Since its founding in 2003, Road to the Horse has brought together the finest American Quarter Horses from renowned ranches, presenting legendary remudas in the ultimate test of horsemanship. In 2024, the Pitchfork Ranch made a lasting impression by bringing one of the largest remudas the event has ever seen. Road to the Horse is honored to welcome the Pitchfork Ranch back as the Official Remuda Partner in 2026, where their exceptional horses will once again be featured. The Pitchfork Ranch fillies will headline the Championship competition, while the geldings will be showcased in the Wild Card Challenge, March 19–22, at the Kentucky Horse Park.
It has been over 20 years since fillies galloped into the arena as part of the Championship remuda, and their return in 2026 marks a milestone for the event. The last time fillies were featured in the Championship competition was at Road to the Horse 2005, when Clinton Anderson claimed the title aboard a Bartlett Ranch grey filly named SULTRY SAFARI.
“The fillies competing in the 2026 Championship competition exemplify the quality and promise of Pitchfork Ranch’s future broodmare band,” said Brooks Hodges, General Manager of Pitchfork Ranch. “Their superior pedigrees and athleticism make them a highlight of the event, and we’re proud to showcase them on such a prestigious stage.”
“The return of the fillies to the Championship competition at Road to the Horse 2026 is a historic occasion we’re eager to share,” said Morris Equine Group President Tina Battock. “We’re excited to let the ladies truly take center stage. These exceptional young mares exemplify the talent of the Pitchfork Ranch remuda, and fans are in for a remarkable display of horsemanship.”
The Pitchfork Land and Cattle Company was established in December 1883 with 52,500 acres of land in central West Texas and a foundation herd of 9,750 cattle. Today, the home ranch spans 165,000 acres across Dickens and King counties near Guthrie, Texas, with a satellite operation in Oklahoma, making it the largest the ranch has ever been. The Pitchfork Ranch remuda includes approximately 50 broodmares, 125 saddle horses, and four stallions. While the ranch primarily raises horses for its own use, select horses are made available to the public through special events, including the Return to the Remuda Sale.
In addition to the Pitchfork Ranch remuda, Road to the Horse 2026 will feature an elite lineup of three world-class competitors, showcasing their colt-starting expertise: Elisa Wallace (USA), Ryan Rose (USA), and Nick Dowers (USA). They will be joined by the Wild Card Challenge Champion, bringing the total to four colt starters competing for the World Championship title and $135,000 in prize money. Wild Card Challenge competitors will be announced soon and are expected to include top international talent from Australia and Canada.
Road to the Horse 2026 takes place at the Kentucky Horse Park, March 19–22. Tickets are available at RoadtotheHorse.com or by calling 800-514-3849. Follow Road to the Horse on Facebook for the latest information.
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About Road to the Horse
Founded in 2003, Road to the Horse strives to inspire people to reach a higher level of horsemanship and develop unity with a horse based on trust and not fear. We believe that through education and entertainment, we can change people’s ideas and create a better world for the horse. Road to the Horse competitions identify the superior colt starter who accumulates the highest score. Judging focuses on the competitor and the effectiveness of their horsemanship methodology to communicate, educate, and build a partnership with their colt based on trust. Fans witness the entire journey, from colt selection to the final obstacle challenge. Event schedule and tickets available at www.RoadtotheHorse.com.
About Morris Equine Group
Morris Equine Group consists of some of the industry’s most recognized brands, including Western Horseman, Quarter Horse News and Barrel Horse News. The group also includes business-to-business publication Western Lifestyle Retailer and EquiStat, a statistical service offering detailed information and earnings 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 PBR Team Series Champions Nashville Stampede and the World Championship of Colt Starting, Road to the Horse.
