Three trainers. Three unstarted colts. Three thrilling days of horsemanship in action.

The Trainers Showdown at Horse Expo Canada brings together three outstanding horse trainers—Brandi Lyons, Jill Barron, and Steve Rother—for a head-to-head competition that challenges their skill, patience, and connection with horses. Over the course of three days, each trainer will work with an unstarted colt, showcasing their unique approaches to building trust, communication, and a solid foundation.

Spectators will witness firsthand how these seasoned professionals overcome challenges, make quick decisions, and adapt their training techniques to suit the individual needs of each horse. Whether you’re a lifelong horse enthusiast or new to the equestrian world, this event offers valuable insights into the art of horsemanship and the extraordinary bond between horse and human.

Don’t miss this chance to see top-tier trainers in action, learn from their methods, and experience the journey of transformation from untouched colt to willing partner.

Meet the Trainers

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Jill Barron

Jill Barron, Saskatchewan

Jill Barron is a World-renowned clinician, trainer, competitor, judge and coach. She received her Bachelor of Education, which elevates her ability to guide people on their horsemanship journey. The combination of her education and understanding of the horse, has given her an innate ability to breakdown the training process and communicate it in her teaching. Her forte is the details behind the biomechanics of both horse and rider.

Jill combines classical Dressage techniques and Natural Horsemanship in her training and teaching. The breadth of her knowledge is not limited to colt starting, ranch, roping or dressage, she is able to educate anyone who is interested in refining their riding. She empowers riders by equipping them with the skills and confidence to enhance their partnership with their equine. Her instruction aligns with the training goals for each individual rider, she shares transformative knowledge and embraces positivity.

Barron is a third-generation cattle rancher. Growing up on the ranch taught her about having a working relationship with her horse and developing that relationship became of the utmost importance. She has expanded her skill set into dressage to develop fine-tuned, confident horses. She believes horses have a universal language and it is our job to learn how to understand this language. Her focus is encouraging a deeper connection between horse and rider, within all disciplines and levels.

Jill Barron is a well-rounded equestrian. She is Canada’s most decorated Working Equitation rider and is an international competitor and Judge. Her recent accomplishments include Championships at Haras Cup, Cross Nations Cup (Advanced), Andalusian World Cup (Advanced), Western Canada Regional Champion (Masters) and WEUSA National High Point Reserve Champion (Masters). She has accolades in the rodeo arena and has taken part in colt starting competitions and even rode in the Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, CA. Barron has performed on her Lusitanos for large audiences across North America, showcasing the diversity and capability of the breed. In 2024, her Lusitano, Cossaco, joined the prestigious Breyer family and was also awarded the International Lusitano Impact Award. He was honoured for his positive impact and the awareness he has brought to the breed. For the past 11 years, Jill has been the horsemanship coach for the Calgary Stampede Showriders, an elite youth equestrian team, that performs at The Calgary Stampede and other international venues.

Jill’s life is consumed by horses. She has devoted herself to being a lifelong student of the horse and a positive, bright light in the horse industry. Her profound knowledge, passion, and ability has provided her experiences she could only dream of. Horses and education will forever be her passion.

For more, visit www.jillbarron.com.

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Brandi Lyons

Brandi Lyons, Arizona

Brandi Lyons, a renowned horse trainer from Arizona, has dedicated her life to helping riders build lasting relationships with their horses.

Growing up with her father, legendary horseman John Lyons, Brandi was immersed in the world of horsemanship from a young age. She has over 25 years of experience in training horses and conducting clinics across the country.

Brandi’s unique approach combines traditional techniques with modern methods, focusing on clear communication and mutual respect between horse and rider. She offers a variety of programs, including in-person clinics, month-long immersion programs, and virtual classes that allow riders to learn from the comfort of their homes.

Brandi’s work has been featured in numerous publications, and she continues to inspire and educate horse enthusiasts worldwide. In 2022, Brandi was a featured trainer in Kentucky’s Road to the Horse.

For more, visit www.brandilyonshorsetraining.com

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Steve Rother

Steve Rother, Washington

Steve Rother is one of the country’s top horsemanship and liberty clinicians. He has travelled across the country over the span of multiple decades building his knowledge of horses and finding ways to impart that wisdom to the hundreds of people who look to him for guidance each year. Steve has created many horsemanship programs that help any horse and rider build their confidence together. His program has helped people create stronger relationships with their horses and gives people the tools they need to work through any problem they may encounter. The methods he uses and teaches work for all breeds, within all disciplines, and he is dedicated to helping every rider, no matter their level of experience, get the partnership that they truly want with their horse.

Three-time undefeated champion of the Red Deer Mane Event Colt Starting Challenge, Steve has a special way with horses. His ability to teach both human and horse has earned him the title of Horse Teacher. Anyone can become a Student of the Horse; as Steve travels the US and Canada taking part in Expos and providing Clinics. Steve also provides more in-depth tutelage at the School of the Horse; where he hosts 3-10 day camps at his Horse Creek Ranch near Hunters, Washington.

For those people who are unable to join Steve in person, he has created online resources such as the One Ride Away 30-Day Challenge (www.OneRideAway.com), Horse Teacher University (www.HorseTeacherU.com), and now the all-inclusive EQuine Masterclass (www.EQuineMasterclass.com). These programs offer fantastic resources for horse people around the world in easy to understand and follow formats.

Steve is always looking for new ways to bring horsemanship to anyone that wants to learn and create a better future for them and their horse(s). He maintains a welcoming community of like-minded horse people on both his Steve Rother Horsemanship Facebook Page and the Excel with Horses Community Facebook Group, where he provides tips and guidance to all who follow. The people who are drawn to Steve’s program want to learn and always try their best; many have struggled and overcome obstacles such as fear or confidence. They themselves have become part of the supportive community of people that also offer encouragement to anyone who might join.

Steve can provide you with the tools to help you communicate more effectively with your horse and be the leader that they need you to be, which will then allow the two of you to work in unison as a team. If this is something that you have been looking for, or maybe something that you didn’t even realize that you were missing, Steve Rother Horsemanship is the place you need to be. Who knows what amazing learning experiences may be just over the horizon, make sure to join the journey so you won’t miss any of the great opportunities Steve offers. You may be only one ride away from having your horse be everything you ever wanted!

For information on his School of the Horse and more, visit www.schoolofhorse.com.

Judging the Trainers Showdown - Legends Edition

Extra Time

Each Trainer has a pool of 20 minutes of extra time to draw from
No more than 10 minutes can be added to a single session
No time can be added to the finale on Sunday Afternoon
Extra time must be declared by the trainer in whole minutes before the end of regulation time in a session
If the trainer has 10 or more minutes left in the pool when the finals start, they will be awarded +1 point by each judge

Horse Safety

Horse Expo Canada takes the welfare of the horses as our top priority. The trainers are chosen for their skills and professionalism and are the best in the industry. While we don’t expect any unethical treatment of the horses, it needs to be said that if at any point we feel the animal is being treated unethically the session will be stopped. This can be determined by the judges, announcers, other trainers, or the staff from Rocking Heart Ranch and Horse Expo Canada.

Judging Criteria

(Day Sheet)

Change in the horse – did the horse leave the session ‘sour’?
- Did the horse start out not paying attention or being nervous of the trainer, and finish with confidence?
- Horse was pinning his ears, swishing tail, grumpy – when finished soft in the eye, accepting, licking, chewing, comfortable with the trainer?
Did the trainer successfully work through the problems presented by the horse?
- Accepting pressure, accepting tack & training aids?
- Example: Was the trainer able to develop the horse’ confidence where the horse had fear?
Does the trainer display clear communication to the horse?
- Using pressure and release – did the trainer make it clear for the horse to understand what he was asking?
Did the trainer leave the horse in a good place?
- Has the horse been overworked?
- Did the trainer end the session at a positive time in the session?
- Did the horse leave the session in a trainable frame of mind?
- Was time used effectively for the horse’ development?
Crowd engagement
- Did the trainer explain himself well to the audience?
- Was the audience engaged?
Was the trainer working effectively to prepare the horse for the finals?
- Did the trainer introduce elements expected in the finals?
- The actual activity doesn’t matter as long as they are working towards being able to succeed in the finals?

Extra minutes
- Minutes used this session (max 10): _____
- Minutes remaining in trainer’s pool: _____
Memorable Moment
- Did the trainer make exceptional progress or have a breakthrough moment with the horse in this session?

Extra Time

Each Trainer has a pool of 20 minutes of extra time to draw from
No more than 10 minutes can be added to a single session
No time can be added to the finale on Sunday Afternoon
Extra time must be declared by the trainer in whole minutes before the end of regulation time in a session
If the trainer has 10 or more minutes left in the pool when the finals start, they will be awarded +1 point by each judge

Horse Safety

2025 Judges

Cain Quam

Cain Quam is a seasoned clinician and horse trainer with over 500 clinics to his credit. Specializing in a variety of disciplines—including horsemanship, cowboy mountain, barrel racing, roping, and colt starting—Cain has earned multiple Canadian and world titles. His recent achievements include the 2023 CMSA Men’s Five World Championship, the 2024 CMSA Open Futurity Championship, and the 2024 Open Senior Incentive World Championship. Now based in Palestine, Texas, Cain continues to tour Canada each summer, sharing his expertise with riders of all levels.

Glenn Stewart

Glenn Stewart is an International Horsemanship Clinician with over 40 years of experience, having started more than 3,000 horses throughout his career. He travels extensively across Canada, the U.S., and South America, delivering clinics and developing horses at The Horse Ranch in Baldonnel, BC. Glenn’s comprehensive Horsemanship Program is studied worldwide through his Academy, where he shares his step-by-step blueprint for success—from colt starting to training top-level competition horses. His numerous accolades include the 2024 Champion of the Trainers Showdown Legends Edition and multiple international colt-starting championships.

Keith Stewart

Keith Stewart brings decades of horsemanship experience rooted in a deep respect for horses. Growing up in Banff and Riding Mountain National Parks, he blended practical mountain riding with the refinement of dressage. A former Canadian Open Jr. Saddle Bronc Champion, Keith has trained and shown champion cutting horses and now focuses on helping riders build confidence and trust with their horses. Through Cowboy Campus University, he teaches riders to form collaborative partnerships with their horses, emphasizing softness, responsiveness, and mutual respect.

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!

Meet the three-year-old colts heading to the 2025 Trainers Showdown! Rocking Heart Ranch is bringing their “boy band” to the Horse Expo this year, each colt packed with talent, strong pedigrees, and the solid minds we’ve come to expect. These boys have plenty of personality and are sure to stand out in the ring. They’re built right, fun to watch, and ready to go to work. All three have been through our weanling challenge, so they know the basics—picking up their feet, loading in the trailer, and leading at all gaits. If one of them catches your eye during the sessions, stop by the booth and chat with Melody about taking him home. We’re excited to see how the trainers and these colts team up this year!

RHR Metallic Cowboy – “Mace”

The three year old bay roan stud, yes, we said stud colt, is headed to the pen to test the metal of the 2025 Trainers. He goes by the barn name “Mace” and is spicy with the papers to back up that bit of spunky attitude, including being a grandson of Metallic Cat and Peppy San Sun Frost. He is goofy, sweet, and a little smaller than the typical horses we bring up but we can’t wait to see the level of spice he will bring to the pen this year. After the Expo he will be started and will start his breeding journey at the ranch in June unless someone wants to scoop him up. We will take offers on him, so if you would like to know more, stop by our booth!

RHR Goldun King – “Chai”

This three year old grullo gelding is a classic looking boy who is going to turn heads and will be one of the boys who will party all night long in the sense that he will have the drive and stamina to get the job done. He is a full sibling to a filly we brought up last year with the dam being Jaz Frost Girl. She always gives us athletic horses due to the Little Steel Dust lines . We crossed her on our gentle giant stallion Maverick, which means he will settle in and be a good solid horse. His stage name is Chai, which is an apt name because he is cool as can be but has a bit of spice to him! He will be on offer as well, so stop by our booth and talk to us about him!

RHR Plenty O Pep – “Sesame”

This three year old bay roan gelding, that we affectionately call Sesame is what happens when you cross the foundational lines of a ranch horse (Blu Quachita Hancock) with the cow lines (Peppy San Badger) who are both on his papers to produce an athletic, big boned, get it done type of horse. This is the type of “roadie” you want on your crew because as he matures he is going to be athletic but have the build to do a bunch of cool tricks. Sesame is curious and easy to approach and is going to be one to watch. He will also be on offer, so stop by our booth and talk to us about him.

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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.

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