3 COLTS, 3 TRAINERS, 3 DAYS

Colt Starting Competition

The Horseman's Mission is a colt-starting competition dedicated to showcasing horsemanship and training talent from multiple trainers! Our unique event pits three colts, three trainers, and three days of competition against each other to test horsemanship and finished performance. Each trainer has 1.5 hours per day to work with their colt, and the results are judged by a panel of judges. If you're looking to expand your knowledge, The Horseman's Mission is the event for you.

2025 Colt Starting Competiton

I am Nathan Leatherman from Indiana. For as long as I can remember from an early age, I have been horse crazy. I have what is called the horse bug. Some people have it, some don’t. I am not from a horse background. I had a cousin that gave me my first exposure to a horse, and I knew from that point on I wanted more. My journey started there. I started my first colt at 13 years old. How I started that first colt to how I start them now…well all I will say is wow! There is a difference between good and bad horse training. I have never worked under any trainers or had lessons. I am self-taught and have learned things from watching and listening to other trainers. I have also formed my own beliefs and style that keep me and the horse safe.
I always considered myself a natural which got me by all the way up to the early part of 2012 when my luck would run out and I found myself underneath a horse looking up and praying for a second chance. I realized up to this point that I did not know what I thought I knew, so I got humbled. I knew that I had to change and do things differently. I do not blame the horse; I blame myself for not being experienced enough to be riding the real troubled horses. I knew from that point on I was going to get educated
the right way or I was walking away for good. So, I started searching for trainers on the internet as I was healing. I have gained my confidence from each and every horse that I have worked with.

I have made it a personal goal and priority to educate myself. By doing so, I’ve started and restarted many horses with bad foundations. I have also worked with lots of troubled horses with issues that humans create. I truly enjoy starting colts and all the advanced maneuvers. I believe the start and foundation is the most important part of a horse’s success.
I 100% believe I was given a second chance in life. My goal is to help educate and share some of my experiences that might keep others out of trouble and safe. I have managed to find the Lord and true horsemanship through these amazing horses.

My name is Ridge Hostetler. I am 19 years old! I am From Mena, AR. My first memory’s as a little kid are riding horses. I’ve had my own horse as long as a can remember, very blessed!! The training part of horses got really interesting to me about 4 years ago, my Aunt Connie and my sister Bailey were the ones that got me started and taught me the things I know! I was working a construction job during the day, and breaking horses early mornings and evenings. Without planning on breaking horses for the public I slowly started getting horses to break and by word of mouth I started my business. I also buy and sell a few of my own horses... my goal is to give colts the best opportunity to be great by giving them a solid foundation!!! I am very thankful for this opportunity to compete in the horsemen’s mission this year! My goal is to bring out the best in my colt! And use this opportunity to grow!

Hi, my name is Taijah Allen and I’m from Canada. I’ve been riding horses ever since I could hold my head up. In fact, I bought my first unhandled pony when I was 12 years old, but I really started training horses about 4–5 years ago. I got my start at a barn that brought in horses from auctions or ones that had never been handled, and that’s where I discovered my passion for colt starting.

My goal with every colt is to create a willing partner—one that trusts me and genuinely wants to work. Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of being a colt starter at a reining performance barn, which has helped me grow so much as a trainer. I’m super excited to compete in this colt starting competition and put my skills to the test!