Colt Starting Challenge & Sale

By Melody Garner-Skiba • Photos Barbara Bostock Photography

his Challenge is unique in that it is not a quick start program, but rather focuses on a solid 60-day foundational start. Each of the “up and coming” trainers are paired with a three-year-old registered American Quarter

Horse for the 60-day time allotment. Trainers are asked to start the horse with a focus on ensuring the basics are solid. Moving through different gaits, standing while saddling, loading in a trailer, being confident with loud noises and sudden movements, and responding to new challenges with confidence are some of the tasks. On the day of the Challenge, trainers are asked to complete a pattern which includes the elements of a foundational start, plus a separate event called the “WOW Factor.” This element gives each competitor an additional 3 minutes to show the extra training and skills their horse has developed and is a crowd favourite as you never know what you will see. Unicorns riding horses, bridle-less cow work, liberty, and mounted archery. Every year there is something new!

In return for their work with the horses, the trainers receive compensation. First, they receive exposure of their business and skills through the event. This helps them connect with potential customers and builds their business profile. Secondly, they receive cash compensation for participating in the event, plus the opportunity to win one of four cash prizes. Many of the trainers are then on the radar for bigger events which will help them build their business even more. The horses used for the Challenge are owned by Rocking Heart Ranch and are all registered American Quarter Horses that are three years old. The bloodlines are focused on a good mind and solid conformation with a tendency towards versatility. These characteristics are carry-overs from the Garner family for the horses they used when they ran a cow/calf operation where horses would transition from working cows one day to heading to the mountains to look for antler sheds and out on the trail the next. All of them have been halter broke as weanlings and, besides regular deworming and farrier, have been out being horses, running in a herd, and out on pasture. Here they have developed their “horsey” instincts of herd hierarchy socialization while giving their bodies time to develop and grow to set them up for their training. This type of partnership benefits the trainer and the ranch, but also the customers who end up purchasing the horse. This is the last element of the Challenge, the Sale. All the horses that are trained are sold after the “Trainer of the Year” is announced in a live auction that is also streamed online at www.dlms.ca. This rare opportunity is a onestop shop for horse purchasers who may be looking for a horse that can go into the arena, work cows, trail ride, be a broodmare, or just be an all-around versatile horse and do a little bit of everything. Customers can visit with the trainer during the breaks, see the horse in action, and then can take the horse of their dreams home. All with zero risk, as Rocking Heart Ranch offers a 30-day money back guarantee. Purchasers can take the horse home and if it is not what they are looking for, it can be returned within 30 days with a vet check. Add to that the ability to finance interest-free any horse that sells for over $5,000 for 12 months - these are definite benefits to the customer. Mark September 11, 2021 on your calendar and head over to Midnight Stadium in Fort Macleod for a day full of equine entertainment. If you cannot make the event in person, log onto dlms.ca and you can watch the Challenge and participate in the event. More information is available at www.rockingheartranchltd.com.

2020 Trainer of the Year winner Madison Elzinga and Loona

Trevor and Huck

Makayla and Reese

The future of the equine industry has long been a topic around the kitchen table at Rocking Heart Ranch. As a family, the Garners have always tried to look towards the future and figure out how they can help ensure that a viable horse industry continues for generations. Out of those conversations as a family and with other industry stakeholders, the idea of hosting an event which would showcase the next generation of horse trainers was born. Welcome to the Rocking Heart Ranch Colt Starting Challenge!