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WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 2, 2022 – The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is coming back to Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and we can’t wait! As part of our preparations, we’re introducing you to all 25 horse and rider pairs that will be competing in this year’s competition. If you missed the first two posts, click here and check them out! Then come back to meet our next fabulous few contenders.
Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 5 pm. Riders will traverse our obstacle course and race the clock to see who will win the title of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider champions.
Every obstacle is designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Their efforts will be evaluated by our celebrity judge, Scott Purdum; narrated by our emcee, Steve Lantvit; and applauded by an audience of excited fans.
The champions will win $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette, while reserve, third, and fourth will take home rosettes and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Fifth through tenth will take home rosettes.
Ready to meet the next four competitors for this year?
Rob West and Moonshine Lady, 11 year old Mustang mare
Moonshine and Rob have been together since 2016, ever since the mare was gathered from the wild and the pair competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Virginia. They placed fifth. After that, they embarked on a great adventure (#MissionMoonshine)! Rob and Moonshine have competed in many events, encountered many trails, swum in the ocean, and represented Mustangs at the famous Hampton Classic Horse Show. Rob says, “Moonshine is truly my best friend, and she will be with me my whole life or hers.”
Anya Emmons and High Stylin’ Bobcat, 3 year old American Quarter Horse mare
Anya and “Peep” first met in October of 2021 and fell in love at first sight. Anya had been searching for a young horse to begin her training career, and when she met Peep, she knew he would be perfect. Almost a year later, they’ve developed a strong bond and trust in each other and are looking forward to competing together in the VHRC.
Although she’s just beginning her career as a performance horse trainer, Anya has been riding since she was 6 years old and enjoys riding in reined cow horse.
Lisa Doyle and Dagger L.S.F, 13 year old Friesian gelding
Lisa and “Harry” are a dynamic duo that bring plenty of flash and style to the VHRC. They’ve competed multiple times since 2019, including earning eighth place in the 2022 Ohio event. In addition to versatility, the pair participate in team penning and sorting, ranch riding, trail competitions, and parades.
“Our goal has been to show that Friesian horses are not just beautiful, but are adaptable and versatile enough to do much more than just dressage and showing,” Lisa says. “We love bringing the Friesian horse experience to everyone. Our goal for this year is to hopefully hit the top 5 in the competition. We have been told by other competitors every year that we are their favorites to watch compete, and as we always hear that we get style points!”
Logan DeCourcey and Cletus, 14 year old American Quarter Horse gelding
Logan and Cletus are new to the competition world and to each other – they’ve only been together for six months! Cletus is an ex-roping horse and Logan has been teaching him “the ropes” of flat work and versatility. The pair hail from Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Are you excited yet? We’ve got ten more competitors to introduce to you before November 11th gets here. Watch this page for all the updates, then plan on attending the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11th, from 1-5 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum, to see who will win!