A veritable all-around cowgirl event, the 2025 Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge takes place at Randolph, Minnesota’s Simons Arena Oct. 15–19.
This year’s Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge begins with two multi-event clinics—one for the “Everyday Cowgirl,” the other a “Masterclass” with NRHA Million Dollar Rider Craig Johnson and all-around AQHA judge and competitor Amy Marx. Designed to cater to a spectrum of horsewomen ranging from those looking for a first-time experience working cattle to the ranch sorting savant, this five-day cowgirl immersion promises a supportive and fun competition in an oft-overlooked corner of the country.
where
Randolph, Minnesota
what
when
October 15–19, 2025
Hosted by competitive ranch sorter Breck Kruger of Kruger Performance Horses and her husband, Brandon, the Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge is a multi-event competition showcasing the versatility and skill of horse and rider. Riders can choose to enter one or both clinics if they like, but to compete in the Challenge, the women must enter each show event with the same horse—ranch sorting, barrels, ranch trail, ranch cutting, and ranch pleasure.
The format rewards consistency across all events, with high-point awards recognizing the all-around cowgirls and their equine partners, all while fostering both competition and camaraderie. Beyond the arena action, the Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge is a gathering place for anyone across the cowgirl spectrum, where horsewomen of all abilities share the joys of the Western lifestyle and #bethecowgirlyouwanttobe.
The Facts: 2
The number of states that host a Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge:
- Minnesota
- Arizona
The next event will be held on March 19-21 in Eloy, Arizona.
Don’t Miss This in Randolph, Minnesota
explore.
For a small ag town, Cannon Falls, Minnesota, makes for a pretty worthy visit. The downtown area on historic 1. 4th Street, offers shops, eateries, and even a winery in just a few walkable blocks.
eat.
Not only does 2. Cannon River Winery offer award-winning wines, their B!tchin’ Kitchen pairs rather perfectly with a cowgirl gathering. Promoted as “A Celebration of Spirited Women,” the Kitchen serves up charcuterie plates and sandwiches like the Judge Judy: a pulled pork slider featuring drunk cherries and the quote, “I’m here because I’m smart, not because I’m young and gorgeous, although I am.”
do.
Is it really even a cowgirl adventure without supporting the local tack shop? Just a mile and change from the arena is 3. RS Saddlery, which boasts an impressive inventory of new and used saddles and tack for just about every Western riding discipline. Back in town, 4. Happy Trails Outpost announced a highly anticipated storefront opening at time of press. Swing by the historic livery building—nearly 170 years old—to welcome them to the cowgirl club.
The History
Breck Kruger is a 14-year member of the ranch sorting association, Cinch RSNC. Not only does she compete, she and her husband are RSNC show producers and are raising their sons in the sport. In fact, in June, Brodee (17) and Bronson (14) made history when they won $34,294 in a single class at the Cinch RSNC World Finals.
The Top Hand Cowgirl Challenge was born not just from Kruger’s desire to remember the cowgirl she was before, but also to make sure other women chasing corporate careers and kiddos can have the same opportunity.
—H&R—