The Discovery Challenge
30 moments over 30 days. Deepen your bond, discover new things about your horse(s) and yourself, and help others in the community—all at the same time!
Equuvation is thrilled to introduce the Discovery Challenge — our first-ever virtual horsemanship challenge that’s motivating, fun, and easy to join! All disciplines, levels, ages, and breeds from across the country are welcome. Whether you’re setting new goals, rehabbing an equine partner, preparing for a show, or just looking for more quality barn time, the Discovery Challenge helps you stay accountable, bond with your horse(s), and support a great cause at a time when it is so deeply needed.
Why Join the Discovery Challenge?
To have fun and deepen your bond with your horse!
Because the Challenge is suitable for horses of all sizes, ages, training levels, and abilities (rescue/rehab/retired, too!) You do not have to be a rider, nor does your horse have be ridable, to participate!
Because the Challenge is suitable for humans of all ages, training levels, and abilities! You also do not need to own your own horse to participate—lesson and leased horses, or those you work with at a rescue/sanctuary/EAS center are welcome, too!
To help you stay motivated and accountable toward your horsemanship goals!
To help you get ready for clinics, trails, lessons, or shows!
To provide a therapeutic session for a family in need through your registration fee!
To join an inspiring community of horse lovers!
To be the first to access registration for upcoming Equuvation clinics and events!
How It Works
Sign Up: Rolling enrollment runs November 1 – December 1, or until full (limited to 40 spots).
Cost: $50 donation per participant. Each entry directly funds one client session—100% of your fee supports Equuvation’s mission. Once you sign up and pay the registration fee, you will receive your personal Welcome Kit (see details below).
Duration: Complete your challenge anytime within 30 days of registering. While you are trying to achieve all 30 activities in 30 days, the grace period for all activities to be completed is Dec 30, 2025.
During your 30-day challenge, you’ll aim to complete 30 horse-related activities. Every interaction counts—riding, groundwork, grooming, braiding, cleaning tack, or simply spending time together. You can log multiple activities in one day and work with more than one horse—just note that each paid entry earns one 24” rosette ribbon.
What counts (each activity must be at least 15 minutes to be logged):
✅ Grooming, bathing, or braiding
✅ Riding or groundwork sessions
✅ Going for a walk with your horse
✅ Sitting together in the pasture
✅ Lessons, training sessions, clinics, or showsWhat doesn’t count:
❌ Routine barn chores (feeding, mucking, vet/farrier care, etc.)If you are choosing to work with multiple horses during this Challenge, you can log multiple activities in one day. For example, it DOES COUNT for you to groom 3 horses in one day, each for 15 minutes, and then log 3 separate activities; or to complete 3 activities with ONE horse—grooming, a lesson, and then taking your horse for a cooling walk in hand.
Please note: The Discovery Challenge does work on the honor system.
Welcome Kit
Once you register, you’ll receive your digital Welcome Kit with:
A personalized activity log
Full challenge details and submission instructions
A link to join our private Discovery Challenge Facebook Group, where you can share progress, get ideas, and connect with other participants!
If this challenge is a success, we’ll launch a series of four in 2026—Winter, Spring, Summer, and Fall—with a new limited edition rosette and prizes each time!
Recognition & Rewards
All participants who complete the challenge will receive:
A limited-edition 24” Discovery Challenge rosette ribbon!
A feature on Equuvation’s social media!
An entry into the drawing for the Grand Prize!
Participants will record their activities using a personalized Google Doc (included in your Welcome Kit) and submit one quick photo per activity.
Grand Prize Giveaway
All paid participants are automatically entered into our Grand Prize Drawing—held once all 40 spots are filled!
The Grand Prize package includes:
A free lesson with Laura Hebard of Bushel Barns at Equuvation (redeemable on a 2026 Friday date)
An Equuvation saddle pad
An Equuvation fly bonnet
An Equuvation tee shirt
Horse treats, riding socks, and more surprises!
Rules & Fine Print
Above all—have fun!
Open to participants nationwide, all ages and skill levels!
Multiple horses may be worked with per entry, however only one rosette ribbon will be awarded per registration.
You do not need to own the horse you participate with—lesson, leased, or borrowed horses are also welcome!
The Discovery Challenge operates on the honor system.
Participants engage at their own risk and acknowledge the inherent risks of equine activities.
Under North Carolina Law (Chapter 99E of the NC General Statutes), equine activity sponsors are not liable for injury or death resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities.
Equuvation reserves the right to refuse any entry.
Equuvation does not tolerate bullying, hate, abusive training, or unkind handling techniques. If it is evident that a participant has been abusive or implemented rough handling and training techniques with their horse(s), or been unkind towards humans in their community, they will be removed from the Challenge without refund.
Participant fees are non-refundable.
Ribbons & Shipping:
If your ribbon arrives damaged, please send photos of the ribbon and envelope so we can file a USPS claim and issue a replacement.
Double-check your mailing address when registering. We cannot replace ribbons sent to incorrect addresses unless extras remain available.
Deadlines:
If you need extra time to complete the challenge, please let us know before your deadline.
Ribbons for unsubmitted logs will be held for 1 month, then repurposed.
Photo Use:
By participating, you grant Equuvation permission to use submitted or publicly shared photos for legitimate promotional purposes (including Equuvation, The Discovery Trail, and Rocky Creek Ranch websites and social media).