2025 Young Guns Challenge
3 day Colt Starting Challenge
Building the Next Generation of Professional Trainers
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 26-28th, 2025 at Rocking Heart Ranch which is located by Waterton Lakes National Park.
Who can apply to be a part of this? Trainers who are building their business are invited to apply. We are not looking for the "big names", but those that have started their business and are ready to move up to the next level. A maximum of five (5) trainers will be accepted for the challenge.
Applicants:
Application can be found here and will be accepted until March 1, 2025.
The lucky competitors who are chosen will be invited to the 2025 Horse Expo to be introduced prior to the Trainer’s Challenge Finale, so you must be available to attend.
Why enter? You can compete in the challenge to promote your talents while securing a chance to compete in the Trainer’s Challenge at Horse Expo 2026. Each trainer will be given a chance to promote their horse training business to the people attending as well as be connected through social media. We are also offering a cash prize for the top 3 winners. Grand Champion ($1,000), Reserve Champion ($750) and Runner up ($500). A price for People’s Choice will also be given and will be tack.
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.
How do I apply? If you are interested in being a part of this great event, please fill out an application form above and send in a video with footage showing you training and telling us a bit about your methods. The video can be emailed to [email protected]. The deadline for entry is by March 1, 2024 at midnight.
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. More details on timing of sessions will be released closer to the date.
For information or questions, please email [email protected] or text Melody at (403) 894-1005.
Where and When is the challenge? The challenge will take place on September 26-28th, 2025 at Rocking Heart Ranch which is located by Waterton Lakes National Park.
Who can apply to be a part of this? Trainers who are building their business are invited to apply. We are not looking for the "big names", but those that have started their business and are ready to move up to the next level. A maximum of five (5) trainers will be accepted for the challenge.
Applicants:
- must be 18 years of age or older.
- have prior colt starting experience with multiple starts under their belt and train for a living
- provide videos and refences of training experiences
- have an online footprint and be dedicated to growing it (social media, website)
Application can be found here and will be accepted until March 1, 2025.
The lucky competitors who are chosen will be invited to the 2025 Horse Expo to be introduced prior to the Trainer’s Challenge Finale, so you must be available to attend.
Why enter? You can compete in the challenge to promote your talents while securing a chance to compete in the Trainer’s Challenge at Horse Expo 2026. Each trainer will be given a chance to promote their horse training business to the people attending as well as be connected through social media. We are also offering a cash prize for the top 3 winners. Grand Champion ($1,000), Reserve Champion ($750) and Runner up ($500). A price for People’s Choice will also be given and will be tack.
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.
How do I apply? If you are interested in being a part of this great event, please fill out an application form above and send in a video with footage showing you training and telling us a bit about your methods. The video can be emailed to [email protected]. The deadline for entry is by March 1, 2024 at midnight.
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. More details on timing of sessions will be released closer to the date.
For information or questions, please email [email protected] or text Melody at (403) 894-1005.