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Appalachian Trainer Face Off

Trainers Changing the Lives of Adoptable Horses in a Regional Competition

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  • 2020 ATFO: Learn More
    • The 2019 Appalachian Trainer Face Off was a smash success.
  • 2019 ATFO Photos
  • About THE FACE OFF
    • Heart of Phoenix
    • 2018 Event Photos
  • Become a FACE OFF Trainer in 2020
    • Trainer Application
      • 2019 Trainers Teams
      • Judges for 2019 EVENT
  • Sponsors
    • 2019 Prize Package Announced
  • Adopt an ATFO Horse
    • 2019 Face Off Horses
      • Adopt Pepsi: An ATFO Mare in Training With Amanda Brown Horsemanship
      • Adopt Sterling: An ATFO Mare in Training With MB Equine
      • Adopt Everest: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Dallas Schleg
      • Adopt Athena: An ATFO Mare in Training With Lester Long Horsemanship
      • Adopt Detson: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Brenda Hanson
      • Adopt Phoebe: An ATFO Filly in Training With Adam Black Horsemanship
      • Adopt Rembrandt: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Three Wolves Horsemanship
      • Adopt Maleficent: An ATFO Mare in Training With Krys Paskeit
      • Adopt Calypso: An ATFO Gelding in training with Laura Funderburg
      • Adopt Treya: An ATFO Mare in Training with Whispering Pines Horsemanship
      • Adopt Santiago: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Seth Adkins
      • Adopt Dinah: An ATFO Mare in Training with Sunni Bell Stables
      • Adopt Pandora: An ATFO Mare in Training with Aubrey of Adkins Quarter Horses
      • Adopt Phineas: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Smoke Rise Ranch
      • Adopt Caspian: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Aubrey of Adkins Quarter Horses
      • Adopt Odyssey: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Jessica Deering
      • Adopt Declan: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Ivy’s Glide Gait
      • Adopt Forester: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Krys Paskiet
      • Adopt Ayla: An ATFO Mare in Training with Nelson Detweiler
      • Adopt Mercury: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Ashley Chaffin
      • Adopt Zerrin: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Susan of Sunday Stables
      • Adopt Eden: An ATFO Mare in Training with Kaylynn Mollohan
      • Adopt Whistler: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Erin of Legacy Sport Horses
      • Adopt Hamilton: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Ashley of BA Farm Works
      • Adopt Minka: An ATFO Mare in Training with Kaylynn Mollohan
      • Adopt Ravin: An ATFO Mare in Training with Labyrinth Training Center
      • Adopt Hero: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Jessica of Wild at Heart Horsemanship
      • Adopt Macaroni: An ATFO Mare in Training with Ivy of Ivy’s Glide Gait
      • Adopt Koda: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Eric of Circle P – Natural Horsemanship, Training & Colt Starting
      • Adopt Titan: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Matt Caldwell
      • Adopt Cherry: An ATFO Mare in Training with Devin Young-Massart
      • Adopt Jonas: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Katie of Circle P Natural Horsemanship of Ky
      • Adopt Halle Berry: An ATFO Mare in Training With Jessica Deering
      • Adopt Florence: An ATFO Mare in Training With Fox Equine Performance
      • Adopt Sterling: An ATFO Mare in Training With MB Equine
      • Adopt Leila: An ATFO Mare in Training With Olivia Noone
      • Adopt Everest: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Dallas Schleg
      • Adopt Pepsi: An ATFO Mare in Training With Amanda Brown Horsemanship
      • Adopt Athena: An ATFO Mare in Training With Lester Long Horsemanship
      • Adopt Detson: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Brenda Hanson
      • Adopt Phoebe: An ATFO Filly in Training With Adam Black Horsemanship
      • Adopt Maleficent: An ATFO Mare in Training With Krys Paskeit
      • Adopt Rembrandt: An ATFO Gelding in Training With Three Wolves Horsemanship
      • Adopt Calypso: An ATFO Gelding in training with Laura Funderburg
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  • Trainers and Horses

2019 Face Off Horses
  • Trainers and Horses

Announcing the Judges for 2019: Josh Lyons, Colton Woods, Ariana Sakaris and Richie Wingfield

Adopt an ATFO Horse

The 2019 Appalachian Trainer Face Off was a smash success.

  • Trainers and Horses

2020 ATFO: Learn More

  • by T. Creamer
  • Posted on September 6, 2019September 6, 2019

In 2019, with over 1,000 attendees and over 30 adoptable horses, we realized it was…

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  • Trainers and Horses

2019 ATFO Photos

  • by T. Creamer
  • Posted on September 6, 2019September 6, 2019

We had so many talented photographers at the EVENT this year! Mindblowing! https://creatememoriesbyanett.pixieset.com/atfo/jessicahero/ Click the…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Treya: An ATFO Mare in Training with Whispering Pines Horsemanship

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Mare Breed:  Morgan & Grade Mix Coat: Dunn Height:  14.2hh Foal…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Santiago: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Seth Adkins

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  S/A Mustang Coat: Bay Height: 15hh  Foal Year: 2013 Fee: ATFO…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Dinah: An ATFO Mare in Training with Sunni Bell Stables

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex: Mare  Breed: Grade & Quarter Horse Mix Coat: Dunn Height:  Foal Year:  Fee: ATFO…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Forester: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Krys Paskiet

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Morgan & Friesian Mix Coat: Bay Height:  Foal Year: 1999…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Pandora: An ATFO Mare in Training with Aubrey of Adkins Quarter Horses

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Mare Breed:  Paint/Pinto Coat: Paint Height:  15hh Foal Year:  Fee: ATFO Participant…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Caspian: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Aubrey of Adkins Quarter Horses

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex: Gelding Breed:  Morgan & Grade Mix Coat: Bay Height:  14hh Foal Year: …

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Phineas: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Smoke Rise Ranch

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Gaited & Rocky Mountain Horse Mix Coat: Chestnut/Sorrel Height: …

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Odyssey: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Jessica Deering

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Draft & Quarter Horse Mix Coat: Black Height:  13.2hh…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Declan: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Ivy’s Glide Gait

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Morgan & Saddlebred Mix Coat: Chestnut/Sorrel Height:  15hh Foal…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Ayla: An ATFO Mare in Training with Nelson Detweiler

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Mare Breed:  Arabian & Quarter Horse Mix Coat: Chestnut/Sorrel Height:  Foal…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Eden: An ATFO Mare in Training with Kaylynn Mollohan

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Mare Breed:  Arabian Coat: Gray Height:  14.2hh Foal Year:  Fee: ATFO Participant…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Mercury: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Ashley Chaffin

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Tennessee Walking Horse & Grade Mix Coat: Dapple Grey…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Zerrin: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Susan of Sunday Stables

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:  Gelding Breed:  Rocky Mountain Horse & Morgan Mix Coat: Dunn Height:  14.2hh…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Whistler: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Erin of Legacy Sport Horses

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:  Gelding Breed:  Tennessee Walker Horse Coat: Gray Height: 16hh Foal Year: 2007-2009 Fee: ATFO Participant…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Hero: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Jessica of Wild at Heart Horsemanship

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Hackney/Brumby Type Coat: Bay Height: 13.3hh Foal Year: 2014 Fee: ATFO Participant…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Hamilton: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Ashley of BA Farm Works

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Gelding Breed:  Mustang Mix Coat: Bay Height: 14.2hh Foal Year: 2016 Fee: ATFO Participant…

Read More
  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Minka: An ATFO Mare in Training with Kaylynn Mollohan

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   Mare Breed:  Quarter Horse Coat: Dunn Height: 15hh Foal Year: 2007 Fee: ATFO Participant…

Read More
  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Ravin: An ATFO Mare in Training with Labyrinth Training Center

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   MareBreed:  Friesian Sport HorseCoat: Black Height:  15hh Foal Year: 2004Fee: ATFO Participant Location: Labyrinth…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Macaroni: An ATFO Mare in Training with Ivy of Ivy’s Glide Gait

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:   MareBreed:  Tennessee Walking HorseCoat: Palomino Height:  16hh EST Foal Year: 2009Fee: ATFO Participant Location:…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Cherry: An ATFO Mare in Training with Devin Young-Massart

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex: MareBreed: Quarter Horse Cross Coat: Chestnut/Sorrel Height: 15hh Foal Year: 2013Fee: ATFO Participant Location:…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Koda: An ATFO Gelding in Training with Eric of Circle P – Natural Horsemanship, Training & Colt Starting

  • by Holley Dennison
  • Posted on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex: GeldingBreed: MorganCoat: Chestnut/Sorrel Height:  14.3-15hh est Foal Year: N/AFee: ATFO Participant Location: Circle P…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Leila: An ATFO Mare in Training With Olivia Noone

  • by casperfinn191
  • Posted on July 16, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:  MareBreed: Reg. ArabianCoat: Chestnut Height: 14.1hh est Foal Year: 2013Fee: ATFO Participant Location: Olivia Noone Leila is…

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  • 2019 Adoptable Horse

Adopt Florence: An ATFO Mare in Training With Fox Equine Performance

  • by casperfinn191
  • Posted on July 16, 2019

“SPECS” on this Horse Sex:  MareBreed: AppaloosaCoat: Grey Height: 14.3hh est  Foal Year: 2011 estFee: ATFO Participant Location: Fox Equine Performance Florence…

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@vandaliacrowdhouse So excited for the gala tomorrow for @heart_of_phoenix_equine_rescue This is going to be the best one ever. ♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️🎄♥️ #roaring20s #greatgatsby #ringing2020 #horses #myhuntington #local #prohibition
A potentially unique thing about Heart of Phoenix is we don't forget people. We shouldn't. People are who make us work. And I've known a lot of people who fiercely love horses. So when a previous adopter was facing significant health issues with her husband that left her unsure of what would happen to her horses, we found an approved home for her HOP horses and made sure her horses could come to us. . .because she said she could not face what was ahead without the security and peace she'd have if they were with us. It matters to do all the good We can, for as long as we can. . . For all the beings we can. Welcome Kizzy (a reg Arab mare with tons of trail Miles) and Dixie (a KMSH of 20) They will be adoptable soon
Jigsaw and his girl Aren't they a lovely pairing?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6eRpNaL3YWY

The concept is simple:

Operating in one of the nation’s most economically challenged regions, Heart of Phoenix found through necessity there was a need to create innovative ways to get a large number of horses trained and adopted each year on a small budget. Our answer to this was the Appalachian Trainer Face Off, a training competition that began in 2017. It was inspired by watching the success of the Extreme Mustang Makeover events.

 

August 23rd of this year wrapped up our 3rd year of the “ATFO,” and it closed as the largest equine event in West Virginia, with over 1,000 people in attendance of the full two days of the competition.  This event has helped make a rescue organization an equine leader in our state.

 

The event partners horses previously without much hope of adoption for 100 days with trainers from May through August yearly. Many of the horses are rounded up entirely unhandled. Trainers apply and go through a screening process, and horses are vetted and cleared beforehand. These horsemen and women work with their horses to offer accomplished, willing equine partners up for adoption and document their process strategically on social media. The photos, stories and videos required create a vested interest by the public in the success of each horse, trainer and the “ATFO.”

 

Trainers then compete for 2 days in August to showcase all they have accomplished with their horses. In the end, the trainers showcase their skills, horses gain training, most go into approved adoptive homes in an auction format event the end where fees range from $600 to $8,000. There are prize packages made possible by the ASPCA, Buckeye Nutrition, Excel Supplements and other equine sponsors. Vendors set up and nationally known clinicians, such a Josh Lyons, Michael Lyons and Patrick King have stepped up as judges.

 

We have watched the Appalachian Trainer Face Off get nearly 80 horses equines into homes with foundations under them, prove the value of the adoptable horses and highlight excellent trainers. The trainers leave the event with a new partnership with the us, as well, that continues to give back through the months and years after each event ends.  They also happily market their adoption horses and the organization standing behind them, which helps further cement Heart of Phoenix as a worthwhile part of the horse industry in Appalachia.  It helps the public realize considering adoption first makes a lot of sense.

 

Like many of the things we do here in Appalachia, we wanted to make sure this event offered a return in a multitude of ways, so while the primary goals are training and adoption of horses, additional benefits are increasing our name recognition across the area, gaining training partners that last once the event ends each year and making adoption extremely mainstream within the horse community.

 

Heart of Phoenix believes when faced with uncommon adversity, you should try to not only make sure all efforts create a great deal of impact, but that we also need to make certain we are tackling multiple issues at once. We have found the Appalachian Trainer Face Off has accomplished so many things that leads to better view of what horse rescue means, what adoption should look like and how the horse industry can help us help horses in a meaningful way.

 

 

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About Heart of Phoenix Equine Rescue

Heart of Phoenix is a partner of the Right Horse Initiative. Starting in 2009 and founding formally in 2012, “HOP” was the only rescue in the state of West Virginia for many years and is now the leading equine organization of any kind there. They believe in “working together to improve the lives of horses in transition through a dialogue of kindness and respect.” They collaborate with over 40 trainers in Appalachian and beyond to make more horses adoptable. There efforts help shatter any stigma and reframe the conversation around equine adoption in order to massively increase horse adoption in the United States. To learn more, visit www.wvhorserescue.org.

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Contact Us

equinerescue@live.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TbN3-LAovkQ

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