Road to the Horse continues its dedication to developing the next generation of horsemen and horsewomen, hosting the 2026 Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge at the Idaho Horse Expo, held April 3–5 at the Idaho Horse Park in Nampa. The event provided an engaging educational platform for students to showcase their horsemanship skills while competing for cash, prizes, and top honors.
The 2026 Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge featured three outstanding teams: Colorado State University, coached by Alex Parsaye, with team members Maia Lee, Morgan Rewerts, Sarah Bathen, and Grace Falkner; New Mexico Junior College, coached by C.D. Wilcox, included Justin Anaya, Cord Smith, and Connor Box; and Treasure Valley Community College, coached by Wade Black, with Sierra Masmeyer, Rylie Hancock, Bailey Price, and Sebastian Palmer.
Donating their time and expertise as judges were Shelby Ketcham, Melissa Jayo, Dee Craig, Jake Flint, and Ron McLoughlin. Hosting the event at the Idaho Horse Expo was Road to the Horse Wild Card and guest clinician, John Baar
“The future of horsemanship is built by investing in the next generation,” said Tammy Sronce, Director of Operations for Road to the Horse. “Partnering with the Idaho Horse Expo allows us to provide a stage where collegiate riders can showcase their talent and develop their skills. The dedication, horsemanship, and sportsmanship shown by all three teams this year was outstanding.”
Throughout the competition, each team was challenged to start a colt, with the event unfolding over three round pen sessions. The competition culminated in a final round featuring both rail work and an obstacle course, testing each team’s skill, feel, and progression with their horse. Designed as both a competition and an educational experience, the event created an engaging environment for students to develop practical horsemanship skills.
Each collegiate team demonstrated their skill by capturing a win in one of the three rounds. Colorado State University led the way in Round One, New Mexico Junior College captured the top score in Round Two, and Treasure Valley Community College finished strong by claiming victory in Round Three.
Road to the Horse 2025 Collegiate Colt Starting Champions Colorado State University delivered a standout performance during the Round Four Finals, ultimately earning the overall championship title with a score of 1,172.5 points. New Mexico Junior College followed with 1,102.5 points, while Treasure Valley Community College secured third place with 985 points. The competition remained close and competitive, highlighting the dedication and preparation of each team.
Colorado State University Team Coach Alex Parsaye praised her team and the opportunity for students to gain valuable, hands-on experience.
“I am so grateful to have this opportunity to demonstrate the horsemanship we teach at Colorado State University Equine Sciences, and to showcase that through my team” said Parsaye. “We’re extremely grateful to be here.”
Road to the Horse extends a sincere thank you to the Idaho Horse Council, the Idaho Horse Expo, our judges, participating colleges, and all those who helped make this event possible.
For more information or to apply to compete at Road to the Horse, visit here.
See the full breakdown of Collegiate Colt Starting Challenge scores here.
