2026 Horsemanship Challenge
Motivate. Inspire. Do. Accomplish.
These are all the things this challenge is set up to do for you in 2026 in our
6th Annual Challenge.
For years now we have helped to inspire over 7500 different equestrians from across 15 different countries to work with their horse consistently over the tough months.
By Taking the Challenge you get
A chance to win $$ Thousands $$ in prizes
A better relationship and understanding with your Horse
Access to one of the most uplifting, committed, and passionate communities of equestrians
"The best preparation for tomorrow is to do good work today."
Elbert Hubbard
The Horsemanship Challenge
Consistency Changes Horses
The Horsemanship Challenge is a 120-day commitment to showing up — thoughtfully, intentionally, and consistently — for your horse.
Created by Michael & Julia Lyons, this challenge is designed to help riders and handlers experience what is truly possible when consistency replaces intensity. Progress doesn’t come from doing more once in a while — it comes from doing the right things, repeatedly, with awareness and feel.
From February 1 through May 31, 2026, participants work toward completing 60 intentional sessions with their horse, building better communication, confidence, and understanding along the way.
This challenge isn’t about perfection.
It’s about presence.
And what happens when you stay the course.
What the Challenge Looks Like
120 days to complete your sessions
60 sessions per horse (45 for Frozen Rider, 100 for Buckle Challenge)
Sessions may be groundwork or under saddle
Each session is 20 minutes minimum
One session per horse, per day
You may enter multiple horses, but each horse must earn their sessions independently.
Throughout the challenge, you’ll receive:
Encouragement and horsemanship insight
Accountability and structure
Prize opportunities and buckle awards
A community of riders committed to doing the work the right way
Why This Challenge Works
Horses thrive on clarity and repetition.
Handlers grow through awareness and consistency.
Over time, participants often notice:
Quieter responses
Improved focus and relaxation
Better timing and feel
Stronger confidence — in both horse and handler
These changes don’t happen overnight. They happen when you show up, even when progress feels subtle.
That’s the power of consistency.
The Buckle Challenge
Work with your horse 100 out of the 120 days and win a buckle! Each division will win a buckle, but you are able to purchase your own at the end if you don't win one.
Two Ways to Join
🐎 Join the Challenge on Its Own
Register for the Horsemanship Challenge as a standalone experience and receive:
Full challenge participation
Tracking and journaling resources
Access to the private Challenge Facebook group
Eligibility for all prizes and drawings
$14.99 one-time fee
🌟 Join the Online Horsemanship Arena — Get the Challenge FREE
When you join The Online Horsemanship Arena, your Horsemanship Challenge entry is included at no additional cost.
The Online Arena is our brand-new membership community... a growing vault of horsemanship education designed to support you long after the challenge ends.
Membership includes:
Full access to current courses like
Create a Relaxed & Willing Horse on the Ground
Mastering the Round Pen
Groundwork and transition lessons
Future courses, case studies, and videos added regularly
Live Zoom Q&A calls during the challenge
Ongoing education, support, and community
$24.99/month — cancel anytime
This option is ideal for riders who want guidance, depth, and continued growth beyond the challenge itself.
Don't Take Our Word For It.
Read testimonies from a couple of the folks who have completed the Challenge
"Y’all, I made 60 rides with my mare and I couldn’t be more thrilled. I was doubtful in the beginning due to being full time in my clinicals plus the terribly wet winter, but I proved myself wrong and was determined to finally give the training my mare needed! No longer does she buck, rear, or back (when not told too) when she doesn’t want to do something and in all honesty I was frightened for a year or so to get past this horrible vice. I have overcame that fear with the help of friends and mostly my faith in God where all things are possible. I can now ride her anywhere I ask without issue and then more! I love the bond we share and the future that lies ahead us! Have a lot more training to accomplish but proud of our progress"
- Heather Walker
Completed 60 sessions with my best friend today!! And I’ll tell you, I’m in tears about it. Why? Because when I started this back in January, I was still working through regaining my confidence due to getting bucked off in the summer of 2018 (by a different horse). I had also recently moved to my new house, built fencing and moved my horses home (I’ve only owned horses for nearly 3 years, and I boarded for 2.5 of those). So, a lot was going on. Arya was a green little 3.5 year old when I got her in Nov of 2018 and I wasn’t sure that taking her on was the right thing to do (after my traumatic experience), but she had the kindest personality that I’ve ever seen in a horse. And she was so smart and willing so I decided to go for it. This horse and this challenge have transformed both of us. In January I was nervous to do anything other than ride her down my driveway and in my arena sized pasture. Then we pushed past that into my bigger pastures. Then we pushed past that into going on the trails on my property ALONE - first a little ways, then further and further each time. Now - we ride ALL over my 20 acres. We lead trail rides with my friends on my property. We travel off site and do obstacle courses. We travel off site for trails. She is my best friend and I trust her so much. And I know she trusts me. Our partnership has healed me in so many ways and has helped me gain confidence step by step. This challenge pushed me to get out and do things - when I was tired, when it was cold, when it was wet. And I am so completely grateful. Thank you, Michael Lyons Horsemanship, for creating this opportunity. Arya and I plan to continue working because we are both students and we are both always learning. And I love constantly strengthening our partnership. - Laurie Capper
Day 100!!! One of our 2021 goals achieved! Feb 1 - May 11 - Boon Ocean Blue met this year's new 100 session Horsemanship Challenge with consistent daily sessions despite inclement weather (Wisconsin winter, 2 weeks of mid-February negative double digit sub polar temps, gusty 50+ wind, sleet, snow, rain and drought). We learned about ranch versatility, up'd our cattle herdsmanship skills, worked on training 'holes' and moved up a level in Working Equitation. Also became more insync, strengthened our partnership plus acquired new equestrian friendships along the way. Best is when Ocean comes running, ready to play! We're not done yet! Our lifelong learning journey continues... - Kris Blacklock
Challenge Yourself. Accept the Challenge today and see just what your story could be.
2026 Horsemanship Challenge
Michael Lyons Horsemanship
Event Contact:
Julia Lyons
Clinic Location: Where ever you are! Do this from your home
Starts February 1st and runs until May 31st
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Horsemanship Challenge Rules
What is the Horsemanship Challenge?
The Horsemanship Challenge is a challenge created by Michael Lyons Horsemanship. Its intent for creation was to inspire riders & equine handlers to spend consistent training time with their horse during some of the toughest months. As trainers, we know what all each person is truly capable with their horse when they are consistent at doing it. So we created this challenge to give as much incentive as possible so that handlers and riders could experience it too.
What is Defined as a Session?
The Challenge itself is to work with your horse on the ground or undersaddle for a minimum of 60 sessions over a 120 day period. A session is defined as 20 minutes of training either on the ground or undersaddle. You can not use multiple horses for the same 60 sessions. You can only do 1 session per day. You can enter multiple horses, but EACH must hit 60 to be qualified for prizes. The start date is February 1st, 2026.
How Do I Track my Sessions?
There are lots of ways that you can track your rides. One is by using the PDF file given at sign up. Another is by using any tracking app you prefer such as EquiLab, ect. You can also keep a journal, or spreadsheet. In your email after signing up you will find a tracking document to print or a spreadsheet to use if you desire. You will fill out a form at END OF THE CHALLENGE to submit your final numbers.
How Do you Win Prizes?
At the end of the Challenge we have a big drawing. They all vary in size and monetary value. Each time we give away prizes we will draw names. There will be a couple prizes given away DURING the challenge, so everyone entered will have a shot. We will then give prizes at the very end by drawing names from all of the horse/rider teams that made It to either 45, 60 or 100 sessions. Everyone who enters has a shot to win something, but only those who hit the mark are entered for the end of challenge prizes. Prizes vary from ONLINE Horsemanship learning platforms, lots of different horse tack clinics, horse products, retreats and more! Lots to fit all disciplines of riding!
What is the Buckle Challenge?
The Buckle Challenge takes everything to the next level. You will be entered to win a buckle if you ride or work with your horse for 100 sessions over the 120 day period. We give away a buckle to all three age divisions, Youth, Adult, and Primetime ( 50 and older).
What is the Frozen Rider Division?
We understand that not all climates are equal. So those of you that live and completing this challenge in a truly harsh climate, are able to enter the Frozen Rider Division. This basically allows for a little bit of a break. The time line is still the same, but instead of the 60 sessions required to be entered for prizes, it is 45. We will also be giving away one special prize to someone in only this division that is chosen through a video submission.Who can Sign up and
How Much does it Cost?
There are two ways to join this year. Option one is Join The Challenge for a one time fee of 14.99. Option 2 is join our BRAND new The Online Horsemanship Arena Community and get the Challenge for FREE. This is an online platform filled with our courses, educational videos, and access to Live Zoom Meetings with Michael & Julia. All for only 24.99 a month and you can cancel anytime.
Can I Do it With Multiple Horses?
MULTIPLE horses are welcome. However you do not need to sign up multiple horses. Just yourself on the link. We will add in extra horses later. Each horse MUST hit the 60 session requirement, however. Which will also give each handler more chances at prizes.
I am a trainer. Do client Horses Count?
No, if you are being paid to ride a horse in anyway, then they do not count towards the challenge.