Year of the Horse Challenge
Registration Open!
Ride with Purpose!
Empower Your Riding with the
Year of the Horse Challenge!
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which is believed to bring high energy, ambition, adventure, and rapid progress! This challenge is meant to help motivate you, stay focused, and stay accountable as you ride with purpose, work towards your own equestrian goals, and dreams! You will be able to stay accountable by recording the activities and time you spend with your horse and by joining our awesome social media community sites to share your progress! We will share ideas to try for both you and your horse and have some fun things planned as we stay motivated throughout this challenge! Ride, drive, or do groundwork such as tricks, showmanship, liberty work, and long lining with your horse at least 50 times from May 1st through August 31st. Entrants will receive a beautiful Limited Edition Year of the Horse Extra Long Rosette Ribbon upon completion to celebrate the accomplishments you achieved together with your equine best friend! This ribbon features Chinese symbol for horse and elegant watercolor stylized horses to celebrate the Year of the Horse! Cost to participate - $50.00 for Rosette Ribbon (includes shipping). Please see registration page for all event package pricing. Limited spots available- our challenges sell out quickly so be sure to sign up right away!
The Rules
Unlike many other equestrian incentive riding programs, Equisarte Show's challenges are open to ALL breeds and riding styles!
Q: What counts? A: Riding, driving, and groundwork count towards this challenge!
Q: What doesn't count? A: Chores.
Q: How much time should I spend? A: That's up to you! We suggest spending at least 30 minutes or more per activity session, however each equestrian should decide what is the best amount of time per activity for themself and their horse!
Q: How many activities can I count per day? A: You can count up to 2 activities per horse per day, for example: an AM and PM ride/drive/groundwork.
Q: How many horses can I use? A: Use one or multiple horses to complete the challenge. If you want a ribbon for each horse you will have to register separately for each one.
Q: Do I need to submit a photo or video for each ride? A: Our challenges are on the honor system. We do encourage photo or video posts on our Facebook Group! All participants who complete the challenge and send in their completed Rider's Log by August 31st at 11:59 pm EST will be entered into a drawing for additional prizes!
The main goal of the challenge is to complete 50 activities with your horse! Everyone who completes the challenge and turns in their Activity Log by August 31st will be eligible to enter the random drawing for prizes. Additional prizes may be awarded at our discretion and to those who participate on social media prompts and posts! Facebook group will include in the post if there is a prize you can win by responding. You will have an equal chance to win additional prizes if you do 50 activities or more than 50 activities. Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/equisarteshowshorsemanshipchallenges
A few alternative actives may be included to use as a session- details to come! We know some of you are only doing groundwork for a variety of reasons. If you are unable to ride use this time to try doing groundwork- it can be an excellent way to get some exercise, bond, and have fun together! Here are some suggested activities to try:
Do not participant in this challenge until speaking with your trainer to determine if it's right for you and your horse. Do not ride your horse if it is unfit or otherwise would be inappropriate to do so. Use common sense, if something doesn’t seem right with you or your horse, if your horse seems a bit fresh, or if the weather or footing is unsafe wait to ride or work with your horse until another day.
Exhibitors participate at their own risk, understanding the potential risks associated with all animals and equine activities. By entering, each participant who engages in an animal/equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person(s) or property resulting from the risk of animal/equine activities. By entering exhibitors agree to release and hold harmless Equisarte Online Photography Horse Shows, its employees, contractors, and affiliates from any and all liability(ies). Equisarte Shows reserves the right to refuse any entry without explanation. As the cost of shipping outside the US is very expensive this challenge is open to US residents. If a non US resident is interested in this challenge please email us and we will look into the cost of shipping to your county plus the entry fee. If there is enough desire we may open this challenge up to allow for additional participants. Entrant's photos, social media posts, name, age, city, state, may be used to promote the art show. This includes, but is not limited to, outreach via social media and websites. Refund Policy- No refunds are allowed.
How might this challenge help me as an equestrian?
This challenge may help you:
Download the Activity Log
You can download it below or on our Facebook page. You may download it and print prior to March 16th.
Marking the Activity Log
Download the Activity Log and print it out to write on it. You may mark a check mark over the days you ride or write more details if you’d like such as “Rode Willow for 20 minutes at the walk and trot”. Click on the Rider's Log below to download.
Empower Your Riding with the
Year of the Horse Challenge!
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which is believed to bring high energy, ambition, adventure, and rapid progress! This challenge is meant to help motivate you, stay focused, and stay accountable as you ride with purpose, work towards your own equestrian goals, and dreams! You will be able to stay accountable by recording the activities and time you spend with your horse and by joining our awesome social media community sites to share your progress! We will share ideas to try for both you and your horse and have some fun things planned as we stay motivated throughout this challenge! Ride, drive, or do groundwork such as tricks, showmanship, liberty work, and long lining with your horse at least 50 times from May 1st through August 31st. Entrants will receive a beautiful Limited Edition Year of the Horse Extra Long Rosette Ribbon upon completion to celebrate the accomplishments you achieved together with your equine best friend! This ribbon features Chinese symbol for horse and elegant watercolor stylized horses to celebrate the Year of the Horse! Cost to participate - $50.00 for Rosette Ribbon (includes shipping). Please see registration page for all event package pricing. Limited spots available- our challenges sell out quickly so be sure to sign up right away!
The Rules
Unlike many other equestrian incentive riding programs, Equisarte Show's challenges are open to ALL breeds and riding styles!
Q: What counts? A: Riding, driving, and groundwork count towards this challenge!
Q: What doesn't count? A: Chores.
Q: How much time should I spend? A: That's up to you! We suggest spending at least 30 minutes or more per activity session, however each equestrian should decide what is the best amount of time per activity for themself and their horse!
Q: How many activities can I count per day? A: You can count up to 2 activities per horse per day, for example: an AM and PM ride/drive/groundwork.
Q: How many horses can I use? A: Use one or multiple horses to complete the challenge. If you want a ribbon for each horse you will have to register separately for each one.
Q: Do I need to submit a photo or video for each ride? A: Our challenges are on the honor system. We do encourage photo or video posts on our Facebook Group! All participants who complete the challenge and send in their completed Rider's Log by August 31st at 11:59 pm EST will be entered into a drawing for additional prizes!
The main goal of the challenge is to complete 50 activities with your horse! Everyone who completes the challenge and turns in their Activity Log by August 31st will be eligible to enter the random drawing for prizes. Additional prizes may be awarded at our discretion and to those who participate on social media prompts and posts! Facebook group will include in the post if there is a prize you can win by responding. You will have an equal chance to win additional prizes if you do 50 activities or more than 50 activities. Join our Facebook Group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/equisarteshowshorsemanshipchallenges
A few alternative actives may be included to use as a session- details to come! We know some of you are only doing groundwork for a variety of reasons. If you are unable to ride use this time to try doing groundwork- it can be an excellent way to get some exercise, bond, and have fun together! Here are some suggested activities to try:
- Hand walking your horse- it's a great way to get exercise and keep both of you warm.
- Showmanship patterns
- Long lining (ground driving)
- Stretching
- Grooming
- Teaching tricks like "smile"
- Liberty
Do not participant in this challenge until speaking with your trainer to determine if it's right for you and your horse. Do not ride your horse if it is unfit or otherwise would be inappropriate to do so. Use common sense, if something doesn’t seem right with you or your horse, if your horse seems a bit fresh, or if the weather or footing is unsafe wait to ride or work with your horse until another day.
Exhibitors participate at their own risk, understanding the potential risks associated with all animals and equine activities. By entering, each participant who engages in an animal/equine activity expressly assumes the risks of engaging in and legal responsibility for injury, loss, or damage to person(s) or property resulting from the risk of animal/equine activities. By entering exhibitors agree to release and hold harmless Equisarte Online Photography Horse Shows, its employees, contractors, and affiliates from any and all liability(ies). Equisarte Shows reserves the right to refuse any entry without explanation. As the cost of shipping outside the US is very expensive this challenge is open to US residents. If a non US resident is interested in this challenge please email us and we will look into the cost of shipping to your county plus the entry fee. If there is enough desire we may open this challenge up to allow for additional participants. Entrant's photos, social media posts, name, age, city, state, may be used to promote the art show. This includes, but is not limited to, outreach via social media and websites. Refund Policy- No refunds are allowed.
How might this challenge help me as an equestrian?
This challenge may help you:
- Maintain your strength and your horses' strength
- Set and accomplish goals
- Increase relaxation
- Improve communication with your horse
- Build muscle
- Make new friends as you share your journey
Download the Activity Log
You can download it below or on our Facebook page. You may download it and print prior to March 16th.
Marking the Activity Log
Download the Activity Log and print it out to write on it. You may mark a check mark over the days you ride or write more details if you’d like such as “Rode Willow for 20 minutes at the walk and trot”. Click on the Rider's Log below to download.
| equisarte_shows_year_of_the_horse_challenge_log.pdf |
Submit your Activity Log
You can submit your completed log on our website- just click on the button on the top of the page or to [email protected]
If you printed your Activity Log to mark it up with a writing utensil, take a photo of it with your phone and submit it on our submission form. Be sure the photo is clear legible!
This challenge isn’t meant to be a race. Additional prizes will be announced in June!
If you are unable to finish the 50 activities by August 31st you can finish at your own pace and your ribbon will still be mailed to you!
Get Social!
You do not have to join our Facebook Group or Instagram although, we hope you do to connect with other riders in this challenge! The only requirement to complete the challenge is turning in the Activity Log at the end. Click on the link to join our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/equisarteshowshorsemanshipchallenges
Additional Prizes
Other prizes may be awarded during this challenge!
This Challenge invites you to donate to Gentle Giants!
Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is a 501c(3) Equine Welfare Organization committed to saving draft and draft cross horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. Gentle Giants is a premier equine welfare organization known internationally for our exceptional commitment and expertise in equine care. Since our inception in 2005, we have been a powerful international advocate for these majestic animals, garnering recognition for our efforts, including the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Outstanding Equine Sanctuary Award in 2022. The combination of our extensive facilities, professional staff, and unwavering commitment to the horses we serve uniquely positions Gentle Giants as a leader in equine sanctuary care. We're not just a shelter; we are a home where each horse can thrive, rediscover their spirit, and enjoy their lives to the fullest.
At Gentle Giants, our dedicated Animal Care Technicians work hand-in-hand with our veterinarian to rehabilitate and support more than 300 horses each year. From the moment a horse arrives, they receive a thorough evaluation—head to hoof—and a personalized care plan designed to nurture both body and spirit.
Our team builds meaningful connections with every horse, guiding them on their path toward recovery and, ultimately, a loving forever home. We make a lifelong promise to each horse we rescue: that they will always be safe, valued, and well cared for. Honoring that promise is not just our responsibility—it’s our greatest privilege. https://www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.org/
You can submit your completed log on our website- just click on the button on the top of the page or to [email protected]
If you printed your Activity Log to mark it up with a writing utensil, take a photo of it with your phone and submit it on our submission form. Be sure the photo is clear legible!
This challenge isn’t meant to be a race. Additional prizes will be announced in June!
If you are unable to finish the 50 activities by August 31st you can finish at your own pace and your ribbon will still be mailed to you!
Get Social!
You do not have to join our Facebook Group or Instagram although, we hope you do to connect with other riders in this challenge! The only requirement to complete the challenge is turning in the Activity Log at the end. Click on the link to join our Facebook Group!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/equisarteshowshorsemanshipchallenges
Additional Prizes
Other prizes may be awarded during this challenge!
This Challenge invites you to donate to Gentle Giants!
Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue is a 501c(3) Equine Welfare Organization committed to saving draft and draft cross horses from slaughter, abuse, and neglect. Gentle Giants is a premier equine welfare organization known internationally for our exceptional commitment and expertise in equine care. Since our inception in 2005, we have been a powerful international advocate for these majestic animals, garnering recognition for our efforts, including the prestigious Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries Outstanding Equine Sanctuary Award in 2022. The combination of our extensive facilities, professional staff, and unwavering commitment to the horses we serve uniquely positions Gentle Giants as a leader in equine sanctuary care. We're not just a shelter; we are a home where each horse can thrive, rediscover their spirit, and enjoy their lives to the fullest.
At Gentle Giants, our dedicated Animal Care Technicians work hand-in-hand with our veterinarian to rehabilitate and support more than 300 horses each year. From the moment a horse arrives, they receive a thorough evaluation—head to hoof—and a personalized care plan designed to nurture both body and spirit.
Our team builds meaningful connections with every horse, guiding them on their path toward recovery and, ultimately, a loving forever home. We make a lifelong promise to each horse we rescue: that they will always be safe, valued, and well cared for. Honoring that promise is not just our responsibility—it’s our greatest privilege. https://www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.org/
Do You Accept the Challenge?
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