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THE FACES OF THE 2021 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER COMPETITION
On Friday, November 12, 2021, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition returns to the Eastern States Exposition! Judged by Ed Dabney, eighteen horse-and-rider pairs will race through a timed obstacle course in pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. In this post, meet four of the horse-and-rider pairs who will ride in this exciting competition at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is an event not to be missed!
Lisa Doyle
Horse: Dagger L.S.F. Ster, 12-year-old Friesian gelding
Lisa and “Harry” have come a long way together in just two and a half years. According to Lisa, when their partnership began, Harry would bolt when confronted with challenging situations. But today, he has become a confident and brave partner for Lisa. Together, they compete in a variety of disciplines, from team penning and mounted shooting to dressage, pleasure, breed shows, and more! They also competed in the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.
Nicolina Foti
Horse: Ginger, 22-year-old Quarter Horse mare
Nicolina has been dreaming of competing in the VHRC ever since she was a little girl, and this year, her dream is coming true. Nicolina and Ginger have been partners for 18 years and grew up together. They’ve done it all, including English and Western pleasure, show jumping, Hunter paces, gymkhana, ranch horse, team penning, cutting, team roping, polo, and trail riding. This year, they’re excited to compete in their first VHRC together and see just what they can accomplish together.
Amanda Malone
Horse: Ironwood Turbo, 16-year-old Norwegian Fjord gelding
With both championships and ribbons to their name, Amanda and “Turbo” are a team to be reckoned with. They compete in 3-day eventing, combined tests, competitive mountain trail rides, foxhunting, and more. Turbo also loves to play on the teeter-totter and the Vegas box and enjoys going swimming.
Danielle Gauvin
Horse: Put A Little Pep In Your Step, 17-year-old Quarter Horse gelding
Danielle says “Pep” is a jack of all trades and a true athlete. This pair have done everything together, including gymkhana, jumping, and more. They’ve won the Woodstock Fair Classic in barrel racing and pole bending, made many accomplishments in the National Barrel Horse Association, and competed in eventing and jumping. This year, they’re looking forward to testing themselves in the 2021 VHRC in Massachusetts.
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/.