Created by the Heart of Phoenix equine rescue, the Appalachian Trainer Face Off is a training competition that began in 2017. The goal of the event is to get a large number of horses trained and adopted on a small budget. Each year it’s held in West Virginia.

How Does it Work?

Horses without much hope are partnered with trainers for 100 days, between May and August. Each trainer and horse is carefully screened and vetted. Furthermore, the process is documented through social media channels.

In the end, the trainers compete for 3 days in August to showcase their skills and their horse’s training. The Appalachian Trainer Face Off concludes with an auction for approved adoptive homes. The fees usually range from $600 to $8,000. During this time, the trainers also compete for prizes!

The 2020 Appalachian Trainer Face Off

Last year in 2019, over 1,000 people attended the event. This year is shaping up to be even bigger. By now, trainers have already been eagerly working with their assigned horses. This 4th year has over 37 trainers.

It will be held August 20th through the 22nd at the Winfield WV Riding Club in Winfield, WV.

Meet Some of the Horses

It’s going to be a spectacular year! Adopting a rescue horse can be a great choice for some riders, make sure to weigh the pros and cons though.

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