2023 Teams

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2023 GRAND CHAMPION

Kaylee Peel with Tahni

Kaylee Peel and Tahni, a 9-year-old Quarter Horse type gelding, competed in the Showcase Division, which was a very hard division! Grand and Reserve Grand Champions were determined by the high point scores for the weekend and Tahni was the clear winner, earning 313 points in basic skills, trail obstacles and their freestyle performance at the 2023 Dakota Showdown Finale.
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2023 RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION

Michelle Gilles with Toluca

Also competing in the Showcase Division was Michelle Gilles and Toluca, a 14-year-old OTTB. Toluca initially started with a different trainer but was transferred to Michelle approximately 5 weeks before the event. Seeing them earn 311.25 points and earning Reserve Grand Champion was a huge highlight of the weekend!

CHALLENGE TEAMS / horses with a challenge area, older horses, and minimally handled horses

Challenge trainers work with a horse that presents a significant challenge. These challenges include being older (horses up to 18 are eligible for this division), difficult to catch and distrustful, may be difficult/unable to trim, may struggle with loading, and will likely have minimal handling. Some may have previous or unknown training but all will have a challenge of some sort.

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First: Alex Wilson with Rue

Alex Wilson with 11-yr-old Quarter Horse mare took first place in the Challenge division, with an impressive improvement score of 266.75. The horses were given a starting score for basic skills and their final score was the difference to show each individual horse's improvement.
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Second: Erynn Parrish with Daisy

Erynn Parrish and 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare Daisy took second place in the Challenge Division with an improvement score of 226.

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Third: Jadyn Mossengren with Harper

Jadyn Mossengren and 14-yr-old Quarter Horse mare Harper took third place in the Challenge Division with an improvement score of 221.5.

SHOWCASE TEAMS / horses ready to start under saddle or in need of a refresher

Showcase trainers work with a horse aged 3-14 that have generally good personalities and training up to a green broke level under saddle. Showcase trainers must be at least 14 years old. Trainers under 18 will require parent/guardian permission and an adult mentor.

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First: Michelle Gilles with Toluca

Michelle Gilles and with 14-year-old OTTB mare Toluca took first place in the Showcase Division with an improvement score of 244.25

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Second: Kaylee Peel with Tahni

Kaylee Peel and Tahni, a 9-year-old Quarter Horse type gelding, too second in the Showcase Division with an improvement score of 240.
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Third: Kailey Deknikker with Terra

Kailey Deknikker with 9-year-old Mustang mare Terra took third in the Showcase Division with an improvement score of 189.

PONY TEAMS / pony breeds with various levels of training

In partnership with Little Hooves Mini Horse Rescue

Trainers will work with a pony ranging from miniature horse up to approximately 14 hands. Ponies will have a large variety of skills and challenges and will be matched to their trainer's ability. Ponies can be trained in ground work, should excel at obstacles, and can be trained to drive or ride (depending on the size of the pony and rider). This division is open to all ages of trainers including youth. 

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First: Valerie Hicks with Comet

Valerie Hicks with 15-yr-old Hackney Pony gelding Comet placed first in the Pony Division with an improvement score of 247.

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Second: Brenda Buus with Belle

Brenda Buus with Belle placed first in the Pony Division with an improvement score of 232
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Third: Anna Alfonso with Tinkerbell

Anna Alfonso with Tinkerbelle placed first in the Pony Division with an improvement score of 192.75

Be a Sponsor / make a huge impact

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge would love to see your company as a sponsor or Vendor for this year! Whether donating products or funding, we need you to continue to grow this most valuable endeavor in the equine community.

See Sponsorship Options