THE FACES OF THE 2021 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER COMPETITION

The excitement is building for the 2021 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Sponsored by Nutrena, the competition will take place on Friday, November 12, 2021, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition during Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. With $5,500 in cash and other prizes at stake, it’s going to be one exciting race as 18 competitors and their mounts vie for top honors. In this post, meet four of the competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire. (Check out Parts 1, 2, and 3 to meet more of the competitors.)

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Karli Knapp

Horse: Meadowbrook’s Sir Prize, 13-year-old Gypsy Vanner gelding

Karli and “Prize” are all about versatility. Together, they’ve competed in reining, ranch riding, dressage, hunter jumper, and pleasure driving. Prize has also escorted two brides by carriage on their special days, proving he’s got the looks to go with the talent! Karli and Prize’s most recent accomplishment was earning a 67 on their very first reining pattern. Karli says her goal with Prize is to show how versatile the gypsy breed truly is.

Stephanie Speers

Horse: Leap of Faith, 24-year-old Haflinger mare

Partners for eleven years, Stephanie and “Faith” have tried their hand at eventing, cattle sorting, dressage, Western dressage, hunt seat, Western pleasure, trail riding, and driving. Faith has also served as a therapeutic riding horse and has been a visitor to nursing homes. At just 14 hands high, Faith has a heart of gold and plenty of try. Stephanie and Faith placed 8th in the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, and they’re excited to return this year.

Rob West

Horse: Moonshine Lady, 11-year-old Mustang mare

Rob and Moonshine Lady ride in all disciplines and have earned a jumping championship to boot. They placed 5th in the 2015 Extreme Mustang Makeover and have made the top ten in a previous Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

Carly Wade

Horse: Wranglin Attraction, 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Carly and “Pauli” enjoy reining, ranch riding, and trail riding. They actively show in National Reining Horse Association events and have placed in the top 5 in the Rookie Pro class multiple times. They also love trail riding and versatility obstacles.

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Don’t miss the excitement! Admission to the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is included with every general admission ticket to Equine Affaire. The competition will be held in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on Friday, November 12, 2021, from 1:00-5:00pm EST. For more information, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-compete/mass-versatile-horse-rider-competition/.