Adopt a
Dakota Showdown Horse
Each Dakota Showdown horse has spent approximately 100 days in training and is ready for its next chapter.
Why Adopt a Dakota Showdown Horse?
Every Dakota Showdown horse began this journey as a rescue horse from Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue. Over approximately 100 days, volunteer foster homes and professional trainers work together to prepare these horses for adoption.
Your adoption gives one horse a permanent home while making room for the next horse in need.
How to Adopt a Showdown Horse
Apply to Adopt
Apply to Adopt before August 20, 2026. Approval allows you to bid, but does not obligate you to adopt.
Meet the Horses
If possible, meet the horses in training or talk to the trainers. Adoption appointments will be available on Saturday, August 22, 2026 at the Showdown Finale.
Bid During the Finale
Bid in person, online, or by phone proxy. Only approved adopters are allowed to bid. Popcorn bidding ensures everyone gets the chance to bid.
Complete the Adoption
Winning bidders sign the adoption contract and complete payment. Your new horse can go home that day. Online or proxy bidders must arrange pickup by September 6, 2026.
Bidding Options
In person bidding at the Finale on August 23, 2026
Bid online from anywhere
Bid with a telephone proxy
You must be pre-approved to bid. Online bidding will open on Friday, August 21. In person bidding at 3:00 p.m.
Any bids in the last 2 minutes will extend the ending an additional minute, up to five extra minutes.
Appointments to meet the horses will be available on August 22, 2026 in Lennox, SD.
Is a Showdown Horse right for you?
These horses have approximately 100 days of professional training. Most are best suited for intermediate riders or adopters planning to continue professional training. Many trainers are available for continued training after adoption.
Adoption Fees
The Dakota Showdown is a training competition, but every horse is also looking for a permanent home. Adoption fees help support Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue while recognizing the time and training invested in each horse. Trainers receive a portion of the final adoption fees if the horse is adopted up to a year after the Finale.
Starting Adoption Fees
- Showcase Division: $2,000
- Foundation & Rising Star Divisions: $1,500
The value of the professional training alone exceeds these adoption fees.
Payment may be made through our online adoption portal by credit card (3% processing fee applies), or by check or cash.
Lifetime Safety Net
Adoption is a little different than purchasing a horse—and that's intentional.
Your Showdown horse is yours to love and enjoy. You can trail ride, compete, show, and make them part of your family.
Every Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue horse comes with a lifetime safety net. If your circumstances ever change and you're no longer able to keep your horse, simply contact us. We'll help welcome the horse back into our program or assist in placing it with another approved adopter through our rehoming program.
Our goal is simple: every Dakota Showdown horse deserves a safe future for life.
Before You Bid
Please review the following before participating in the adoption process:
- You must be approved before you can bid.
- Approval allows you to bid, but does not require you to adopt a horse.
- Bids placed during the Finale are legally binding and cannot be withdrawn.
- Please review the Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue adoption agreement before bidding.
- Apply as soon as you know you're interested so we have time to complete the approval process before the August 20 deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have Question? We are here to help
Do I have to be approved before bidding?
Yes. All bidders must complete the adoption application and be approved before participating in the bidding process.
Does being approved mean I have to adopt a horse?
No. Approval simply gives you the opportunity to bid if you find the right horse. There is no obligation to place a bid or complete an adoption.
Can I meet the horses before the Showdown?
Absolutely! We encourage prospective adopters to spend time with the horses before bidding. Many trainers welcome scheduled visits during training, and appointments will also be available at the Dakota Showdown on Saturday, August 22.
Can I bid if I can't attend the Finale?
Yes. You may bid in person, online, or through an approved phone/text proxy if you're unable to attend. If online bidding is not available, we can assign a proxy or accept pre-authorized maximum bids.
What is popcorn bidding?
If a bid is placed during the final moments of an auction, the bidding period is automatically extended. This gives everyone a fair opportunity to respond and prevents "last-second" winning bids.
What veterinary care have the horses received?
Most horses will be current on vaccinations, dental care, farrier work, deworming, Coggins testing, and health certificates. If a horse does not have a current Coggins or health certificate, adopters may request them at their expense.
What experience level do I need?
Most Dakota Showdown horses are best suited for intermediate or experienced riders, or adopters planning to continue professional training. Many of our trainers are available to continue working with the horse after adoption if you'd like additional support.
Can I breed my adopted horse?
No. Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue horses may not be bred.
Can I sell or give away my adopted horse?
No. If your circumstances change, simply contact us. We'll help return the horse to the rescue or place it with another approved adopter through our rehoming program. This ensures every horse remains protected for life.
Where can I review the adoption contract?
We encourage every prospective adopter to review our sample contract before placing a bid so there are no surprises on Finale Day.