Pickup will be October 3, 2026, with the Challenge October 24, 2026

This is a friendly contest aimed at giving youth and adults an opportunity to grow as a horse trainer. Successful applicants will have 2 (two) randomly drawn Rocking Heart Ranch weanlings loaded into their horse trailer for approximately three weeks of halter training at the applicant’s home. The training must be completed with a partner that is also part of the competition. The event will showcase the training accomplished by each pair of trainers and their equine partner with an aggregate score of the duo compiled to determine the winner of the challenge.

• Youth trainers ages 15-17 and adults aged 18+ will be accepted for the challenge.  

• Weanling pick up will be at Rocking Heart Ranch on October 3, 2026. 

• Partnerships can include two youth, two adults, or an adult and a youth (they would compete in the adult division) 

• Participants must provide trailering for pick up and to the event. 

• Participants must fulfill all requirements of care for the horse, trailering, feed, and shelter.    

• Weanlings will be randomly selected and loaded two at a time.  Having 2 weanlings together will make it much less stressful on the weanling and a more positive experience for everyone.    

• Participants must have previous horse experience and understand how to properly handle a young horse. 

• The competition will be held at the Rocking Heart Ranch Arena on October 24, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM; and is FREE to attend. 

• Each competitor will be given a specified time to complete an obstacle course.  Once completed, spare time within the allotted can be used for freestyle to try for extra points.  

• The course will consist of obstacles like walking over poles, loading in a trailer, and walking across a tarp just to name a few.  

• Additional points will be awarded for presentation of your colt and freestyle components of the routine.  

• Extra props will be allowed for Freestyle as long as they are deemed to be safe and cleared with Rocking Heart Ranch.  

• Exhibitors are not allowed to sit on the weanlings or place a saddle on them at any time.  These are just babies! 

• Horses are not allowed to pull any items.  

• All participants will be required to sign a waiver when the horse is picked up at the ranch.  (Youth need to be accompanied by a legal guardian who will be required to sign a waiver).   Horses will not be released otherwise. 

• Qualified judge(s) will judge the event and award the prizes.  Prizes include a cash prize for each of the division winners plus assorted tack and swag for second and third place

• Some weanlings may be offered for sale following the competition and may have a minimum bid.  

• Other details surrounding the event will be provided on ‘horse pickup day’ at the ranch. 

This is a great opportunity to build your equine resume for Trainers Challenge’s or equine related jobs in the future.  The participant will be promoted on the Rocking Heart Ranch website, social media, and other related marketing platforms. 

If you have questions, please contact Melody Garner-Skiba at (403) 894-1005