Rider Wars
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100+ Days to become a better horsewoman or man,
Not just in the saddle, but on the ground and all around.
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Apply Here to be a Competing Rider​​
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The Appalachian Trainer Face Off welcomes
this innovative division for riders who want to improve their skills and compete
against others to show who can go the furthest during the event.​
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There is a mentor award for the mentor who helps
take riders the furthest.
If you're interested in being a mentor, let us know.
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You will have goals, clinic meet ups, videos requirements
and more during the 100+ day event.​
Apply Here to be a Competing Rider
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RIDERS:
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RIDERS need to commit and invest in the program fully.
This will require time and some financial commitment.
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You do not have to own a horse to take part, but you do need to enroll in a local lesson program where you’re riding at least every other week at a lesson barn of YOUR CHOICE.​
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The goal of this competition is to be candid about where you are now,
so you can go further during this event.
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*NO MATTER YOUR LEVEL - YOU ARE IN COMPETITION WITH YOURSELF ONLY*
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╰┈➤ FOR RIDER WARS!
This year, you have until APRIL 15th to apply.
If you are interested in being a mentor or returning as a mentor, PLEASE let us know by April 1st.
≫ Updates for riders in 2026,
You will have an expanded exam and study guide
You will not have an online coach
You will need to visit your mentor 4 times within the 110 timeframe
You will be more encouraged to earn points through clinics and extra lessons
There will not be a virtual option this year.
Riders will be able to be age 14 and up. All riders are judged against their own improvements. There is only one division.
You will source the horse you compete on yourself (Yay!)
APPLY now, and once accepted, you will receive a pattern you must ride and video that will receive a set of scores in LATE APRIL. THIS pattern will be what you ride (allowing for a freestyle added at the event) live Friday, August 21st, in Winfield, and it will receive a set of scores. The improvement between the starting scores and your final scores paired with your freestyle will be how a RIDER WARS winner is selected.
Full answers ABOUT THIS EVENT can be found on THE APPLICATION Here
We are looking for mentors who have an established presence in the horse community they live in. This means you train and/or give lessons or maybe you’re a clinician. You have been in the horse world awhile and have built a thriving program with a good track record with humans and horses. You need to enjoy interaction with people who are learning, or at least enjoy making the horse world a better place by imparting knowledge.
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Mentors for Rider Wars will commit to hosting individual riders for in person and virtual sessions from the end of April through August. The competing riders will expect a 2 hour (more or less) session on either riding or ground work, with elements covering choices of bits, knowing whether a horse is experiencing discomfort, basic understanding of saddle fit, as well as a follow up video submission for the mentor to review and provide feedback on at least once.
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Riders cover the cost of this visit, which includes the feedback of on their video submission.
The fee will be decided by Heart of Phoenix and be across the board for all mentors.
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Mentors must be reliable and have an establish business training, providing lessons and/or clinics. We will be looking for mentors with an eye for solid horsemanship, comfort of the horse, saddle fit knowlege, a heart for equine welfare and a solid ability to teach.
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This event will help you expand your client base as a clinican, better your skills as an instructor (riders will fill out and submit surveys after they leave a session with you), and it will establish you as a go to person when someone wants to learn. It is an ideal platform to help you if you're looking to gain clients online and in person nationally.
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Mentors ARE competing, as well. The mentor who coaches the top rider (points combined for riding performance improvement only) in all divisions will receive an award.
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Judges:
The same judges will score at the start and at the competition.
COMPETITION:
Final riding requirements will be the same as the video requirements at the start with allowance of a free-style. In-person competitors will ride horses of their choice, either personal horses or a horse they source. The virtual portion will require a SINGLE TAKE video filmed between certain dates near the end of August to be submitted. Riders also accumulate points during the event for online quizzes, attending extra clinics and more!
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HORSES:
Riders can ride their lesson provider's horses, their mentor's horses or haul in their own horses for the purpose of the learning modules and classes during the event. You can source a horse from wherever you chose for the event.
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