INTRODUCING THE 2024 FOUNDATION DIVISION TEAMS!

Last year's grand champion Kaylee Peel of Lazy K Equine has joined us again and will be working with Foundation Division Horse Lucy! Kaylee will also be working with Kodi in a new division - the Long Haul Division, for horses in need of training without a timeline.

Meet Kaylee, the proud owner of Lazy K Equine & Livestock, hailing from Missouri and now 24 years old. Since 2022, she's been actively involved with the Rescue and the Dakota Showdown, relishing the opportunity to connect with diverse trainers and horses annually. The Showdown has played a pivotal role in expanding her client base in western South Dakota, providing a significant boost to her business. With anticipation, Kaylee looks forward to another year of the event, eager to lend a helping hand to yet another deserving horse

Mackenzie Barnett of Barnett Horsemanship from our first year is back to compete and is working with Foundation Division Horse Dice!

Mackenzie, a resident of Edgemont, SD, serves as a training apprentice at Windance Farm in Custer, specializing in English and Western dressage. With a lifelong dedication to working with and training horses, Mackenzie's focus has been on nurturing calm confidence in equines, particularly to transform them into safe mounts for beginners. Although she participated as a trainer in the Showdown's inaugural year in 2022, Mackenzie had to step back from training last year due to the birth of her second daughter. Instead, she contributed her support behind the scenes, offering her couch potato services and assisting with various tasks, including managing booths during the event's finale

Beth Stahlecker joins us this year for the Foundation Division. She'll be working with our fabulous Tennessee Walking horse, Jabberwocky!

Beth, originally from the East Coast but now residing in NW Iowa, is gearing up for her first Showdown. Although she considers herself an amateur, her passion for horses has been a lifelong affair, from her horse-crazy childhood days in the city to her adult years. Most of her horse experience has been gained in adulthood, with daily work at a camp/rescue, where she encountered a diverse range of equine personalities. Despite not specializing in any particular area, Beth eagerly anticipates contributing to the adoption process for a deserving horse, showcasing her versatile skills honed through her varied experiences.

We're happy to welcome Miranda Phillips from Casper, Wyoming to the Dakota Showdown. She'll be working with sassy mustang gelding Smokey!

Miranda is a 24 year old trainer and Arabian enthusiast in central Wyoming. With a formal background in hunter/jumpers on the east coast, she has worked under a variety of professionals across English and Western disciplines. She has an overwhelming passion for horses in need - providing a safe place for horses with ’severe behavioral issues’ to build confidence, trust, and a training plan that fits their needs. She offers the same specialized services to clients, along with starting, restarting, and tune-ups. From racehorses to ranch horses, elite show horses to neglect cases, Miranda is committed to teaching the foundational importance of partnership and communication between horse and rider

Back for his second year, Jay Westerbur will be working with Foundation Division Horse Cinna this year! He'll be working at the rescue facility so watch and see - we may have a few more projects for him!

Jay, 20 years old, has been volunteering at GSH since late 2016, where he's gained most of his horse experience. Alongside a few years of riding lessons, he's adept in both western and English riding, blending techniques from both styles in his training approach. He enjoys working with unstarted and unhandled horses, finding fulfillment in helping them overcome their fears and enjoy human company. Notably, Jay participated in GSH's first official training challenge, focusing on young mustangs, and also competed in the 2023 Dakota Showdown with Nora. This year, he aims to build on his experiences and improve further.