Road to the Horse

As the World Championship of Colt Starting returns to the Kentucky Horse Park for the second consecutive year to accommodate sell-out crowds, Australian clinician Dan Steers from Double Dan Horsemanship was announced as the very first competitor of Road to the Horse 2014. Dan Steers is no stranger to Road to the Horse, the talented Australian horseman served as Pen Wrangler at Road to the Horse 2013 to Double Dan partner Dan James.

Steers captivated audiences at Road to the Horse 2013 with his light hearted humor and was affectionately known as ‘#1 Pen Wrangler’, a title that was monogrammed on the back of his deck chair that sat outside the round pen while he assisted Dan James. Steers not only brings his comical Australian personality to Road to the Horse 2014, he brings a lifelong passion for horses.

“When I got the call from Road to the Horse Owner and Producer Tootie Bland I was in the warm up pen, aboard my Stock Horse, Double Image at the Australian Stock Horse National Show in Tamworth, New South Wales. At the time, that was always the biggest event in my show season,” said Steers. “I quickly realized I had bigger dreams that lay ahead in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. I couldn’t be happier.”

Growing up in Western Australia, Steers discovered his love for horses in his teenage years when he began working for master farrier and horseman Pete Weber and later Australian cutting horse trainer Corry Holden. Steers’ talents were soon rewarded with success in the show ring and he began conducting regular horsemanship clinics. In 2009 Steers and James relocated to New South Wales and Double Dan Horsemanship was formed.

Since expanding to the United States in 2011, Double Dan Horsemanship has experienced enormous success. Dan James won the World Championship Colt Starting title in 2012 at Road to the Horse, where he represented Team Australia with fellow countryman Guy McLean. Both Steers and James continue to conduct horsemanship clinics in Australia and around the United States.

Steers will be joined by other chosen competitors and a Wild Card contestant at Road to the Horse 2014. After careful selection, eight talented clinicians across the nation, were invited to take part in the first ever Road to the Horse Wild Card competition.  These eight clinicians travelled to Road to the Horse 2013 where they selected a gelding from the AQHA Remuda from the 6666 Ranch. From Kentucky, the Wild Cards returned home to spend the following year building a partnership with their gelding and continuing their training until Road to the Horse 2014.  In 2014, these 6666 Ranch raised colts will then return to Road to the Horse with their trainers, where they will compete against other Wild Card contestants for the title of Wild Card Champion. The Wild Card Champion will then immediately step into the Road to the Horse 2014 round pen, where they will have a once in a life opportunity to compete for the World Championship of Colt Starting title. Follow the progress of the Wild Card contestants on Road to the Horse Facebook.

2014 tickets are available now for Nation Members and on sale to the general public May 14, 2013. Don’t miss the greatest celebration of natural horsemanship March 14-16, 2014 at the Kentucky Horse Park. Purchase your tickets now to avoid disappointment. For more information visit www.RoadtotheHorse.com.

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About Road to the Horse: (March 14-16, 2014- Lexington, Kentucky) Road to the Horse is an exclusive horsemanship experience that combines valuable education and thrilling entertainment!

A competition untouched by others, tests skill, experience and colt training talent, Road to the Horse dares elite horse trainers to create a trusting partnership with an untouched 3-year-old Quarter Horse. The test begins with the selection, choosing only one remuda horse from the legendary Four Sixes Ranch; competitors have just three days to build a working relationship. With disruptive sounds, exhilarating sights and adrenaline-pumping time constraints each competitor must face the final trial, an obstacle course. Only one can walk away with the Colt Starting World Champion title.

True horse enthusiasts recognize Road to the Horse as the event of the year. Meet horsemen and women from around the world at the Kentucky Horse Park for a truly unique equine experience.

Road to the Horse enjoys the support of corporate partners such as Western Horseman, American Quarter Horse Association, Platinum Performance, Martin Saddlery, the Four Sixes Ranch, Centaur Fence and Red Brush Trailers along with many more valued industry products and services. To learn more, go to www.roadtothehorse.com or call 325.736.5000.

Road to the Horse celebrated 10 years of the World Championship of Colt Starting with a Ram Truck Tailgate Party at the Alltech Arena in the Kentucky Horse Park March 16^th.  Event Producer, Tootie Bland, invited past and present competitors and special guests to celebrate 10 years of competition, among them were three-time champion Chris Cox, two-time champion Clinton Anderson, 2006 champion Stacy Westfall, 2009 champion Richard Winters, Mike Kevil, Martin Black, Tommy Garland, Glenn Stewart, Jonathan Field and Ken McNabb. The 2013 competitors Guy McLean, Dan James, Obbie Schlom and Sarah Winters made their appearances.  Special guest appearances were made by international clinicians Tomonori Miyata of Japan, Jesus “Chewy” Jaureui of Mexico, Shlomik Raziel of Israel and Maco Cook of Argentina.

Live and silent action donations to the benefit auction were made by past and present competitors and special guests, Road to the Horse sponsors and Bland.  The auction plus wristbands sold to the public raised $97,000 to be donated to Central Kentucky Riding for Hope’s Equine Services for Heroes Program.

“I could not be more proud of the Road to the Horse family, everyone pitched in to support the Equine Services for Heroes Program, I was blown away by the generosity,” said Bland. “Helping people connect with horses is what we’re all about.”

Central Kentucky Riding for Hope (CKRH) was established in 1981 to improve the quality of health in children and adults with special needs through therapeutic equine activities. The non-profit organization has since opened their doors to military families.  They currently offer therapeutic riding for veterans, therapeutic riding for special needs children, equine facilitated workshops and equine facilitate education.

“The funding from Road to the Horse will allow us to grow and expand our services,” said CKRH Program Director Denise Spittler, who oversees the military program. “We will be able to offer more services and activities during Military Appreciation Day at the Kentucky Horse Park on May 18^th.  We will also be able to expand our riding program for military service members.”

Bland threw a friendly competition into the auction; the donor with the highest selling item would choose the charity that the proceeds would be donated to.  Cox donated two one-day private clinics for two people each raising just over $12,000 to be donated to Western Wishes.

“Thank you, thank you for this donation, because it means that RTTH and Chris Cox will be responsible for turning dreams into lasting memories for many, many of our Western Wishes kids,” said Western Wishes President and Founder Donnalyn Quintana.

Beginning in 1994, Western Wishes have helped countless children suffering from severe spinal cord and head injuries, survivors of cancer, muscular dystrophy, cerebral palsy and heart afflictions.

Australian horseman and clinician Guy McLean struggled to hold back the tears as he thanked Road to the Horse Producer Tootie Bland and all those who had helped him accomplish his dreams of a second World Championship of Colt Starting. Guy McLean was not the only one struggling to hold back the tears. A sold-out crowd in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park was on their feet in applause, doing the exact same thing.

Fellow competitors Dan James, Obbie Schlom and Sarah Winters made it a photo finish as the event made the move from Murfreesboro, TN to Lexington, KY for the very first time. Cowgirls Obbie Schlom and Sarah Winters were placing first and second after the first three rounds of the World Championship of Colt Starting. Winters was the first competitor to tackle the Obstacle Challenge and with style and grace she displayed amazing horsemanship. She set the bar high and was the second competitor ever to demonstrate cow work during her freestyle time, the first person being her father, 2009 Road to the Horse Champion Richard Winters. Schlom made her mark as a young and talented cowgirl, displaying patience and skill as she guided her 6666 Ranch gelding through each test. Dan James had a gelding that tested his horsemanship skills through the Obstacle Challenge and like a true horseman James always put the best interests of the horse first.

Saturday night the floor of the Alltech Arena opened for a RAM Truck Tailgate Party to celebrate the 10^th Anniversary of Road to the Horse. Many past competitors of Road to the Horse attended the celebration including Clinton Anderson, Curt Pate, Craig Cameron, Stacy Westfall, Martin Black, Chris Cox, Mike Kevil, Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb, Glenn Stewart and Jonathan Field.  Past competitors and sponsors of Road to the Horse donated personal items to be auctioned at the celebration to assist the Equine Services for Heroes Program at the Central Kentucky Riding for Hope with a goal of raising $10,000. Sunday afternoon Event Producer Tootie Bland was honored to present the Central Kentucky Riding for Hope with a check for $97,000 thanks to the generosity and kindness of those at the celebration.

The very first Road to the Horse Wild Card contestants also selected their geldings from the American Quarter Horse Association Remuda from the 6666 Ranch during Road to the Horse 2013. Road to the Horse Fans will have the opportunity to follow these contestants and their progress with their horses into 2014 on www.Roadtothehorse.com or on Road to the Horse Facebook. Road to the Horse 2014 is already shaping up to be as thrilling as 2013.

Those who missed the excitement of Road to the Horse 2013 can watch a replay of the action via webcast brought to you by Horsecity.com from March 19-22, 2013. DVDs from the event will be available June 2013.

Road to the Horse invites all fans to a ”Pep Rally” for each competitor at their respective host hotels
on Thursday, March 14 from 8:00 to 9:00 pm.
 
As anticipation and excitement builds toward the first day of competition, fans are encouraged

to join in this brand new opportunity to show support for their favorite competitor and mingle with fellow 

RTTH enthusiasts. Official event programs will be on sale and competitors will sign autographs and visit with fans. 

 
At each of the four Pep Rallies, fans will receive free tickets to win valuable prizes provided by Gold and Platinum level Road to the Horse sponsors. RTTH  staff members will be on hand to greet fans and answer questions, along with the Lexington visitors bureau who will provide information on local tourism sites and happenings throughout the weekend.

 
The four sites of the RTTH Pep Rallies are:
• Dan James at Marriott Griffin Gate – Terrace Atrium, near the lobby and bar/restaurant 
• Guy McLean at Embassy Suites – Lower Atrium, also known as Manager’s Reception Area 
• Sarah Winters at Four Points Sheraton – Library that adjoins lobby 
• Obbie Schlom at Clarion Hotel – Pre-Function Area, an open area adjacent to meeting spaces

Kicking off the equestrian year, Road to the Horse is celebrating its 10^th anniversary in a spectacular way. Past, present and future competitors will meet beneath one roof; this many clinicians have never been seen before in the same place at the same time. The mind-blowing amount of talent to gather in one arena is incomparable to any other international event. On hand to witness the 2013 competition and celebrate the 10^th anniversary, this is your chance to talk with all your favorites of Road to the Horse.

Producer Tootie Bland really outdid herself planning an extravagant, over-the-top 10^th anniversary party. On Saturday night in the Alltech Arena, there will be Ram tailgate bars during a celebration of horsemanship, horses and reliving the monumental moments of Road to the Horse.   Spend time rubbing shoulders with industry leaders and your favorite Road to the Horse competitors.  Some of the past clinicians returning are as follows: Clinton Anderson, Curt Pate, Craig Cameron, Stacy Westfall, Martin Black, Chris Cox, Mike Kevil, Tommy Garland, Ken McNabb, Guy McLean, Dan James, Glenn Stewart and Jonathan Field.

In 2003, Clinton Anderson set the world on fire when he took a victory stand on the back of his colt and waved to the crowd.  That monumental move has become the signature piece for Road to the Horse.  Anderson waltzed into a back-to-back repeat victory in 2005.

In 2006, Stacy Westfall, a recent National Cowgirl Hall of Fame inductee, became the first woman to not only compete at Road to the Horse but to win hands down.

“This year was extraordinary,” says Bland. “The horses were extremely challenging and each clinician was outstanding. I also think Stacy’s win was a great step forward-confirming that women can compete differently, but on the same level as men.”

In 2007, Chris Cox made his first appearance and blew the crowd away with a spectacular performance.

In 2008, the competition was neck-and-neck until the moment the winning envelope was opened; then, Cox proved that he was still the best with a repeat win.

At the beginning of Winters’ 2009 training session, he explained to the crowd that his training approach was to train his colt as if it were just another day on the ranch. For Winters, this method included riding his colt in the obstacle course and freestyle performance in a halter rather than a bridle and bit.  This feat made him the first champion to ride his colt to victory bitless.

In 2010, Cameron proved to be more than just a bench warmer by winning the world champion title.

Road to the Horse made a game changing decision in 2011 in bringing the Remuda colts from the legendary 6666 Ranch in Guthrie, Texas, to be paired with the Legends of the horsemanship world. Clinton Anderson, Chris Cox and Pat Parelli stepped into the round pens writing history in this unforgettable competition for the title of World Champion. In the end, it was Cox’s earnest determination that won the judges’ favor and earned him the Road to the Horse Triple Crown; this achievement was undeniable proof that he was the unstoppable champion.

In 2012, all plans changed as Tootie expanded her search for the best clinician to the international level.  Two competitors from Australia, Guy McLean and Dan James; two competitors from Canada, Jonathan Field and Glenn Stewart; and two competitors from the United States, Cameron and Parelli were selected. McLean and James cleaned house and took the road down under, and thereby proving that nothing could stand in their way, including Bland’s obstacles.

In 2013, the Road to the Horse legends will return to celebrate 10 years of exhilarating action.  Never before have these competitors met under the same roof at the same time. Road to the Horse International 2012 champions James and McLean will return to defend their title as colt-starting world champions against newcomers Sarah Winters and Obbie Schlom.

Road to the Horse is turning world championship dreams into reality with the Road to the Horse Wild Card Competition.

Road to the Horse the World Championship of Colt Starting, a challenging competition between horses and trainers, opens the door to the future of horsemanship. Producer Tootie Bland is presenting the opportunity for horsemen and horsewomen to compete at Road to the Horse by becoming a Road to the Horse Wild Card. Wild Card contestants will begin their journey at the 2013 event by choosing a partner from the 6666 Remuda and return to Road to the Horse 2014 to compete in the Wild Card competition for a dream-come-true opportunity. The Wild Card winner will immediately step into the final round pen and compete for the coveted 2014 Road to the Horse World Championship of Colt Starting title.

“We know there is an abundance of talent in the horsemanship world,” says Bland. “The time has come to recognize all of the great horse trainers and present them with the opportunity to become the next world champion.”

Never before has Road to the Horse opened the gate to those with championship dreams to showcase their horsemanship skills in front of an international audience. If you are looking for the chance of a lifetime, the cards are in your favor. You could be crowned a World Champion of Colt Starting!

Always looking forward, Bland is excited to celebrate 10 incredible years of Road to the Horse this coming March by bringing together the past, present and now future horsemanship greats in one arena.  Road to the Horse 2013 is destined to be an event to remember as Guy McLean, Dan James, Obbie Schlom and Sarah Winters vie for the coveted title and the Wild Card competitors step onto the world stage as Road to the Horse goes wild.

For more information about Road to the Horse International and the Road to the Horse Wild Card competition visit www.roadtothehorse.com.

Road to the Horse International 2013 celebrates the 10^th anniversary of the World Champion Colt Starting competition with the most extravagant competition yet in Lexington, Kentucky.

A competition untouched by others, tests skill, experience and colt training prowess, Road to the Horse dares four young, elite horse trainers, Guy McLean, Dan James, Sarah Winters and Obbie Schlom, to create a trusting partnership with an untouched 3-year-old Quarter Horse from the renowned 6666 Ranch in Texas. Competitors have just three hours spread out over three days to build a working relationship with their colt.  Clinicians work through the process using their own natural horsemanship style giving spectators a chance to learn from the best in the world. With disruptive sounds, exhilarating sights and adrenaline-pumping time constraints each competitor must face the final trial, an obstacle course.  Only one will walk away with the Colt Starting World Champion Title.

Unlike the team format of 2012, these horsemen and horsewomen will represent their countries as individuals.  Road to the Horse 2012 champions, Australians, McLean and James have their sights on once again being on top of the world.

Americans, Winters, 22, and Schlom, 18, will be the youngest ever competitors, marking only the second time another female competed in the event’s 10 year history. In a battle of Australia versus America, will the title go back to Australia or will the challengers keep it at home?

True horse enthusiasts recognize Road to the Horse as the event of the year. An event so big can only happen in one place; the “Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington, Kentucky.  Meet horsemen and women from around the world at the Kentucky Horse Park for a truly unique experience.  Now, for the first time ever, Road to the Horse legends will meet in one arena.

“This is the greatest equine event, held in the greatest facility, in the horse capital of the world,” says award-winning producer, Tootie Bland.

The event will expand into the Alltech Arena, home to the 2010 World Equestrian Games, Kentucky Horse Park on March 15-17, 2013.  The site boasts an on-site campground, nearby racehorse farms and historical sites.

Road to the Horse has become the hottest ticket in the equine world and historically sells out months in advance.  Don’t miss your chance to witness the World Championship of Colt Starting, much like the Super Bowl, being there is an experience that is unforgettable! Tickets for this electrifying event are on sale now and going fast at roadtothehorse.com.

Legendary 6666’s Ranch of Guthrie, Texas, will provide the 2013 Road to the Horse remuda for the third year in a row, testing the horsemanship of competitors, Dan James, Guy McLean, Sarah Winters, and Obbie Schlom.

“This year we’re bringing the best horses that have ever set foot at Road to the Horse,” says accomplished producer Tootie Bland.

Road to the Horse matches the world’s brightest horse trainers with the world’s most athletic horses. The historic Texas ranch is known for producing some of the most iconic performance American Quarter Horses in the industry.

“I’d like to think the horses get better every year,” says 6666’s Ranch resident veterinarian and AQHA executive committee member, Glenn Blodgett, DVM. “But truly this is, I think, a special group. They are really top notch and could be the best so far.”

Blodgett picks the top untouched 3-year-olds to compete in Road to the Horse.  At the competition, riders take turns picking their equine partner.  The foundation for a successful relationship between horse and rider is laid during their short time in the round pen.  The competitors have only three days to turn these 3-year-olds into sure footed and confident companions.

“The main thing I strive for in the selection of the horses for Road to the Horse is selecting horses that are a good representative sample of what we are trying to produce on the ranch today,” says Blodgett. “This event showcases their athletic ability upon their interaction with horse trainers in the arena.”

2012 Road to the Horse champions, Dan James and Guy McLean won the competition aboard 6666’s colts, Remember Sunset, a grey gelding now called “Swampy From Heaven”, and Valliant Paddy, a sorrel who goes by “Aussie”.  Both James and McLean were so impressed with Swampy and Aussie, they purchased the colts after the competition to incorporate into their own programs.

“The horses that the 6666’s Ranch brings each year are stunning,” says Bland. “These horses have amazing athletic ability.”

6666’s horses are carefully bred, under the watchful eye of Blodgett, to render cow sense, speed and agility. Some are kept on the ranch; others are trained for racing or performance competitions, and only a select few make it into the Road to the Horse competition.

The 6666’s is part of Burnett Ranches LLC, owned by Mrs. Anne W. Marion, the great-granddaughter of the ranch’s founder: Captain Samuel “Burk” Burnett.  The ranch is the recipient of the AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Performance Horses, AQHA All-Time Leading Breeder of Race Money-Earners and Winners, as well as the coveted AQHA Best Remuda.

Two American women, Sara Winters and Obbie Schlom, are the final two competitors for the 2013 Road to the Horse. The California natives will put their hat in the ring against reigning 2012 champions from Australia, Dan James and Guy McLean. The four will square off as individuals next March to compete for the 2013 Road to the Horse Champion title.

Winters, 22, and Schlom, 18, will be the youngest ever competitors and this will mark only the second time another female has competed in the 10 year history of Road to the Horse.

There isn’t a time when either Schlom or Winters wasn’t on the back of a horse. Moving straight from their first steps into a high lope, these women have continued moving forward. But don’t think these undeniably fearless women forget where they come from.

Shlom is the small-town-girl with the can-do attitude. She lets nothing stand in her way. Winning over fans everywhere she goes, and us, she can make the best of any situation given to her.  She may be, as she says, ‘just barely legal to vote,’ but we can’t wait to see what she does with her colt at Road to the Horse 2013.

At 22, Winters pretty much has everything a horse enthusiast could ask for; a world class training facility, a number of championships under her belt and a rock solid team of horses. This year, she’ll once again prove how talented she is — competing in her first Road to the Horse. Pretty impressive.

Proving to be Resilient

The life of a horse trainer is not always an easy one, a lesson Schlom had to learn the hard way.  “At a young age people started to see that I wasn’t afraid they started sending me horses they couldn’t control. It was one challenge after another.” Schlom reminisces about the long days she endured just to stay on track.

“Then I got a black thoroughbred. He was a challenge but we overcame everything together.” Devastation hit when he had to be put down.  “Last October we went to a cowboy race and he coliced.  By the time we got him into surgery it was too late.” Schlom says with a melancholy tone, “That horse was my world and when we put him down I thought to myself I worked so hard with him, now what’s the point? But I just kept reminding myself that he will always be with me watching over me.”

Every trial and tribulation comes with a lesson. “I realized that there are going to be stumbles in the road, I just have to pick my head up and keep going.  Things are going to happen and I have no control over them.” Schlom has learned to keep moving forward no matter what obstacle may lie ahead; a value that will certainly prove handy during competition.

The pressure is on

Winters not only bares the pressure of being a trailblazer herself, her father, Richard Winters, is also a former Road to the Horse Champion.  “Any of the extra pressure would be self-inflicted,” says Winters, “He has set the bar pretty high within the industry, so I do put a certain amount of pressure on myself to be the best that I can be.” Winning several world titles sounds like she’s hanging out at the top of the industry. “I don’t know,” Winters says with a cool and comedic tone. “If I meet someone at the top I’ll ask them!”

In a very much male dominated society sometimes it’s hard for women to stand out, so the saying must be true that “well-behaved women rarely make history”. “It is a very much male dominated industry,” Winters says with a short snicker. “But it’s funny because 80 percent of the clinic participants are women.”  Demographics won’t slow this go-getter down. “It’s my goal to show that women are capable of getting great things done with their horses, and they don’t have to settle for anything less than excellence.”

Schlom says with true country charm, “I think Sarah and I need to step up to the plate and practice so when the time comes we can shine through.  It’s pretty intimidating going up against two of the handiest men in the world but we’re going to give them a run for their money.” We don’t doubt that for a second.

Age is just a number

For these two competitors their gender is not the only thing that makes them unique to Road to the Horse history, they’re also the youngest to ever compete.  So both women are calm and confident, right? “For me this is where most of the pressure comes from,” Winters says, tensing up. “I have never started a colt in front of thousands of horse enthusiast.  This is very exciting and just a little scary!”

“I’m really blown away,” says Schlom, “I know there are so many that would love to be in my position.”

Although performing the most difficult of tasks with the world watching can be a bit intimidating, Winters still gets a twinkle in her eye when talking about her future. “I have confidence in my program and when a door opens up there comes a point when you need to walk through it and not look back!”

Road to competition

Knowing you’ve been chosen to compete at Road to the Horse gives competitors time to prepare themselves and maybe built a bit of anxiety. Apprehension isn’t a word in Winters’ dictionary, she welcomes the competition with years of preparation. “I am fortunate because my job naturally prepares me for Road to the Horse.  We constantly have new horses coming in either for clinics or for training.”

How does Winters plan to get into competition mode? “There will be a lot of colts to start come January 1^st, so I am definitely going to have Road to the Horse in mind as I start each one.”

Taking an untouched colt through their first interactions could go really well for some and could spell disaster for others, just ask some of the past competitors.  Either outcome, each competitor is responsible for what will be the foundation of the rest of that colt’s training.  No pressure. During a competitor’s time in the show ring they’re equipped with a microphone to talk about their process aloud with thousands watching and waiting. This is the chance for competitors to connect with the audience and walk them through their technique. Winters is prepared for what may lie in her future, “At Road to the Horse I want to be very careful to not get caught up in the competition, but to be there for the horse. Of course I want to win but I am not going to put winning above what is best for the horse.” Not to forget about the audience she hopes that they understand her smooth and deliberate style.  Showing people that working smarter, not necessarily harder, is the key to a successful relationship with the colt.

Schlom’s goal for her time in the show ring is also to put the horse above the win.  “It’s about getting the horse as solid as possible with my time.  It’s not going to be an easy task but I want to apply my technique and teach people that getting in a rush doesn’t produce results.  My competition is pretty stiff but I’m going to do my best.”

“These two have a big job ahead of them and tough competition standing in their way,” said Producer Tootie Bland. “They also have the incredible talent and skill to showcase the next generation of natural horsemanship in the United States.”

The four competitors will come together in the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, to compete for the Road to the Horse title in March 2013.

In celebration of 10 incredible years of natural horsemanship, Road to the Horse is giving away three chances to attend the 2013 event in celebrity style. Three Golden Ticket winners will receive hotel accommodations, access to the Road to the Horse suite, premier seats for the competition, rock star introduction during opening ceremony and much more.

Fans have three chances to win a Golden Ticket, including: one ticket shipped in a 2012 Road to the Horse DVD (on sale now).  By participating in a treasure hunt one ticket will be awarded to a Facebook fan, and the final awarded to a Road to the Horse Nation’s member.

Golden ticket winners will also receive a free 2013 Road to the Horse DVD, signed copy of Starting Colts by Head Road to the Horse Judge, Mike Kevil, and a copy of Horse Lovers Guide to Lexington.  To complete the Road to Lexington experience, winners will receive one of the following packages from the Kentucky Horse Park: Family Four Pack of passes to the Horse Park, Family Season Pass, or four tickets to a Unique Horse Farm Tour.

Road to the Horse is celebrating its 10^th anniversary and a new home at the Alltech Arena in the heart of horse country, Lexington, Kentucky. Reigning 2012 champions, Dan James and Guy McLean are confirmed as the first 2013 competitors. And keeping with the tradition of always topping the previous year, award-winning and always zany producer, Tootie Bland, has a major twist up her sleeve when the final two competitors are announced later this month.

Stay tuned to RoadToTheHorse.com and Road to the Horse Facebook page for more details on how to enter the Golden Ticket Giveaway. The first winner will be announced July, 2, 2012.