From Trainer Beth Stahlecker:
With the Showdown just a few weeks away, here's Frannie's official photos from the very talented Spenser Pederson and an update on where Frannie is at in her training.
easy to catch and halter touch and brush all over leads yields shoulder and hindquarters picks up back feet holds up front feet to be picked out ponies cinched and saddled with a bareback pad accepted a rider, light walking parks to mounting block touches a target at liberty understands R+ training and is food motivated but respectful enjoys a sponge bathWe are still working on accepting fly spray and a hose, as well as trailering. Frannie understands lunging but is not an expert. There isn't much that spooks her, but she doesn't enjoy being driven from behind.
Frannie enjoys R+ training and once she learns something, she's very solid on it. She enjoys learning and lately has been more accepting of attention and training. She's always been friendly, but there seems to be a spot in training when an unhandled horse really relaxes around people and seems to learn much more quickly and is accepting of silly human antics. Frannie got there a few weeks ago. I've been enjoying vacation at the beach but am eager to have a few more weeks with her. Because she is young and small, I will not really be pushing riding too much, but continuing to increase her foundational knowledge. If you have questions about this cool little horse, let me know!
Frannie will be available for adoption at the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 23, 2026 in Lennox, South Dakota. Check out http://dakotashowdown.com for more info.