Youth Academy
Freeride Invitational
Casey Brown
With a mission to empower female athletes and fuel their growth, Casey Brown’s Dark Horse freeride event and Academy brings together the world’s best female MTB athletes alongside emerging talents, creating a platform where dreams become reality.
Dark Horse Academy is bringing together the next generation of female freeriders for an unforgettable week of progression, mentorship, and community at SilverStar Mountain Resort.
Founded by professional freerider Casey Brown, Dark Horse Academy is designed to empower young women through mountain biking by creating opportunities to learn, grow, and ride alongside some of the best female athletes in the sport.
Taking place from June 27 to July 1, 2026, the five-day Academy welcomes women aged 14–25 who are looking to build confidence, develop their freeride skills, and connect with a supportive community of riders. Participants will enjoy riding sessions, skills clinics, mentorship opportunities, and behind-the-scenes insights into what it takes to pursue a career in professional mountain biking.
DARK HORSE
DARK HORSE
ACADEMY
The Dark Horse Academy is a 5 day progression camp for girls aged 14-19. The Academy is designed to build confidence and skills on and off the bike with insights on what it means to be a professional freerider.
This year's Academy will be hosted at SilverStar Mountain Resort. Think riding sessions, skills clinics, mentorship, and connection—led by some of the most inspiring women in freeride.
Set against the backdrop of SilverStar’s renowned bike park and trail network, Dark Horse Academy continues its mission of creating opportunities, building community, and empowering women in mountain biking.
FREERIDE INVITATIONAL
The week culminates with two exciting public events at Silverstar Mountain Resort that showcase the spirit of Dark Horse and celebrate women’s freeride mountain biking.
On July 1, riders and community members are invited to join the Dark Horse Community Ride. Following an athlete signing session in the village, participants can ride alongside Academy coaches, mentors, and professional athletes in a fun, inclusive group ride through the bike park.
Then, on July 2, spectators are invited to watch the Dark Horse Invitational Jump Jam, featuring some of the world’s top female freeriders throwing down on a custom-built course. The free public event will feature world-class riding, live music, food trucks, and an exciting atmosphere for riders, fans, and families alike.
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DARK HORSE
COMMUNITY
Casey and the women of Freeride are building a community - a movement. We are on a mission for inclusion, progression and to push the limits. Dark Horse was born to shake things up. To challenge the status quo, amplify women’s voices in freeride, and prove that limits are just starting lines.
Since its inception, Dark Horse has helped create opportunities for female athletes while inspiring the next generation of riders. Many former participants have gone on to compete at some of the biggest events in mountain biking, including Rampage, Natural Selection, Darkfest, Hardline, and World Cup competitions.
“Dark Horse helped me find the confidence I didn't know I had.”
Evann
CONTACT
Get in Touch
We love hearing from you! Reach out to discuss upcoming events or any opportunities.