If you own horses, you already understand the special nature of the connection between horses and humans. At Equine Affaire, you can share the equestrian experience with people from all walks of life, including those who have never had the opportunity to love a horse like you do. By presenting at the Horse & Farm Exhibit, you can interact with tens of thousands of horse lovers and share all about your horse, your farm or your equestrian business. There’s no better place to share your love of horses than at North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. Bring your horses and reunite with your equine community on April 2-5, 2020, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.

Every year, the Horse & Farm Exhibits present visitors with a glimpse into the wide world of horses by showcasing a variety of breeds, from the familiar to the fascinating. This year’s event includes horses ranging in size from majestic Clydesdales to adorable ponies and miniature donkeys. In addition to promotional booths, breed exhibits and horses for sale, the Horse & Farm Exhibit includes the Adoption Affaire. Participating in the Horse & Farm Exhibits is easy, economical and fun, and there are multiple ways for equine businesses to participate in one of Equine Affaire’s most popular exhibits.

Reserve your Horse & Farm stall today and come prepared to decorate your stall front or aisle with celebratory banners, awards and photos to promote your horse or farm. Located in the Gilligan Complex, Horse & Farm stalls are priced as follows: inline stalls, $150; end stalls on the center aisle of the barn, $175; and end stalls on the outer aisle of the barn, $200. All stalls are 10×10 and include a one-line listing of the stall number, horse breed and phone number (or website) on the Equine Affaire website before the event and in the official event program during the event. Applications and payment must be received by the Equine Affaire office by 2/28/2020. Exhibitors should commit to presenting for at least three days. Interested parties can also take advantage of possible participation options with Equine Affaire’s Breed Pavilion.

Bring your horses for sale to Equine Affaire. Marked by orange tags at the event, the For Sale stalls are a popular part of the Horse & Farm Exhibits. For $150, you can house your horse for sale in a 10×10 inline stall in the Gilligan Complex. All For Sale stalls include a sign to post on the stall and a free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com. You must commit to exhibiting your horse at least two days of the event, and if your horse is sold, you may substitute another horse. Potential buyers, age 18 and over, may test ride your horse at the event with the proper releases. Find your horse’s next perfect home at Equine Affaire!

Equine Affaire is proud to promote the missions of equine rescues, sanctuaries, and The Right Horse Initiative, and provide a special way for horses in need to find new owners through the Adoption Affaire. Adoption stalls are $150 for a 10 x 10 stall in the Gilligan Complex. Each stall includes a green “Adoption Affaire” sign to post on the stall and a free listing, pre-event, on the Equine Affaire website that provides the horse’s breed, age, gender, name, discipline, price, photo and stall location. Adoption participants should commit to exhibiting their horse for at least two days of the event.

All stalls include one 4-day adult ticket ($50 value). Tack stalls are also available for $100. Showcase your horse and farm at Equine Affaire—the place where all breeds, all disciplines, and all facets of the equine industry come together to celebrate the horse! For more information about participating at Equine Affaire in Ohio, contact Karin Brennan at (740) 845-0085, ext. 112, or email kbrennan@equineaffaire.com. You can also visit equineaffaire.com for more information.

If you love horses, music and a good time, then Fantasia is the show for you! Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse combines the talents of the world’s best equestrian performers with the magic of music to create one of the horse industry’s most beloved traditions. Purchase advance tickets online today at equineaffaire.com to claim your seat at one of just three performances of Fantasia, happening nightly from April 2-4, 2020, during Equine Affaire at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.

After a day spent enjoying the sights and sounds of Equine Affaire in Ohio, let Fantasia thrill you with the wonders of an equestrian’s dream brought to life. From bridleless dressage freestyles to exciting drill team routines, this year’s Fantasia promises to delight equestrians of all ages with a medley of equestrian performances. Third-generation circus performer and equestrian Jenny Vidbel will perform one of her most popular liberty routines, featuring eighteen horses and ponies. Dressage fans will love the elegance and precision of Cedar Potts’ bridleless dressage freestyle, while Caleb Carinci will defy gravity with a vaulting routine. Nate Eicher’s comical freestyle showcases the talents and abilities of his Mustangs, and the Jerry Diaz Family will add a touch of Spanish flair to the show. If you love speed, the Young Guns Equestrian Drill Team and the Red Rock Riders Drill Team will set your heart to pounding with their speedy turns and elaborate drill patterns. Finally, the Knights of Iceland will set fire to the Coliseum – quite literally – with their band of speedy Icelandic ponies, sharing a glimpse into the myths and wonders of Iceland. The doors to the Coliseum open nightly at 6:45 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm.

Equine Affaire returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio on April 2-5, 2020. General admission tickets for Equine Affaire and advance tickets for Fantasia, priced from $14 to $25, are available now at equineaffaire.com. Purchase your tickets online to enjoy Equine Affaire’s new hassle-free digital ticket delivery. Print tickets at home or present them on your mobile device to be scanned for easy entry to both events. You can also purchase tickets for both events by calling the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, any time between 9 am and 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday.

Equine Affaire proudly acknowledges Absorbine® as the official sponsor of Fantasia. Visit the Absorbine® booth in the trade show during your visit to Equine Affaire in Ohio to learn more about one of the horse industry’s oldest and most trusted brands.

Buy your tickets, book your hotel reservations, and prepare to experience the best of Equine Affaire.

Shake off those winter blues by making plans to attend Equine Affaire in Ohio this spring! On April 2-5, 2020, elevate your equestrian experience by attending Equine Affaire at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. As North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire offers horse lovers the opportunity to spend four days surrounded by everything to do with horses, from clinics and educational demonstrations to barns filled with horse and farm exhibits to the largest equine-themed trade show in the Midwest. Tickets for Equine Affaire in Ohio are on sale now, so purchase your digital tickets online today at equineaffaire.com.

General admission tickets for adults are just $15/day or $50/four-day pass; for children ages 7-10, tickets are $8/day; for children ages 6 and under, admission is free. Spend your day browsing the trade show, visiting theme pavilions, cheering on your favorite riders in the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, or learning all about horses from the many clinics, seminars and demonstrations that make Equine Affaire a top educational destination for horse lovers everywhere.

Tickets for Equine Affaire in Ohio are now digital, so after purchase, your electronic ticket will be delivered to you via email. Store your electronic ticket on your phone for scanning upon arrival or print at home and present your printed tickets at the gate. Hours for the event are 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Please note the Ohio Expo Center charges for parking.

All equestrians know the old saying: “There’s always something new to learn in the horse industry.” With a robust schedule of more than 200 educational sessions, Equine Affaire offers learning opportunities for equestrians of all skill levels and disciplines. At this year’s event, learn more about general training and horsemanship from Jonathan Field, Craig Cameron, Warwick Schiller, Tik Maynard and Lynn Palm. Other featured topics and clinicians include Lynn Palm (Western dressage), JR Robles (general training and colt starting), Jim Thomas (general training and horsemanship), Jonathon Millar (hunter/jumper), Jeremy Steinberg (dressage), Kevin Oliver (reining and trail), Kristin Weaver Brown (barrel racing), Liz Austin (dressage), Heidi Potter (Centered Riding®), Rick Christy (western horsemanship and hunter under saddle), Suzy Stafford (driving), Simon Cocozza (core strengthening and yoga for horses), Gary Lane (easy gaited horses), Sarah Track (saddleseat), Jerry Paulsen (equine assisted activities), Paul Garrison (mules), Heidi McLaughlin (overcoming fear), Maggie Herlensky (sidesaddle), Laura Benson and Carrie Brandt (Icelandics), the Young Guns Equestrian Drill Team (drill teams), and much more.

For visitors who are new to the horse industry, consider starting your day at the Equine Fundamentals Forum. The Forum features hands-on exhibits and fun educational displays about the basics of equine health care and management. Originally designed to help introduce kids to the wide world of horses, the Equine Fundamentals Forum has become dedicated to educating horse lovers of all ages, including adults.

And for aspiring equestrians, take part in the college/career fair on Saturday, which starts in the Equine Fundamentals Forum at 10:00am. Learn about equine-related careers, educational opportunities, and take part in a scavenger hunt throughout the event to win fun prizes.

Between clinics, browse Equine Affaire’s legendary trade show. Sprawling across five buildings and featuring more than 350 vendors, you’re guaranteed to find whatever you need (or want!) for you, your horse or that special equestrian in your life at Equine Affaire in Ohio. If you have tack or other horse-related items to sell, visit the Marketplace to consign your items for a small fee and then enjoy your day while the Marketplace staff sells your items. At the end of the day, come back by the Marketplace to collect the proceeds from the sale of your items. Or if a new horse is on your shopping list, browse the For Sale stalls in the barn or attend the Adoption Affaire to find your next horse. The Adoption Affaire features an array of adoptable horses of various breeds, ages and skill levels, and you can apply to adopt on the spot. Become part of a special horse’s adoption story by providing a loving home to a horse in need.

In addition to the educational seminars, Equine Affaire in Ohio will host an array of special events throughout the four-day weekend:

• Operation Horses and Heroes has partnered with Equine Affaire to offer A Horse for Heroes, which provides veterans, active duty and first responders the chance to interact with horses in a safe, inviting atmosphere and experience the effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies. Activities will take place Friday in the Bricker Annex from 1:30-3:00pm and on Saturday in the Cooper Arena from 1:00-2:30pm. To sign up, visit the Operation Horses and Heroes booth in the Breed Pavilion.
• Ride a Horse for the first time … or the first time in a long time! Equine Affaire has partnered with the Ohio Haflinger Association to provide opportunities for new and aspiring horse lovers to have their first encounter with a horse. Representatives of area horse farms and trainers affiliated with the Ohio Haflinger Association will provide basic instruction and seasoned lesson horses on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, April 2-4. Sign up in advance at the Ohio Haflinger Association booth in the Breed Pavilion.
• Mustang fans, don’t miss the Mustang TIP Challenge at Equine Affaire. During the Challenge, trainers will gentle untamed mustangs in the hopes of demonstrating each horse’s value and trainability in a competitive environment. The preliminary competition made up of 35 contestants will take place in the Cooper Arena on Friday, April 3rd, from 10 am-2 pm, with the finals taking place on Saturday from 3-5 pm.
• Equine Affaire has teamed up with the International Liberty Horse Association to feature a two-part liberty Invitational competition on Friday, April 3^rd and Saturday, April 4^th. Select trainers will highlight their talents with horses of a variety of breeds and backgrounds.
• For young riders (grades 4-12), the Interscholastic Equestrian Association Intensive Clinic offers a unique opportunity to see inside the mind of an IEA judge. The clinic will feature a judge’s perspective and offer tips for competing at IEA shows in both English and Western disciplines, as well as dressage. This clinic will take place on Sunday, April 5, from noon to 4 pm in the Cooper Arena.
• The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place on Friday, April 3, at 1 pm in the Coliseum. This timed obstacle race tests the partnership and communication between horse and rider. Competitors may be asked to ride their horses under a balloon arch, sidepass down a piece of lumber, carry a barrel, or gallop around the arena dragging a parachute. Come prepared to cheer on your favorite horses and riders as they compete for top honors and $5,500 in prize money in this exciting event.

Finally, no day is complete at Equine Affaire until you’ve experienced the magic of Fantasia. Sponsored by Absorbine^®, the Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Every year, the Fantasia showcases an array of equestrian acts, from liberty and reining freestyles to drill team performances, comedy, driving, and much more. The Fantasia will take place Thursday through Saturday nights in the Coliseum. Ticket prices range from $14 to $25. Tickets go fast, so don’t wait. Purchase your digital tickets for Fantasia online at equineaffaire.com today.

Finally, make your hotel reservations for Equine Affaire early! Visit our list of host hotels, available online at equineaffaire.com, and mention Equine Affaire when you make your reservation to get a special discounted rate on your room. Round out your experience by joining the team! Volunteers for Equine Affaire receive free admission, so register with the Equine Affaire office by 3/1/20 to secure your spot. For more information about the event, host hotels or other details, call the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085 between 9 am and 5 pm EST, Monday through Friday. We’ll see you in Ohio!

LONDON, OH, January 8, 2020 – If you’ve ever wished you could ride your own horse in a clinic with your favorite trainer, that wish can come true at Equine Affaire in Ohio! On April 2-5, 2020, Equine Affaire returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, with a brand-new roster of the country’s top trainers and equestrian experts. Many of these presenters are now seeking horses and riders to participate in their clinics through Equine Affaire’s Ride with a Pro program. Apply to Ride with a Pro and you could find yourself sharing the arena with such trainers as Jonathan Field, Craig Cameron, Warwick Schiller, Tik Maynard or Lynn Palm at the 2020 Equine Affaire in Ohio.

With more than 200 educational sessions in a variety of disciplines, there’s something for everyone to learn at Equine Affaire. Riders and horses of all skill levels are invited to apply to participate, and applying is easy. Visit equineaffaire.com (select the Ohio event, click “Participate” and then “Ride with a Pro”) or contact Coagi Long by emailing clong@equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085, ext. 114. Fees range from $75 to $350 depending on the clinic. The application deadline is February 14, 2020, so get a head start on your materials by applying today!

This year’s lineup of presenters includes such equestrian all-stars as Jonathan Field, Craig Cameron, Warwick Schiller, Tik Maynard, and Lynn Palm, presenting on general training and horsemanship. Other featured clinicians and topics include JR Robles (general training & colt starting), Lynn Palm (Western dressage), Jim Thomas (general training & horsemanship), Jonathon Millar (hunter/jumper), Steve Colclasure (cutting & reined cow horse), Jeremy Steinberg (dressage), Kevin Oliver (reining and trail), Kristen Weaver Brown (barrel racing), Liz Austin (dressage), Heidi Potter (centered riding), Rick Christy (western horsemanship and hunter under saddle), Suzy Stafford (driving), Simon Cocozza (core strengthening & yoga for horses), Sarah Track (saddleseat), Paul Garrison (mules), and Heidi McLaughlin (overcoming fear).

Equestrians of all disciplines are also invited to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, hosted by Equine Affaire on Friday, April 3 at 1:00 pm in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center. Apply by February 14, 2020, for your chance to vie for $5,500 in prize money and the top honor of being crowned as the 2020 Versatile Horse and Rider Champion at Equine Affaire in Ohio. The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition consists of a timed obstacle race, specially designed to test the communication and partnership between horse and rider. Judges will also evaluate competitors based on general horsemanship criteria and overall performance. Up to 25 pre-selected horse and rider pairs will compete, and cash prizes will be awarded to the top four contestants, with ribbons presented through tenth place. The $350 entry fee includes three single-day admission tickets and stabling for one horse, Wednesday through Saturday of the event. To apply, visit equineaffaire.com online (select the Ohio event, click “Participate” and then “Versatile Horse and Rider Competition”).

To learn more about opportunities to saddle up for Equine Affaire in Ohio, visit our Ride With A Pro clinic program page, check out our Versatile Horse & Rider Competition page, or call the office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST (M-F). See you at Equine Affaire!

For horse lovers, nothing kicks off the holiday season like celebrating a successful Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. On November 7-10, 2019, the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield played host to the 22^nd annual Equine Affaire in Massachusetts.

As North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire is a bucket-list destination for thousands of horse lovers, equestrian experts and equine businesses from across the United States and beyond. From the buzz of the trade show floor to the hustle and bustle of clinics and the happy hum of the barns, the event offered something special for equine enthusiasts of all ages.

“Equine Affaire is very professional and organized, and their volunteers are exceptional,” said Chris Cox of Chris Cox Horsemanship, who presented multiple clinics and sessions on general horsemanship at this year’s event. “They create a little bit of something for everyone here. Coming to an event like this for the price, you can see a lot of great horsemen and horsewomen in different disciplines. You just can’t beat it.”

This year’s event hosted more than 150 sessions with the industry’s leading horsemen and horsewomen, including Chris Cox, Julie Goodnight, Dan James, Steve Lantvit and Jason Irwin. Equestrian experts from around the world presented on topics such as dressage, eventing, show jumping, barrel racing, driving, hunters, western dressage, hunter under saddle, gaited horses, saddle seat, sidesaddle, and more.

Many of the clinics featured riders and horses who had been selected for Equine Affaire’s Ride with a Pro program, which invites individuals to apply to ride with experts at clinics during the event. Equine Affaire attendee Jade Warren participated in one of Julie Goodnight’s clinics, and said she came away with helpful exercises that she plans to continue using at home with her horse.

“What I appreciated most about Julie’s teaching style was her gentleness,” Jade said. “It really helped me out a lot that she was so calm and willing and able to help with whatever I needed. If you’re on the fence about applying for a future Ride With A Pro opportunity, my advice is to do it! You only live once.”

Between clinics, attendees browsed acres of equine-themed shopping at the east coast’s largest horse-related trade show. From gleaming horse trailers to fun equine-themed board games, there were goods of almost every kind available for purchase, including tack, apparel, jewelry, horse feed samples and plenty more. Many clinicians and presenters also hosted their own booths in the trade show, where visitors could ask questions, buy products, request autographs and more.

“I’m here all day in my booth answering questions and looking at pictures of people’s horses and hearing their stories,” Julie Goodnight said. “At Equine Affaire, you get to interact face-to-face with people you might never otherwise have a chance to see. The same is true of the vendors. We have a lot of pharmaceuticals, a lot of veterinary products and nutritional products. You can get very educated in these trade shows. If I have a question about building a stall or figuring out what I want in a horse trailer, I can come to a trade show like this and compare all the different kinds of horse trailers. There’s a lot of value to events like Equine Affaire.”

In addition to the clinics and the trade show, special events took place each day during Equine Affaire. Whispery Pines Percherons offered a brand-new activity called Drive A Draft, where visitors learned firsthand how to drive a massive Percheron horse. Attendees also had the chance to ride one of the nation’s most versatile horse breeds at the Ride A Morgan event. Another new event this year was created especially for veterans and first responders. Equine Affaire partnered with BINA Farm to offer A Horse for Heroes, which gave veterans and other heroes the opportunity to interact with a horse for the first time and experience the magical bond between horse and human.

The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition took place on Friday in the Coliseum, featuring 25 horse-and-rider pairs who vied with each other for the top prize of $2,500 and the honor of being named the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Champion. Judged by Chris Cox and announced by Steve Lantvit, the competition featured a daunting obstacle course specially designed to test the communication between horse and rider. Riders asked their horses to leap a series of small jumps, carry a barrel from one end of the arena to another, drag a parachute, execute a tight turn atop a small platform, and many other challenging maneuvers.

Danelle Osinchuk of Springfield, Vermont, and her horse, a 19-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding named Slip Me A Dual Pep, took home top honors with a score of 58 points and a time of 5 minutes and 9 seconds.

“The VHRC is a competition that encompasses asking you to know a little bit from all of the different disciplines,” Danelle reflected. “You might have to jump, you might have to spin, who knows. I like trying to prepare my horse for something where you don’t necessarily really know what to expect.”

Danelle and “Magic” have competed multiple times in the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, but this year marks their first win.

“I really, really love this event and I look forward to it,” Danelle said. “I would encourage anyone to try it out. I don’t make a living training horses, I don’t keep my horse with a trainer, and I have three young kids. If I can work my way to the top, I am sure many others can, too. I’ve enjoyed the journey and the camaraderie that has come with it.”

Finally, no day at Equine Affaire is quite complete unless you’ve experienced the beauty and wonder of the Fantasia. Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse featured a variety of horse-themed acts, each one filled with the special kind of magic that only horses can bring. Ambra Andrine rallied her Arabian horses to create a fabulous equestrian ballet, complete with aerial acrobatics and dance. World-renowned horseman Dan James performed his award-winning freestyle routine atop the stallion, Don Magnum. Lisa Dufresne performed in two acts: first, she appeared in a series of stunning costumes with her beautiful Friesian, Flip; and second, she performed with a lovable team of six miniature stallions, each costumed like a lion cub. Hope Cooper executed a stunning dressage freestyle with her horse, Hot Chocolate W, and Tribe Ermes had the audience perched on the edge of their seats with their fabulous vaulting routine. The dueling draft horse hitches of Morrisville College and Whispery Pines Percherons, a Wild West show with Austin Anderson, Chelsea Fisher and Trevor Draher, and the Crimson Acres Glory Riders Drill Team rounded out an already fabulous evening. For the big finale, a team of Icelandic horses and riders literally set the arena on fire in a stunning display of horsemanship, speed and song during their Tribute to Throstur.

Equine Affaire is grateful for the generous support of its sponsors, including Absorbine, sponsor of Fantasia; US Equestrian, sponsor of the Coliseum Arena; Cosequin, sponsor of the Equine Fundamentals Forum; Farnam, sponsor of the Courtesy Shopping Bag; Horizon Structures, the official barn of Equine Affaire; Horze Equestrian, the official apparel of Equine Affaire; GGT, sponsor of the Mallary & Young Arenas; Wahl, official clipper of Equine Affaire; and Nutrena, sponsor of the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition.

For more information about Equine Affaire, visit equineaffaire.com or call the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, any time between 9am and 5pm EST, Monday through Friday. Thanks for joining us, and we hope to see you again next year!

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Congratulations to the 2019 MA Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion, Danelle Osinchuk riding Slip Me A Dual Pep! Reserve Champion went to Melissa Ellis and Steep Way Cosmo Girl. Third place was Jason Charles and Ms. Whiz It, with fourth place to Brenda Hanson and Ace. Rounding out the top five was Jackie Rappel and Becketts Hickory Doc. See below for full results. Congratulations to all of our competitors, and a big thank you to our sponsor – Nutrena!
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Our final installment of rider profiles for the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena, is below. Who will you be rooting for?

Stephanie Speers

Horse: Leap of Faith (aka “Faith”), 22-year-old Haflinger mare

When Stephanie acquired Faith 9 years ago she was barely saddle broke. Since then, they have had many adventures – training cross country, competing in Road Hack in the Hunter ring, beach and trail riding, and even visiting local nursing homes, birthday parties, and fairs. Stephanie has been riding and training horses for over 25 years and looks forward to testing her and Faith’s skills at this year’s VHRC.

Carly Wade

Horse: Docs Hot to Handle (aka “Lizz”, 10-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Carly is a recent graduate with a degree in Ag Production Systems with a specialty in Equine Management from Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture, where she and her horse Lizz competed on the NCTA Ranch Team and earned the 2017 CSU Silver Jubilee All Around Champion Collegiate Novice buckle. She also completed a 12-week farrier program in Oklahoma, worked for a cow-horse trainer in Wyoming, and currently works trimming, training, and transporting horses. They are truly a “been-there-done-that” pair, and we look forward to their debut in the VHRC!

Loretta Rose Weber (2 horses)

Horses: Colonel Smoken Badger (aka “Smoke”), 9-year-old APHA Paint/PtHA Pinto stallion & Shining Gold Badger (aka “Badger”), 9-year-old APHA Paint/Pinto gelding

Loretta will be hard to miss on her flashy Paint/Pinto horses at this year’s competition. They are no strangers to the VHRC with both horses having competed in previous years and Smoke with multiple top 3 finishes. Loretta and her horses are truly all-around competitors and compete in western and English disciplines, including halter, horsemanship, ranch and trail classes, hunter hack, gymkhana, and western dressage.

 

 

Carolyn Weeks

Horse: Mr. Spoc, 7-year-old Mustang gelding

Carolyn and Mr. Spoc have been working together and showing at local shows and versatility challenges for the last 5 years. At their VHRC debut last year, they were just 2 points outside of the top 10. They have been working very hard this summer to improve their skills are aiming to break into the top 5 at this year’s competition.

Rob West

Horse: Lori Darlin, 4-year-old Mustang mare

Just 6 short months ago, Lori Darlin was a wild mustang. Rob has been training her and working to overcome fears and tackle obstacles, and the two have grown to be trusting partners. She can now be ridden in shows and alongside traffic, and has even been brought into Rob’s home and climbed a flight of stairs upon request. Rob claims there isn’t much Lori Darlin won’t do if asked, and we can’t wait to see how they perform together in this year’s VHRC!

 

In this edition of Equine Affaire, we talk to Christie Schulte Kappert of The Right Horse Initiative. Christie is the program manager for the WaterShed Animal Fund’s equine initiative, the Right Horse Initiative.

If you’re interested in adoption, click here to learn about our Adoption Affaire at the upcoming Massachusetts Equine Affaire. General admission tickets to Equine Affaire (available online here) include admission to the Adoption Affaire and all other specialty pavilions along with the hundreds of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations scheduled for November 7-10 at the Eastern States Exposition!

Read about our next set of riders for the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena, below!

Matt Lovejoy

Horse: Twilight Smarty 313 (aka “Jewel”), 6-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Matt was raised on an Arabian horse farm in West Virginia and began his professional horsemanship career at the age of 24. He has worked and trained under 14 world champion trainers in various disciplines including reining, reined cow horse, cutting, pleasure, roping, endurance racing, and ranch work. Matt has won 7 buckles and earned himself the nickname “Cowboy Matt.” Matt specializes in “problem” horses and acquired Jewel after she had bucked off her previous owner one too many times. In just 5 months, Jewel has proven herself to be a confident and capable mount, and Matt looks forward to showing off her versatility in the VHRC.

Symphonie Nadeau

Horse: Invited by Krymsun (aka “Onyx”), 15-year-old Quarter Horse gelding

Symphonie has a solid equestrian background with 31 years of experience competing and training horses in different countries and working with Olympic and international clinicians. She has won several titles, including the provincial finals of the Quebec Extreme Cowboy Association in the Open Pro division.

Danelle Osinchuk

Horse: Slip Me A Dual Pep (aka “Magic”), 19-year-old Quarter Horse gelding

Danelle and Magic have been a team for 10 years, and together have competed in cutting events, stock horse shows, and versatility events. Magic was bred and trained for cutting and reining. They have won amateur and open year-end championships in The New England Stock Horse Series and placed in the top 5 multiple times in the VHRC.

Jackie Rappel

Horse: Becketts Hickory Doc (“Roanie”), 19-year-old Quarter Horse gelding

Jackie and Roanie have been competing together in reined cow horse and the VHRC for four years. They’ve placed as high as 4^th and had multiple top 10 finishes. Although Jackie sold Roanie to friends about a year ago and he is now semi-retired, Jackie still rides him once a month and plans to continue competing with him at the VHRC every year as long as he’s still up for the challenge.

Laura Ryan

Horse: Doctor’s Peppy’s Lena (aka “Jewel”), 17-year-old Quarter Horse mare

East meets west with this pair! Laura is from New York, and her mount Jewel was born in Texas before being acquired in a stableman’s lien. For the last 11 years, they have participated in western versatility, trail, and ranch horse competitions. This will be their VHRC debut.

Martin Schwartz

Horse: Show Me Sterling (aka “Sterling”), 10-year-old Appaloosa gelding

Martin and Sterling have proven their abilities time and again in the VHRC, winning back-to-back champion titles in 2017 and 2018. Because of Sterling’s owner’s back troubles, he cannot ride – so Martin has taken the reins for the past six years and Sterling has truly blossomed under him. We can’t wait to see how these two perform at this year’s competition!

In the fourth episode of the Equine Affaire podcast, we talk to renowned horse trainer, clinician, and author Julie Goodnight. She has been helping horses, one human at a time, since 1985, when she began her training business. Julie travels both domestically and internationally to teach horsemanship. She is also a spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association, holding their highest level of certification, Master Clinic Instructor.

Listen below to hear why Julie thinks the clinics at Equine Affaire are so valuable, and about some of her favorite Equine Affaire moments.

To view this year’s event schedule, which includes presentations from Julie and many other talented horsemen and women, click here. With seven venues and hundreds of sessions over four days, a little advance planning will be required! Don’t have your ticket yet? Click here to purchase! General admission tickets include admission to all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations.