Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge

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Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge

A yearly competition where horse trainers in North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and

08/20/2024

So grateful for this coverage!! Who are you most excited to see at the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale?

We are processing adoption applications like crazy so get yours in if you want the chance to adopt! http://dakotashowdown.com/adopt

Want to come to the Hoedown at the Showdown dinner Saturday night, get raffle tickets for the quilt, or shop the silent auction? You can do all that here: https://givebutter.com/c/2024dakotashowdown

Or donate to vote for the horse! https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite

We still have room for tack swap participants and vendors, just fill in the application here (or show up, we'll make it work) https://www.dakotashowdown.com/vendors

If you want to donate a basket or item for the silent auction, just message the page, we'll make that work too!

An equine event new to Yankton is galloping into town this weekend.

08/19/2024

Heads up trainers! A sneak peek at a NEW obstacle this year!

08/18/2024

One of the hardest parts of the Finale - particularly for Foundation horses - is seeing how they react in a new environment. From crowds, speakers, other horses, and just the general excitement and anxiety of the event, the horses and trainers will really have to work hard and hope their efforts help. Sometimes it's a bit much, but that doesn't mean the horse is bad, just that they are still green.

Every chance to get somewhere new and be in a chaotic environment is helpful for green horses, and we're happy to see Dice got that chance and did pretty well!

We are now scheduling adoption appointments for August 24 at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds. Get your application in to meet them and have the chance to adopt!

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

Dice and I headed up to the bits n spurs playday to get out and about last night and he did so well with all the goings on! We also ran into a certain Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge champion and he is doing absolutely amazing too! is hoping to have picked up some winner vibes from Mr. Tahni 🤞

Is Dice your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by voting him fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamdice

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors

08/17/2024

Lots of important info about Lucy, Kodi, and Smokey. It also applies to Dice and even Jabbers. All of the Foundation horses have surpassed the expectations but are just barely started and require experienced adopters or a commitment to further training.

Reach out to a Showdown trainer near you to arrange for continued training.

08/16/2024

One week until the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale and we need Volunteers! No horse experience needed - we need people comfortable helping move things or in the tack booth, or simply help with setup and tear down. Basically - anyone who wants to help can!!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0F49AAAB28ABFECE9-50739557-2024 #/

08/16/2024

A big part of the Dakota Showdown is making sure the horses have a strong Foundation - even the Showcase horses! Here Hazel demonstrates trailer loading. Most of the Showcase horses - and even some of the Foundation - are both self-loading (being sent on the trailer) and able to be led on. Hazel is a lovely Morgan mare who can be kind and gentle around kids but likes speed and has power! She's slower to trust but will be a very loyal partner to whomever takes her home.

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/16/2024

Jabbers' trainer Beth is on vacation BUT she did a fabulous job highlighting all the basic skills that Jabberwocky has learned over the summer. In addition to all of these Foundation skills he is started under saddle and doing well!

Surprisingly, Jabbers has several adoption applications but not a single Fan Favorite donation! What's up with that?

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/16/2024

Smokey struggled to progress with his first trainer for the first sixty days, but since changing to Lazy K Equine & Livestock he's progressing very fast! The thing about Smokey is he is very smart, and somewhat sassy, so he needs someone who will see through that and realize what he knows and keep working with him. Smokey has since accepted Kaylee on his back and is turning out to be a fun guy! He'd benefit from continued training so be sure and reach out to a trainer near you to make arrangements!

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/16/2024

And more about Kodi! He's an amazing horse!

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/16/2024

More about Kodi - and YES, he is ready for adoption! Apply now!

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/16/2024

There is a chance Kodi will upgrade and compete in the Foundation Division instead of waiting until next year! Now that he's being focused on he is progressing fast and we WILL include him in the adoption auction. Apply now to get pre-approved to bid! He would benefit from continued training so reach out to a trainer near you!

Who is your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/16/2024

The trainers are posting updates like crazy - stay tuned as I'm about to flood the feed! Who is your Fan Favorite Showdown horse this year? Vote by donating here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite

08/15/2024

Are you getting excited for the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale next weekend at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds? We are! Here is the schedule of events!

Saturday is open to the public and will be a more casual day as vendors arrive and setup, the teams will be practicing, and adoption appointments happening. Feel free to stop out anyway!

Saturday night's Hoedown at the Showdown dinner & band promises to be a great time! Tickets are going fast (only 150 available) so be sure and get them now: https://givebutter.com/c/2024dakotashowdown

Sunday is the main event! Grounds open at 9:00 a.m. and competition starts at 10. Freestyles start at 1! We have several people signed up for the tack swap and vendors are signing up every day, including 2T Squared and Heartland Humane Society. We've also confirmed that Heavenly Foods food truck will be there to keep everyone fed!

The weekend is free to attend and we can't wait to see everyone there! Get your dinner tickets, sign up as a vendor, or apply to adopt a Showdown horse at http://dakotashowdown.com

08/14/2024

Kaylee is asking for your help - check out her post and comment below!

08/13/2024

It's just 10 days until the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale in Yankton! Are you getting excited?? We are! The vendor area is filling up with tack swap participants and we're excited to welcome 2T Squared Women's Western Wear!!

One of our favorite parts of the Showdown is crowning the Fan Favorite Horse. Who is your favorite?? Vote by donating at https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite

Every vote also becomes a ticket in our Fan Favorite White Elephant Raffle - so you can support the Showdown, show love to your favorite horse and maybe win a prize!

08/13/2024

BIG step for Long Haul Division horse Kodi - he accepted Kaylee on his back! With two weeks left this boy has a lot of potential. Right now there is a solid chance that Kodi will compete in Foundation and Smokey will go Long Haul (due to the trainer change) and even a possibility that they will BOTH compete in Foundation and be adoptable! We'll keep you updated about all that - but be sure to apply if interested in either of them!

Is Kodi your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamkodi

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/13/2024

Kaylee of Lazy K Equine & Livestock really likes deadlines and with three Showdown horses in her care the updates - and progress - are going to come fast and often over the next two weeks. Lucy has come so far and absolutely deserves a person to love her. Is that you? She would benefit from staying in training a while longer to be solid under saddle, so reach out and talk to Kaylee or a trainer closer to you about options!

Is Lucy your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamlucy

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD
⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Get Tickets for Dinner: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/dinner

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/12/2024

One of my favorite days ... when the ribbons come!

Come see who is taking home ribbon ... and apply to adopt to take home a new horse friend! Dinner tickets available now. Can't make it? Purchase a ticket for a trainer!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD

⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/10/2024

Calling all vendors and animal-related non-profits! Don't miss out—there are only TWO WEEKS left to join us at the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds on August 24-25! 🐴

We have plenty of space for you to set up, sell, and share information about your business. Sign up today at https://www.dakotashowdown.com/vendors.

Animal-related non-profits, you can claim a space at no cost! Just email [email protected] to reserve your spot. See you there! 🎉

08/10/2024

Hazel has found what she likes! She will be a great game and trail horse for the right family. Interested in her? Come meet her at the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale - adoption appointments are available for Saturday!

Foundation Division Dice is continuing to make huge progress as we approach the 2024 Dakota Showdown Finale! He's now accepted his trainer Mackenzie as a rider and is gaining confidence every day. He's one to watch!

Is Hazel your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamhazel

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD

⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/10/2024

More progress for Lucy! Trailer loading can be a big problem for a lot of horses which is why it's one of the basic requirements for the Showdown. Lucy has it figured out!

Is Lucy your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamlucy

Interested in adopting Lucy? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD

⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

08/10/2024

Smokey is also showing great progress! He struggled to progress the first two months of the Showdown but after switching trainers he seemed to figure thing out! With only two weeks left Smokey needs a very experienced adopter or may transition into Long Haul to continue his training. OR an adopter could choose to keep him in training as well, and several of the Showdown trainers including Kaylee of Lazy K Equine & Livestock who is working with him would be glad to work with you!

Is Smokey your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by donating to vote for fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamsmokey

Interested in adopting? Follow the link below!

Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD

⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com
⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt
⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors

***

The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD.
Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes!

Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

Address

29571 419th Avenue
Scotland, SD
57059

Website

https://www.dakotashowdown.com/

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Videos

Lucy is thriving in training! This video was taken in early July, and since then she's now being ridden bareback and continuing to learn. Unfortunately a bunch of the video didn't record properly so the footage is limited, but don't let that stop you from considering adopting her! If interested in continuing training with her after the Showdown please reach out to one of the trainers and make arrangements beforehand. Kaylee Peel is near Rapid City and Annika Greeney is near Fargo and they've both expressed they will happily continue training any Showdown horse, and I'm sure some of the others would too! Is Lucy your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by voting her fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamlucy Interested in adopting Lucy? Follow the link below! Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD ⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com ⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt ⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors *** The Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is an annual training challenge run by Gentle Spirit Horses Rescue out of Scotland, SD. Volunteer trainers are matched with rescue horses for 100 days, who then return to the Finale to compete and hopefully find their training horses homes! Horses are available for adoption through a bidding process to pre-approved adopters and are adopted with our standard adoption contract.

2024 Dakota Showdown Team Luna

Luna, a 9-yr-old mustang mare, approximately 13.3-14 hands tall, should NOT be overlooked. Her trainer, Stetsen Fedders, has done a ton of work with her and she was going strong under saddle at our mid-training checkins early in July. He doesn't post a lot on social media so we are super worried she's not on anyone's radar and she should be! Luna is kind and friendly, likes to learn and go, and is ready for just about any rider. She's smaller so needs a handy kid or small adult. As of early July she had been ridden on trails, in a parade, was working on 4H patterns and exposure to different things, and truly seems to be content and happy as a partner. Is she YOUR next partner? Apply to adopt now! Is Luna your favorite Showdown horse? Show your support by voting him fan favorite and be entered to win a prize here: https://givebutter.com/2024fanfavorite/teamluna Interested in adopting Luna? Follow the link below! Join us for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge Finale on Aug 24-25, 2024 in Yankton, SD ⭐ General Info http://www.dakotashowdown.com ⭐ Apply to adopt: https://www.dakotashowdown.com/adopt ⭐ Be a Sponsor: http://dakotashowdown.com/sponsors

Jabberwocky, Luna, Terra, and Navy left today to start their training. The 2024 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge is officially underway!!

Horace, Smokey and Kodi are heading West River to meet their trainers! Learn lots!

Albert left late last night with his trainer Tim Van Dyke, in the dark and rain. We are excited to see how they do!

Say good morning to Horace, Dice, Smokey, Jabberwocky and Dollar - and yes, Dice's halter is getting fixed :) ! All but Dollar leave for training soon!!