Dowers Takes the Title at RTTH 2026 November 20 2025
Road to the Horse 2026 brought together elite horsemanship talent from across the globe, as competitors showcased their skills March 19–22 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky. Fans were on the edge of their seats for one of the closest finishes in event history, with all Championship competitors separated by just 150 points in the final standings.
Ultimately, two-time Road to the Horse World Champion Nick Dowers rode back into the winner’s circle aboard Pitchfork Ranch’s NASTY TEA POT, securing his third Road to the Horse World Championship title. A National Reined Cow Horse Association Million Dollar Rider, Dowers was also honored with the prestigious Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to display horsemanship at a high level and to compete using the gifts God has given me,” said Dowers. “I felt a lot of peace this year—I wasn’t anxious or nervous. It relieved a lot of pressure to just go out there and be myself. I felt like I was at home.”
The Championship Competition remained fiercely competitive to the very end, with all four finalists demonstrating exceptional horsemanship. Elisa Wallace, Ryan Rose, and Nick Dowers were joined by Wild Card Champion Tiffany McLaury, who earned her place in the Championship by winning the Wild Card Challenge earlier in the week.
McLaury carried strong momentum into the Championship, winning Round One and establishing herself as an early contender aboard the filly NASTY METALLIC. Dowers and his mount found their rhythm in Round Two, where his steady, methodical approach began to pay dividends.
Wallace faced a setback during the rail work when she was unseated but demonstrated remarkable determination by returning for an outstanding Round Three performance. Her exceptional obstacle execution earned critical points, securing the Reserve Champion title and the American Quarter Horse Association Fan Favorite Colt Award with her filly TUFF TWISTER.
In the final round, Dowers delivered a smooth, free-flowing performance that ultimately secured the Championship. He finished the event with total earnings of $85,000, along with a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle, an award saddle from Circle Y Saddles, a custom hat from American Hat Company, and additional prizes from event partners.
“Bringing together talented horsemen and women from diverse disciplines, all united by a shared passion for the horse, is what makes this event so special,” said Tina Battock, President of Morris Equine Group. “This year was especially meaningful, and we’re grateful to the competitors, fans, sponsors, and crew who make it all possible.”
The Wild Card Challenge once again proved to be a standout feature of the event. The 2026 Wild Card competitors included Sadie Fisher (United States), Tiffany McLaury (United States), Jason Irwin (Canada), and Rob Leach (Australia).
McLaury claimed the Wild Card title, earning $5,000, an award saddle from Circle Y Saddlery, and a Gist Silversmiths trophy buckle. Second-place finisher Rob Leach received $3,000, Jason Irwin earned $2,500, and Sadie Fisher took home $2,000. All Wild Card and Championship competitors also received a YETI cooler, a custom leather jacket from Rocket Donkey, and a variety of partner products.