Join us in Yankton, SD for 2024!
The Dakota Showdown Finale will be August 24-25 in Yankton, SD! Trainer Applications open March 15, so get ready!
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ABOUT THE SHOWDOWN / South Dakota's Premier Horse Trainer Challenge
The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is a competition in which volunteer foster homes and professional trainers work with a Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue horse for a minimum of 100 days.
The purpose of the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is:
- To show the public that rescued horses and other equines can be useful, trainable and enjoyable equine partners.
- To provide training and adoption opportunities for rescued horses.
- To provide a fun, competitive venue for Professional and Amateur trainers to display their horsemanship skills.
2023 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Champions
2023 GRAND CHAMPION
Kaylee Peel with Tahni
Kaylee Peel and Tahni, a 9-year-old Quarter Horse type gelding, competed in the Showcase Division, which was a very hard division! Grand and Reserve Grand Champions were determined by the high point scores for the weekend and Tahni was the clear winner, earning 313 points in basic skills, trail obstacles and their freestyle performance at the 2023 Dakota Showdown Finale.2023 RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION
Michelle Gilles with Toluca
Also competing in the Showcase Division was Michelle Gilles and Toluca, a 14-year-old OTTB. Toluca initially started with a different trainer but was transferred to Michelle approximately 5 weeks before the event. Seeing them earn 311.25 points and earning Reserve Grand Champion was a huge highlight of the weekend!
RECENT BLOG POSTS / get news
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LOCATION
Yankton Rodeo Grounds
404 Paddle Wheel Point
Yankton, SD