Where Heart Meets Horsemanship

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is a 100-day challenge where trainers transform rescue horses and Mustangs into adoptable partners.

About the

Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is a unique competition where volunteer foster homes and professional trainers dedicate 100 days to transforming a rescue horse from Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue.

Why It Matters

This challenge isn’t just about competition—it’s about proving the potential of rescued horses and giving them a second chance at a brighter future. Through patience, skill, and dedication, trainers help these horses become confident, capable, and ready for adoption.

Our Mission

The Dakota Showdown is designed to:
✔ Showcase the potential of rescue horses – They are trainable, versatile, and make incredible partners.
✔ Create training and adoption opportunities – Giving these horses the foundation they need to find forever homes.
✔ Provide a competitive yet supportive platform – Where trainers, both professional and amateur, can display their horsemanship skills.

At the end of 100 days, trainers and horses compete in an exciting multi-phase event, highlighting their progress, partnership, and potential. Join us and witness the incredible transformations!

The Challenge

100 Days to Transform a Horse’s Future

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is a 100-day journey where trainers and volunteers work with rescue horses to build trust, develop skills, and prepare them for a successful future. Participants are placed into one of four divisions based on their experience level and the horse’s needs.

The Grand Finale

After 100 days of dedication, Showcase and Foundation trainers will compete in a multi-phase event, demonstrating their horse’s progress and partnership. Meanwhile, Rising Star and Highlight participants will celebrate their accomplishments with a special exhibition showcasing their horse’s growth.

Whether you're a professional trainer, an experienced horse handler, or just want to give back—there’s a place for you in the Dakota Showdown.

📢 Are you ready for the challenge?

Apply to be a Trainer

Showcase Division

For trainers ready to take on the challenge of starting a horse under saddle. These horses already have a solid foundation in groundwork and are ready for their next step.

Foundation Division

Trainers work with BLM Mustangs or unhandled rescues, focusing on socialization, groundwork, and handling skills to prepare them for adoption.

Rising Star

Designed for 1- and 2-year-old horses, this non-competitive division focuses on socialization, leading, and basic groundwork. Open to anyone 14 and older, it’s a great way for youth and adults to learn and grow alongside a young horse.

Highlight Division - NEW for 2025!

Perfect for anyone looking for a flexible way to help a horse! Volunteers are paired with an adoptable horse at Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue, working on grooming, groundwork, or saddle work based on the horse’s needs in the non-competitive Highlight Division.

Dakota Showdown Blog

Stay Informed, Stay Inspired

Want to follow the 100-day journey of our trainers and horses? The Dakota Showdown Blog brings you exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and important event details. From weekly progress reports on each horse-trainer team to event announcements and insider tips, this is your go-to source for everything Showdown.