2026 DAKOTA SHOWDOWN RESULTS!
The ribbons have been handed out, the buckles awarded, and the horses are settling into whatever comes next. It's time to officially celebrate our 2026 Dakota Showdown teams!
GRAND CHAMPION
Morgan Renslow & Charlie — 4-year-old BLM Mustang mare
RESERVE GRAND CHAMPION
Bryan Roselles & Twister — 4-year-old BLM Mustang gelding
SHOWCASE DIVISION
1st — Bryan Roselles & Twister, 4-year-old BLM Mustang gelding
2nd — Marlee Stortroen & Vincent, 10-year-old Quarter Horse gelding
3rd — Arryanna Schnetzer & Dove, 4-year-old Quarter Horse mare
4th — Nina Ring & Forrest (with Aspen Lyons), 4-year-old BLM Mustang gelding
5th — Randy Andren & Lucy, 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare
6th — Carter Nesland & Dice, 13-year-old gelding
FOUNDATION DIVISION
1st — Morgan Renslow & Charlie, 4-year-old BLM Mustang mare
2nd — Sarah Carlson & Alex, 3-year-old BLM Mustang gelding
3rd — Beth Stahlecker & Frannie, 3-year-old BLM Mustang mare
4th — Nina Ring & Kelvin, 4-year-old BLM Mustang gelding
5th — Aspen Lyons & Haily Chitwood with Maysilee & Merrilee, 6–7-year-old donkey jennies
Carter Nesland & Thunder, a 4-year-old BLM Mustang gelding, attended the Finale but did not compete.
RISING STAR TEAMS
Our Rising Stars aren't ranked, but their accomplishments deserve every bit as much recognition.
Aspen Lyons & Luke — yearling Quarter Horse gelding
Haily Chitwood & Padme — yearling filly
Haylee Nichols & Blake — 2-year-old BLM Mustang gelding
Tina Javers & Wren — yearling filly
And here's the thing about a list of results: it doesn't tell the whole story.
It doesn't show you where each horse started. It doesn't show the first touch, the first halter, the first quiet ride, or the hundred little breakthroughs that came before it. It doesn't show the problems that had to be worked through, the plans that had to change, or the moments when simply walking into that arena was an accomplishment.
It can't measure patience, persistence, horsemanship, trust, or heart.
For months, these trainers gave their time, knowledge, and energy to horses who needed them. They hauled them places, introduced them to new experiences, worked through challenges, celebrated breakthroughs, and showed up again the next day.
Thank you to every trainer, assistant, parent, and family member who gave so much to these horses over the past several months. Thank you for believing in what we're trying to build, for supporting one another, and most of all, for giving these horses the opportunity to become more than anyone knew they could be.
The rankings tell us what happened in the arena. The horses tell us what really happened.
Congratulations, 2026 Dakota Showdown teams.
We can't wait to see what happens at the 2027 Dakota Showdown!