing transformation. Love these videos! The part when Mom see's Mo....tears! So sweet!!

[@1903A3shooter]

Sam works her magic again.

[@michelleberthold6270]

Those first touches had me in tears....so beautiful

[@WildLilyHorsemanship]

Was this the closest timeline you've ever had between makeovers? It seems bonkers to get done with one and turn around to be ready for the next, but clearly it worked out for guys! Moscato is such a lovely mare!

[@SamVanFleet]

I did it before with Magic 2019 and Florida 2019! Pickup for FL was the last day of Magic

[@Hannahs_Mustangs]

@@SamVanFleet thats amazing!!! I know I would have a hard time with that!

[@carmeldcole]

That mare is a beauty. She's powerfully built, but looks very athletic. Nice choice. All the best with her Miss Sam.

[@58landman]

Sam, you did a fine, fine job with that little mare. I grew up riding an older mustang gelding that my grandfather owned, although I called him my horse. When I was a kid I worked with a mustang gelding that a friend of mine owned and I absolutely love mustangs. I have also always loved working with mares. Love your vids too!!!

[@michaelchailland3616]

I speant my career in Las Vegas as a Veteran of the Air Force and 25 years as a critical care nurse, transport norse and a 911 response nurse. I loved my career. But when I watch the kindred spirit between you and that horse just envelopes my being . My heart is full when I watch you perform with those horses.

[@cutefan5playsmsp895]

Ooo she is a very special mare, she must have been hard to let go. I got wet eyes when her new owner hugged her.

[@ssnow14]

These are all beautiful horses! So glad you train them so they can go to good homes and have a better life.

[@SlaySami]

i wanted to cry through the entire video this is absolutely amazing

[@Darkmae]

I went and saw you perform in fort worth, I'm so happy you were in the finals and that you and Moscato had a great performance!

[@rogergriffith3924]

Larissa Zeeuwe, a young Dutch woman has reacted to Sam's 2023 Mustang Magic video. Her reaction is special because she admits that she doesn't know anything about horses. Her reaction is worth a watch!

[@juliedidlinger6638]

Amazing…..my heart melts

[@plips71755]

She really wanted to trust the girl. And she missed her when she was away from her. I lived the rider, very good seat, and legs plus hands. She was able to encourage the horse to trust her and go along with the plans even she had some issues. And Sam was so young and has come a long way. She obviously learned her lesson - a horse wants to do for us and are so eager to please if we just let them. And Sam gets that. Congratulations.

[@DebraOBoyle]

I love how the training has evolved over time. Sam you do an amazing job with these horses. I'd love to have one. Congratulations on and with your continued success. These horses are so worth it!

[@tayandtaff8053]

Why do all your videos make me cry happy tears? 😊😊😊

[@sillyhiccups7818]

Great work, Sam! Beautiful mare, Sam! Good luck! She’s gorgeous and has a great mind! Thank you! Love your videos 👍🏼

[@sharigirardeau3367]

She's absolutely stunning!!

[@dyl.made.for_rodeo]

4 months later watching this. You are incredible!! if i get a horse i might just hook you up for it!!

[@lunaarc23]

She's beautiful. Her Nickers are adorable 😍 I'm obsessed with Bays and Buckskins. Mustangs and Frisians are my favorite.

[@theidlehandsworkshop3884]

Ma'am, you and Camille both are exactly what people need to so. Binge watching your videos you can see that you adapt for each horse and then end result with all of them has been incredible

[@scout4723]

You did amazing! I was there you probably don't remember me but my dad asked if she could do eventing and you showed us a video. I was too scared to say it then, but I was a big fan and enjoy your content. Keep working hard!

[@littlebitofeverythingfarm]

Beautiful job! I am so excited to see this video released today! I love watching you work and see the progress of gentling the horse. ❤️

[@Kiraiko44]

Moscato looks very Spanish to me! Such a beautiful build and lovely face. Great job!

[@bayleecarlson6896]

Those song choices wrecked me… ❤️ And my jaw dropped when I read that her bidder backed out. Unreal. What a beautiful girl and story! Thank you for sharing

[@kellypetersen8204]

What an impact you make for the mustangs!

[@tr7b410]

You must have been a native American horse trainer in your past life=a natural aptitude.She is a beautiful companion. Loving the song;So long my Friend.

[@elamanvetta1685]

❤🍷🥹 Looks like Moscato likes her new mom! We were disappointed with the amounts most of the horses drew at this auction, but now we see the silver lining. What you do is truly amazing, Sam. We look forward to the day you have your own facility where shy kids can learn to make friends with these amazing, loveable creatures.

[@user-lb1eh8hn8s]

You have done an outstanding job training this beautiful horse Sam. Congratulations. You definitely have the gift. From the land down under.😊

[@5555filly]

What a sweet mare, nice job congratulations on 7th💕

[@Cloudy-pt4pr]

So so great, fantastic❤ thank you for helping mustang’s 🙏

[@heididelateja7573]

IM IN TEARS!!!! SIMPLY SENSATIONAL! KUDOS HUGS AND LOVE!!!!! ❤

[@emma_and_a_horse]

🥲 What a beautiful girl she is. You did such a great job Sam. Thank you for sharing the journey with us 🙏

[@saspinks3001]

I know they have to go thru it but sometimes it is heart-wrenching to see so much terror in their eyes. Thank you for all you do for these horses!