09/16/2026
The Trainer’s Horsemanship Challenge will take place as the final class of the Thursday evening session on October 29, 2026.
Professional trainers will go head-to-head aboard Academy-type horses in a class designed to test their horsemanship, adaptability, and ability to ride whatever horse is placed underneath them!
Before the challenge begins, we will be auctioning off FIVE “Command Spots” through silent auction sign-up sheets located on a table near the Hospitality Booth. The five highest bidders will each have the opportunity to submit ONE horsemanship command for the judges to incorporate into the Trainer’s Horsemanship Challenge.
Here’s how it works:
Trainers will begin by riding their provided or borrowed horse one direction of the ring, showing the walk, trot, and canter, along with additional commands from the judge.
The trainers will line up and swap horses with another trainer — and the method of swapping is a surprise!
What does it cost??
The entry fee is $200 per trainer.
Reach out to Hannah Sette or Emma Caruso if you need to borrow a horse!
BIG PRIZES. BIG FUN. BIG REASONS TO PARTICIPATE!
A total of $5,000 in cash prizes will be awarded to the top 10 ribbon winners, along with ribbons and official baseball caps.
1st Place — $2,000 6th Place- $250
2nd Place — $1,000 7th Place — $200
3rd Place — $500 8th Place — $150
4th Place — $500 9th Place — $100
5th Place — $250 10th Place — $50
There’s another way to win!
The trainer who raises the most money will receive an amazing prize package from Freedman Harness, including:
Jods, Boots, and a Sweatshirt for ladies OR Jods, Boots, and a Polo shirt for men
