Dark Horse Elite

02/28/2026

Congratulations to our newly crowned Open Hackamore World Champions!🏆

Razor Scooter (High Brow Cat x Scooters Daisy Dukes) owned by Russell and Tanna Dilday, shown by Russell Dilday - 440 (R: 221/C: 219)

02/28/2026

“Go after life as if it’s something that’s got to be roped in a hurry before it gets away.”
That’s exactly how we live it at Dilday Ranch — up early, saddled up, and putting in the work. Whether we’re training cow horses or tending cattle, we believe in chasing life full-speed.
And when the day’s done? There’s nothing better than sitting down to a Dilday Ranch steak.

02/25/2026

🔥 Welcome to the Official Page of Russell Dilday Performance Horses 🔥

We’re glad you’re here.

This is the official page of Russell Dilday and Russell Dilday Performance Horses — where ranch foundation meets championship performance.

Russell is a 3-Time NRCHA World’s Greatest Horseman and NRCHA Professional Horseman who built his program from the ground up. Raised working ranches, he transitioned into full-time training and has gone on to earn multiple premier titles in the show pen.

One of the most recognized partnerships in the cow horse industry was with Topsails Rien Maker — the first cow horse to become a Breyer model — helping cement Russell’s place in the sport’s history.

Based at Dilday Ranch in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, Russell and his family operate a program focused on:

• Training & showing elite reined cow horses
• Developing futurity and derby prospects
• Producing versatile, well-rounded performance horses
• Honoring true ranch roots

Here you’ll find updates from the ranch, show results, horses for sale, behind-the-scenes training, and upcoming events.

👉 Be sure to follow and turn on notifications to stay up to date.

Thank you for supporting Russell Dilday Performance Horses — where tradition, family, and excellence come first.

12/25/2025

This Christmas, we celebrate the bonds that unite us, the hope that drives us, and the incredible community that makes it all possible.

We are reminded of the power of resilience, the strength of community, and the importance of purpose. None of this would be possible without our team, supporters, family, and our tribe.

Thank you for standing with us and for believing in the mission.

Merry Christmas from all of us at Dark Horse Elite. 🎄

12/24/2025

From all of us at Dark Horse Elite, we wish you a warm and peaceful Christmas Eve. May your night be filled with joy, reflection, and the company of those you hold dear.

Happy Holidays! 🎄

12/02/2025

This Giving Tuesday, we reflect on the incredible moments that remind us why this mission matters. None of it is possible without the people who stand behind and support Dark Horse Elite.

When you give to Dark Horse Elite, you are providing more than just a program.

You’re providing:
Hope, Community, Clarity, Peace, Growth, Connection and Purpose.

Today, we invite you to stand with us
and support our Military and Veterans as they Reset. Ride. Reclaim.

The mission continues and we move forward together.
Donation link here: https://www.paypal.com/us/fundraiser/charity/5300243

11/27/2025

From the battlefield to the open range, the bonds we share remain unbreakable. This Thanksgiving, we are filled with gratitude for the journey, the brotherhood, and the peace found on the other side. We give thanks for the unwavering support of our tribe, our families, and everyone who stands with us.

To all who make this possible: Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Dark Horse Elite.

11/11/2025

Honor, Resilience, Purpose

This Veterans Day, we pause to celebrate the courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

At Dark Horse Elite, we are inspired by their strength and carry their legacy forward.

To all veterans: Thank you for your service. You are the reason we ride with purpose.

Dark Horse Elite: Episode One — A New Legacy BeginsThis is the start of a journey.Episode One invites you to step inside Dark Horse Elite (DHE) as we honor o...

11/10/2025

🎖️ Honoring 250 Years of the United States Marine Corps

November 10, 1775 – November 10, 2025

Today, we celebrate the warriors who have stood at the tip of the spear for two and a half centuries.

Their legacy is written in courage, discipline, and an unbreakable brotherhood that continues to inspire all who serve.

At Dark Horse Elite, we stand shoulder to shoulder with every Marine—past and present—who embodies the spirit of honor, courage, and commitment.

Your service and sacrifice remind us daily why we fight for healing, resilience, and the strength to carry on.

Happy Birthday, Marines.
Semper Fidelis.

10/25/2025

We extend our deepest gratitude to Classic Ropes for their generous sponsorship of the clinic attendees. Your support not only provided essential resources but also sent a powerful message of appreciation and solidarity to those who have served our country with honor and bravery.
A special thank you to Ken and Billie Bray for organizing the donation which helped make this event a success and also gave our American Heroes something to take home with them.
We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Abby Mixon Abby Mixon Performance Horses for her outstanding coaching and dedication to helping our American Heroes.

Together, we stand united in our mission to support and uplift those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

10/24/2025

The Power of Horsemanship in Veteran Rehabilitation
Working with horses at Dilday Ranch allows veterans to develop trust, patience, and communication skills, aiding in their recovery from trauma and enhancing their well-being.

Through our collaboration with Dark Horse Elite, Dilday Ranch proudly provides American heroes with powerful experiences grounded in horsemanship and Western tradition.
You can be part of their healing. Donate today and help us extend this life-changing opportunity to more veterans.


Ranch

09/11/2025

Today, we honor the lives lost on 9/11 and remember the moment our nation was attacked. In the face of unimaginable loss, America showed its true strength and unity.

Now, as our country reels from more senseless acts of violence, we are reminded that the fight for our values is constant. The spirit of resilience that defined us then must also define us now.

Take a moment today to remember the fallen, honor our heroes, and stand united.