BECOME A TRAINER

Take on the 100-Day Challenge!

We’re thrilled you’re considering competing in the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge! As a trainer, you’ll have 100 days to transform a rescue horse, showcase your skills, and help a horse find a forever home.

To become a trainer, you’ll start by submitting an application, which will be reviewed by the selection team. Some applicants will be invited to a Zoom interview, and final trainers will be chosen from those interviews. Once selected, trainers will receive information about available horses and pick up their horse within a designated timeframe. If a trainer is not chosen for a competitive division, they may be invited to participate in the Highlight division. Trainers will work with their horse for at least 100 days, providing regular updates and participating in a midway check-in. The challenge concludes with a final competition and adoption event, where trainers will showcase their horse’s progress.

Once trainers have their horses, they will be expected to provide regular updates, at least every other week, to highlight their horse’s progress and increase adoption interest. To help promote adoptions, trainers should share updates on social media and engage with the Showdown and Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue platforms. All costs associated with horse care may be tax-deductible where applicable by law.

Read the Trainer's Agreement & Rule Book

Application and Selection

  • Applications are open from February 15 - March 15, 2025.
  • Zoom interviews take place March 20-25, 2025
  • Trainers will be notified by April 1, 2025.

Horse Selection & Pickup

  • Selected trainers receive photos and bios of available horses through a Facebook group
  • Horses are located near Scotland, South Dakota.
  • Pickup dates: May 2-11, 2025.
  • Showdown representatives will conduct an in-person midway check up and photo session in July 2025
  • A possible selection event may be held for trainers to meet and choose their horses

The Finale

🏆 The Competition

  • The Finale will be August 23-24, 2025 at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds in Yankton, SD
  • Two weeks before the Showdown finale, trainers submit a basic skills video for initial judging.
  • In-person competition includes trail obstacles and an exhibition.
  • Trainers compete for ribbons, prizes, and a portion of the adoption fee

APPLY NOW / deadline May 24, 2023

TESTIMONIALS / See What People Say About Us

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed vitae diam metus. Donec cursus magna eget sem convallis facilisis. Vestibulum dictum nibh at ullamcorper tincidunt. Phasellus scelerisque nisl non ullamcorper pellentesque. Nunc sagittis, felis in feugiat mollis, libero eros

by FThemes

2024 Showcase Winner Annika Greaney and Terra
Competitive

Showcase Division

The Showcase Division is for horses aged 4-14 who have a solid foundation and are ready to take the next step in their training. These horses typically have good temperaments and may have some prior handling or groundwork experience. While some may have minor challenges to work through, they are generally prepared to begin saddle training within the first few weeks of the competition. This division is ideal for trainers looking to refine a horse’s skills, build confidence, and prepare them for a successful future as a riding partner.

Trainers in the Showcase Division receive a 50% adoption fee split if the horse is adopted at the Showdown or within 30 days afterwards, and 25% if adopted within a year of the Showdown date.

2024 Foundation Champion Mackenzie Barnett & Dice
Competitive

Foundation Division

The Foundation Division is designed for trainers ready to take on the challenge of starting a horse from the ground up. This year’s division features three-year-old BLM Mustang geldings who are a true blank slate, having had little to no prior handling. Trainers will focus on building trust, teaching essential groundwork, and preparing these mustangs for a successful future as adoptable partners. While starting under saddle is allowed, the primary goal is to establish a strong foundation in handling, groundwork, and essential skills to set them up for long-term success.

Trainers in the Showcase Division receive a 50% adoption fee split if the horse is adopted at the Showdown or within 30 days afterwards, and 25% if adopted within a year of the Showdown date.

2024 Rising Star Marlee and Navy
Non-Competitive

Rising Star Division

The Rising Star Division is a non-competitive division designed for 1-2-year-old horses and trainers of all experience levels, including youth as young as 12 years old. This division focuses on socialization, basic groundwork, and confidence-building, giving young horses the skills they need to succeed in future training. Trainers will work on handling, leading, picking up feet, and exposure to new experiences in a positive and supportive environment. Rising Star is a great opportunity for those looking to develop their horsemanship skills while helping a young horse build a strong foundation for life.

Rising Star teams will be able to showcase their horse in the Trail Obstacle Course and with a Freestyle, but are not competing for placement.

Rising Star trainers have the flexibility to work with their horse at our facility or their own. Those who choose to foster their horse for the summer will receive a 50% adoption fee split if the horse is adopted at the Showdown or within 30 days, and 25% if adopted within one year. Trainers who work with their horse at our facility will receive a 25% adoption fee split if the horse is adopted at any point within a year of the Showdown.

IMG_3116
Non-Competitive

Highlight Division

The Highlight Division is a non-competitive division designed for volunteers who are committed to helping adoptable horses that don’t qualify for the main Showdown competition. Volunteers in this division will work with horses at our facility at least two times a week, and can be assigned up to four horses to work with. This is a great opportunity for those who want to make a meaningful impact on horses ready for adoption but aren’t part of the competitive divisions. Volunteers will receive a 25% adoption fee split if their horses are adopted between May 1 and October 1, 2025. Horses in the Highlight Division can be adopted at any time and do not have to wait until the Finale.