Tonight I posted updates on nearly every horse (just waiting on one from Thunder) so go check them out. You are not going to want to miss your chance to adopt one of the horses this year!
** Showcase Division Updates **
Vixen & Annika Greaney - Vixen is working well under saddle, being ridden by a handy youth rider, and being exposed to all sorts of things from jumping to trail obstacles - and even her first barrel race. This 11-yr-old mare can go just about any direction you point her!
Cocoa & Rachel Lund - Cocoa is also doing great under saddle! Now that he's building his confidence very little phases him and he's going to be a great partner, whichever way you point him. Currently riding with a dressage emphasis, he has the willingness and heart to try just about anything.
Smokey & Olivia Van Beek - 4-yr-old Smokey has turned into a willing, easy going, steady boy as he learns all about being a riding horse. He's on the smaller side, about 14 hands, and doesn't have a lot of speed, but he'd make a nice all around or 4H prospect.
Eloise & Bryan Roselles - 3-yr-old Eloise is also progressing well under saddle, and she seems to enjoy learning. She's a smart and strong mare who has a ton of potential - don't miss your chance to bring her home!
Dewey & Alexis Louis - another 3-yr-old, BLM Mustang gelding Dewey is sweet, willing, and not only loves to learn but is a fast learner. Though originally a Foundation horse, he has been started under saddle so has become a Showcase horse, and after a couple vacations they are back to work and should be well started by the Finale!!
** Foundation Division (3-yr-old BLM Mustang Geldings) **
Twister & Beth Stahlecker - Twister was slow to accept the halter but now that he has, Beth's hard work is showing as he's rapidly learning new things and progressing. He's friendly, leads and is doing well with lunging, has gone over a few poles and been ponied. This week he even accepted a saddle! Though groundwork is the goal, I wouldn't be surprised if he's accepted a rider by the Finale.
Onyx & Jay Westerbur - Onyx continues to not only glow up, but steadily progress. His Foundation skills are solid, leading, loading, accepting grooming, etc., and he's now learning how to lunge. He's another one I fully expect will have accepted a rider by the Finale - but a strong Foundation is the goal!
Forrest & GSH Team - Forrest has returned to the GSH facility due to his trainer having no time due to her work commitments. He had regressed with time off to being uncatchable, but now that he's here he has quickly shown us the work she was able to do. He has basic ground work skills and understands the basics of lunging, allows grooming, and is rapidly getting back into the swing of things. Will he have accepted a rider by the Finale? We'll see, but even if not, he should be ready for adoption with the strong Foundation skills that are the goal!
Kelvin & Jade Thompson - Kelvin went through a bit of a setback when he decided he liked the training game and didn't want to be caught anymore. With some teamwork and coaching, it looks like Jade is back on track with her confidence and has renewed energy to work with him. He has the basic skills; they just need to work through this hump. We're confident they'll be in a good place at the Finale!
Thunder & Carter Nesland - the hardest horse in this division, Thunder is progressing, though he's remaining a hold out when it comes to touch. Carter is a patient trainer, who truly just wants to help Thunder be a confident boy, and he's come up with some games to engage his mind. Thunder may not yet be accepting touch, but he does now show interest in humans, making eye contact, and gives to pressure nicely. A lot can happen in a month and we can't wait to see where they are in a month!
** Rising Star (yearlings and youth trainers) **
Felix & Haily - Felix is now a gelding! He also has gone from basically untouchable to friendly, easy to catch, leads and loads, accepts grooming, and is just a solid, well adjusted yearling.
Ivy & Marlee - Ivy has had a huge glow-up. She turned into a gorgeous flaxen sorrel with long legs and a great personality. She also has all the basics down and then some - she's been ponied, learning some lateral work, and basically having a great summer!
Join us for the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 23–24, 2025 at the Yankton Rodeo Grounds in Yankton, SD!
Come meet the horses, watch them compete, shop the tack swap and vendor fair, and maybe even take home your next equine partner.