PEAK Training
Challenge
To rescue takes passion. To imagine a better world takes courage. We believe that it's up to us - all of us - to create new traditions honoring horses, humans, and the partnership we share.
Are you up for
the challenge?
Showcase your training talents, leadership skills, and partnership as an equine advocate through this exciting, 100-day equine foster training challenge hosted by Colorado Horse Rescue at the CSU Equine Center in Fort Collins, CO. Gain exposure for your training business by sharing your expertise with one of our lightly handled horses in order to help them reach their peak!
For more information on training requirements and event incentives, see the 2025 PEAK Training Challenge Guide linked here! Further training or event-related questions can be directed to Grace Degnan at gdegnan@chr.org.
2024 PEAK TRAINERS
CAYLA STONE
MYTHOS EQUESTRIAN
TRAINING - PHARAOH. I am a graduate of the CSU Equine Sciences program and the mother of an 9 year old and 1 year old. I am originally from Hilton Head Island, SC and moved to CO in 2007. Outside of horses, I enjoy reading, writing, art, history and mythology.
DAVID GERRISH
HARMONY EQUINE CENTER
TRAINING - ELVIRA. I'm originally from West Texas and have a degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University. I have a wonderful wife, Mia, and a sweet rescue dog, Jessie. Outside of training horses, I enjoy camping, hiking, and going to the movies.
ALEX PARSAYE
LEGENDS OF RANCHING AT CSU
TRAINING - BONNIE. I'm married to a wonderful large animal vet, with three-year-old twin boys and a two-year-old daughter. I teach at Colorado State University and run Parsaye Performance Horses, Parsaye Veterinary Services, & Pleasant Valley Market & Meats from home in LaPorte. I clearly have no life outside of horses!
TIFFANY LARSEN
TLD HORSE TRAINING
TRAINING - SAPPHIRE. After earning a degree in Equine Science from CSU, I went on to conduct clinics in Argentina and Uruguay for students learning to start horses. I created TLD Horse Training and enjoy spending my time with my husband and two daughters.
COLTER HEAP
TRAINING - PATRICK. Colter has spent 6 yrs. traveling the US and Canada with his horses, studying under Grand Prix dressage trainers, training with World Champion Rein Cow trainers, and cowboying on cattle ranches. He owns WildenHorsemanship which builds a solid foundation for horses that go through his program.
Watch the PEAK horses progress!
2024 EVENT JUDGES
Dr. Bruce Connally, DVM, MS
Wyoming Equine
With 30+ years of clinical experience, Dr. Connally is a former assistant professor at CSU's College of Veterinary Medicine and currently practices with performance equines. He also competes with his own horses and therefore understands competitive environments and best practice for working with high-performing horses.
Jody Marken
Two Spruce Farm
Jody owns and operates Two Spruce Farm in Berthoud, Colorado. She teaches lessons in horsemanship and basic jumping, offers Trail Obstacle and Cow-Working clinics, and is a USEF “r” judge for Hunters and Hunt Seat Equitation. Jody loves to judge and believes everyone should experience the show from the judge's perspective.
Jessica Dabkowski
Wild Idea Horsemanship
Jessica graduated from CSU in 2003 with a degree in Equine Science. She’s always had a passion for working with “project horses” and competed in her first Mustang Makeover competition in 2010. Since then, she’s competed in 15 mustang makeovers and teaches riding lessons and horsemanship in Livermore, CO.
Connecting Talent
With Potential
YOU’RE INVITED! SATURDAY, JULY 19, 2025 | 10AM – 3PM
B.W. Pickett Arena at the Colorado State University Equine Center | 735 S. Overland Trail, Fort Collins, CO 80523
The Performance Equine Adoption Kickstart (PEAK) Training Challenge is an exciting demonstration and adoption event open to the public – free of charge! Enjoy a competitive training showcase with the opportunity to see some of CHR’s adoptable horses in action. Invite your friends, family, and fellow equine enthusiasts for a day of exciting showmanship by a group of experienced trainers and introductions to well-started, deserving horses ready to find their new home.
Colorado and Wyoming trainers are partnered with unstarted or lightly handled members of our herd in order to give both participants the opportunity to reach new heights. With a judging panel of respected equine professionals, an audience full of potential new clients and adopters, and a $15,000 cash prize pool, this is an event you won’t want to miss!
