Starting as a blank canvas, colt starters build a relationship over time with a horse — element by element, stroke by stoke — creating a work of art, in their own unique way. The hands of a master horseman will be shown on the colt for the rest of his life and the brilliance of a finely started colt will shine brightly. Just like an artist, their finished piece reflects their knowledge and passion, with no two creations the same.

“Time and time again during discussions with past competitors, there is a consistent theme of colts being described as their canvas. We feel this is a beautiful metaphor to describe the relationship between horse and rider, and we look forward to celebrating this connection in 2025,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “Even before a horse is directed into a specific discipline, a strong foundation must be established. It is the conception of this relationship we wish to honor, as a started horse is indeed a colt of many colors.”

To celebrate the art of horsemanship and the Colt of Many Colors theme, the event will also feature a wide array of equine artists, vendors, and interactive activities along with educational clinics, demonstrations, and world class entertainment. 

The Wild Card Challenge will kick off the event on Thursday, March 27 and conclude on Friday, March 28, 2025. This will allow the champion of the Wild Card the chance to step directly into a Championship Competitor position for the second year in a row. 

The World Championship Competition will feature an international lineup of three competitors, showcasing talented colt starters from around the world. These three Championship Competitors will be joined by the Wild Card Challenge Champion, allowing a total of four colt starters to compete for horsemanship’s most prominent title, the World Championship of Colt Starting.Grab the best seats now for Road to the Horse 2025, held at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 27-30, 2025. Purchase your RTTH 2025 event ticket here.

Stay tuned for the announcement of our first Championship Competitor. Email info@roadtothehorse.com with questions or call at 817-569-7100. 

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The collegiate teams that participated were Treasure Valley Community College, coached by Suzannah Campbell; Treasure Valley Community College, coached by Wade Black); and the University of Montana Western, coached by Eric Hoffmann. Donating their time to the event were judges Chloe Cuddie Hudson, Benjamin Longwell, Noel McQuigg, Tim Phillips and Leo Van Sistine. 

“There is no better way to create a legacy, than to invest in the future,” states Road to the Horse Director of Operations, Tammy Sronce. “We were honored to work with the Idaho Horse Expo to create an amazing platform to showcase the region’s top collegiate teams. The horsemanship and sportsmanship displayed by all three teams was inspiring to all.”

Over the course of the event, each team partnered with a filly from Bar 71 Ranch. The competition consisted of three round pen sessions, with the challenge accumulating on the final round which included both rail work and an obstacle course. All collegiate teams displayed superb horsemanship in a close competition that came down to the final round to determine the winner. 

The University of Montana Western claimed wins in rounds one, three and four. Treasure Valley took the top score in Round Two. Feather River displayed impressive horsemanship throughout all rounds with a sensitive filly and left fans in awe of their progress during the finals. 

The University of Montana Western claimed the championship with an accumulated score of 1299 points riding TOTTIE GUN SMART, followed by Treasure Valley Community College with 1210.5 points riding DAIQUIRI B GUN SMART and Feather River Community College with 1008 points riding GINGER BE SMART. All three fillies were sired by WILLY B GUN SMART (PLAYGUN x COW SMART HIGH BROW).

University of Montana Western Collegiate Coach Eric Hoffmann was proud of his team and grateful for the opportunity for the students to gain valuable, hands-on experience.

“It was such a wonderful event for students to learn from as far as reading the subtle tries that colts offer us all the time and the ability to take those and turn them into positive outcomes,” states coach and head instructors at the Montana Center for Horsemanship Eric Hoffmann. “[The event] brought me inspiration about being an educator for our future leaders in the equine industry and how we can take what we learn from the horse and apply it into our daily lives.”Road to the Horse would like to extend a special thank you to the Idaho Horse Council, the Idaho Horse Expo, our judges, the colleges and to all the individuals who made this very special event possible. For more information or apply to compete at Road to the Horse, visit www.roadtothehorse.com. 

Champions: University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT.

Second Place: Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario, OR.

Feather River Community College, Quincy, CA.

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The format of the Collegiate Challenge closely resembles the World Championship of Colt Starting event format from Road to the Horse in Lexington, Kentucky. Each team will comprise of a coach and three collegiate colt starting students. They will each start a filly across three days of competition. Follow the action from the challenge on Road to the Horse Facebook and the Idaho Horse Expo Facebook page.

Watch the entire round action from Feather River on the FRC Production Horse Sale Facebook page.

The Format

The table below summarizes the format throughout the competition. Round One, Two and Three will consist of round pens sessions. The Finals (Round 4) will consist of a saddling pen session, rail work and an obstacle course.

The Results

Results from Round 1 on Friday April 5:

• 251.5 points: University of Montana Western
• 247 points: Treasure Valley Community College
• 123 points: Feather River Community College

Results from Round 2 on Saturday April 6:

• 271.5 points: Treasure Valley Community College
• 263.5 points: University of Montana Western
• 229 points: Feather River Community College

Results from Round 3 on Sunday (AM) April 7:

• 260.5 points: University of Montana Western
• 234 points: Feather River Community College
• 230 points: Treasure Valley Community College

Results from Round 3 on Sunday (PM) April 7:

• 523.5 points: University of Montana Western
• 462 points: Treasure Valley Community College
• 422 points: Feather River Community College

Final Accumulative Results

• 1299 points: University of Montana Western
• 1210.5 points: Treasure Valley Community College
• 1008 points: Feather River Community College

The Teams

• University of Montana Western, Dillon, MT (L-R: Coach Eric Hoffmann, CJ Benoit, Sam McCracken, Tayln Neville)

• Feather River Community College, Quincy, CA (L-R: Coach Susannah Campbell, Sheyenne Houck, Ryley Lukens, Anna Roth)

• Treasure Valley Community College, Ontario, OR (L-R: Coach Wade Black, Gavin Bayes, Ellie Brunko, Parker Perry)

The Judges

• (L-R) Noel McQuigg, Tim Phillips, Leo Van Sistine, Benjamin Longwell, Chloe Cuddie Hudson.

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With an Olympic theme, the United States, Canada, and Australia were well represented in the Championship Competition by Ken McNabb, Tik Maynard and Donal Hancock. These international competitors were joined by C.D. Wilcox, who qualified for the Championship Competition by winning the Wild Card Challenge held on Thursday and Friday. New for this year, the Pitchfork Ranch from Guthrie, Texas, provided both the colts and fillies for the championship and Wild Card remudas. In the end, Tik Maynard rode away with the championship aboard CAPERA CATT (#11, Goodluck Catt x Becaco Capera by Mr Haida Flo). 

“The biggest emotion I feel is just an overwhelming sense of gratitude for everything that has led me to this place,” stated Maynard. 

Maynard won all three rounds of the Championship competition with his colt. The pair’s quiet and steady progress throughout kept all in awe as he easily moved through the different components of the event. He finished with a cumulative score of 1,023.5. 

The duo sealed the deal in the obstacle course of Sunday’s competition and earned a standing ovation as they left the arena. Maynard demonstrated impressive horsemanship throughout the entire competition and mentioned several times how much of an emotional roller coaster the event is as a competitor.  

In total, Tik Maynard finished with $90,000 in earnings and received a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle, an award saddle from Circle Y Saddles, and a custom Western hat from JW Brooks Custom Hat Co., along with several of prizes from Road to the Horse partners.  

“We are so pleased with how emotional and captivating the Road to the Horse journey was from start to finish,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “Our hats are off to all the competitors, fans, sponsors and crew who make it all possible.” 

The Wild Card Challenge, presented by Platinum Performance, proved to be an exciting addition to the event as Lindsey Patterson, John Baar and C.D. Wilcox partnered with Pitchfork Ranch fillies for their chance to advance into the championship round. Each Wild Card was teamed up with a past Road to the Horse competitor. Brandi Lyons, Mike Major, and Pat Parelli all took the role of Pen Wrangler as they offered their advice and assistance to their Wild Card competitor. 

C.D. Wilcox chose filly #5, TIGHTFITTENBLUJEANS (Once In A Blu Boon x Shiney Tea Pot Doc x Tejons Peppy Doc), a partnership that took him to the top of the scoreboard and directly into the Championship competition.  

“Road to the Horse means the world to me,” Wilcox said. “It’s a great opportunity for anybody. Win, lose or draw, this thing is so much fun, so well produced, I would do it for the rest of my life if they would let me.” 

At the end of the Wild Card Challenge, Wilcox received $5,000 for winning along with an award saddle from Circle Y Saddlery, and a custom Western hat from JW Brooks Custom Hat Co. The second-place Wild Card competitor, Patterson, received $3,000 and Baar received $2,000 in third place. Each Wild Card and Championship competitor also received a YETI cooler, custom leather jacket from Rocket Donkey and an array of products from our valued partners. 

Road to the Horse 2024 World Championship Competition

Tik Maynard | Cumulative Score: 1023.5 
Colt: #11, CAPERA CATT (Goodluck Cat x Becaco Capera) 
RTTH 2024 Earnings: 
Round 1 Winner: $5,000 
Round 2 Winner: $5,000 
Round 3 Winner: $5,000 
Overall World Champion: $75,000 

Donal Hancock | Cumulative Score: 891 
Colt: #3, COWBOYS LAST WAR CRY (Cowboy War Cry x Four Six Gal) 
RTTH 2024 Earnings: 
Overall Reserve World Champion: $20,000 
Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award

Ken McNabb | Cumulative Score: 839.5 
Colt: #4, SHINEY ROCKIN CD (Nasty CD x Shiney Rockin Lass) 
RTTH 2024 Earnings: 
Overall 3^rd Place: $10,000 
 
C.D. Wilcox | Cumulative Score: 680.5 
Colt: #14, CATS DASHIN A LENA (Quejanaisalena x Cats Dashin Diamond) 
RTTH 2024 Earnings: 
Overall 4^th Place: $5,000 

Wild Card Challenge presented by Platinum Performance

C.D. Wilcox | Cumulative Score: 836
Colt: #5, TIGHTFITTENBLUJEANS (Once In A Blu Boon x Shiney Tea Pot Doc x Tejons Peppy Doc)
RTTH 2024 Earnings:
Wild Card Champion: $5,000

Lindsey Patterson | Cumulative Score: 831.5
Colt: #3, DESIRE A BLU BOON (Once In A Blu Boon x Desire Some Shine By Shining Spark)
RTTH 2024 Earnings:
Wild Card Reserve Champion: $3,000

John Baar | Cumulative Score: 716.5
Colt: #4, SHESA QUEJANA CAT (Quejanaisalena x Shesa Skyline Cat By Bet Hesa Cat) 
RTTH 2024 Earnings:
Wild Card 3^rd Place: $2,000

Complete Road to the Horse 2024 scores are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Road to the Horse 2025 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 27-30. Tickets are available now at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.

(L-R) C.D. Wilcox (Wild Card Champion & 4th place), Ken McNabb (3rd place), Nick Rivera (Tik Maynard’s Pen Wrangler), Tik Maynard (RTTH 2024 World Champion), Donal Hancock (Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award Winner & RTTH 2024 Reserve Champion).

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Judge 1 – David O’Connor, Judge 2 – Cody Lambert, Judge 3 – Eric Hoffman, Judge 4 – Jesse Westfall, Judge 5 – Jeff Williams

Judged Criteria:

Catching & Haltering | Saddling Preparation | Saddling | Introduction of Rider | Obstacle Preparation | Groundwork | General Interaction | Timing – Reward & Release | Forward Motion | Willingness to Guide/Steer | Progression of Colt’s Softness -Yields to Pressure | Clarity of the Message | Overall Horsemanship – Reading of Colt | Clinician’s Conduct / Demeanor | Clinician’s Confidence & Understanding | Clinician’s Ability to Build Confidence in Colt | Clinician’s Ability to Adjust to the Colt’s Needs | Clinician’s Ability to Build a Solid Foundation | Appropriate Use of Pen Wrangler | Colt’s Demeanor at End of Session

How it works:

Scores for each criterion are judged from 0-5 in half point increments. Scores are cumulative across all rounds, and the high and low score are discarded for each round.

Round One:

Round Two:

Round Three:

Combined Totals:

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The Wild Card Challenge will take place on Thursday March 21 (Round 1 & 2) and Friday March 22 (Wild Card Finals). The winner of the Wild Card Challenge will automatically be awarded a position as a Championship Competitor. All scores will be posted on the roadtothehorse.com an hour after the completion of each day’s competition.

The Wild Card Challenge will follow the same rules as the traditional Championship Competition but will see shorter rounds. The Wild Card competitors will select their (1) 3-year-old Pitchfork Ranch filly Thursday morning before the Doors Open on March 21. This will be filmed and the video replayed on the jumbotron at the opening of Round 1. The selection process will take place before the event, in order to give the fillies the longest possible rest time before rounds.

In addition, the Wild Card Finals will feature Saddling Pen and Rail Work components only. There will be no obstacle course in the Wild Card Finals. Happy horses are always our first priority at Road to the Horse and we do not want to overstimulate the fillies with the condensed format.

The Wild Card Challenge Champion will recieve a $5,000 cash purse, Gist Silversmiths custom buckle, and a Circle Y trophy saddle. The Reserve Champion will receive a $3,000 cash purse, and third place will receive a $2,000 cash purse. All Wild Cards will receive a custom Rocket Donkey leather competitor jacket, a YETI Cooler, CINCH clothing and additional gifts from our valued partners.

Below is an overview of the Wild Card Challenge:

The World Championship Competition

The World Championship Competition will take place on Friday March 21 (Round 1), Saturday March 23 (Round 2) and Sunday March 24 (Finals). Each competitor will select (1) 3 -year old Pitchfork Ranch gelding at the Running of the Remuda during Friday’s Opening Ceremonies. All scores will be posted on roadtothehorse.com an hour after the completion of the day’s competition.

The Road to the Horse 2024 World Champion will receive $75,000 cash purse, Gist Silversmiths custom buckle, and a Circle Y trophy saddle. The Reserve Champion will receive a $20,000 cash purse, third place will receive a $10,000 cash purse and fourth place a $5,000 cash purse. All Championship competitors will receive a custom Rocket Donkey leather competitor jacket, a YETI Cooler, CINCH clothing and additional gifts from our valued partners. In addition, the winner of each round (1, 2 & Finals), will receive a $5,000 cash bonus.

Below is an overview of the World Championship Competition:

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Purchase online or call Etix at 1.800.514.3849.  Please note that to ease traffic congestion, parking will now be included with your ticket purchase. If you have any questions please email info@roadtothehorse.com. 

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Broadcast Schedule: Footage is available from these times (Eastern Standard Time)

• Thursday, March 21 – 12:30pm to 5:30pm
• Friday, March 22 – 9:30am to 4:30pm
• Saturday, March 23 – 10:30am to 4:30pm
• Sunday, March 24 – 10:15am to 3:45pm

Domestic Viewers: Download the Pluto TV app on your smart TV or favorite device to watch Road to the Horse 2024 or click on the link here to go directly to the LIVE PBR RIDEPASS on Pluto TV. Drop In. Watch Free. Each day will be available to watch on-demand on PlutoTV within 24-48 hours. 

International Viewers: International fans will watch the livestream on the Western Horseman platform on the links below.

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