Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge

05/30/2026

Little bit of a detour for Lucy as she is going to get her teeth done and we are doing a round of Ulcergard because of her high anxiety. She had some heat in a thermographic scan of her hind gut so Randy's looking into that too. But that doesn't mean training doesn't progress - and WOW they had a huge win this week as Lucy quietly accepted the saddle. There's a great video on the page of the team working together and you can see the bond and trust that she has in Randy. I have a lot of confidence in what this team is going to accomplish!

Lucy will be available for adoption at the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 23, 2026 in Lennox, SD. Check out our website for more info! http://www.dakotashowdown.com

05/30/2026

About a month in for most of the trainers and horses and we're starting to see some first backing with the Showcase horses! Here takes one last step before swinging the leg over and starting their under saddle training!

Dakota Showdown-Vincent will be available for adoption at the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 23, 2026 in Lennox, SD. Check out our website for more info! http://www.dakotashowdown.com

05/24/2026

A small update from ! Arryanna and Dove are progressing nicely and she's closer to being under saddle as well. The pesky mounting block is becoming her friend and catching is getting easier. I can't wait to see where this team is in 90 days at the Showdown Finale!

Dove 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

05/24/2026

Checking in with ! Though she has a nice video on their page (you ARE following them, right?) I thought Vincent looked absolutely adorable in this photo. Vincent and his trainer Marlee are nearly ready for their first ride. Only 3 months until the finale - who is going to bring this beautiful boy home?

Vincent 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

Day 26 with Vincent

Worked on softening to the bridle today along with sidepassing and pivots. This guy just keeps taking everything in stride and we’re working towards that first ride!

05/21/2026

Check out Foundation team Sarah Carlson @ 3-yr-old BLM Mustang Alex! Just a little over a month ago Alex was in a BLM holding facility, unhandled, and look at him now! The goal of the Foundation Division is to be friendly and solid with their basic skills ... but with 3 months to go I wouldn't be surprised if this boy is under saddle. Keep an eye on him. He's one that everyone will want to take home. :)

05/15/2026

Big things often come in sturdy packages — and Showdown Team Charlie is already turning heads.

Representing the Foundation Division, Morgan Renslow will be partnering with 4-year-old BLM Mustang mare Charlie this summer as they prepare for the Dakota Showdown Horse Trainer Challenge.

Charlie is a big, stocky mare with an athletic build, a thoughtful personality, and some seriously impressive movement. Though she’s still early in her journey, she’s already showing the kind of natural ability that makes people stop and watch.

Like many mustangs, Charlie is looking for a partner who will take the time to earn her trust, build confidence, and help shape all that potential into a solid foundation for the future. Over the next few months, Morgan and Charlie will be working through the basics together while developing the partnership and communication that the Foundation Division is all about.

We can’t wait to watch this team grow. You can follow at https://www.facebook.com/morgan.renslow

Charlie will be available for adoption at the Dakota Showdown Finale on August 23, 2026 in Lennox, South Dakota.