Trainers Showdown

Join us as we bring together some of the top horse trainers in North America to compete in a thrilling weekend-long training competition. Watch as these skilled trainers work with a colt, demonstrating their training techniques and strategies. Be prepared to observe and learn over the course of three days, and cheer on your favorite trainer as they strive to take home the championship title. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to witness the best in the industry in action!

Meet the Trainers

Wylene Wilson

Wylene Wilson grew up in Arizona riding any and every horse that came through her mother’s boarding facility. She took every opportunity she could to work with and train “problem” horses and made a name for herself in the community as a true horsewoman. She has been a professional horse trainer for over 20 years and is no stranger to competitions. She’s competed in rodeo circuits, Extreme Cowboy races, and has developed a strong presence in the Mustang Heritage’s programs. To date she has participated in over 14 Extreme Mustang Makeovers, where she captured three Makeover Championship titles and many top finalist positions. She has also had the opportunity to judge the competition.

Her fearless, daredevil style and effervescent personality garnered her the name “Extreme Wylene”. She has been featured in films such as “Wild Horse, Wild Ride” and NatGeo Wilds “Mustang Millionaire” three-part series where she was able to showcase her training style.

Jason Irwin

Jason Irwin is a self taught horse trainer based out of Ontario, Canada. He and his wife Bronwyn operate Jason and Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship. Together they teach clinics, put on training demonstrations, and present at horse events throughout North America. Jason’s training ranges from starting colts to fixing problem horses to training liberty horses for performance and film work and about everything in between. Jason and Bronwyn host the TV show ‘The Horse Trainers’ on The Cowboy Channel Canada and RFD-TV Canada.

Dustin Sippola

Dustin was raised on his families ranch west of Nanton, AB where since the age of 7 Dustin could be found riding with his neighbour Sid Cook. Sid gave Dustin the foundation on what he bases his horsemanship today. After working on ranches throughout BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan Dustin with his family can now be found SW of Cardston riding colts, day working and continuing to work on his horsemanship.

Some of Dustin’s passions outside of riding colts include roping and working cows and did I mention roping? Dustin has recently had the opportunity to start doing a few clinics. This has pushed him outside of his comfort zone. Dustin has recognized the value in these clinics and sharing horsemanship.

Meet the Colts of the Trainers Showdown

Horse Expo is happy to continue our partnership with Rocking Heart Ranch!

Rocking Heart Ranch provides the perfect horses for us each year that are well suited to the Trainers Showdown.

Visit their website at RideWaterton.com to see what they have for sale, and what they can offer you!

While these 3 year old geldings may be named after cartoon characters, they are no funny business! They have solid bone, strong pedigrees, and will be so much fun to watch. All of these 3 year olds have been through our weanling challenge so they have been taught how to pick up feet, load in the trailer, and lead at all gaits. If one catches your eye during the sessions, stop by the booth and speak to Melody and she can talk to you about taking them home. We wish all of the trainers the best of luck and look forward to seeing how they work with these boys.

RHR Kings Rowdy Man- “Scooby”

Meet this thick powerhouse blue roan gelding. With foundation on the bottom and cow/ranch on the top, this guy will be phenomenal as an all around ranch horse. Take him to the roping box or out on the trail, he will aim to please. One of the friendliest in the bunch, he is very personable. Anticipate him finishing out at 15.2-15.3HH.

RHR Blue Cash Lad- “Daffy”

This blue roan gelding is going to be a lot of fun. With foundation on his top side and some speed/barrels bloodlines on his bottom, he will be that horse that you can take to the gymkhana for the family and perform well in or take him to the roping pen as well as out on the trail. Melody rides a full sibling to him as her main mount and the disposition and energy is a fantastic combination. Anticipated he will be around 15.1-15.2 HH.

RHR Smoak Show- “Bugs”

This gelding is going places and with foundation on the top and some run on the bottom, he will be great in the roping arena, out on the ranch, or go all day on the trail. He is soggy and we anticipate him to finish out at 15.3 HH and be that big strong gelding.

RHR Juan Red Amigo – “Linus”

This gelding is has the solid bone and build we look for plus lots of chrome. With foundation on the top side and reining on the dam’s side, this guy is going to be super fun. He will have the versatility to go into the show pen but also to the local gymkhana for your kids. We expect him to finish out around 15.2-15.3HH.

Rocking Heart Ranch - Foals in the pasture with mountains behind

About Rocking Heart Ranch

Rocking Heart Ranch is located in the Southwest corner of Alberta adjacent to Waterton Lakes National Park. Started generations ago in Saskatchewan, the ranch has evolved over the years from having a team of horses to deliver rural mail and some horses to round up cattle on the mixed operation to the ranch of today that focuses on raising and breeding all around versatile American Quarter Horses. We breed the type of horses that we used regularly out on the cattle ranch that could also be fun on a trail ride or head to the arena for some extra action.

In addition to raising foundational bloodlines like Blue Valentine, the ranch is an equine center that hosts clinicians from all avenues of horsemanship as well as a “Ride N’ Relax” where you can dry camp and explore Waterton Lakes National Park with your horse. We have also branched into providing an outdoor venue for weddings with Rocking Heart Romance where you can say your vows overlooking the Rocky Mountains. Please stop by our booth and talk to us about how we can have you and your partner (equine or human) out for a grand adventure.

Watch the Trainers Showdown 2023

Friday April 28, 2023 - Session 1

Dustin Sippola

Wylene Wilson

Jason Irwin

Friday April 28, 2023 - Session 2

Dustin Sippola

Wylene Wilson

Jason Irwin

Saturday April 29, 2023 - Session 3

Dustin Sippola

Wylene Wilson

Jason Irwin

Saturday April 29, 2023 - Session 4

Dustin Sippola

Wylene Wilson

Jason Irwin

Sunday April 30, 2023 - Session 5

Dustin Sippola

Wylene Wilson

Jason Irwin

Horseman's Hot Seat - Trainers Editions

Meet the trainers

Trainer Check-in

Sunday April 30, 2023 - Finals

Dustin Sippola

Wylene Wilson

Jason Irwin

Finals Awards

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With young horses & children, for the safety of all including your pet we ask that you please leave all pets at home. With the exception of Certified Service Animals. Thank you!