Horse Illustrated Magazine

Road to the Horse, dubbed the world championship of colt-starting, celebrated its 10th anniversary at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Ky. from March 15-17, 2013. This was the first year the event had been held at the Horse Park’s Alltech Arena, and the venue was packed full for all three days of this unique competition.

Each year, Road to the Horse invites top horsemanship trainers to test their skill at starting a colt from scratch over the course of three days. Spectators watch the entire process as it unfolds in the arena over the weekend. On the final day, each competitor presents their colt at all three gaits and completes other basic skills for the judges. The judging culminates with an obstacle course to demonstrate the trusting partnership the trainers have created with their horses during the three days.

This year’s trainers included Dan James and Guy McClean, who won as team Australia during 2012’s competition. The veteran Road to the Horse competitors were joined by two young trainers, Sarah Winters and Obbie Schlom, both from California.

On Sunday afternoon, Guy McClean emerged victorious after a superior run on the obstacle course. Obbie Schlom, who at 19 is the competition’s youngest competitor, came in second. Sarah Winters took third place, and Dan James came in fourth.

For more information, photos and results visit RoadtotheHorse.com.