Pro MTB freeride athlete Casey Brown’s Dark Horse Academy at SliverStar combines progression, mentorship and community, culminating in a showcase of women’s mountain biking talent at the Dark Horse Invitational.
More than an MTB Camp
When Casey Brown launched Dark Horse Academy, her vision extended far beyond teaching young women how to ride bigger jumps or tackle steeper terrain. She wanted to create a space where riders could develop both talent and community, both on and off the bike.
Now entering its second year, Dark Horse Academy returns to BC’s SilverStar Mountain Resort from June 27 to July 1 for an immersive week of elite coaching and skills evolution.
The academy aims to help young women thrive in a sport where female participation continues to grow, but where opportunities for technical advancement are more limited. The program fosters an environment where riders are encouraged to hone their proficiencies while building personal connections.
“Dark Horse isn’t just about freeride,” Brown said in an interview published on the Trek blog. “It’s about discovering where you want to take it, and figuring out what’s your flavor of mountain biking… I just wanted to create something that would have helped me when I was their age or at that level in the sport. I battled my way through it, and figured out how to get to be a pro eventually, but I had to take the scenic route. I had to learn everything the hard way…”
And the academy’s impact reaches well beyond the trail. Workshops throughout the week introduce participants to a wide range of topics that support a long-term future in mountain biking. Riders learn about concussion awareness, bike maintenance and trail building, while also exploring strength training, mobility, yoga and breathwork practices that contribute to overall performance and wellness.
The curriculum also reflects the reality of modern action sports, where athletes often wear many hats. Sessions on filmmaking, creative storytelling and building brand pitch decks provide participants with insights into the business and media side of the industry.
“I battled my way through it, and figured out how to get to be a pro eventually, but I had to take the scenic route. I had to learn everything the hard way…”
A Celebration on the Trails
The academy concludes with a public event that invites the wider mountain biking community to share in the experience. On July 1, the Dark Horse Community Ride brings together riders of all ages and abilities for a fun and inclusive day on the trails. Participants have the opportunity to ride alongside academy coaches, mentors and athletes, creating a welcoming environment where newcomers and experienced riders can connect.
The Dark Horse Invitational
While the academy focuses on education and development, the following day shifts the spotlight to the highest level of women’s riding. On July 2, the Dark Horse Invitational Jump Jam will bring some of the world’s top female freeriders to a custom-built course at SilverStar. The free public event promises a high-energy showcase as athletes push the limits of what is possible on two wheels.
More than a competition, the Invitational serves as a platform for women’s freeride mountain biking at a time when the discipline is experiencing unprecedented growth. Events like this help create visibility for female athletes while inspiring the next generation of riders watching from the sidelines. Spectators can expect a festival atmosphere complete with live music, food trucks and opportunities to connect with riders and industry leaders.
Together, Dark Horse Academy and the Dark Horse Invitational represent two aspects of the same mission. One focuses on nurturing potential, while the other celebrates excellence and showcases what is possible when women are given the support and opportunities to succeed.
For Casey Brown, the goal remains clear: keep women on mountain bikes and create the structures that allow them to flourish.
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