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.
Connecting Talent
With Potential
YOU’RE INVITED! SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH | 10:30AM – 2PM
NEW LOCATION! B.W. Pickett Arena at the Colorado State University Equine Center | Fort Collins, CO
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 were 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 $10,000 cash prize pool, this is an event you won’t want to miss.
Watch the PEAK horses progress!
2023 PEAK TRAINERS
CAYLA STONE
MYTHOS EQUESTRIAN
TRAINING - VOODOO. I am a graduate of the CSU Equine Sciences program and the mother of an 8 year old and infant daughter. 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. (pictured - Sera Mendoza, training assistant)
DAVID GERRISH
HARMONY EQUINE CENTER
TRAINING - FLEETWOOD. I'm originally from West Texas and have a degree in Agricultural Economics from Texas Tech University. I have a wonderful girlfriend, Mia, and a sweet rescue dog, Jessie. Outside of training horses, I enjoy camping, hiking, and going to the movies.
IRINA RAPPORT
TWO-TIME CHR ADOPTER
TRAINING - FLETCHER. I'm a social butterfly who has proudly adopted two of my own horses from CHR. Outside of working with horses, I love spending quality time with my animals and my husband. I enjoy engaging in volunteer opportunities in my community, both with animals and emergency services.
JUSTIN RILEY
FLYING R RANCH, LLC
TRAINING - TAOS. I have a B.S. in Equine Science and an M.S. in Equine Education from CSU. After many years as a swimming coach, I've dedicated my entire career to horses. I've competed previously in the Wagonhound Student Competition at CSU.
SAMUEL (SAM) GROGAN
HARMONY EQUINE CENTER
TRAINING - ROBIN. I'm one of nine children, born and raised in Arvada, CO. Needless to say, family is incredibly important to me! My fiance, Nora, and I have 4 horses and 2 dogs. Outside of my passion for horses, I love being outdoors and travelling.
2023 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.
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 in Longmont, 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 PEAK Training Challenge Flyer and the 2023 PEAK Training Packet linked here! Further training or event-related questions can be directed to Sharon Gilbert at sgilbert@chr.org.
APPLICATIONS FOR 2023 NOW CLOSED. Please check back again next year!
