Important Trainer Information
Before applying to compete in the challenge, please read ALL of this information. Submission of your Trainer Application as a potential competitor implies that you have read this information and agree to comply with the guidelines set forth below:
About the Challenge
The Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge is a 120-day training competition with Professional and Adult Amateur divisions. Participants must use humane horsemanship methods and be committed to developing both their assigned horse and their own skills.
Important Dates
- Applications accepted: August 15–October 31, 2026
- Selected trainers announced: Weekend of November 14, 2026 by email and social media
- Trainer meeting, horse selection and pickup: Saturday, January 16, 2027, at Rocking H Farm in La Grange, Kentucky
- Finals and adoption event: May 14–16, 2027 in Nesbit, Mississippi
Applications will be reviewed by the Heart of the Horse Trainers Challenge Selection Committee. Trainers will be chosen based on the overall quality of their application, experience, references, videos and suitability for the program.
Horse Selection
Horse descriptions will be posted online and grouped by division. At the January meeting, trainers will draw numbers to determine the order in which they select their challenge horses.
Horse Care and Expenses
Challenge horses will be current on vaccinations and Coggins testing. Most will also have had their teeth checked and hooves trimmed.
Heart of the Horse will cover approved routine veterinary and farrier expenses during the competition. Specialty care must be discussed and approved in advance to qualify for reimbursement.
The trainer will be responsible for the horse’s daily care, feed and related expenses. Trainers are encouraged to seek sponsors for feed, supplements, grooming supplies and travel costs.
Any tack or equipment donated specifically for a challenge horse should remain with that horse if adopted at the Heart of the Horse Expo.
Each horse-and-trainer team will receive a page on the Challenge website and social media promotion, providing additional exposure for the horse, trainer and sponsors.
Trainer Responsibilities
During the 120-day training period, trainers must:
- Provide consistent photo and video updates.
- Actively promote their challenge horse.
- Schedule viewings and tryouts with potential adopters.
- Help evaluate whether an adopter is an appropriate match.
- Consider offering discounted lessons after adoption to help create a successful partnership.
Potential adopters may want to meet the trainer and horse during a scheduled viewing or tryout before the competition. Meetings may take place at the trainer’s facility. We highly recommend people become an approved applicant before scheduling an appointment at a trainer's facility. Due to expenses to travel long distances, approved applicants will often wait until coming to the finals competition to meet the horse in person. Trainers will be expected to talk to prospective adopters throughout the weekend but are not required to allow anyone to handle or ride their horse until after their final competition performance.
Trainers will be asked to assess potential adopters and may recommend disqualifying any bidder they believe is not an appropriate match. The final decision, however, remains with the Heart of the Horse Trainers Committee.
Division Requirements
Please apply for the division that accurately reflects your experience and professional status.
Professional Division
Professional applicants must:
- Earn a substantial portion of their income from horse training. Limited exceptions may be made for applicants with an established reputation and professional-level experience.
- Maintain a business website or professional social media presence.
- Demonstrate professional-level training and horsemanship skills.
- Be at least 23 years old. Applicants ages 20–22 may be considered if they meet all other requirements or have previously trained for Mississippi Horses or competed in a trainer challenge.
- Submit the required training videos.
Professional Division horses may be unhandled or feral and may not be halter trained. Trainers should bring a stock or fully enclosed trailer capable of safely transporting a loose horse.
Adult Amateur Division
This division is for applicants age 18 or older who do not advertise themselves as professional trainers or rely on training fees as regular income.
Occasional payment for training horses belonging to friends or family is permitted, provided it does not exceed 15% of the applicant’s gross annual income. Age exceptions may be considered for applicants with previous Mississippi Horses or trainer challenge experience.
Amateur applicants must:
- Have at least two years of verifiable horse-training experience through their own horses or volunteer work.
- Provide references, show history, mentorship experience or other information demonstrating their skills.
- Have horsemanship abilities beyond being a capable rider.
- Understand groundwork and under-saddle training.
- Be able to develop those skills in their challenge horse.
- Submit the required training videos.
Amateur Division horses will be halter trained and may have some previous training. Horses will be evaluated and assigned to the appropriate division to create a fair competition.
Amateur trainers may receive instruction from an experienced mentor or clinician. However, the mentor may not handle, train, or demonstrate with the challenge horse.
How to Apply
Applicants in both divisions must complete the online Heart of the Horse Trainer Application and submit:
- One unedited, five-minute training video.
- One five-minute video showing groundwork, mounting, and ridden walk, trot and canter work.
- Any additional photos, references, or materials requested in the application.
All application materials must be received by October 31, 2026.
Email photos and videos to Admin@hohchallenge.org.
If You Are Not Selected
Participation is limited. Applicants who are not selected may contact HoH about other training opportunities through the Diamond Horse Project.