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. I just want to tell you a little as to why I want to apply to this competition. I know what the Horsemans mission is and what it represents. I respect that which is one of the main reasons why I want to be a part of it. Because of what they stand for and how I discovered the man above and true horsemanship, it seems like the right fit for me.

The way that I had to discover real horsemanship, may impact people as well, as I almost lost my life. I am just looking to get out there and help educate people so they do not make the same mistakes that I made.

I understand this is a competition and I will take it as such. I am very serious, professional, no bad language and respectful of everyone. I would only speak about my story if you feel it is appropriate.

I just want to help educate and I want to get educated as well.

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!