Throughout history soldiers and horses have stood together for the sake of liberty and freedom. Now, through a nonprofit organization named War Horses for Veterans, the equestrian world is taking a stand to help those working to regain their life after they dedicated it to the service of the country.
The War Horse Legends Challenge is returning to Fort Worth on Saturday, Oct. 24 at the Will Rogers Memorial Coliseum. It will take place during the National Reined Cow Horse Association Snaffle Bit Futurity at approximately 6 p.m.
“This is our fourth annual War Horse Legends Challenge and our second year holding it in Fort Worth. The first two events took place in Las Vegas, and we’re excited to return to Fort Worth for another year,” said event spokesperson Megan Bennett.
The Stillwater, Kansas-based nonprofit helps combat veterans and first responders rebuild their lives through advanced horsemanship rooted in leadership and mentorship. They selected five graduates from their intensive Legends Program, a year-long mentorship culminating in this event presented by Icon Global.
Chosen from graduates of the organization’s Signature Program, these five participants (Josh, from Kentucky; Brady, from Nevada; Bill, from California; Mason, from Virginia; Patrick, from Missouri) spent a year training one-on-one with nationally respected horsemen Taylor Gillespie, Chris Dawson, and Russell Dilday. The Challenge isn’t about creating professional horse trainers — it’s about demonstrating the leadership, resilience, confidence, and post-traumatic growth they’ve developed along the way.
Participants will compete in reined cow horse, showcasing the horsemanship and partnership they have developed with their horses throughout their training. “Spectators can look forward to seeing our riders work cattle down the fence, an exciting test of timing, control, and communication between horse and rider,” Bennett said.
Participants are selected based on their potential to develop as riders and the strength of their character, Bennett said. “We look for individuals who demonstrate integrity, respect for others, and a willingness to learn – people who will represent War Horses for Veterans well, both in and outside the arena,” she said.
Along with the evening’s competition, there will be opportunities to meet the riders and learn more about War Horses for Veterans. The broader Snaffle Bit Futurity schedule also includes a Western Bloodstock sale that morning, an Open Finals Kickoff Party at 2:30 p.m., and an Open Finals After Party scheduled for 8:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the NRCHA Snaffle Bit Futurity website. Select “Purchase Finals Tickets” to view pricing and available seating.
“We’re proud of the work these riders have put into preparing for this opportunity. The Challenge gives the community a chance to see their progress, hear their stories, and celebrate what they have accomplished,” Bennett said. “It also introduces people to our broader mission of helping veterans and first responders build connection, confidence, and purpose through horses, education, and ongoing community.