2026 Young Guns ChallengeSeptember 11-13th, 2026
After a great inaugural event, Horse Expo Canada and Rocking Heart Ranch are excited to announce that this event is a go for 2026. It is being moved up a couple of weeks and will be on September 11-13, 2026 back at Rocking Heart Ranch
Applications for the next round of Young Gun Trainers will open on November 1, 2025 and be accepted until March 1, 2026. The Young Guns will be announced and introduced at 2026 Horse Expo prior to the Trainers Final. Please note that this challenge may be called Young Guns but it is open to any adult (regardless of age) who has been training for a minimum of 3-5 years and has started at least 10+ horses. If you are an aspiring trainer or know someone who is, please encourage them to apply! Click below for the 2026 Trainer Form 2026 Trainer Application Form |
|
What is the challenge? The Youngs Guns Colt Starting Challenge is a partnership between Horse Expo Canada and Rocking Heart Ranch. It is an opportunity for the next generation of horse trainers to compete in a 3-day Colt Starting Event to build experience and their profile. The winner of the challenge will be invited to move up the ranks and be a trainer at the 2026 Horse Expo Trainer’s Challenge.
Where and when is the challenge? The challenge will take place on September 11-13th at Rocking Heart Ranch which is located by Waterton Lakes National Park. Tickets on sale on June 1st, 2026 via horseexpo.ca
What type of Horses? The horses that will be used in the challenge are long two-year-old registered American Quarter Horses from Rocking Heart Ranch. Their bloodlines include some of the great foundational quarter horse breeding like Blue Valentine, Two Eyed Jack, Play Gun, and Peppy San. All horses have been halter broke and through our weanling challenge so they have been handled since they were young and are mentally and physically ready for their next level in training. Horses will be randomly drawn by the contestants.
Challenge Format-the challenge will consist of several round pen sessions for each trainer and wrap up on Sunday with a course of required elements. Two independent judges will judge the event and declare the winner.
Where and when is the challenge? The challenge will take place on September 11-13th at Rocking Heart Ranch which is located by Waterton Lakes National Park. Tickets on sale on June 1st, 2026 via horseexpo.ca
What type of Horses? The horses that will be used in the challenge are long two-year-old registered American Quarter Horses from Rocking Heart Ranch. Their bloodlines include some of the great foundational quarter horse breeding like Blue Valentine, Two Eyed Jack, Play Gun, and Peppy San. All horses have been halter broke and through our weanling challenge so they have been handled since they were young and are mentally and physically ready for their next level in training. Horses will be randomly drawn by the contestants.
Challenge Format-the challenge will consist of several round pen sessions for each trainer and wrap up on Sunday with a course of required elements. Two independent judges will judge the event and declare the winner.