2025 Teams
Trainers will be revealed in April, but in the meantime, meet the horses who may be part of the 2025 Dakota Showdown!
Check out their profiles and get to know the potential competitors before they begin their 100-day journey.
Showcase Division
For trainers ready to take on the challenge of starting a horse under saddle. These horses already have a solid foundation in groundwork and are ready for their next step.

Team Vixen
Vixen is an 11-yr-old mare, approximately 15 hands, who is working with last year's Grand Champion Annika Greaney of Red River Equestrian near Fargo, ND.

Team Cocoa
Cocoa is a 12-yr-old gelding, about 15.1 hands, who is working with Rachel Lund near Rapid City, SD

Team Eloise
Eloise is a 3-4 yr old mare who is growing but stands about 14.2 right now. She's paired with last year's Reserve Champion, Bryan Roselles of Diamond Hearts Performance Horses near Rapid City, SD.
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Team Whitney
Whitney is a 4-yr-old Quarter Horse mare standing about 14.1 hands tall and paired with another previous Grand Champion - Kaylee Peel of Lazy K Equine near Newell, SD.
Foundation Division
Trainers work with BLM Mustangs or unhandled rescues, focusing on socialization, groundwork, and handling skills to prepare them for adoption.
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Team Dewey
Dewey is a 3-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding who is extremely friendly and willing. He's working with Alexis Louis near Rapid City, SD. Keep an eye on them - they may be moved up to Showcase!

Team Thunder
Thunder is a big, strong 3-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding who is paired with Carter Nesland of Nesland Performance Horses near Rapid City, SD

Team Twister
Twister is a cautious 3-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding who is paired with Beth Stahlecker near Alvord, Iowa

Team Onyx
Onyx is a playful 3-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding partnered with Jay Westerbur who is working at the GSH facility near Scotland, SD.

Team Forrest
Forrest is a big moving 3-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding partnered with Shay Lathrop near Volin, SD
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.