We’ve nearly wrapped our photo tour check-ins with the teams in the Showcase Division of the 2025 Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge—and the glow-ups are real!
These rescue horses came in with a bit more experience, and they’re now thriving under saddle, gaining confidence, strength, and skills every day.
Cocoa is growing in confidence and moving beautifully at walk, trot, and canter. He’s working on fun things like extensions, rides bitless for now, and looks fabulous in English tack—but could go Western too.
Vixen is a solid w/t/c partner who’s been exposed to obstacles and low jumps, and was recently ridden by a pre-teen lesson student. Her trainer says she belongs in the Hunt ring—but she could go any direction!
Smokey is having a great summer! This 4-year-old Morgan-type gelding is friendly, easy to catch, and confidently working w/t/c. Not the fastest, but definitely a fun ride.
Eloise, our 3-year-old mare, is growing in both height and maturity. She’s nicely started under saddle and improves with every ride. She’s turning into a strong, willing partner.
Dewey, a 3-year-old BLM mustang gelding, progressed so quickly in the Foundation Division that he earned a promotion. While we haven’t yet visited him on this round, we hear he’s friendly, easy-going, and doing great under saddle.
Eliana, an 11-year-old mustang mare, may or may not compete at the finale after a recent trainer change—but we stopped in for a visit. She’s calm, responsive, and adapting beautifully to her new environment.These horses are becoming the kind of partners just about any horse person would be proud to bring home—each with unique strengths and potential for show, trail, or solid companionship.
Come meet them in person and see their progress at the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 24 in Yankton, SD.Apply now to be approved to adopt: http://dakotashowdown.com/adopt