Dakota Showdown Blog

Stay Informed, Stay Inspired

Want to follow the 100-day journey of our trainers and horses? The Dakota Showdown Blog brings you exclusive updates, behind-the-scenes stories, and important event details. From weekly progress reports on each horse-trainer team to event announcements and insider tips, this is your go-to source for everything Showdown.

📢 Don’t miss a moment—follow along and watch the transformations unfold!

Team Cocoa- August 19, 2025 - Update!

August 24, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Tonight we went on a bit of a trail ride down the section line road. Our companions included...

Cocoa’s Comeback – From Uncertain to Unstoppable

August 17, 2025
Cocoa’s Comeback – From Uncertain to Unstoppable

Team Cocoa- August 14, 2025 - Update!

August 17, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: I received a request to see how Cocoa responded to bikes. This was with busy trails shared...

Team Cocoa- August 14, 2025 - Update!

August 17, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Cocoa isn’t really a beginner kid’s type of guy but it turns out that he is absolutely...

Team Cocoa- July 24, 2025 - Update!

July 27, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Obviously a Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge first timer here! Looks like we’ve got a...

Team Cocoa- July 22, 2025 - Update!

July 27, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Cocoa visited with our good friend Jenna of Western Edge Chiropractic today! He got a chiro...

Team Cocoa- July 20, 2025 - Update!

July 27, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Dog friendly! Cocoa lost one of his Warrior Boots somewhere in the pasture and the human has...

Team Cocoa- July 11, 2025 - Update!

July 27, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Uninteresting photo of a very good boy: Here’s a little context. Unfortunately for Cocoa, his...

Team Cocoa- July 10, 2025 - Update!

July 27, 2025
#ShowdownTeamCocoa Update! This past weekend we headed west for mid-training check-ins near Rapid City—and had an...

Team Cocoa- June 16, 2025 - Update!

June 19, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Photos of this morning’s ride! Things were working on that aren’t shown: Baths (water is...

Team Cocoa- June 8, 2025 - Update!

June 15, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Cocoa went on a field trip to the Powder Basin Equestrian Association for a lesson with the...

Team Cocoa- June 2, 2025 - Update!

June 4, 2025
From trainer Rachel Lund: Cocoa is making progress under saddle! He’s forward thinking and has some great work ethic.