The bald eagle and the American flag may be icons of patriotism and freedom. But, travel just a few miles to the west — in the land of the cowboy — and you will find another symbol that rivals those classic American symbols.

Mustangs have roamed the hills and valleys of the Western United States since being brought to North America by the Spanish more than five centuries ago. Since then, the wild horses have been ridden by Civil War soldiers on both sides and American Indian tribes. Like the Marlboro man, they have become a symbol of the rugged American West.

It is no wonder that last weekend’s Extreme Mustang Makeover was so popular not only in Fort Worth, Texas but also for many in Natchez who were following local trainer David Carter in his quest for the title.

Throughout the weekend, Carter and other horse trainers performed feats of skill unimaginable on well-trained horses, let alone horses that roamed wild a little more than three months ago.

Trainers popped whips and fired guns while standing atop their horses. Horses jumped through rings of fire and climbed into the back of moving pickup trucks while thousands whooped and hollered from the stands,

Announcers kept reminding the crowd that all of the mustangs in the competition had only 101 days of training. Many had only been ridden in the saddle a few dozen times.

Amazing, jaw-dropping, stupendous, awesome — I don’t think there is a word in the English language that comes close to describing these feats of skill.

Yet even more overwhelming is the reason for the whole event.

Despite the popularity of these horses, not enough of them are being adopted and trained. The federal government has corralled more than 33,000 wild horses to prevent overgrazing. An equal number still roam free on public lands in the Western United States.

Space to keep these animals is quickly shrinking.

Officials of the Bureau of Land management are faced with difficult decisions — so difficult, in fact, that many are talking about euthanasia as a possible way of controlling the growing numbers.

Just the mention of killing these horses has mustang advocates across the country fuming.

But the government is running out of options and the number of wild horses is increasing exponentially.

That is why the Extreme Mustang Makeover and its accompanying adoption play a crucial role in raising the awareness of the mustang crisis.

By dazzling the crowds with their impressive horsemanship, the 168 trainers that competed last weekend sent a larger message to the crowds — mustangs are a wonderful alternative for those seeking to own a horse.

Carter’s horse, Silverado, clearly demonstrated to the crowd how well trained these horses can be.

One of the most popular horses of the event, Silverado was adopted with a bid of $10,500. But many other horses were adopted for $350 or less.

Many in the Natchez crowd shook their heads in disbelief during Sunday’s event, wishing they brought horse trailers with them. They knew what a bargain these horses were compared to today’s market.

But, the truest testament to these horses may have been the many trainers who would not part with their horses. After the weekend competition, many trainers bid for their own horses — including Carter.

Silverado and 167 other mustangs were adopted over the weekend. That leaves 32, 832 to go.

Ben Hillyer is the web editor of The Natchez Democrat. He can be reached at 601-445-3540 or by e-mail at ben.hillyer@natchezdemocrat.com.