At the Dakota Showdown, trainers take on the challenge of transforming rescue horses—building trust, developing skills, and helping each horse step into a new future.
Art of the Horse invites the community to take part in that same idea of transformation.
Through this project, artists and community members are given a horse sculpture to reimagine in their own way. Some pieces will reflect movement and anatomy, others personality, history, or pure creativity—but each begins the same way: a blank form, full of possibility.
Over time, those forms are transformed into something unique.
These finished pieces will be displayed during the Dakota Showdown and offered through a public auction, with proceeds directly supporting the care, training, and second chances of rescue horses at Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue.
Art of the Horse is a reflection of what the Showdown represents.
With time, intention, and care, transformation is always possible.
Dove
Dove is an approximate 15-hand, 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare. Sweet and easy to be around, but can be hard to catch.
Twister
Twister is a 14.3 hand, 4-yr-old BLM mustang gelding who won the 2025 Foundation Division. He's started under saddle and ready to continue his training.
Forrest
Forrest is a 4-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding who participated in the Foundation Division in 2025. He's friendly and a fast learner!
Astrid
Astrid is an approximately 14.2 hand Quarter Horse mare about 6-8 years old. Likely broke to ride, but bad for picking up her hind feet.
Lucy
Lucy is an approximately 15 hand, 14-yr-old Quarter Horse mare. She is a previous Showdown participant and has been backed but not started under saddle.
Vincent
Vincent is a 9-yr-old, approximately 14.2 hand gelding who lost the tips of his ears to frostbite. He's friendly but has never been started under saddle.
Diamond
Diamond is a 14-year-old mare who is very friendly and has decent manners. She's a bit high strung and very food motivated, but her desire to be with people should help her learn.
Dice
Dice is a 13-yr-old gelding who won the Foundation Division in 2024. He's returned from an adoption and is ready to work under saddle. Can be tough to catch.
Bristol
Unhandled pinto mare with stunning blue eyes.
Kelvin
4-yr-old BLM mustang gelding with minimal handling
Thunder
4-yr-old BLM Mustang gelding
Maysilee & Merrilee
6 & 7 year old donkey jennys, minimal handling but kind. Available as a pair to a special trainer
Padme
Adorable yearling filly, unhandled
Luke
Sweet yearling colt, unhandled (will be gelded if a colt)
Wren
Petite yearling filly, basic handling and easy