It's time for our final division announcement for the 2025 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge!

Let's hear it for our Rising Star teams!!

 

Rising Star is a division featuring young trainers and horses. This year features two yearlings and two 14-yr-old trainers!

First up is returning Rising Star trainer Marlee Stortroen. She's paired with yearling Ivy, who came to Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue in January with her mother, Lily (who is due to foal any day now!). She's a tall, smart, independent filly who we think is going to love to learn.

 

Joining her this year is Haily Chitwood, a long-time volunteer with Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue. She's paired with yearling Felix, a friendly and unique colt who came to GSH through our May auction rescue.

 

Both teams have started the process and we are excited to watch them grow! Stay tuned for links to their pages to follow along, and get ready to adopt one of them this August!