News

RTTH 2024 to feature Pen Wrangler Edition Wild Card Challenge August 16 2023

Since 2003, Road to the Horse has positioned itself as the industry’s most prestigious colt starting challenge. Creativity and innovation have been key components to the continued success of the event. With that in mind, the colt starting action at Road to the Horse 2024 will not disappoint as fans will see an expanded schedule that will combine both the Wild Card Challenge and the World Championship competition at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 21-24, 2024.

Combining the Wild Card Challenge with the Championship Competition will allow fans to enjoy an expanded array of talent, along with educational clinics, demonstrations, and world class entertainment. 

In the first ever Pen Wrangler Edition of the Wild Card Challenge, three past Road to the Horse Pen Wranglers will finally have their chance to step into the round pen and showcase their colt starting skills. Turning the tables, the past Championship Competitor that the Pen Wrangler assisted, will be the Pen Wrangler for this challenge.

The Wild Card Challenge will precede the Championship Competition, starting on Thursday March 21 and will conclude on Friday March 22, 2024. This will allow the champion of the Wild Card the chance to step directly into a Championship Competitor position.   

“Watching Wild Card stories unfold has been an inspiring highlight of Road to the Horse. We’re excited to switch up the format in 2024, and for the first time, bring a Pen Wrangler lineup to the Road to the Horse Wild Card Challenge,” stated Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “Giving past Pen Wranglers a chance to showcase their talent aligns with our multigenerational approach to horsemanship, inspiring the next generation while showcasing a diverse lineup for our fans.”

In celebration of the 2024 Olympic Games, the 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. 

Road to the Horse 2024 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 21-24. Tickets are available here or by calling 800-514-3849. World Championship and Wild Card Challenge competitors will be announced shortly. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.


Glenn Stewart Joins the 2022 Championship Competitor Lineup November 22 2021

From its humble beginnings in 2003, Road to the Horse has been dedicated to educating fans in the art of natural horsemanship. The event’s ability to be nimble, innovate and adapt in the changing world, has been its biggest strength. A return to Lexington will go down as another milestone in the event’s colorful history, along with a modification in the 2022 Championship Competitor lineup. We’re excited to welcome Canadian clinician Glenn Stewart to the lineup, who will take the fourth competitor position from Matt Mills, who experienced a show scheduling issue.

“I’m very excited and grateful to be asked to come back to Road to the Horse in 2022. I’d like to thank Road to the Horse for the invitation and the opportunity to compete, improve and spend a weekend with amazing horsemen and women who are passionate about horses,” Stewart stated. “Road to the Horse is one of the premiere horse events in the world, and I’m honored to be a part of it.”

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Wade Black takes the title at Road to the Horse 2021 November 23 2020

A sold out crowd in the Cowtown Coliseum witnessed history as Wade Black claimed the Championship title and Cole Cameron claimed the Wild Card Championship at Road to the Horse 2021, after the prestigious colt starting competition made the unprecedented move from the Kentucky Horse Park to Fort Worth, Texas, for the 2021 event.

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New Road to the Horse Official Merchandise June 15 2020

Just released! New Road to the Horse merchandise including ball-caps, t-shirts, jackets, vests and sweaters. You’ll love our new selection of clothing and accessories. Free domestic shipping and flat rate international shipping.


RTTH 2020 Update and Ticket Information May 12 2020

Road to the Horse 2020 COVID-19 Update

We are saddened to announce that we are unable to host Road to the Horse 2020 as scheduled on June 18-21. The event was originally rescheduled from March to June as we boldly and optimistically moved forward, but due to the evolving situation surrounding COVID-19 this is not possible.

This decision was made in accordance with CDC, federal, state and city guidelines currently in place, limiting crowd size to fewer than 50 people. This was an extremely difficult decision for us, but we know it is in the best interests of our fans, competitors, and crew. We sincerely appreciate your patience and ongoing support. 

“The Road to the Horse 2020 lineup was unforgettable and there’s no way this event isn’t going to happen. Every 2020 Championship Competitor and Wild Card will be in Lexington at Road to the Horse 2021 and they’ll have their chance to compete for the title” states Morris Equine Group Vice President, Patty Tiberg. “Our Back to the Ranch theme couldn’t be more fitting for Road to the Horse 2021. Perseverance, strength, and grit are what we’re made of and we can’t wait to welcome everyone to Road to the Horse 2021.”

COVID-19 Event Details

Why is Road to the Horse 2020 cancelled this year?

Kentucky remains in a state of emergency due to the evolving COVID-19 situation. On May 8, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear unveiled a reopening schedule which will allow a variety of businesses to reopen but this plan does not yet include public events or gatherings of more than 50 people.

Why didn’t Road to the Horse 2020 reschedule again to later in the year?

Road to the Horse 2020 is dependent upon a multitude of factors including government regulations and global travel by fans and crew which remains restricted. In addition to the health of all participants, Road to the Horse also considers what is in the best interest of the Remuda, who will be turning 4 years old at the end of the year.

Will there be a Road to the Horse 2021?

We are shifting our focus to Road to the Horse 2021. The event will be held on March 25-28 and be held in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Road to the Horse 2021 will feature a selection of colts from the 6666 Ranch along with the same talented Championship Competitors and Wild Cards.

Who will be the competitors for Road to the Horse 2021?

The lineup for Road to the Horse 2020 was epic and the event was on track to be one of the most exciting yet. We wouldn’t miss watching this lineup for anything! In fairness to the competitors and Wild Cards, they’ll have their opportunity to secure a Road to the Horse Championship in 2021. Championship competitors are Craig Cameron, Ken McNabb, and Wade Black. Wild Cards are Wylene Davis, Cole Cameron and Craig Moore.

What will happen to the Road to the Horse 2020 Remuda?

The beautiful colts selected for Road to the Horse 2020 will need to start their training. We are currently exploring ways to allow fans to follow the journey of the Remuda as they begin their performance careers. A new selection of colts will be handpicked for Road to the Horse 2021 by Dr. Glenn Blodgett.

Ticket Information

Will my Road to the Horse 2020 ticket be refunded?

Yes. All Road to the Horse 2020 ticket holders will receive a full refund. Refunds will be automatically processed, there are no additional steps you need to take. Ticket holders may call the Customer Support Team at 1-800-514-3849 with additional questions.

When will my refund be processed?

Please allow between 8-12 weeks for your refund to be processed. The ticket company is handling multiple event refunds so there may be a short delay, but all tickets will be fully refunded.

How will my refund be processed?

The credit card you used to purchase your Road to the Horse 2020 tickets will be credited. If you purchased tickets with cash or no longer have the credit card that was used to make the purchase, a refund will be made via a mailed check.

How do I get a refund for my 2020 VIP Experience Ticket and/or my RTTH 2020 Round Up Party Ticket?

Your Road to the Horse VIP Experience ticket and/or Round Up Party ticket will be automatically refunded.

Who do I contact with additional questions?

Ticket holders may call the Customer Support Team at 1-800-514-3849 with additional questions. If you have questions regarding your RTTH VIP Experience Ticket or your RTTH Round Up Party Ticket, please call the Road to the Horse office at (325) 736-5000.

When can I buy tickets for Road to the Horse 2021?

Road to the Horse 2021 tickets will be available soon. Roadies who are current Legacy Seat Holders will have first option to purchase. Watch for upcoming announcements on RoadtotheHorse.com and on RTTH social media platforms.

What happens if Road to the Horse 2021 is cancelled?

In the event Road to the Horse 2021 is cancelled, your tickets will be refunded. Assuming the event continues as planned, our standard refund policy applies.

Can’t find what your looking for? Contact the Road to the Horse Office at (325) 736-5000


New Date For RTTH 2020 March 16 2020

For Immediate Release

March 13, 2020

 

Road to the Horse 2020 Rescheduled for June 18-21, 2020

 

We appreciate your support and patience through this evolving situation.

We are thrilled to let you know that the Road to the Horse team has worked hard to secure new dates. Road to the Horse 2020 has now been scheduled for June 18-21, 2020. The event will remain in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Road to the Horse 2020 will feature the same beautiful colts from the 6666 Ranch and the same talented Championship Competitors and Wild Cards. We appreciate the support and flexibility of our talent lineup, as well as the Kentucky Horse Park.

If you are a ticket holder for the Road to the Horse 2020 event scheduled for March 19-22 and can attend the new dates: June 18-21, please keep your ticket. Your current ticket will secure your same seat at the rescheduled event. There are no additional steps you need to take.

If you are a ticket holder for the March 19-22 dates and cannot attend June 18-21, please follow this link and complete this form to submit a refund request. Refund requests will be accepted up until Sunday April 5, 2020 (until midnight Pacific Daylight Time).

Thank you for your understanding and we look forward to seeing you in Lexington.

 

Sincerely,

Road to the Horse Team

 

Please note this is an evolving situation so stay tuned for updates.


Road to the Horse Goes Back to the Ranch in 2020 June 19 2019

Road to the Horse 2020’s Back to the Ranch theme is a celebration of the timeless values of the Western lifestyle that include authenticity, courage, humbleness, chivalry, and a relentless can-do Western spirit. Our final Road to the Horse 2020 competitor, Ken McNabb, amplifies those characteristics with his strong ranching roots and lifelong dedication to the horse. Ken McNabb will complete the main competitor line up for Road to the Horse 2020 joining Craig Cameron and Wade Black, as they compete for the title on March 19-22, in Lexington, Kentucky.

Ken is no stranger to Road to the Horse competition, having competed in 2008 and 2010, when the event was previously held in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  Although Ken McNabb is a veteran Road to the Horse competitor, it will be his first time to compete in 10 years and his first time to compete in the Bluegrass State under the bright lights of the Alltech Arena. Tickets are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. 


Road to the Horse Pays Tribute to the Wild Wild West in 2019 May 04 2018

Images of the horse, the cowboy, and the Native American are strongly ingrained in the vibrant history of the West. Collectively, the characters of the Wild West had one thing in common; it was their undeniable passion and partnership for and with the horse.

Now, fans of Road to the Horse can look forward to a thrilling tribute to our nation’s Wild West culture in the 2019 edition.All who encountered the horse longed for a stronger relationship with the noble creature. As horsemanship spread from town to town and tribe to tribe, the horse continued to change the course of history. The worldwide fascination and love for the horse as a partner and friend has not yielded and Road to the Horse remains dedicated to making the world a better place for the horse by inspiring a new generation of horseman and horsewomen.

Fans are continually drawn to Road to the Horse, not only for the spectacle but for their relentless quest to serve the horse by developing a deeper understanding. The same cause drives the Road to the Horse crew to not just craft an exciting and educational event, but to create a production that captivates and carries the soul of the horse and horseman relationship.

“Without the horse there would be no cowboy, nor would the Native American have thrived” states Road to the Horse Founder and Producer Tootie Bland. “This quote from the Arapaho tribe says it all for me this year ‘When we show our respect for other living things, they respond with respect for us.’”

Road to the Horse 2019 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. For sponsorship information, please contact Tammy Sronce at tammy@roadtothehorse.com or call 940-850-6512.

Learn more about Road to the Horse at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.


The Release of the Road to the Horse 2018 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch November 17 2017

Thunderstruck. Every Road to the Horse fan knows that’s the song that scoots you to the edge of your seat. That song means the Road to the Horse Remuda is about to run into the Alltech Arena for the very first time. It’s one of the biggest highlights at every Road to the Horse event. It’s goosebumps time, it’s the tears welling up in your eyes time, it’s the time you realize that your entire lifetime of chasing your passion for the horse, was the right thing to do. Seeing the magnificent 6666 Ranch colts charge into the Alltech Arena will forever stay etched in your heart. Generations of the best American Quarter Horse bloodlines all come down to this moment.

True to their dedication to breeding the very best American Quarter Horses, the 6666 Ranch has compiled a selection of their finest for Road to the Horse 2018. One by one, the colts will be showcased to Road to the Horse fans launching in November, 2017.

Set for stardom, these colts will take one giant leap on a Road to the Horse journey that will change the course of the rest of their lives. Decades of history, champions and legends are all exemplified in this one solitary Remuda.

The sires of the Road to the Horse 2018 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch are:
• Boon San
• Playboys Buck Fever
• Rockin W
• Tuf Four
• WR This Cats Smart

The Road to the Horse 2018 Remuda from the 6666 Ranch will be presented for sale to the public during Road to the Horse 2018. For information visit the 6666 Ranch booth on the main concourse at Road to the Horse 2018.

All past World Champions, the Road to the Horse 2018 international competitor lineup is spectacular. Our lady competitor, from the beautiful islands of New Zealand, is international showjumper and defending Road to the Horse 2017 World Champion, Vicki Wilson. Representing our neighbors from north the border, Canadian Jim Anderson is both a Road to the Horse World Champion and our Wildcard Champion from 2014. Downunder horseman and Road to the Horse 2012 World Champion Dan James will return to the Road to the Horse round pen for the first time since 2013. Red, white, and blue, American-made Nick Dowers is both a NRCHA Snaffle Bit Open Futurity and Road to the Horse World Champion. Fans watched Nick Dowers claim his World Championship of Colt Starting title in 2016. All past World Champions who have captured one Road to the Horse World Championship buckle, all looking for their second.

Learn more about Road to the Horse at www.RoadtotheHorse.com. Road to the Horse 2018 tickets are available online at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 877-772-5425. For sponsorship opportunities at Road to the Horse 2018, contact Tammy Sronce at 940-859-6512 or email tammy@roadtothehorse.com. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.


Gritty Kiwi Cowgirl Vicki Wilson Set to Defend her Title in 2018 June 26 2017

Vicki heard you.  Tootie heard you.  The whole world heard you.  Fans didn’t just whisper, they shouted for the return of Vicki Wilson at Road to the Horse 2018, and the gritty Kiwi cowgirl answered!  Famed show jumper, Vicki Wilson, took over the Road to the Horse Facebook page to let everyone know, she’s coming back on a viral Facebook LIVE video. Her passion burns strong and her ‘broken wing’ will be healed, as she plans to defend her World Championship of Colt Starting title, she so valiantly earned in 2017.

“I’m incredibly excited to be joining Road to the Horse 2018 and I can’t wait to come back to share my knowledge, do more clinics and educate people in America and around the world, I think there’s bigger and better things to come” stated the international showjumper Vicki Wilson.

The search for a horsewoman like Vicki Wilson had spanned over a decade. The dream of blending the English and Western disciplines had been a lifelong mission of Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland, a pioneer who is constantly driven to smash the preconceived boundaries of horsemanship. This gutsy visionary was on a quest to bring unique talent to Road to the Horse and the delivery was embraced by hungry fans.

From the very beginning, there was no denying this cowgirl was different, but fans embraced her English riding roots and new training concepts which clearly demonstrated her unyielding love for the horse. Wilson began as an unknown to most on the American landscape, but fans quickly fell in love with the Kiwi, after she portrayed unbelievable strength, to not only carry on at Road to the Horse 2017 with a dislocated shoulder, but to walk away with the coveted title.

“This is the dawn of a new paradigm, the evolution of a new way of thinking” stated Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland. “Fans have never witnessed anything like Vicki Wilson and she’s ready to return and defend her title. Plans are already underway for the biggest celebration in Road to the Horse history, as we commemorate our fifteenth anniversary in 2018.”


New Zealand Jumper Takes the World Title at RTTH 2017 May 02 2017

Road to the Horse 2017 was created in dedication of the cowgirl. “We may have started out to celebrate the cowgirl but what we created was the most inspirational and most exciting Road to the Horse fans have ever seen” stated Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland.

In the closest scoring competition in the history of the event, less than approximately 8 points per judge separated each competitor. There was no mistaking, Vicki Wilson was different but there wasn’t any doubting her horsemanship. Wilson was not only the first competitor from New Zealand, she was the first competitor from an English discipline to not only compete but to walk away with the coveted World Championship of Colt Starting title.

“This isn’t about being a cowgirl anymore, it’s all about horsemanship” stated the first lady of Road to the Horse, Stacy Westfall, as the competition moved into the final round on Day 3.

Wilson’s Road to the Horse journey was far from scripted. After dislocating her left shoulder during Round 1, many fans were unsure if she could even continue but she didn’t just continue, she shined. Wilson may have had to alter her strategy with her 6666 Ranch bred colt Boon River Lad, who she fondly named ‘Kentucky’, but she continued with the grace and grit of a champion. This cowgirl may have had a broken wing, but she certainly showed ‘Kentucky’ how to fly.

“My shoulder is sore but when you walk out there, the atmosphere, the people, everything about it, you don’t even think about it. He didn’t quit and I didn’t quit, that’s what being a cowgirl is all about. I believe our job as riders and trainers around the world is to inspire the next generation, to get kids to believe that anything is possible in this life and if we want something bad enough, you have to work hard and be prepared to sacrifice and chase those dreams” Wilson stated as she admired her Gist Silversmith Championship buckle. “Never stop chasing dreams.”

Rachelle Valentine selected the 6666 Ranch horse gelding Playin A Seven, this playful grey gelding soon became a fan favorite. Sarah Dawson selected Smart Hunt and California cutting horse trainer Kate Neubert claimed the prestigious Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award riding Sixes Captain.

It’s almost a tradition that the winner of Road to the Horse chooses to purchase their colt to continue their training, Wilson didn’t break tradition.

“Yes, ‘Kentucky’ is coming back to New Zealand. It’s a bit of a trip for him, but he deserves it. He will become a new demo and clinic pony, he loves his jumping, so that is something we will develop. He is going to be a pretty cool kid.”

Media photos are available from Road to the Horse 2017, please email tammy@roadtothehorse.com for details.


Horse Stays First Priority at Road to the Horse 2016 March 29 2016

“It’s an honor. I am so proud of my horsemanship, to win an event like the NRCHA Futurity, then to win Road to the Horse and tie the two together, that’s just huge” stated the emotional Dowers right after his win. When asked what helped him take the title, the answer was easy for Dowers, “Being myself and staying true to what I do.” Equaled in class and charisma, the 6666 ranch colt Seven Attraction carried Dowers to his first World Championship of Colt Starting title.

Winters won Round One displaying outstanding horsemanship and incurred no penalties. Although it was not a popular choice, Anderson did incur a score and time penalty after a Violation of a Rest Period for his colt. This resulted in both a penalty to Anderson’s score in Round Two and a reduced working time in Round Three. Road to the Horse has always placed, and always will place the horse as first priority.

Dowers’ captivating personality and inspiring training philosophies captured the hearts of every horse lover in the stadium. Seven Attraction seemed to collect as many fans along the road as Dowers. This outstanding, intelligent and athletic sorrel colt had something special, the same something special fans saw in Dowers. If fans didn’t know who Nick Dowers was before, they certainly know now.

Not only did Dowers walk away with the World Championship, he was also awarded the Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award. Awarded and presented by Jack Brainard, this award goes to the horseman or horsewoman that excels in their power of observation to correctly analyze the best approach and then apply that method as smoothly as possible for the horse’s best interest.

Brand new in 2016, fans of Road to the Horse also enjoyed a LIVE broadcast by www.bonkotv.com as well as a LIVE play by play radio coverage by www.HorseRadioNetwork.com. Replays are available on both platforms.

In true Road to the Horse style, Road to the Horse Owner/Producer Tootie Bland surprised the crowd by announcing two competitors for Road to the Horse 2017. Both Sarah Dawson and Barbara Cox were named as competitors in a very special ladies only version of Road to the Horse which is scheduled for March 23-26, 2017.

Sarah Dawson, daughter of Road to the Horse 2009 World Champion Richard Winters will return to Road to the Horse in 2017. Dawson is a past competitor to Road to the Horse, having competed in 2013. A seasoned clinician and competitor, fans are excited to welcome Sarah back to the round pen.

Barbara Cox, wife of four time undefeated Road to the Horse World Champion Chris Cox, will enter the Road to the Horse round pen for the very first time in 2017.

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