The spirit of Road to the Horse lies in transformation—a journey shaped by grit, growth, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider. As we celebrate the 2026 theme, Legends in the Making, we are honored to welcome back a true reflection of that legacy: horseman, rancher, and NRCHA Million Dollar Rider Nick Dowers. Dowers will return to the round pen as a Championship Competitor at Road to the Horse 2026, taking place March 19–22 at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky.
A two-time Road to the Horse World Champion (2016 & 2019) and two-time Jack Brainard Horsemanship Award Recipient, Dowers has long been a fan favorite. Audiences have eagerly awaited his return to the World Championship of Colt Starting since he last competed in 2019.
“I’m super excited to be stepping back in the round pen at Road to the Horse 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky” states Nick Dowers. “There’s no other event like it to test my colt starting skills. I’m truly excited to get the opportunity to perform in front of the enthusiastic dedicated fans of Road to the Horse.”
“Nick has an extraordinary ability to bring out the best in every horse he works with,” stated Tina Battock, President of Morris Media Network. “His approach is rooted in purpose, patience, and partnership—the very heart of Road to the Horse. We’re thrilled to welcome him back in 2026.”
Born and raised on his family’s Triple D Ranches in Nevada, Dowers learned early on that patience, perseverance, and a deep respect for the horse were the keys to success. What began on rugged ranchland evolved into a training philosophy that balances natural horsemanship with world-class performance—crafted through years of learning under horsemen like Bryan Neubert, Joe Wolter, Andrea Fappani, and Annie Reynolds.
Dowers gained national acclaim after winning the 2013 NRCHA Open Snaffle Bit Futurity aboard TIME FOR THE DIAMOND, a homebred stallion that proved a horse can be both versatile on the ranch and dominant in the show pen. The stallion has gone on to earn over $180,000 in the show pen and produce a generation of competitive offspring—testament to the power of a foundation built on trust.
As Road to the Horse 2026 draws near, Nick Dowers joins a stellar lineup that includes Elisa Wallace and Ryan Rose. The Road to the Horse 2026 Wild Card Challenge competitors will be announced soon and are expected to include top international talent from Australia and Canada.
Road to the Horse 2026 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 19-22, 2026. Tickets are available here or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook or Instagram for the latest information.
