The Faces of the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition

The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is a beloved feature of Equine Affaire and has thrilled generations of horsemen and horsewomen. On Friday, April 8, the VHRC will return to the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center for the first time in two years! Twenty-five horse and rider pairs will compete for the top honor of becoming the Versatile Horse and Rider Champions. The VHRC tests the partnership of a horse and rider as they navigate an obstacle course and race the clock. Competitors are judged on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s horsemanship, and the team’s overall performance. Times are translated into points, and points from each obstacle are totaled. The horse and rider team with the highest overall point score wins! Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the top four riders, while the top ten riders receive ribbons and prize packages. This year, all top ten riders will receive a special Farnam product prize package.

Ready to meet five of the talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire?

Kiersten Woods

Horse: Georgia, 10 year old mare

Kiersten purchased Georgia to run barrels. Kiersten describes Georgia as a sweet mare that just about anyone can ride at a walk or trot. To prepare for this year’s event, they’ve been working on developing their collected canter and practicing with an obstacle course at home.

 

Kim Nemcheck

Horse: Once in a Fantasy, 5 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding

Although Kim and “Cruz” have been partners for only a year, they’re excited to compete in the VHRC. Kim says the VHRC was designed for Cruz, who is a talented and versatile animal. The duo enjoy participating in ranch riding, dressage, and English and Western disciplines.

 

Brenda Hanson

Horse: PVF Frosted Ace, 11 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding

Brenda and “Ace” have been together for eight years and enjoy ranch riding and obstacle courses. They’re veterans of the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, having placed in the top five many times as well as winning a reserve championship. They also won the championship at the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in Ohio with a score of 65 points and a time of 4 minutes and 55 seconds.

 

Katie Finley

Horse: Travel Gun, 4 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding

Katie and Travel Gun compete in the novice divisions of Extreme Cowboy Racing, ranch riding, and trail competitions. They’ve won multiple championships and reserve championships in extreme cowboy racing and trail competitions.

Katie and Traveller

Jess Schira

Horse: DL’s Guinan, 5 year old Hanoverian/Thoroughbred gelding

Jess and “Q” met the moment Q was born on June 18, 2017. From the very beginning, Q was sweet, smart, and bold, with a penchant for cuddling and having a good time. The pair started competing in American Horsemen Challenge Association shows in order to provide Q with a safe environment to start developing his “show legs.” Q enjoys obstacle work. In addition, Jess and Q are preparing for a future in dressage.

Excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 8, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1 pm Eastern Time. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!