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 Twister May 16, 2025 - Update!

May 17, 2025
From trainer Beth Stahlecker: It has been an absolute dream of mine to just be around a mustang ever since I found out...

Team Forrest May 6, 2025 - Update!

May 17, 2025
From trainer Shaylin Lathrop: Forrest gets to choose between an apple and a carrot! Can you guess which one he likes...

Team Smokey May 11, 2025 - Update!

May 17, 2025
From trainer Olivia Van Beek: Week two went really well with Smokey. He had a little thing with the trailer Monday...

Team Vixen May 15, 2025 - Update!

May 17, 2025
From trainer Annika Greaney: The flies were bad, as are my videography skills but I was able to document a little bit...

Team Twister May 10, 2025 Update

May 14, 2025
From trainer Beth Stahlecker: Twister got in the round pen with his emotional support Atticus and we got pretty far....

Big day for Smokey (and Vixen) today!

April 27, 2025
Smokey leaves this Saturday for his summer with trainer Olivia Van Beek for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer...

Meet the 2025 Foundation Division Teams!

April 27, 2025
This year’s Foundation Division features six 3-year-old BLM mustang geldings — all starting as blank slates, ready to...

Introducing the 2025 Showcase Division Teams!

April 27, 2025
The Showcase Division is stacked with talent this year, featuring three past Grand or Reserve Champions and two...

COMING SOON: 2025 Dakota Showdown Trainers!

April 27, 2025
The applica tions are in, the interviews are done, and later this week, we’ll be announcing the talented trainers who...

Trainer Application is Closed!

April 27, 2025
Trainer Application is Closed .... (kind of)!

Trainers!! Time is running out!!

March 13, 2025
Only FIVE DAYS LEFT to apply for this year's Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge! Apply now:...