Where Heart Meets Horsemanship

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is a one-of-a-kind competition where professional trainers and dedicated foster homes work with rescue horses from Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue for at least 100 days. Together, they build trust, teach new skills, and prepare the horses for a better future.

The event culminates in a two-day public showcase at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds, featuring:

  • A judged training competition
  • Our first-ever Open Horse Show
  • A family-friendly BBQ dinner
  • Local vendors and a tack swap
  • Raffle prizes and adoption opportunities

Now in its second year in Yankton, the Showdown drew over 200 attendees in 2024—and we’re expecting even more in 2025 as it becomes one of southeast South Dakota’s most exciting horse events. Most importantly, it’s a major fundraiser and adoption event that helps rescue horses find new homes and bright futures.

Why Sponsor the Dakota Showdown?

Sponsoring the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is more than just supporting a great cause—it’s an opportunity to connect your business with a passionate, engaged audience.

As a sponsor, you will:

  • Be recognized in front of 300+ horse lovers, families, and community members
  • Gain local and regional exposure through printed materials, social media, and event signage
  • Align your brand with a respected animal welfare nonprofit and community-focused event
  • Show your support for rescue, rehabilitation, and responsible horsemanship

Your sponsorship directly supports:

  • The care, feed, and training of rescued horses
  • A growing public event that promotes humane practices
  • Adoption efforts that help horses find forever homes

Join us in creating second chances—for horses and the humans who love them.

Sponsor Packages

Prize Sponsor

Only THREE Available - Help us provide cash prizes for the trainers who volunteer their time and expertise


  • Opportunity to present awards during the event
  • 1/3 page recognition/ad in event program
  • Private Meet & Greet with the horses & trainers
  • Logo recognition on website, physical signs and emails
  • Banner (provided by sponsor) hung in arena
  • Spot in Vendor area
  • Verbal recognition at Trainer's Dinner and Freestyles

$3000

Gold Sponsor

Make a powerful impact by supporting the Dakota Showdown at our highest level of sponsorship.


  • Opportunity to draw Fan Favorite raffle winner(s)
  • 1/6 page recognition/ad in event program
  • Group Meet & Greet with the horses & trainers
  • Logo recognition on website, physical signs and emails
  • Banner (provided by sponsor) hung in arena
  • Spot in Vendor area

$1000

Silver Sponsor

Join us in making a difference—your Silver Sponsorship helps bring this unique horse training event to life.


  • Group Meet & Greet with horses and trainers
  • Logo recognition in event program
  • Logo recognition on website, physical signs and emails
  • Banner (provided by sponsor) hung in arena
  • Spot in Vendor area

$500

Stall Sponsor

Provide a Showdown horse with a safe and welcoming place to stay during the event.


  • Logo & Name on Stall sign at Finale
  • Optional Banner (provided by sponsor) hung on stall
  • Logo recognition on website, physical signs and emails
  • Spot in Vendor area
  • Name recognition in event program

$250

Banner Sponsor

Show your support while gaining visibility—your banner will hang proudly during the Dakota Showdown Finale.


  • Banner (provided by sponsor) hung in arena
  • Name listed on website & in event program
  • Spot in Vendor area

$150

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