Ride To The Rescue

What horses are eligible to enter a Ride To The Rescue competition event? 

RTTR is non-denominational.  Horses must be sound and healthy, in good weight, and ready to enter a training/redevelopment program. Any healthy, sound horse aged under 25 years, any breed, color, gender, size, or experience level is eligible to be entered as an Equine Candidate. Rescue Organization must be able to prove that the horse has lived at the Rescue's facility for a minimum of 2 months at time of Application filing. Horses must be current on vaccinations, deworming and farriery, on the date of Application, and also on Remuda Day.

Who is eligible to participate as a Trainer Competitor?

RTTR is non-denominational.  Eligible people must have very high horsemanship skills, experience working with several horses, and working knowledge of Equine Behavior.  Any equestrian background, discipline, or style is acceptable.  Work ethic and methodology based in Equine Ethology is preferred. Individuals may be paid professionals, but that is not a requirement, and will not be considered in the application review process.  Must file Trainer Application and be at least 18 years of age at time of Application to participate. Applicants must also have access to appropriate equine housing and training facility.

What is A Remuda?

Traditionally, a Remuda is a herd of horses from which ranch hands select partners for their day's work.  The Ride To The Rescue Remuda is a gathering where Trainer Competitors meet and choose the horses they will be redeveloping for the competition. It is also much more than that! The Remuda is a day for Trainers, Rescue representatives and Sponsors to meet and share information. It is an opportunity for the public to receive education by observing the Trainers' interactions with the horses, and later hearing what each Trainer has to say about the horse chosen. It is a festive kick-off event for the Competition Event!  The Remuda is usually scheduled for a single weekend day, but can be two days, depending on the numbers of Trainers and horses.

How are Horses matched up with Trainers, and how does the Horse Selection process work?

Equine Rescue Organizations submit Equine Candidate Applications, from which a Selection Committee chooses the horses eligible for the Remuda.  On the morning of the Remuda Day, Trainers have the opportunity to review these Applications, then names are randomly drawn for each Trainer to choose a horse from a group of three.  The set-up is a Remuda of horses in separate pens of equal size, in close proximity. Trainers have a set time limit to make a selection. They spend about an hour with the chosen horse, then give a brief talk about why they chose the horse, and what they hope to accomplish.  Trainers are responsible for transportation arrangements from Remuda to the training facility.  Rescue Organizations are responsible for transporting horses to the Remuda.