Meet the 2022 Showdown Teams
We are excited to announce our 2022 Dakota Showdown horse and trainer teams. These teams will work together for 60 days leading up to a skills challenge at the Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue Open House on October 8, 2022. These six horses are all 12-16 years old, were broodmares in their previous life, and were part of a law enforcement seizure for neglect. All are entering the challenge with decent ground manners and we're excited to see how far they will go with regular handling.
All six will be available for adoption at the Open House through a silent auction process to approved adopters. Apply to adopt prior to October 1, 2022, to be eligible to bid.
#GSHTeamHarper
Harper - The Horse
Learn More About Harper
Harper is a 14 year old registered Quarter Horse mare who came to GSH as part of a large seizure of horses from Kingsbury County, South Dakota. She is intelligent but extremely cautious about people.
Mackenzie Barnett, Barnett Horsemanship - The Trainer
My name is Mackenzie Barnett, and I have been riding since I was a toddler. I started doing little bits of training here and there when I was 8, and haven't stopped since. I like to specialize in "bombproofing" and "kid-safeing", particularly small horses and ponies. I tend to take things much slower than many other trainers, working really hard to avoid creating training holes someone has to fix later. I believe that if a horse is given a chance, they can be taught to take new things in stride and it creates very trustworthy, rock solid horses. I want to be confident that any horse I train will be kid/beginner/husband safe even when approaching something totally new to them.
#GSHTeamReba
Reba - The Horse
Learn more about Reba
Reba is a 14-year-old registered Quarter Horse mare who came to GSH as part of a large seizure of horses from Kingsbury County, South Dakota. She's a strong, stocky and intelligent mare who is looking for a partner, not someone who just tells her what to do.
Kaylee Peel, Lazy K Equine - The Trainer
Reba was originally assigned to a different trainer, but ran into some problems when their styles didn't mesh. Kaylee Peel of Lazy K Equine was willing to step in and is making huge progress with Reba! A lifetime horse person, she has degrees in Equine Riding and Training as well as Equine Business Studies from Northwest College in Wyoming. She is now located out of Nemo, SD, where she works as a trail guide for T&M Trail Rides and trains horses.
#GSHTeamDolly
Dolly - The Horse
Learn More about Dolly
Dolly is an approximately 14-15 year old Quarter Horse mare who came to GSH as part of a large seizure of horses from Kingsbury, South Dakota. Dolly was not originally intended for the Showdown but was added when another horse came up lame. Dolly can be very willing and easy going about some things, while other things can be difficult and scary. She's building confidence quickly, however, and we're looking forward to seeing what she learns.
Lisa Gebhart, WhiteStone Horsemanship - The Trainer
Lisa Gebhart of WhiteStone Horsemanship has years of experience starting and training young horses. She felt called to the Showdown to work with an older horse and learn herself from the process. A patient and kind trainer, she produces brave and confident horses, and is documenting the process with Dolly and sharing her thoughts with everyone.
#GSHTeamKassie
Kassie - The Horse
Learn More about Kassie
Kassie is a 13-year-old registered Quarter Horse mare who came to GSH as part of a large seizure of horses from Kingsbury County, South Dakota. Kassie is a big, flashy girl who is smart, sweet, and eager to learn. Like all the mares, some things come easy while others are a bit more difficult, but she has a lot of potential and is a beautiful mover.
Shelly Kutilek-Olson - Dakota Showdown - Kassie, The Trainer
Shelly has been a GSH volunteer since she was 12 years old, and is a life long horse lover who has worked hard to keep horses in her life in some capacity. She has three small children, and her five-year-old daughter is enjoying "helping" with Kassie's training. Shelly is making great progress with Kassie!
#GSHTeamFiona
Fiona - The Horse
Learn More About Fiona
Fiona is a 12-year-old registered Quarter Horse mare who came to GSH as part of a large seizure of horses from Kingsbury County, South Dakota. She's very friendly and truly enjoys being with people. Fiona started the Showdown further along in her training and therefore was paired with a youth trainer. She is one to watch and should definitely find a home in the Showdown!
Claire Gulickson - Dakota Showdown - Fiona, The Trainer
Claire is a talented youth rider who has five years of riding and lessons under her belt but wants to gain more experience as a trainer. As an up and coming young trainer, Fiona is her first project horse for the rescue. In addition to having a solid foundation, Claire has several young friends who excel in being silly so Fiona is getting some great desensitization!
#GSHTeamScarlett
Scarlett - The Horse
Learn More about Scarlett
Scarlett is a 16-year-old registered Quarter Horse mare who came to GSH as part of a large seizure of horses from Kingsbury County, South Dakota. She may be the oldest horse in the Showdown but she is also one of the more stable and calm horses - though the first time she's exposed to things can be exciting! She learns very quickly and has her own opinions but is eager to be a partner and work with a human.
Sarah Burman - The Trainer
Sarah has also been a long-time volunteer and has a deep love for horses. She finds ways to include horses in her life at every step - including working at McCrossan's Boys Ranch near Sioux Falls! She's a consistent and persistent person who has a great way of working through any silliness without losing her temper. She and Scarlett are doing well!
#GSHTeamKnight
Knight - The Pony
Learn More About Knight
Knight is a 16 year old pony who came to Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue due to a severe distrust of humans and unwillingness to be caught or touched. He isn't a mean pony but needed to learn manners. He is not a kid's pony but has a lot of potential to an experienced person!
Valerie Hicks - Little Hooves Mini Horse Rescue, The Trainer
Valerie of Little Hooves Mini Horse Rescue is definitely a pony-whisperer and an expert at working with ponies and finding them the perfect home. She is making great progress with Knight and we can't wait to see where they end up!
