Tack Swap & Vendor Opportunities
Have extra tack lying around? Join the Dakota Showdown Tack Swap and give those gently used items a second life. Horse owners love to browse, and your participation helps grow what we hope becomes a favorite annual tradition in Southeast South Dakota.
We also welcome equine-related businesses and crafts to be part of the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale, happening August 23–24, 2025. Vendor spaces are 10'x10' and available for just $20 (non-refundable). You’ll need to bring your own tables, chairs, and display materials. Up to three additional spaces may be reserved for $10 each.
As a thank you, every vendor will receive a $10 credit to use at either the Gentle Spirit Tack Booth or the concession stand.
Vendor Setup & Event Schedule
Setup Options
- Friday, August 23: After 3:00 p.m.
- Saturday, August 24: Before noon
Saturday, August 24
The grounds will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for:
- An Open Horse Show
- Horse previews and adoption meetings
- Vendor shopping
A Hoedown at the Showdown BBQ will follow in the evening. Vendors are welcome to stay open during the BBQ, but are not required to.
Sunday, August 25
The main Dakota Showdown event includes:
- Gates open: 9:00 a.m.
- Trail Obstacle Competition: 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
- Freestyle Performances: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Awards & Adoption Auction: 4:00 p.m.
- Event ends: By 5:00 p.m.
Vendor Commitment
Vendors must remain set up until at least 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Staying through the end of the event at 5:00 p.m. is encouraged.
Gentle Spirit Tack Booth
Got extra tack, but don't want to be a vendor? Want to support the horses of Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue? We are gladly and gratefully accepting donated items (anything horse related) to add to the Gentle Spirit Track Booth.
DONATIONS of saddles, tack or other horse related items are greatly appreciated. We ask that you please clean and condition all saddles and leather items, and clean and fold all horse blankets, other horse clothing, and tack (mark sizes if possible). Riding apparel should be clean and on hangers with sizes marked on them if possible. Boots should also be polished and sized. Barn and grooming supplies need to be clean and in serviceable condition.
Donated items can be delivered to our Scotland, SD location anytime prior to August 23, 2024, or to the Dakota Showdown finale location at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds between 10am-4pm on August 23, 2025. We will do our best to accommodate drop off locations in other places, just note it on the form.