Rider Wars "Rider" Application

This is 100+ Days to become a better horsewoman or man:

Not just in the saddle, but on the ground and all around.

There will be 2 divisions for the in-person event and 1 Division for the virtual event (Journeyman only).

All division competitors will need to commit and invest in the program fully.

This will require time and some financial commitment.

You do not have to own a horse to take part, but you do need to enroll in a local lesson program where you’re riding at least every other week at a lesson barn of YOUR CHOICE.

Please do not overshoot your skill –

The goal of this competition is to be candid about where you are now, so you can go further during this event.

Apprentice -

Apply for this division if you have a limited number of (or zero) years riding independently, have no more than a basic understanding of ground work or none at all, may not fully know the differences in bit and other equipment functions, cannot easily spot poor or correct saddle fit, cannot usually detect lameness.

Visit here to determine your riding level now

Apprentice level riders would be Level 1-4 riders

Journeyman –

Apply for this division if you have a more than a few years riding independently, have worked to establish a good working understanding of groundwork, can easily spot equine lameness, poor saddle fit and know how bits and other equipment function. You may have started a few horses, be a riding instructor or compete in shows.

Ultimately, your division WILL be assigned by the HOP advisory board based on your application and video submissions.

But please select which division you feel fits best.

Visit here to determine your riding level

Journeyman riders would be level 5-8 riders

Name

First NameLast Name

Email

example@example.com

Address

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip Code

Which Divisions are you applying for: Online or in-person, then Apprentice or Journeyman, if you're going to attend in-person?

For instance, you might say, In person and Apprentice

Tell us about your introduction to horses, your current riding experience, things you know you need to improve and a bit about your strengths

Do you own a horse that you're riding now? Share a bit about that horse, if so

Please include an equine reference we can call to chat about your experience:

Name, number and email and connection to you

Current lesson provider, if applicable

or type N/A

Rider Wars is a competition. You will collect points for your efforts prior to the ATFO in-person riding competition or the online virtual video submission competition.

You will need to be engaged in learning and working towards your goals during the full 100+ day event.

Rider Wars requires you to be in lessons a least 2 times monthly during the 100+ days that run from the end of April through August 23rd. Can you commit to this? If so, do you need help finding a lesson provider or can you find an instructor?

Rider Wars requires some online public postsings, submissions of videos and learning modules by deadlines, as well as video chats or virtual lessons, if you cannot meet up with mentors. Will you be able to handle this requirement?

Rider Wars requires you meet up with at least 3 ATFO Mentors if you're a Journeyman or to have 3 Sessions with the same Mentor if you're an apprentice (who will be annouced prior to the event start) for in-person lessons, and we encourage more than than the minimum. You will be required to submit a video at the end of each 35 day block and to have met with a mentor of your choice during that time. This may require some travel. The cost of travel is your responsibility. The cost of the mentor's time is also your responsibility. Costs for each mentor's lesson will be made public for competitors prior to the event and will be standard across the board for all mentors. Keep in mind, mentors are competing, as well, to show they are the best teachers. Virtual lessons count for extra points.

Please type you've read this requirement and can cover these costs

An assigned online coach (not a mentor) will review your posted videos during this event and offer feedback for your required video submissions (3 total during the event). We will have 2-4 coaches online.

Please type you agree to submit your videos timely if you're selected

You will receive extra points for attending clinics, auditing, extra lessons beyong the requirements, saddle fitting lessons and anything in further equine education.

Heart of Phoenix will prefer a list of clinics and classes, but you can submit any educational event for consideration for points. The more you do, the more points you will gain.

Please submit at least one video of you riding either your horse, a friend's horse or a lesson horse. Note if it is your horse or not.

Be sure to include tacking the horse up and leading the horse.

If you wish to be considered for Journeyman, please include a ground work video. If you do not have any equine community around you to allow these types of videos, taking part in Rider Wars this year will not be a good fit.

Please take the submission video seriously, as if you do not in this video, we will assume you will not make effort during the competition. The interest in this event has been tremendous, and we can only accept a limited number of riders this pilot year.

The in-person competition will take place tenatively on Friday, August 22nd in Winfield, WV on horses sourced from trainers and lesson providers that are used in their programs. Judges will review your body of video work prior, but they will not know your score going into the in person portion. For online competitors: Judges will view your work online, PLUS YOUR final video submission (requirements for that submission for online competitors will be clarified by the event start date). You are responsible for being present and covering your travel costs. Camping is offered onsite for a small fee.

Type I Agree

The Winning Rider for each division will receive a cash prize, a prize package, 25% off the adoption fee of ANY ATFO Horses adopted in the winning year or the following year (or 50% off non-ATFO horses for 24 months), and a championship buckle.

ALL in person Riders who follow through will the full event will receive a 10% discount on the current ATFO year adoption or the following year or 25% off the non-ATFO horses for 24 months.

All online riders who follow thorugh will receive 10% off of any adoption fee for 24 months following the event.

Your mentors will be competing, as well, for a cash prize, for the mentor who coaches the top 1-3 riders in all divisions (a scale to make this equal for all mentors, as some will coach more than others will be created).

There is a $15 application fee that is paid directly to the processor, Suzanna, when you apply. She will reach out to you when this is received with instructions on payment of the fee. Fees are not refundable and cover the processors time.