03 12

Meet the VHRC Competitors: Part 1

Melinda Adams

Horse: Bella Beretta, 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Melinda and Bella Beretta have been a team for 3 years, and in that time they have participated in Breyerfest, competed at the Quarter Horse Congress in Freestyle Reining, and competed at the ARHA World Show in Ranch Reining. They have also competed at Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition three times, placing as high as 4th.

Melinda Adams and Bella Beretta


Shannon Barth

Horse: Whata Golden Girl (aka “Piper”), 4-year-old APHA/PHBA mare

Shannon started out riding trail horses and showing in 4H. Since November 2017, she and Piper have successfully showed in Hunter Under Saddle and Ranch events, and were named the 2018 Mid Ohio Horse Show Association Ranch Division Championship.

Shannon Barth and Whata Golden Girl

 

Valerie Boatman

Horse: MSU Supersticious (aka “Spartan”), 12-year-old Arabian gelding

Valerie purchased Spartan as a 2-year-old from Michigan State University, where he was bred. She describes him as sensible, willing, and smart. Together, they have ridden trails, been in parades, and since 2015 have also been competing in dressage. They have shown in over 100 recognized shows and more than 100 schooling shows!

Valerie Boatman and MSU Supersticious

 

Tammy Burgard

Horses: Alot Nu Jazz, 6-year-old AQHA gelding & WR Classic Whiskey, 7-year-old AQHA mare

Tammy will be competing on two horses, and both have impressive resumes. Alot Nu Jazz is a Reserve World Champion in Ranch Horse Versatility, and WR Classic Whiskey holds multiple state and regional championships in Extreme Cowboy Racing, along with being a World Championship Finals qualifier the past three years.

Tammy Burgard and Alot Nu Jazz

 

Sydney Casto

Horse: Angel, 12-year-old American paint mare

Sydney is one of this year’s youngest competitors at just 19 years old. She received her horse Angel as a Christmas gift 6 years ago, and since they have competed in contesting, jumping, pleasure, and trail. This pair took grand champion at the county fair’s trail class three years in a row. In addition to showing, Sydney and Angel trail ride almost every week, up to 25 miles at a time!

Don’t miss the action! The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition will take place at 1pm on Friday, April 12th at Equine Affaire. The competition will be held in the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, please visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-compete/ohio-versatile-horse-rider-competition/

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03 06

Explore the World of Horses at Equine Affaire

LONDON, OH, March 6, 2019 – Interested in improving your horsemanship skills, but not sure where to start? Equine Affaire in Ohio is the answer! As North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire offers visitors countless opportunities to learn about all aspects of horsemanship. Whether you’re just starting out in your riding career or you’ve been in the saddle since birth, there’s a clinic on the schedule for you. Equine Affaire returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, on April 11-14. Make plans today to attend and learn from such renowned horsemen and horsewomen as Guy McLean, Julie Goodnight, Steve Lantvit, Neil Davies, Jason Irwin, and many more.

With more than 200 educational sessions on the schedule, Equine Affaire’s robust clinic program caters to equestrians of all skill levels and disciplines. Since its inception, part of Equine Affaire’s mission has been to educate equestrians and to promote communication and collaboration within the industry. Since continuing education is the lifeblood of the equine industry, clinics are an ideal way for horsemen and horsewomen to educate and inspire one another.

“At its heart, Equine Affaire is about celebrating the horse,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “Part of celebrating the horse is learning about ways to improve our horsemanship and handling skills. That’s why Equine Affaire focuses on bringing the best and brightest in the industry, from Olympians and World Champions to professional equestrian performers, authors, and judges. If you want to learn, there’s no better place to be.”

As one of the featured clinicians of Equine Affaire, Australian-born horsemanship trainer Guy McLean will conduct sessions on colt starting, control under saddle and on the ground, horsemanship, and liberty work. After a lifetime spent in the saddle, Guy McLean believes that the best tools to use in horsemanship are knowledge, compassion, patience, and imagination. Since 1999, Guy and his beloved team of horses have been performing for equestrian audiences around the world. In addition to teaching clinics, Guy will perform his signature liberty act in Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse.

Julie Goodnight is known around the world for her focus on classical horsemanship and improving the relationship between horse and rider. A gifted teacher, Goodnight shares her expertise in multiple disciplines through clinics, articles, podcasts, and on-demand videos. At Equine Affaire, Goodnight will teach sessions on refining the canter, finding your balance and rhythm, developing soft hands, and teaching the horse to give to the bit. Named an Exceptional Equestrian Educator by Equine Affaire, Goodnight is also the spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association and a certified Master Clinic Instructor.

Award-winning horseman Steve Lantvit promotes training built on trust, gentle hands, and true partnership. At Equine Affaire, Lantvit will present on transitions, true collection, warm-ups and exercises, and how to recognize your horse’s footfall patterns. Lantvit regularly conducts clinics and presentations at equestrian events across the United States. He also hosts his own television program on RFD-TV, “Sure in the Saddle.”

Canadian-born horseman Jason Irwin trains foundation Quarter Horses at Northstar Livestock in Ontario. In addition to owning and operating a beef farm with his family, Irwin shares his knowledge of training horses through clinics and presentations. His sessions at Equine Affaire will include side-passing, emergency stops, problem-solving in horse training for youth, and more.

Neil Davies of Fear-Free Horse Training believes in using trust, confidence, and understanding to train horses. A horse trainer and author, Davies will teach sessions on the fundamentals of fear-free horsemanship, including teaching your horse about correct forward motion, building your horse’s work ethic, and developing everyday disciplines of communication and consistency.

A host of other discipline-specific clinicians to be featured at Equine Affaire include Candice King and Ali Wolff (hunter/jumper), Mette Rosencrantz and Susan Mandas (dressage), Sandy Collier (reined cow horse), Jesse Westfall (reining), Jane Melby (barrel racing), Muffy Seaton (driving), Sylvia Zerbini and Luke Gingerich (liberty), Dana Hokana (western horsemanship, hunter under saddle), Michael Gascon (easy gaited horses), Gayle Lampe (saddleseat), Tom Seay (trail riding and camping), Kelsey Lauberth (trick riding), Sam Rettinger (draft horses), Asbury University (mounted police horse training), and more. For a full list of clinicians and a complete schedule, visit equineaffaire.com.

General admission tickets for Equine Affaire are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased online at equineaffaire.com or by calling the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, Mon-Fri from 9 am-5 pm EST. Single-day adult tickets are $15. Single-day youth tickets (age 7-10) are $8, while children ages 6 and under attend free. Four-day adult passes are available for $50. For the price of general admission, visitors can shop at North America’s largest horse-related trade show, interact with hundreds of horses on display in breed exhibits, marvel at competitions, and attend all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. Please note that separate tickets are required for admission to Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse. Fantasia tickets can also be ordered online or through the Equine Affaire office.

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02 18

Learn and Grow with Equine Affaire’s Top Clinicians

LONDON, OH, February 18, 2019 – Interested in improving your horsemanship skills, but not sure where to start? Equine Affaire in Ohio is the answer! As North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire offers visitors countless opportunities to learn about all aspects of horsemanship. Whether you’re just starting out in your riding career or you’ve been in the saddle since birth, there’s a clinic on the schedule for you. Equine Affaire returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, on April 11-14. Make plans today to attend and learn from such renowned horsemen and horsewomen as Guy McLean, Julie Goodnight, Steve Lantvit, Neil Davies, Jason Irwin, and many more.

With more than 200 educational sessions on the schedule, Equine Affaire’s robust clinic program caters to equestrians of all skill levels and disciplines. Since its inception, part of Equine Affaire’s mission has been to educate equestrians and to promote communication and collaboration within the industry. Since continuing education is the lifeblood of the equine industry, clinics are an ideal way for horsemen and horsewomen to educate and inspire one another.

“At its heart, Equine Affaire is about celebrating the horse,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “Part of celebrating the horse is learning about ways to improve our horsemanship and handling skills. That’s why Equine Affaire focuses on bringing the best and brightest in the industry, from Olympians and World Champions to professional equestrian performers, authors, and judges. If you want to learn, there’s no better place to be.”

As one of the featured clinicians of Equine Affaire, Australian-born horsemanship trainer Guy McLean will conduct sessions on colt starting, control under saddle and on the ground, horsemanship, and liberty work. After a lifetime spent in the saddle, Guy McLean believes that the best tools to use in horsemanship are knowledge, compassion, patience, and imagination. Since 1999, Guy and his beloved team of horses have been performing for equestrian audiences around the world. In addition to teaching clinics, Guy will perform his signature liberty act in Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse.

Julie Goodnight is known around the world for her focus on classical horsemanship and improving the relationship between horse and rider. A gifted teacher, Goodnight shares her expertise in multiple disciplines through clinics, articles, podcasts, and on-demand videos. At Equine Affaire, Goodnight will teach sessions on refining the canter, finding your balance and rhythm, developing soft hands, and teaching the horse to give to the bit. Named an Exceptional Equestrian Educator by Equine Affaire, Goodnight is also the spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association and a certified Master Clinic Instructor.

Award-winning horseman Steve Lantvit promotes training built on trust, gentle hands, and true partnership. At Equine Affaire, Lantvit will present on transitions, true collection, warm-ups and exercises, and how to recognize your horse’s footfall patterns. Lantvit regularly conducts clinics and presentations at equestrian events across the United States. He also hosts his own television program on RFD-TV, “Sure in the Saddle.”

Canadian-born horseman Jason Irwin trains foundation Quarter Horses at Northstar Livestock in Ontario. In addition to owning and operating a beef farm with his family, Irwin shares his knowledge of training horses through clinics and presentations. His sessions at Equine Affaire will include side-passing, emergency stops, problem-solving in horse training for youth, and more.

Neil Davies of Fear-Free Horse Training believes in using trust, confidence, and understanding to train horses. A horse trainer and author, Davies will teach sessions on the fundamentals of fear-free horsemanship, including teaching your horse about correct forward motion, building your horse’s work ethic, and developing everyday disciplines of communication and consistency.

A host of other discipline-specific clinicians to be featured at Equine Affaire include Candice King and Ali Wolff (hunter/jumper), Mette Rosencrantz and Susan Mandas (dressage), Sandy Collier (reined cow horse), Jesse Westfall (reining), Jane Melby (barrel racing), Muffy Seaton (driving), Sylvia Zerbini and Luke Gingerich (liberty), Dana Hokana (western horsemanship, hunter under saddle), Michael Gascon (easy gaited horses), Gayle Lampe (saddleseat), Tom Seay (trail riding and camping), Kelsey Lauberth (trick riding), Sam Rettinger (draft horses), Asbury University (mounted police horse training), and more. For a full list of clinicians and a complete schedule, visit equineaffaire.com.

General admission tickets for Equine Affaire are on sale now! Tickets can be purchased online at equineaffaire.com or by calling the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, Mon-Fri from 9 am-5 pm EST. Single-day adult tickets are $15. Single-day youth tickets (age 7-10) are $8, while children ages 6 and under attend free. Four-day adult passes are available for $50. For the price of general admission, visitors can shop at North America’s largest horse-related trade show, interact with hundreds of horses on display in breed exhibits, marvel at competitions, and attend all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. Please note that separate tickets are required for admission to Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse. Fantasia tickets can also be ordered online or through the Equine Affaire office.

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02 01

Bring Your “Horse & Farm” to Equine Affaire

LONDON, OH, February 1, 2019 – With tens of thousands of horse-people poised to attend Equine Affaire in Ohio this spring, there’s no better place to present your horses for sale or promote your farm or equestrian business. On April 11-14, the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, will host Equine Affaire, a four-day equine extravaganza filled with educational clinics, North America’s largest horse-related trade show, competitions, entertainment and much more. Reserve your “For Sale” stall or “Horse and Farm Exhibit” stall today to secure the perfect opportunity to market yourself, your farm and your sale horses at North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering

For Sale stalls are available for $150 per stall for the entire four-day event. That price includes a 10 x 10 in-line stall in the Gilligan Complex at the Ohio Expo Center, a “for sale” sign to post on the stall, a free listing on equineaffaire.com before the event, and a listing in the event program. Exhibitors must commit to attending and presenting for at least two days of the event. If your horse is sold during your first day, another horse may be substituted for no additional cost with verified health paperwork. Potential buyers (aged 18 and over) may test ride at the event with the proper release forms.

To promote your farm, stallion or equine services, consider renting a Horse & Farm exhibit stall. Prices include $150 for an in-line stall, $175 for an end-stall in the center aisle of the barn and $200 for an end stall on an outer aisle of the barn. Regardless of position, all stalls are 10 x 10 stalls in the Gilligan Complex. All stalls come with a one-line listing of the stall number, farm name, horse breed and phone number (or website) on equineaffaire.com before the event and in the official event program during the event. To secure your listing in the program, applications and payments must be submitted by 2/28. To participate in the Horse & Farm exhibits, exhibitors must commit to presenting for at least three days.

Both “For Sale” stalls and “Horse & Farm Exhibit” stalls include one 4-day adult ticket ($50 value) to Equine Affaire. Tack stalls are also available for $100 each. Join Equine Affaire by reserving your stall today. For more information on the Horse & Farm exhibits or to book your stall, contact Karin Brennan at (740) 845-0085 ext. 112 or kbrennan@equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire elevates the equestrian experience for horse-lovers of all ages. With more than two hundred educational sessions, world-class shopping, championship competitions and plenty of interactive exhibits, Equine Affaire offers something for everyone in the family. Visit equineaffaire.com for schedules, tickets and additional details.

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01 18

Experience the Magic and Beauty of Fantasia

LONDON, OH, January 18, 2019 – Until you’ve felt the earth-shaking majesty of a galloping six-horse draft hitch or marveled at the silent trust displayed between a horse at liberty and its handler, you’ve never experienced the magic of Fantasia. On April 11-13, Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse will bring every horse-lover’s dream to life under the spotlights of the Ohio Expo Center’s coliseum in Columbus, Ohio. Sponsored by Absorbine, the Fantasia is an unforgettable show that sets the beauty, majesty and power of horse and rider to music, serving as the ultimate testament to the heart and soul of the horse.

“Fantasia reminds people of the magic that horses provide,” said Amy Cairy, director of marketing with W.F. Young, parent company of sponsor Absorbine. “It’s fun to watch kids’ mouths drop open when they see those beautiful horses performing under the spotlights. Those are the experiences that bring families and friends together.”

Featuring talents as diverse as Guy McLean’s signature liberty act and the Haflinger marathon driven drill team, Fantasia unites equestrians of all ages in a universal celebration of the beauty and ability of the horse. Returning for just three nights during Equine Affaire in Ohio, tickets for Fantasia are on sale now through March 24. Visit equineaffaire.com or call the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085 today to purchase your tickets. Performances will take place at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 11; Friday, April 12; and Saturday, April 13.

“We present Fantasia at each Equine Affaire, but no show is ever the same,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “Fantasia is a beloved tradition for our audiences, and we love surprising them each year with a new compilation of acts and performers.”

This year’s show will feature high-energy drill teams, a variety of jaw-dropping liberty and costume acts, trick riders and more. Audiences will love watching Guy McLean’s bridleless and saddleless rides and liberty act, while reining fans will adore Luke Gingerich’s fabulous bridleless reining demonstration on his American Quarter Horse, “CJ Rio Zan Bar Gun.” Shawn Drentwett, daughter of beloved Fantasia veteran Christine Drentwett, will present a magical costumed act with her Friesian horse, “Ricco.” Ninth-generation circus performer Sylvia Zerbini and her daughter, Ambra Zerbini, will both present liberty acts, including a special aerial twist by Ambra. Wild West fans will thrill to the whip-cracking and rope-flying antics of Loop Rawlins, the one-man Wild West performer featured on America’s Got Talent. And Kellie Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons will lay claim to the arena as Wonder Woman on the back of one of her beautiful Percherons.

For additional details about Fantasia and to purchase tickets, visit equineaffaire.com or call the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm EST. Doors open at 6:45pm and the show begins at 7:30pm each evening. Ticket prices range from $14 to $25. Advance ticket sales will end March 24. Tickets purchased before March 24 will be mailed, while tickets purchased after that date will be available at Will Call at the event.

Equine Affaire will take place April 11-14 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio. Visit equineaffaire.com for schedules, updates, and additional information about Equine Affaire in Ohio. Equestrians, horse-lovers and families are invited to attend Equine Affaire. No matter what your role is in the equine world, there’s something for everyone at Equine Affaire, including educational seminars, horse-themed shopping and interactive educational exhibits. Tickets for Equine Affaire are on sale now at equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Absorbine, official sponsor of Fantasia.

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12 19

Saddle Up for Equine Affaire: Apply now to “Ride with a Pro” in Ohio!

LONDON, OH, December 19, 2018 – Give yourself the gift of better horsemanship by applying to Ride with a Pro at the 2019 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio. Equine Affaire’s robust clinic program offers equestrians of all skill levels and disciplines the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to saddle up with the industry’s top professionals. The 2019 Equine Affaire, which will take place at the Ohio Expo Center on April 11-14, will feature such renowned horsemanship trainers as Guy McLean, Julie Goodnight, Steve Lantvit, Jason Irwin, and many more.

“Part of Equine Affaire’s mission is to improve the skills of horsemen and horsewomen,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “The Ride with a Pro program enables us to do that through clinics and demonstrations, but what makes the program unique is its diversity. We strive to offer clinics in as many different disciplines as we can at every Equine Affaire so that there’s truly something for everyone.”

With more than 200 educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations on the schedule, the Ride with a Pro program offers novices and experts alike the opportunity to learn something new. This year’s clinicians are seeking participants of all skill levels and interests, as well as horses and riders with specific issues. Presenters include Guy McLean and Julie Goodnight (natural horsemanship), Steve Lantvit (general training and horsemanship), Jason Irwin (foundation training and general horsemanship), Neil Davies (fear-free horse training), Mette Rosencrantz (dressage), Candice King (hunter/jumper), Sandy Collier (reined cow horse), Jesse Westfall (reining), Jane Melby (barrel racing), Dana Hokana (western horsemanship and hunter under saddle), Muffy Seaton (driving), and Michael Gascon (easy gaited horses). More presenters will be announced soon, so check equineaffaire.com often for updates.

Clinic fees range from $75 to $350 and include participation in the clinic, admission to Equine Affaire on the day of the clinic, and twenty-four hours of stabling for your horse. The deadline to apply for all clinics is February 15, 2019. To apply for your opportunity to Ride with a Pro, visit equineaffaire.com (select the Ohio event, click “Participate” and then “Ride with a Pro”), or by calling (740) 845-0085 or emailing clong@equineaffaire.com.

Interested equestrians are also invited to apply for the Versatility Horse and Rider Competition, hosted by Equine Affaire on Friday, April 12, at 1:00 pm in the Coliseum. The “VHRC” features a timed race through an obstacle course, specially designed to test the communication and partnership between horse and rider. Judges will evaluate competitors based on horsemanship criteria as well as overall performance. Up to 25 pre-selected horse and rider pairs will compete for $5,500 in prize money. 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. All applications are due by February 15, 2019. Application materials are available online at equineaffaire.com.

Designed for equestrians by equestrians, Equine Affaire in Ohio presents the ultimate experience in all things equine. In addition to clinics, demonstrations, and more, visitors can learn all about horses from the ground up with the Horse & Farm Exhibits, the Breed Pavilion, the Equine Fundamentals Forum, and the Your Farm Forum. Horse owners and horse lovers alike will love browsing the aisles in the largest horse-related trade show in North America, while the hands-on exhibits will thrill visitors of all ages. The Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s beloved musical celebration of the horse, will return each evening, April 11-13. Bookmark equineaffaire.com and check back often for event schedules, ticket information, and more. Tickets for Equine Affaire and The Fantasia are on sale now!

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12 14

An Equine Affaire to Remember: A Culmination of 25 Years of Excellence in All Things Equestrian

LONDON, OH, December 14, 2018 – For twenty-five years, Equine Affaire has provided equestrians with the ultimate destination for education, entertainment, shopping, and more, and this year’s event in Massachusetts followed suit. Featuring two hundred educational sessions and seminars, the country’s largest horse-themed trade show, and of course, horses as far as the eye can see, Equine Affaire is a delight for horse lovers of all ages. The 2018 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts took place on November 8-11 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Excited visitors from all across the country surged through the gates each morning, united by their love of the horse.

The thing I like most about Equine Affaire is the energy,” said Muffy Seaton, competitive driving coach and featured Equine Affaire clinician. “Everyone really wants to be here, and they all want to learn. You walk in the building and it just hits you in the face. The energy is tangible.”Every year, Equine Affaire focuses on bringing the world’s best professional horsemen and horsewomen together to share knowledge and expertise. With a full schedule each day and multiple arenas in use, attendees flocked to the clinics in droves and often left standing room only. This year, prominent horsemanship trainers Clinton Anderson, Mark Rashid, Brandi Lyons, Warwick Schiller, and Tik Maynard shared training tips and techniques while solving real-life problems with horse owners and their mounts. Dozens of other experts shared their insights and perspectives on how to excel in specific disciplines, ranging from eventing to dressage to driving and beyond, as well as horse care and management, nutrition, business practices, etc.

“Education is one of the key components of this event,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “We love to bring a variety of prominent horse trainers, speakers, and specialists to Massachusetts so everyone can benefit from their expertise. It’s one of the many reasons Equine Affaire is the place to be if you love horses or work in the horse industry.”

In addition to educating and energizing horse owners, Equine Affaire inspires people with new experiences – including meeting unusual breeds of horses. In the Breed Pavilion and the barns, visitors interacted with dozens of unique breeds, including Friesians, Gypsy Vanners, Fjords, and Belgians. Representatives from various breed associations fielded questions and told stories, making the breed exhibits a popular destination for families and especially children.

“Coming to Equine Affaire is very good because people get to learn more about horses,” said Dani Amante, a young visitor from Long Island. “They see different horses’ anatomy, they get to see how differently the horses are built and it helps people when they can feel the different textures of their coats and see their height differences.”

In addition to the educational exhibits, Equine Affaire presents the country’s largest horse-related trade show. With more than 450 vendors in five buildings, attendees enjoyed shopping, sampling products, and interacting with vendors. Sponsors such as Absorbine, Farnam, Nutrena, and more stocked their booths with informational pamphlets and products, and each booth also featured friendly and knowledgeable staff. Many of the clinicians held court at their own booths, answering questions from attendees in between clinics. According to Amy Cairy, the director of marketing for W.P. Young, parent company of Absorbine, the opportunity to build relationships with consumers is one of the highlights of Equine Affaire.

“We’ve loved watching Equine Affaire grow over the years, adding new programs, vendors, and exhibitions,” Amy said. “It’s been great to watch that growth and be part of it. We have really great conversations with thousands of people over the four days. It’s an incredibly energizing way to get really good feedback from our consumers and to really connect with the equine world.”

Absorbine is also the proud sponsor of the Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s beloved musical celebration of the horse. While no Fantasia is the same, every performance showcases the elegance, diversity, beauty, and magic of the horse. This year’s Fantasia featured a variety of acts, including Scott Seymour’s driving team of six Belgians; Christine Drentwett’s beautiful Andalusian, Cocados, in garocha; Loop Rawlins’ One Man Wild West Show; and Luke Gingerich’s fabulous American Quarter Horse, CJ Rio Zan Bar Gun, at liberty and under saddle, among others. The International Jousting Association hosted a jousting demonstration between Scott Venable and Eliza Eldredge, while Nikki Fourtzialas presided. Finally, Christine Drentwett’s own daughter, Shawn Drentwett, and her Friesian, Ricco, closed the show with a magical act complete with lighted costumes.

“Fantasia is an opportunity for everyone who enjoys horses to come together,” Amy said. “It bridges across all ages, all experiences, and really pulls everyone together to celebrate the horse. It’s so fun to watch the kids’ mouths drop open when they see those beautiful horses and costumes under the spotlights.”

The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena, also took place during Equine Affaire on November 9. As one of the most popular events of the exposition, horse-and-rider teams race through a timed obstacle course designed to test the horse’s athletic prowess, the rider’s horsemanship skills, and the communication between horse and rider. More than 20 pre-selected horse-and-rider teams competed for $5500 in cash plus other prizes, but only one horse and rider earned the title of Versatile Horse and Rider Champion: Jason Charles and Ms. Whiz It. The winning pair scored 69 points and finished the course in 5 minutes and 6 seconds. Lindsey Partridge and Trivia Time earned second place with a score of 61 points, while Luke Reinbold and Lonetree Set Free took third with a score of 60.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the contributions and support of all its sponsors, including Absorbine, sponsor of Fantasia; Cosequin, sponsor of the Equine Fundamentals Forum; Farnam, sponsor of the courtesy shopping bag; Horizon Structures, the official barn of Equine Affaire; Wahl, the official clipper of Equine Affaire; Nutrena, sponsor of the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition; and U.S. Equestrian, as well as dozens of other organizations.

On the heels of such a successful Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, start planning today to visit Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio on April 11-14, 2019. You can visit equineaffaire.com for more information, including updates for the next Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Featured clinician and horsemanship trainer Brandi Lyons rec  ommends that everyone make the effort to attend Equine Affaire.

“I don’t care if you’re in California, come to Ohio or Massachusetts. Get on a plane and get here,” Brandi advised. “You will be inspired. You will be educated. You’re going to get excited. Far and away, Equine Affaire is the best-run, biggest show in the country. It’s incredibly well done and it’s the show to be at.”

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11 09

Jason Charles Claims Versatile Horse & Rider “Champion” Title at 2018 Massachusetts Equine Affaire

The results are in! The title of “Champion” at this year’s Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena, was awarded to Jason Charles and Ms. Whiz It yesterday in the coliseum. The pair scored 69 points and finished the course in 5 minutes and 6 seconds.

It was a tight race for the top five, and second place went to Lindsey Partridge and Trivia Time with a score of 61 points. In third place was Luke Reinbold riding Lonetree Set Free with a score of 60. Scoring 59 points to finish fourth was Brenda Hanson and PVF Frosted Ace. Rounding out the top five in fifth place was Paige Garcia atop KC with 58 points.

Full results for the competition are listed below:

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08 29

Learn from the Best: Equine Affaire Presents Top Clinicians in the Industry

London, OH, August 29, 2018 – Elevate your equestrian experience to extraordinary new heights by attending Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, November 8-11. Renowned for its focus on equine education, Equine Affaire returns with a sparkling lineup of the world’s best horse trainers, clinicians, and instructors. Make plans today to travel to the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, for the opportunity to learn firsthand from such esteemed clinicians as Clinton Anderson, Mark Rashid, Brandi Lyons, Tik Maynard, Warwick Schiller, and more.

With more than 200 educational sessions on the schedule, ranging from general horsemanship to discipline-specific instruction, there’s a clinic or demonstration for everyone at Equine Affaire. For centuries, the art of horsemanship has passed from teacher to student through hands-on training and instruction in lessons, clinics, and classes. Equestrians of all ages and skill levels are invited to participate in this time-honored tradition by attending North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. Attendance for all clinics is included in the price of general admission to Equine Affaire – just $16/day for adults or $50 for a four-day pass, while tickets for children (7-10) are $8/day and children six-and-under attend for free. Visit equineaffaire.com to purchase tickets (select the Massachusetts event and click “Purchase Tickets”).

Clinton Anderson is known worldwide for his humane horse training methods. Born and raised in Australia, Clinton launched his career in the horse industry when he began riding at six years of age. As a teenager, he worked as a full-time apprentice for a trainer in Queensland, Australia, and soon began developing his own methods in humane horse training. By 1998, Clinton began offering Downunder Horsemanshipclinics. Today, he shares his special methods for training horses with audiences all over the world through in-person clinics, video lessons, and more. At Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, Clinton will share tips and techniques in humane horse training while helping riders and their mounts tackle real-world issues in and out of the saddle.

No matter what discipline you ride or breed of horse you prefer, learning to communicate with your horse is the key to achieving better horsemanship. Internationally-acclaimed horse trainer Mark Rashid works to understand the horse’s point of view and solve difficult horse behavior problems with communication rather than force. Mark began working with horses at the age of 10 and later honed his skills gathering herds, managing livestock, and training horses. In addition to his horsemanship skills, Mark earned his 3rd degree black belt in aikido. He continues to use and teach the principles of aikido and softness in his clinics. Mark shows students how to stay centered and to look for quiet, effective ways to blend with a horse’s energy. During his clinics at Equine Affaire, Mark will share his principles and methods for helping riders achieve better communication with their horses.

Brandi Lyons grew up under the tutelage of her father, famed horse trainer John Lyons. In addition to learning how to ride from John, Brandi traveled with him to symposia and expos for much of her life. Today, she continues the Lyons legacy by teaching natural horsemanship methods to a new generation of riders and trainers. Through her own business, No Limits Horsemanship, Brandi educates horses and riders on horsemanship, ranch sorting, conquering trails and obstacles, performance, and trick training. Brandi’s clinics at Equine Affaire will focus on natural horsemanship methods and ranch sorting.

International horse trainer Warwick Schiller’s love of reining led to multiple championship titles in reining in the United States and Australia. He also competed at the 2010 and 2018 World Equestrian Games as a member of the Australian reining team. Today, he’s an NRHA judge as well as the owner-operator of Warwick Schiller Performance Horsemanship in Hollister, CA. In addition to conducting clinics in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe, Warwick manages his own award-winning YouTube channel featuring training videos and more. If you’re eager to improve your reining scores or learn more about the discipline, make sure to attend Warwick’s reining clinics at Equine Affaire.

Eventer and natural horsemanship advocate Tik Maynard is an accomplished rider, student, and teacher. He spent six years on the Canadian National Team competing in the modern pentathlon, which includes riding, pistol shooting, fencing, swimming, and running. He competed in the sport at the 2007 Pan American Games, three World Championships, and 11 World Cups before deciding to focus on eventing. As a working student, he’s learned from eventers David and Karen O’Connor and Ingrid Klimke, German dressage trainer Johann Hinnemann, and natural horseman Bruce Logan. Today, Tik conducts clinics throughout the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom. His clinics at Equine Affaire will focus on natural horsemanship.

All these clinicians and many more will be on site at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Come prepared to learn from Jan Ebeling and Silke Rembacz (dressage), Jeff Cook (hunter/jumper), Muffy Seaton (driving), Paul Humphrey (barrel racing), Lynn Symansky (eventing), Tom Chown (Western horsemanship, showmanship), Marcie Morey (easy gaited horses), Mark Bolender (mountain trail), Christine Smith (sport horse in-hand), Steve Edwards (mules), Suzanne Marshall (working equitation), Scott Seymour (draft horses), Janice Dulak (pilates), Heidi McLaughlin (overcoming fear), the Copper Hills Vaulting Team (vaulting), and the US Mounted Games Association (mounted games). More clinicians will be announced in the coming weeks.

For event and clinic schedules, tickets, and other information, visit equineaffaire.com. Information is also available by calling the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, Monday through Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST.

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08 15

Fall for Fantasia: Experience Equine Affaire’s Musical Celebration of the Horse

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, August 15, 2018 – When the spotlights shine in the coliseum at Equine Affaire, nothing gleams more brightly than the dancing horses of Fantasia. Equine Affaire’s beloved musical celebration of the horse returns for three show-stopping performances, November 8-10, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Featuring renowned equine performers Christine Drentwett, the Trixie Chicks trick riders, the Young Guns Equestrian Drill Team, and more, the horses of Fantasia will thrill every horse lover’s heart with renewed admiration for the beauty, grace, and power of the horse.

“Fantasia is one of the signature elements of Equine Affaire,” says Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “This special event is for horse lovers of all ages and celebrates the unique relationship that exists between every horse and rider.”

Sponsored by Absorbine®, Fantasia features a variety of equine and equestrian performances set to musical scores and popular songs. From freestyle dressage to Wild West acts and trick riding, every performance showcases the remarkable and varied talents of the horse. Watch Christine Drentwett’s beautiful, high-stepping Andalusian dance under the lights as they perform the Spanish art of garocha and Susanne Hamilton’s grand prix dressage freestyle. Wild West fans will thrill to the trick-roping, gun-slinging stunts of Loop Rawlins, the Western performer and trick-roper extraordinaire who captivated millions on America’s Got Talent. If you’ve never seen horses at liberty, you’ll love watching Luke Gingerich’s reining horse perform loose in the pen and under saddle. A drill team of Haflingers will crisscross the arena in perfect harmony, demonstrating precision and grace with every step, and international level jousters will keep you on the edge of your seat with their daredevil feats. With three performance nights, there’s no better way to celebrate your Equine Affaire experience than by watching all these acts and many more come together to create the ultimate Fantasia.

Tickets for Fantasia are on sale now. Visit equineaffaire.com to purchase tickets, view a seating map of the coliseum, and more. Doors open at 6:45pm and performances begin at 7:30pm each evening, Thursday through Saturday, November 8-10, in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition. Ticket prices range from $14 to $25, plus a $2.75 shipping/processing fee per ticket. Advance ticket sales end November 5. Tickets purchased before 10/22 will be mailed to your home; tickets purchased after that date will be available at will call. For questions or to purchase tickets via the phone, call the Equine Affaire office at (740) 845-0085, Mon-Fri, 9am to 5pm EST.

Bookmark equineaffaire.com and check back often in the coming weeks for schedules, updates, and additional information about Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Horse-lovers of all ages are invited to attend Equine Affaire. With countless educational sessions, a wide selection of horse-themed vendors to shop, and plenty of horses to admire, Equine Affaire is North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. In addition to purchasing tickets for Fantasia, buy your general admission tickets for Equine Affaire today at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the generous support of Absorbine, official sponsor of Fantasia.

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ELEVATING THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE SINCE 1994 TM