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Art

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 Finale on August 22-23, 2026 at the Lincoln County 4H Arena in Lennox, SD, and offered through a public auction, with proceeds directly supporting the care, training, and second chances of rescue horses through the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge.

Art of the Horse is a reflection of what the Showdown represents:
with time, intention, and care, transformation is always possible.

How It Works

Step 1 – Apply
Submit your application to participate in Art of the Horse.

Step 2 – Get Matched
Selected artists will receive a sculpture or may use their own.

Step 3 – Create
Transform your piece using any medium or style.

Step 4 – Showcase & Auction
Finished works will be displayed and auctioned at the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 22-23, 2026.

Important Dates

April 6, 2026 - Application Open
May 15, 2026 - Artists Announced
June 1, 2026 - Deadline to Pickup Statue
June 15, 2026 - First Update Due
July 15, 2026 - Second Update Due
August 15, 2026 - Final Update Due
August 22-23, 2026 - Finale & Competition

2026 Available Statues

Available sculptures are shown below and are subject to change. Artists may request their top choices as part of the application.

  • 90a861fe-5083-432a-b2c6-b203f0e85d6f
    #1 - Smaller Gray Statue
  • 90a861fe-5083-432a-b2c6-b203f0e85d6f-1
    #2 - Larger Gold Statue
  • 61461ae4-3f33-4736-b731-87b0464815b2-1
    #3 - Brass Statue (there are two of these)
  • 783b7ed4-7a12-4bc5-bd2d-8b70a59cb566-1
    #4 - Modern Rearing Horse
  • 819c371e-45f4-427c-9429-c7521cdde5be-1
    #5 - Black Circles Statue
  • d28af3e5-4057-45c1-b9f0-1f536b17b8c6-1
    #6 - Running Horses Statue
  • d957154d-aeda-43ee-9400-9888c533960d-1
    #7 - White Horse Statue
  • 61461ae4-3f33-4736-b731-87b0464815b2-1
    #8 - Brass Statue (There are two of these available)

Get Involved

We are currently inviting participants to join this year’s Art of the Horse project.

Whether you're an experienced artist or simply someone with a creative vision, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful—transforming a simple sculpture into a powerful story of second chances.

Artist Recognition & Perks

While all pieces in Art of the Horse are donated to support the mission of Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue, participating artists will receive meaningful recognition and opportunities to showcase their work.

Featured Promotion
Artists will be highlighted on our social media and website throughout the project, including individual artist spotlights and tagged posts during the auction. The Art of the Horse will be featured in the Finale program including artist information.

Artist Credit & Display
Each piece will be displayed with the artist’s name and information at the Dakota Showdown Finale event and in all auction listings.

Event Experience
Participating artists will be invited to attend the Dakota Showdown and see their work displayed as part of this unique collaboration between art and horsemanship.

Be Part of the Impact
Most importantly, artists become part of a larger story—helping transform lives through creativity, just as our trainers transform the lives of the horses in our care.

ArtoftheHorse Mark

Have Horse Statues?

Just like our horses, these sculptures can be transformed. Donate a piece to be reimagined by an artist and help support second chances for rescue horses. We are currently accepting donated horse statues of all styles and sizes.

 

Apply as an Artist

Space is limited and applications will be reviewed as they are received.