By Fred Hernandez

The legendary mustang is one of the most distinctive icons of the American West. Descended from the horses reintroduced to this continent by Spanish explorers the mustangs have roamed freely throughout ten states including California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, New Mexico and Texas. Today there are a number of problems besetting these freedom loving herds that need immediate attention. It is the responsibility of Americans to learn more about these beautiful animals, recognize their plight and act by assisting in their protection, management, care and maintenance.

For the first time ever in Custer County EQUUS Film and Arts Fest and the Mustang Summit, an organization dedicated to enlightening the public in general about the mustang and wild horses in America, brings to Westcliffe three exciting days packed with informative, educational and entertainment programs that will delight not only horse lovers but the public in general. Mark your calendar from the evening of September 28th through October 1st. It will be a weekend “round up” with everything from documentary films at the Jones Theater, fourteen  nationally recognized mustang trainers,  six of which will be working with mustangs which will then be available for adoption at BbarB Ranch. BbarB will be hosting the Fundraiser Dinner on Thursday night, Feb 28th with Music by the High Country Junkies Band, along with presentations from guest speakers and sponsors.

Musical performances by country western stars Jared Rogerson and Lacy Dalton will be at the Jones Theater on Sat evening, and much more. There is an impressive list of guest speakers from across the country who will give presentations about day-to-day interactions with the mustangs. There will be forums at which groups of those interested can listen to experts, ask questions and discuss concepts and ideas. Fine Artists, Book Authors, Film makers and vendors will be showcased at the Jones Theater throughout the weekend.  This exciting event begins on Thursday, September 28th from 3  to 8 p.m. at the B-Bar-B Ranch with an agenda that will include dinner.

The best way to get more information about the great event is to contact Ms. Melody DeBenedictis. Melody is a local artist and a passionate advocate for the mustangs.  A new resident here is Westcliffe, she is the Coordinator for Westcliffe, Colorado of the EQUUS Film and Arts Fest and The Mustang Summit. She can be reached at 505-429-6597. Or, see her website www.melodydebenedictis.com.

For the full schedule and online ticket purchases visit the Equus Film Fest website at www.equusfilmfestival.net, or you can purchase paper tickets here in Westcliffe at Candy’s Coffee on 2nd Street downtown Westcliffe, as well as Silver Cliff Mountain Inn (Willie’s Restaurant) in Silver Cliff.