FORT WORTH, TEXAS (August 21, 2024) — Road to the Horse has created a tradition of showcasing outstanding stallion starters who embody the highest principles of stallion starting. Each competitor brings their own riding style to the event, laying the foundation in their own unique way. Like an artist, their finished work reflects their knowledge and passion, and no two creations are the same. The 2025 Road to the Horse Championship entry list represents a diverse range of stallion starters from around the world. Road to the Horse proudly welcomes first-time competitor Phil Haugen (USA) to the lineup. He joins former World Champions Vicki Wilson (Up-to-date Zealand) and Tik Maynard (Canada) as they compete for the most prestigious title in horsemanship March 27-30 at the Kentucky Horse Park.
“I am excited and honored to have been selected as one of the participants for Road to the Horse 2025,” says Haugen. “I look forward to the challenge of building trust through communication with a juvenile horse, in an environment that will be challenging for both me and my horse partner. Ultimately, it’s about the horse and the progress we make together. I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to this great event.”
Tina Battock, President of the Morris Equine Group, is pleased to welcome the North Dakota-raised rider to the field of participants in the 2025 Road to the Horse Championship.
“We are thrilled to welcome Phil Haugen to Road to the Horse,” said Battock. “Haugen is a veteran Hall of Fame cowboy and will bring a training approach based on over 40 years of experience in and out of the competition arena. The championship competitors are diverse, but they are united by their love of horses and their dedication to being the best.”
Haugen is a professional horse trainer and equestrian born and raised in North Dakota and currently resides in Weatherford, Oklahoma. With over 40 years of horse training experience, Haugen is considered a valuable resource for basic horse training and breaking in foals. A Gold Card member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association, former circuit finalist in multiple events, Linderman Award winner (1989), and North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame recipient (2021), Haugen has developed a unique training style based on his experiences inside and outside the competition arena. His “training through understanding” philosophy has resulted in over $1 million in EquiStat earnings from performance horses that have gone through his program. He is the host of the globally recognized podcast “Be Your Best Horsemanship” and connects with trainers around the world through his classes, events, and online training programs. Learn more about Phil Haugen at PhilHaugenHorsemanship.com.
Wilson, Haugen and Maynard will be joined by the Wild Card Challenge champion, making a total of four colts competing for the most crucial title in equestrian sport at Road to the Horse 2025. The Wild Card Challenge begins on Thursday, March 27th and ends on Friday, March 28th, 2025, giving the Wild Card champion the chance to advance directly to a Championship contender spot.
Tickets for Road to the Horse 2025 are available at RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Wild Card Challenge participants will be announced soon. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook or Instagram for the latest information.
About Road to the Horse
Founded in 2003, Road to the Horse aims to inspire people to reach higher levels of horsemanship and develop a oneness with a horse based on trust, not fear. We believe that through education and entertainment, we can change people’s views and create a better world for horses. Road to the Horse’s competitions determine the best stallion starter who achieves the highest score. Judging focuses on the competitor and the effectiveness of their riding method to communicate, teach and build a trust-based partnership with their stallion. Fans experience the entire journey, from stallion selection to the final obstacle challenge. The event schedule and tickets are available at RoadtotheHorse.com.
About Morris Equine Group
The Morris Equine Group includes some of the industry’s best-known brands, including Western Horseman, Quarter Horse News and Barrel Horse News. The group also owns the business-to-business publication Western Lifestyle Retailer and EquiStat, a statistics service that provides detailed information and revenue for the performance horse industry. Morris Equine Group is also home to the National Barrel Horse Association, the West Coast Barrel Racing Association, the first-ever Professional Bull Riders Team Series Champions, The Nashville Stampede, and the World Championship in Colt Starting, Road to the Horse.
For further information please contact:
The path to the horse
(D): 940-859-6512
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