---
title: The Dakota Showdown is open to anyone who is experienced and confident working with horses!
description: The Dakota Showdown is open to anyone who is experienced and confident working with horses.
---

[News & Updates ](https://www.dakotashowdown.com/news)

# [The Dakota Showdown is open to anyone who is experienced and confident working with horses!](https://www.dakotashowdown.com/news/the-dakota-showdown-is-open-to-anyone-who-is-experienced-and-confident-working-with-horses)

 Written by [Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue](https://www.dakotashowdown.com/news/author/gentle-spirit-horses-rescue) | Mar 8, 2026 5:00:38 AM

The Dakota Showdown is open to anyone who is experienced and confident working with horses.

 

While we often have professional trainers participate, many of our competitors come from other backgrounds — riders, colt starters, clinicians, and serious horsemen and horsewomen who simply love helping a horse learn and grow.

 

We offer three divisions so people can participate at different levels:

 • Showcase Division – open to horse-savvy participants 16 and older• Foundation Division – 18+, working with minimally handled horses learning the basics• Rising Star Division – ages 12+, working with horses under 3 years old

 

What matters most to us is good horsemanship, patience, and a commitment to giving the horse a positive start.

 

If that sounds like you, we’d love to see your application.

 

Trainer applications are open now through March 15: [https://dakotashowdown.com/trainers](https://dakotashowdown.com/trainers?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExVG5DWGk1bzliemNJZTBBOHNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR59viI1cV8OQOwL_8m7BJ-uZPiCHkduOv37mC65vHzmEGWMfrgTqU9FKlTqPQ_aem_2-FyemTK1crifE1l_lfaNw)

[View full post](https://www.dakotashowdown.com/news/the-dakota-showdown-is-open-to-anyone-who-is-experienced-and-confident-working-with-horses)

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