Road to the Horse returns to the Kentucky Horse Park, March 19–22, 2026, bringing the excitement, tradition, and world-class horsemanship that have defined the event for more than two decades. At the heart of the event is the Wild Card Competition—showcasing a diverse array of talented horsemen and horsewomen from different backgrounds and experiences, each displaying their unique approach to horsemanship and their ability to build a strong partnership with a colt.
Road to the Horse is proud to announce Canadian horseman Jason Irwin as the final Road to the Horse 2026 Wild Card Competitor. Irwin joins Wild Card competitors Sadie Fisher (USA), Tiffany McLaury (USA), and Rob Leach (AUST), completing the roster of four competitors who will compete for a sought-after position in the Road to the Horse 2026 World Championship competition. With his selection, the complete Wild Card lineup is now officially set.
“I’m excited to be a Wild Card competitor at Road to the Horse 2026 and look forward to demonstrating my techniques and style of colt starting,” stated Irwin. “It’s a thrill and honor to be a part of this great event.”
“We love when Road to the Horse brings together outstanding horsemen and women from across borders with diverse backgrounds. Jason’s talent, feel, and international perspective make him an exciting addition to the 2026 Wild Card competition,” said Tina Battock, President of Morris Equine Group.
Irwin is a respected horse trainer and clinician based in Ontario, Canada. He is the co-founder of Jason and Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship and has built his career teaching riders and developing horses across North America and Canada. Jason’s specialty lies in starting young horses. His horsemanship blends practical, confidence-building methods with an emphasis on clear communication and a strong foundation.
Irwin’s journey in horsemanship began early on his family’s farm, where he started his first colt at twelve years old. After training family horses, he began taking in outside horses while still in high school, ultimately building a full-time career in the horse industry. Irwin also comes from a family involved in raising high-quality blue roan Quarter Horses at Northstar Livestock.
In addition to his clinic schedule and training program, Jason has co-produced ten seasons of the television series The Horse Trainers, has appeared on Canada’s Got Talent, and has trained horses for commercial and film roles. He is also the author of Starting Young Horses: Commonsense Skills and Sensible Steps to a Solid Training Foundation, and shares his knowledge widely through demonstrations, media, and clinics throughout North America.
The Wild Card Challenge kicks off the event on Thursday, March 19, and wraps up on Friday, March 20. As in years past, the Wild Card Champion will immediately advance to a Championship Competitor position on Friday afternoon, joining Championship Competitors Elisa Wallace, Ryan Rose and Nick Dowers and competing for a share of the $134,000 purse.
Road to the Horse 2026 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park on March 19-22. Tickets are available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook or Instagram for the latest information.
