W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 24, 2023 — On Friday, November 10, during Equine Affaire, the 2023 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition will take place in the US Equestrian Coliseum. Sponsored by Chewy, this exciting competition pits approximately 25 pre-selected horses and riders against each other in the pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes, as well as the coveted title of the Versatile Horse and Rider Champion.

If you’ve never seen the VHRC, you’re in for a treat! Here’s how it works. One at a time, a horse and rider pair races the clock as they navigate over, under, and around a series of obstacles in the coliseum arena. The obstacles are designed to test the communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Past obstacles have included jumps, balloon arches, pushing a salt block with a polo mallet, weaving poles, opening and closing rope gates, using a lance to spear a suspended ring, and many others. Riders receive limited information on the course until the afternoon of the competition, when they perform a walk-through and receive final instructions on how to navigate the various challenges.

Equine Affaire is proud to begin introducing you to this year’s class of 2023 VHRC Competitors. In this press release, meet the next five competitors:

Jessica Knapp

Horse: River of Dreams, 12-year-old Holsteiner/Welsh gelding

Together for eight years, Jessica and “Riv” enjoy hunter/jumpers. They have competed in the Massachusetts VHRC before and have been working hard since their last run to overcome the obstacles that challenged them during their round. They now ride in .80 jumper classes at both local and A circuit shows. This season, they’ve also padded their schedule with versatility clinics and competitions in an effort to sharpen the skills

needed to succeed in the VHRC. According to Jessica, Riv is brave, curious, and intelligent, and enjoys traveling to different venues.

“The bond we share is strong,” Jessica says. “I believe it has to do with stretching outside of our comfort zones as much as possible. I have been hoping to earn another shot at Equine Affaire’s VHRC ever since our go last year. I am extremely proud and grateful to be given another opportunity to participate in this awesome event with Riv!”

MacKenzie Kunz

Horse: A Little Touch of Pixie, 11 year old American Quarter Horse mare

MacKenzie has owned “Magik” since she was a foal and trained her all by herself with the help of many lessons and clinics along the way. They have competed in numerous different disciplines such as dressage, Western pleasure, and their favorite discipline, extreme cowboy racing. They’ve been competing for four years in extreme cowboy challenges locally, provincially, and world-wide. They enjoy the adrenaline of competing against the clock and improving their horsemanship and trust skills along the way with every obstacle.

“I love challenging my horse and rider connection and our relationship every time we set off through new obstacles,” MacKenzie says.

Susan Mallery

Horse: Ayel YES, 17 year old Haflinger mare

Susan is a horse-crazy kid turned into a horse addicted adult. She has dabbled in many different horse sports: trail riding, dressage, eventing, jumpers, hunter paces, competitive trail, draft (working & showing), pleasure and combined driving, working equitation, trail obstacle, and more recently, versatility and even polo! She bred and raised Haflingers for nearly 30 years and showed Haflingers for a number of years in the 90s. She has trained her own horses for riding and driving. Her passion is combined driving, and she is hoping her youngest home-bred horse, who is now 3, will be suitable to fill his dam’s shoes and be competitive up to intermediate level or FEI.

Susan acquired Ayel YES, better known as “Allie,” in 2014 from Dirk & Karen Young of Twin Birch Farm. She was imported by them in 2007 from her breeder in Germany. Since coming to Sue, Allie has competed in eventing, primarily beginner novice, having earned a couple firsts, some top threes, and finishing 6th in the USEA Area 1 championship a few years ago. She has done a number of schooling jumper events, up to 3’, and has been very successful at that. This year, the pair has competed in a few working equitation shows. Sue says that Allie loves the run and jump part of things and is somewhat less enthusiastic about the dressage game.

Sue and Allie competed at the Saratoga County Fair Versatile Horse competition, earning a 3rd behind 2 experienced competitors. Susan has always wanted to compete at the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition at Equine Affaire and figured this was the best time to give it a try!

Christina Morin

Horse: JMF New York Windfall, 17 year old Morgan gelding

Christina and “Moses” have been a team for 14 years. Together, they have competed in a variety of disciplines, including Western, saddleseat, huntseat, gymkana, and trail riding in local and 4-H shows and A-rated shows. Around the barn, Moses is known as the GOAT as he can do just about anything, but he also has quite the personality. Christina runs a small barn in northern New Hampshire offering boarding and riding lessons. Moses takes great pride in showing the tiny humans how to ride and helping them earn their first ribbons at horse shows. Christina is a 4-H horse project alumna and a carded 4-H horse show judge and steward. She enjoys a wide variety of horseback riding activities and has recently joined the world of eventing, having competed in the New England Hunter Trials and her first cross country schooling show. Even in the winter, Christina says there’s something to do horseback: skijoring!

“I’ve wanted to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition since I was a kid,” Christina says. “Bring on the next adventure!”

Kayla O’Leary

Horse: Wildfire, 13 year old Mustang mare

Kayla and “Wildfire” have competed in many local Western and ranch pleasure shows in the open division. This year, they progressed in mounted shooting by traveling and competing in the northeast. They’ve also participated in numerous parades and cavalry demonstrations, representing Teddy Roosevelt’s rough riders from the Spanish-American war. The cavalry demonstrations show a rider’s skill at arms using a saber, lance, and pistols, in addition to mounted drill formations. When Wildfire and Kayla aren’t doing parades, demos, or competing, they enjoy spending their time riding the trails with friends, exploring different parks on Long Island, or riding through town to grab a bite to eat. They have also just begun learning how to drive.

***

An eleven-time world champion and multiple reserve world champion in ranch versatility, Greg Robinson of Valley View, Texas, will judge this year’s competition. The master of ceremonies will be Noah Rattner, the official Voice of Equine Affaire. The top five riders will win cash and rosettes, while the fifth through tenth place riders will receive rosettes. The first-place winner receives $2,500 in cash, a Champion rosette, and the title of “Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion.” The second-place rider wins $1,500 and a reserve champion rosette; third place earns $1,000 and a rosette; and fourth place wins $500 and a rosette. Who will win this year? You’ll have to attend to find out!

Come to Equine Affaire on Friday, November 10, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!

 

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 23, 2023 — The 25^th anniversary of Equine Affaire is fast approaching, and we can’t wait to celebrate this incredible milestone with you! Crafted and curated for equestrians by equestrians, North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering will take place next month on November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition. Whether this fall marks your first pilgrimage to Equine Affaire or your fifteenth, this press release is your insider’s guide to getting the most out of your visit.

Keep reading to find out tips and tricks for enjoying your trip; links to all the latest info about the event; answers to your most frequently asked questions; and lots of info on what to see, where to go, and what to do on each day of the event!

WHERE IS IT, WHEN IS IT, AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

Equine Affaire will take place at the Eastern States Exposition on November 9-12, 2023. The Eastern States Exposition is located at 1305 Memorial Ave in beautiful W. Springfield, Massachusetts. Hours for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are from 9 am-7 pm (EST), and for Sunday, from 9 am-5 pm (EST).

Single day tickets and four-day passes for Equine Affaire are available for purchase here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-tickets/. Tickets are digital, so you’ll receive yours by email within minutes of ordering! Save them to your phone or other mobile device, then present them upon your arrival for easy, hassle-free entry.

All attendees should access the event via Gate 9. The Eastern States Exposition charges for parking, so be prepared to pay the parking attendants promptly when you arrive. Also, please leave your pets at home! We cannot allow any pets in any of the buildings, except for credentialed service dogs.

Need more information? Click here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-locationevent-hours/.

QUICK TIP: If you plan to come multiple days or would like to enter and leave repeatedly on the same day, purchase a parking pass from the ESE! Parking passes will be available for purchase from the parking attendants at the gate.

FAQ: When can I arrive to park on site? You can arrive and park as early as you wish, but the doors to all the exhibit buildings will remain locked until 9 am.

WHERE CAN I STAY?

Equine Affaire has negotiated room blocks and special discount rates at several hotels near the event. To receive the special rate, make sure to mention Equine Affaire when you call! Room blocks and discounted rates expire throughout October, so book early. See our list of host hotels here: https://www.equineaffaire.com/events/Massachusetts/mass-attend/host-hotels/

Want to camp? Camping is available on site at the ESE. There is no advance registration. The campgrounds will open to the public at 5:00 pm (EST) on Wednesday, November 8. You can call (413) 205-5374 for more information about camping. Learn more here: https://equineaffaire/com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-campinglodging/

QUICK TIP: All our host hotels are listed in order of distance from the event here (https://www.equineaffaire.com/events/Massachusetts/mass-attend/host-hotels/) and that page also includes room block expiration dates, so make sure to bookmark it!

HEY, WHAT’S FANTASIA?

We’re glad you asked! Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. This two-hour spectacular is designed to showcase the beauty, athleticism, and grace of the horse through exciting performances by the nation’s top equine and equestrian performers. The show happens on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during Equine Affaire in the Coliseum. The doors open at 6:45 pm and the show starts promptly at 7:30 pm.

Sponsored by Absorbine, this year’s Fantasia will showcase exciting drill team performances by the Young Guns; a beautiful display of grace and precision by the Friesian Heritage Drill Team; heart-pounding trick riding maneuvers by the Pegasus Riders; amazing bridleless jumping and dressage by Unbridled Wings; the power of the Whispery Pines Percherons and the Morrisville College Belgians; and a fabulous comedic performance by Bobby Kerr, the Mustang Man, plus more! Bobby Kerr’s performance is sponsored by Espana Silk.

Fantasia requires separate tickets, and tickets sell quickly, so buy yours today! You can purchase Fantasia tickets online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-tickets/ or by calling our office at (740) 845-0085, M-F, 9 am-5 pm (EST).

QUICK TIP: Make sure to stay after the event for a special autograph signing session! All the performers come back out into the arena after the show to sign postcards and programs.

FAQ: Do I need to purchase separate tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia? Yes, you need to purchase general admission tickets to access Equine Affaire’s daytime activities and a separate ticket to attend Fantasia. However, if you arrive after 6:30 pm EST to attend only Fantasia, you will not have to purchase a general admission ticket to Equine Affaire.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT {INSERT DISCIPLINE HERE}?

If you’re looking for a leg up on your riding, training, or horsemanship skills, Equine Affaire is the horse expo for you. Our educational programs and stellar line-ups of clinicians have formed the cornerstones of our events since the very first expo. This fall, we are proud to present an elite coterie of talented equestrians, including Mike Major, Julie Goodnight, Jason Irwin, Brandi Lyons, Chelsea Canedy, and many more. With hundreds of educational clinics, seminars, and demonstrations covering the gamut of horse-related topics, you’ll find out everything you ever needed or wanted to know about horses, horseback riding, horse health care and husbandry, and more.

Check out our schedule and presenters at this link to find the best clinics to attend for you and your area of interest: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/educational-program/mass-presenters/.

QUICK TIP: Many of our presenters will have booths in the trade show, and others are happy to answer quick questions or give brief tips after their clinics or seminars are over. The best questions to ask (according to our presenters) are short and sweet, with minimal background info, so try to keep your visit brief and to the point!

FAQ: How can I ride in a clinic at Equine Affaire? Equine Affaire’s Ride with a Pro clinic program is a popular and affordable way to ride with and learn from one of your idols at Equine Affaire! Applications to ride in Massachusetts are available online starting in July and the deadline to apply is typically in early September. Learn more about Ride with a Pro here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HORSES?

Equine Affaire is proud to be the gateway to the horse industry for many beginners! If you don’t know anything about horses, you’ve come to the right place. Start your visit at the Equine Fundamentals Forum in the Mallary South complex. The EFF features educational exhibits about horses, horse health, horse management, equine anatomy, and lots of hands-on activities, such as a mane and tail braiding station, an educational skeleton display, and lots more. There’s also a demo ring where horse-savvy experts will be hosting demonstrations on fundamental topics all day, every day, so there’s plenty to see and do and learn. We also suggest visiting the Breed Pavilion, where you can learn about breeds of horses from breed representatives, and touring the Horse & Farm Exhibits, where you can meet horsemen and horsewomen from a variety of local businesses and horse organizations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

QUICK TIP: Make sure to stop by the Equine Affaire Information Booth and tell our friendly staff that you’re brand new to Equine Affaire and to horses in general. They’ll have extra tips and info for you to help get you started!

WHERE DO I GO TO SHOP?

Equine Affaire is home to one of the nation’s largest horse-related trade shows. With hundreds of exhibitors spread out across multiple buildings, there are plenty of opportunities to kickstart your Christmas shopping season, fulfill wish lists for every horse lover in your family, or outfit your tack room with everything you need to train, feed, care for, or spoil every horse you own! Check out our list of vendors here (https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-trade-show/mass-exhibitors/)!

Love shopping for bargains? Located in the Mallary South, the Marketplace at Equine Affaire is a consignment shop where people just like you can drop off their gently used equestrian items for sale or browse for bargains among quality used equestrian goods. Learn more about consigning and shopping at the Marketplace here (https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-sell/mass-marketplace/).

QUICK TIP: Many exhibitors host raffles at their booths during the show. Make sure to take business cards or little slips of paper pre-filled with your name, mailing address, and email addresses to make entering raffles quick and easy! You can find a list of all the exhibitors holding raffles in the event program, too. You never know what you might win! (And for that matter, don’t forget to enter Equine Affaire’s raffle online: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/mass-free-raffle/!)

ARE THERE COMPETITIONS?

There are two competitions taking place at Equine Affaire! First, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Chewy, will take place on Friday, November 10, 2023, in the Coliseum. This exciting competition features horses and riders riding an obstacle course created to test communication between horse and rider, as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Riders are competing for $5,500 in cash and other prizes. It’s one exciting race! Check it out here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-compete/mass-versatile-horse-rider-competition/ and bookmark this page for the future to learn more about applying to compete!

Next, we’re introducing a brand-new competition to Equine Affaire in honor of our 25^th anniversary! The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge is free to enter for all attendees, no horses needed. Sponsored by Boot Barn, the GEFC is happening Saturday, November 11, at 1:30 pm in the Mallary South Arena. This fun competition features three different activities: the barn chores marathon, the bouncy pony race, and the horse nugget relay. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event. You can sign up on site by visiting the announcer’s table outside the Mallary South Arena. Learn more here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-compete/great-equestrian-fitness-challenge/.

HOW CAN I MEET SOME COOL HORSES AND PEOPLE?

Visit the Breed Pavilion in the Stroh building, of course! The Breed Pavilion will showcase dozens of horse breeds and registries with origins in North America, Europe, and beyond. You can network with horse owners, research breeds, learn about national, regional, and local breed associations and their activities, and so much more.

After you’re done in the Breed Pavilion, take a stroll through C-barn and visit the Horse and Farm Exhibits. You can chat with barn and equine business owners, visit with industry professionals offering horses for sale, learn about rescues and sanctuaries, meet horses up for adoption, and plenty more. You might even see performers or clinicians getting ready for a demo or clinic or preparing for their turn in Fantasia.

Do you love draft horses? Then you’ll love Drive a Draft! Offered by the Whispery Pines Percherons, Drive a Draft is your opportunity to learn how to drive a draft horse or a pair of draft horses with the guidance and supervision of the experts, Sam and Kellie Rettinger. This incredible activity is included in the cost of general admission – all you have to do is sign up when you arrive at the event! Learn more about Drive a Draft by visiting https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/drive-a-draft/.

Are you a veteran? Check out A Horse for Heroes at Equine Affaire. We’ve partnered with Operation Horses and Heroes to provide veterans, first responders, and their families with the opportunity to experience the benefits of equine-assisted therapies and activities. This activity will take place on Friday, November 10 and Saturday, November 11 — Veterans Day! You can learn more here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/a-horse-for-heroes/.

Would you like to improve your balance and stability in the saddle? Then you need Equestrians in Motion! These fitness workshops are sponsored by Blue Seal-Sentinel and presented by Ifa Simmonds, an equestrian fitness trainer and clinician. Sign up in advance for your opportunity to learn from Ifa in one of three workshops at Equine Affaire, happening Thursday, Friday, and Sunday of the event. Here’s how: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/equestrians-in-motion/.

QUICK TIP: Ask all the questions! Our exhibitors love to share and showcase their equestrian experiences. Make sure to ask for business cards or pamphlets, too, especially if you’re interested in taking lessons, purchasing a horse, or asking for training services.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?

Equine Affaire is a great place to take kids of all ages, especially horse-crazy ones. The Equine Fundamentals Forum has lots of fun activities, including an arts and crafts project area and a fun stick rodeo (3 pm daily!).

For young adults prepping for college, check out the College & Career Fair presentations by Dr. Karin Bump. Attend her sessions on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, then sign up for a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Bump to figure out how to match your equine interests with college and career options.

THIS SOUNDS GREAT! HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER/EXHIBIT/ADVERTISE/PARTICIPATE SOMEDAY?

Yes! You can learn more about how to volunteer, exhibit, advertise, or participate with Equine Affaire in the future by visiting www.equineaffaire.com.

MY QUESTION DIDN’T GET ASKED! NOW WHAT?

If you have more questions or need to get in touch with our staff, there are plenty of ways to reach out to us! Bookmark our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @equineaffaire, or call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00pm EST (M-F). We can’t wait to see you at Equine Affaire!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 17, 2023 — Next month, Equine Affaire returns to the Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts – and so does the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Sponsored by Chewy, this exciting competition pits approximately 25 pre-selected horses and riders against each other in the pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes, as well as the coveted title of the Versatile Horse and Rider Champion.

The competition will take place on Friday, November 10, at 2 pm Eastern Time in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition. Here’s how the competition works. One at a time, a horse and rider pair races the clock as they navigate over, under, and around a series of obstacles in the coliseum arena. The obstacles are designed to test the communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Past obstacles have included jumps, balloon arches, pushing a salt block with a polo mallet, weaving poles, opening and closing rope gates, using a lance to spear a suspended ring, and many others. Riders receive limited information on the course until the afternoon of the competition, when they perform a walk-through and receive final instructions on how to navigate the various challenges.

Greg Robinson of Valley View, Texas, will judge this year’s competition. Robinson is an 11-time world champion and multiple reserve world champion in every division of ranch versatility. The master of ceremonies will be Noah Rattner, the official Voice of Equine Affaire. The top five riders will win cash and rosettes, while the fifth through tenth place riders will receive rosettes. The first-place winner receives $2,500 in cash, a Champion rosette, and the title of “Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion.” The second-place rider wins $1,500 and a reserve champion rosette; third place earns $1,000 and a rosette; and fourth place wins $500 and a rosette. Who will win this year? You’ll have to attend to find out!

Equine Affaire is proud to begin introducing you to this year’s class of 2023 VHRC Competitors. In this press release, meet the first five competitors:

April Baronas

Horse: I Can’t Eeven, 8 year old Mustang mare

I Can’t Eeven or “Eevee” is an 8 year old Mustang mare from the Little Owyhee HMA. April has been working with her for over five years. Last December, Eevee became April’s first horse – presented on Christmas Eve with a big red bow, many tears, and all. Together, they’ve competed in everything from trail and obstacle work to dressage to ranch events and mounted police horse training. They have earned many top placings in local, regional, and national shows, including back-to-back trail division championships in 2021 and 2022 at the Woodstock Fair, 9th place at the 2022 MA VHRC, and 11^th place in the 2023 OH VHRC.

“I appreciate how willing this little mare is to try anything and everything I ask her to,” April says. “She has completely changed how I approach riding, and my ultimate goal is just to have as much fun with her as I can. We look forward to the VHRC for not only the challenge of the course, but also the camaraderie of the competitors in the ring.”

Hilary Dorazio

Horse: One Smart Red Pine, 14 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Hilary and “Smarty” have been a team for twelve years. Smarty is owned by Jean Lindsey. Both Hilary and Jean have competed on Smarty, and the gelding has multiple championships, reserve championships, and high point awards to his credit.

“Smarty is a very athletic and truly all-around horse,” Hilary says. “He is a joy to ride. Participating in the VHRC has always been a dream of mine, and with Smarty as my partner, I am excited to see what we can do!”

Nicholas Fair

Horse: Cisco Coyote, 9 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Nicholas grew up riding Western in upstate New York. In high school, he drifted away from horses due to a lack of time and the expenses involved. Fast forward twenty years, and his six-year-old daughter asked if she could learn how to ride. Nicholas’ daughter began riding hunter/jumpers. One evening, Nicholas got the opportunity to swing a leg over a lesson horse and remembered how much he missed riding. Last fall, he began taking lessons at Hollis Ranch in Hollis, New Hampshire. After riding “Coyote” for eight months in many different disciplines, he purchased the gelding for his own. They began focusing more on versatility outside the arena, including working with Nicholas’ small herd of beef cattle.

“We are submitting together to compete in the VHRC as a good goal for our training together,” Nicholas said. “We want to be able to work my herd as a team. We’ve had a lot of fun getting to this point and hope to be able to compete at an even higher level come November.”

Jessica Hogan

Horse: Canoli Bandit, 19 year old Pinto/Walker gelding

Jessica is a 22 year old college student studying horse science. She hopes to earn a teaching certification so that someday, she can teach the Horse Science program for Nassau Boces. Jessica has been training horses since she was 18 years old and works with many special needs adults and children.

Jessica and “Bandit” competed in the 2022 Massachusetts VHRC. Unfortunately, they couldn’t finish the course due to a fall, so they’re eager to return and finish what they started!

“Bandit is spunky, forward, and requires a lot of attention, much like a toddler,” Jessica says. “My mom and I joke and call him our dumpster baby, because he was really thrown away. This year, we won Grand Champion in Open English Pleasure. I am so proud of our accomplishments. Bandit has taught me what it means to be a true horseman. I learned that progress takes patience and the ability to allow your horse to be himself, even if the outcome wasn’t your original intent.”

Scott Keyes

Horse: KC, 14 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Scott has been riding for 25 years, competing in many disciplines and riding many miles of trails in the process. He purchased KC as a 3 year old and started the gelding at a Buster McLaury clinic. He has trained KC himself.

The pair have competed in team roping, cattle sorting, versatility, and ranch horse, to name just a few. They also competed in the 2018 MA VHRC.

“KC has always been a reliable mount who is up for any challenge,” Scott says of his partner. “I love versatility because it combines speed and finesse and really challenges a horse’s brain.”

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, November 10, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 3, 2023 — Have you heard? Equine Affaire in Massachusetts is turning 25! Created by equestrians for equestrians, our four-day horse expo has been elevating the equestrian experience in the Bay State since 1998. That means during the last twenty-five years, Equine Affaire has provided equine-themed education, entertainment, networking opportunities, and more to hundreds of thousands of horse lovers from all over the world. This November, bring the whole barn and come to W. Springfield, MA, to enjoy an extra-special edition of North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering. This year’s event is brimming with all your favorite features – educational clinics, fun kids’ crafts, a fabulous trade show, exciting competitions, and more – plus a host of new additions and celebratory anniversary surprises!

Equine Affaire is happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Expo in W. Springfield. You can buy general admission tickets in advance by visiting equineaffaire.com or by calling the Equine Affaire office at 740-845-0085, or you can purchase your tickets at the gates when you arrive (cash only). Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, Fantasia, is also returning for three nights only on November 9-11! Fantasia is sponsored by Absorbine. Advance tickets for this special show are going quickly, so purchase yours today at equineaffaire.com before the night of your choice sells out.

So, what’s waiting for you at Equine Affaire? We’re glad you asked! In addition to everything you’ve come to know and love about Equine Affaire, we’re rolling out even more horsey fun and games:

• It may be our anniversary, but we’re giving you the gift! In honor of our 25^th anniversary, Equine Affaire will be distributing a limited supply of vouchers to the first twenty-five hundred guests to come through the gates of the Eastern States Exposition. Each voucher will be good for 25% off one item of Affaire Wear at the Equine Affaire Information Booth, located in the Better Living Center. Come early for a chance to get a voucher and then make sure to snag your souvenir of choice at the Equine Affaire Info Booth! One voucher per person, please. 

• The Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge is a brand-new competition that’s free to enter for all Equine Affaire attendees, no horse required! Happening Saturday, November 11, at 1:00 pm in the Mallary South Arena, the GEFC will feature three fun events: a barn chores marathon, a bouncy pony race, and a horse nugget relay. To sign up, visit the announcer’s table outside the Mallary South Arena prior to the competition. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event. Flex your hard-earned barn muscles and have a great time, or just come ready to cheer on your friends and enjoy commentary from our master of ceremonies, Ifa Simmonds!
• Support your favorite trade show exhibitors through the inaugural Best Booth Award During the event, the Equine Affaire staff will select a class of finalists representing the “best booths” in the trade show. Then we’ll host an online contest via our Facebook to allow attendees to vote for the Best Booth at Equine Affaire! The winning booth will be declared on Saturday of the event and receive the honor of displaying a special “Best Booth” award banner at their booth for the rest of the trade show and until next year’s winner is declared. Keep an eye on the official Equine Affaire Facebook page during the event so you can vote for your favorite booth.
• The Equine Affaire Exceptional Educator Award is used to recognize presenters and clinicians who have demonstrated an extraordinary dedication to providing top-tier education to audiences and riders at Equine Affaire. Throughout Equine Affaire history, the Exceptional Educator Award has been conferred only a handful of times. In fact, the last recipient of the Educational Educator Award was Julie Goodnight in 2008! We’re delighted to announce that we’re bestowing the Exceptional Educator Award on one hard-working and talented clinician at this year’s event. Who will it be? You’ll have to come to Equine Affaire to find out!
• Every year, Horse Week unites the equine industry for the free equine streaming event of the year, showcasing films for horse people like documentaries, horse care and training videos, and lots more, on horseweek.tv. This year, the week-long film festival takes place November 5-11, 2023 – so naturally, Equine Affaire had to get in on the excitement! Make sure to join Equine Network at the Seminar Stage on Thursday, November 9, for a special Horse Week Viewing Party, starting at 5 pm.
• Equestrians in Motion, sponsored by Blue Seal-Sentinel, is a fun new series of equestrian fitness workshops that debuted in Ohio this spring, and we’re delighted to bring these workshops to Massachusetts this fall! Presented by Ifa Simmonds, the owner and creator of Equestrian Fitness Academy, these in-person workshops will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Sunday of the event in the conference room of the Young Building. It’s free to participate, but there are limited slots available. Make sure to visit https://www.ifafit.com/lib to sign up before Equine Affaire gets here.
• The free Equine Affaire raffle isn’t new, but it’s absolutely jam-packed this year with incredible prizes from trusted companies like Dubarry of Ireland – USA, Back On Track, October Design Equestrian Décor, Blue Seal-Sentinel, US Equestrian, and Equine Affaire. It’s free and easy to enter, and you need not be present to win. Make sure to enter online before November 13, 2023, for your chance to win big! Here’s where to enter: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/mass-free-raffle/.

The countdown to Equine Affaire in Massachusetts has begun! For everything you need to know to attend, visit www.equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia are available online or by calling our office at 740-845-0085 to order over the phone. Looking for somewhere to stay? Discounted rates are available at our host hotels through early October, and camping options are available at the Eastern States Expo. Want to learn more about how to participate? You can bring horses for sale, exhibit in the trade show, consign gently-used horsey gear in the Marketplace Consignment Shop, apply to distribute advertising materials on our distribution tables, participate in the Breed Pavilion or Horse & Farm Exhibits, and lots more. Visit our website or call our office for more details.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its generous sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, LRP Matting, Chewy, Triple Crown Nutrition, and Blue Seal-Sentinel. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com) and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, September 12, 2023 — Have you heard the news yet? If you’re looking for a leg up on your riding, training, or horsemanship skills, Equine Affaire is the horse expo for you! North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering is celebrating the 25^th anniversary of its event in Massachusetts this November. In the process, we’re presenting a superb lineup of equestrian educators, including World Champions, National Champions, Olympians, popular equestrian TV personalities, professional equine performers, authors, judges, veterinarians, professors, and many more. Plan your pilgrimage to W. Springfield, MA, for four incredible days of learning and inspiration at Equine Affaire, November 9-12, 2023. No matter what your skill level is, come as you are – and once the show ends, you’ll go back to your barn feeling refreshed, inspired, and ready to ride.

This fall, Equine Affaire is proud to present Mike Major, Julie Goodnight, Jason Irwin, Brandi Lyons, and Chelsea Canedy, as well as an elite coterie of equestrian educators that include Phillip Dutton (eventing), Steffen Peters (dressage), Andrew Welles (hunter/jumper), Greg Robinson (ranch horse versatility), Jeanne McDonald (dressage), Mark Bolender (mountain trail), Stacey Giere (driving), Bronwyn Irwin (pole bending), Lynn Newton (Western dressage), Carl Bledsoe (easy gaited horses), Sam & Kellie Rettinger (Draft Horses), Jim Masterson (equine bodywork), Marty Whittle (Equi Yoga), Copper Hill Vaulting Team (vaulting), and dozens more. For a full list of presenters and topics, plus the latest event schedule, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/educational-program/mass-presenters/.

Ready to learn more about this event’s headliners?

Mike Major hails from Bowie, TX, where he owns and operates Mike Major Horsemanship. Mr. Major has spent his lifetime starting, training, and showing horses in multiple Western disciplines, including ranch horse versatility, ranch riding, roping, cutting, cowhorse, and reining. He has won countless awards through American Quarter Horse Association and Stock Horse of Texas events, including three AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Open World Championships, five AQHA Versatility Ranch Horse Open Reserve World Championships, five SHOT Open World Championships, two World’s Greatest Versatility Ranch Horse Championships, and many more. He has also received his AQHA 50 Year Breeder Certificate. Mr. Major specializes in enhancing the clarity of communication between the horse and rider through body control and softness in order to succeed in all disciplines and at all levels. In addition to his accomplishments in the show pen, Mr. Major is an avid supporter of the industry, serving as a Special Advisor to the Mustang Heritage Foundation and as a member of the AQHA Ranch Horse Committee.

Growing up in the 1960s on a small horse farm in central Florida, Julie Goodnight developed a connection with horses from a young age. Now an internationally renowned trainer and clinician, Ms. Goodnight is a rarity in that she has ridden and trained extensively in multiple disciplines, both English and Western, working with many breeds. Her focus is on classical horsemanship and developing the horse and rider’s relationship. Ms. Goodnight started her horse training business in 1985. Her methods are grounded in natural horsemanship, classical riding, and understanding what motivates horses. She teaches at clinics, expos and special events everywhere, and produces an award-winning podcast, “Ride On with Julie Goodnight.” Ms. Goodnight travels both domestically and internationally to lead riding adventures and teach horsemanship. She was named Exceptional Equestrian Educator by Equine Affaire, and is Spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association, an organization focused on promoting safety and excellence in horsemanship. She holds their highest level of certification, Master Clinic Instructor.

Jason Irwin is a lifelong equestrian and horse trainer from Ontario, Canada. He and his wife, Bronwyn, operate Jason and Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship. Together, they teach horse training clinics, put on training demonstrations, and present at horse events throughout North America. Mr. Irwin began his training career focusing on colt starting and fixing problem horses and later added advanced training and liberty work. Mr. Irwin works with both western and English riders of all skill levels. Jason and Bronwyn host the TV show “The Horse Trainers” on The Cowboy Channel Canada and RFD-TV Canada. They have created several video training series and regularly post training information on their social media accounts.

To say that Brandi Lyons has completed the John Lyons certification program would be an understatement. Ms. Lyons grew up under the daily tutelage of her father on the family’s cattle ranch in Colorado and accompanied him on many of his cross-country trips to symposia and expos. She now continues the Lyons legacy teaching a new generation of riders and trainers the natural horsemanship training methods she acquired and continued to develop. For the past 18 years, she has been growing and developing her own business in the equine industry and spent many years traveling coast to coast to teach clinics. In 2008, Ms. Lyons took a hiatus from her cross-country travels to raise her daughters. However, it was not long before she started to train horses again and started her own business, No Limits Horsemanship, at her ranch in Rio Verde, AZ. Since then, Ms. Lyons has worked with many riders and horses through clinics, lessons, and a certification program for other trainers hosted at her ranch. She has also resumed her nationwide clinic travels, where she educates horses and riders on horsemanship; ranch sorting; conquering trails and obstacles; performance; and trick training.

As an upper-level event rider with a vast knowledge of horse behavior and natural horsemanship, Chelsea Canedy is able to identify and develop the potential in a horse with empathy, patience, and understanding. Her philosophy with every ride is “reward the try and celebrate even 1% better.” Meditation and mental performance have been pillars of Chelsea’s career with horses and previously, as a social worker. This allows her to connect with riders who struggle with nerves, fear, staying present, or those who are just looking to reconnect with their goals. Ms. Canedy is currently based at Unexpected Farm in Wales, ME, where she is helping connect riders in Area 1 to the bustling world of upper level eventing through her network of fellow professional riders and clinic opportunities. She winters in Ocala, FL.

Equine Affaire will celebrate its 25^th event in Massachusetts, November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Make plans today to attend and enjoy a celebratory four-day weekend of educational opportunities, shopping, exciting competitions, fun activities, and much more, all centered around the love of the horse. Spend a day – or four days! – enjoying all that this spectacular expo has to offer, then plan to spend at least one evening attending Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is a two-hour nighttime spectacular that will take place for three nights only in the Eastern States Exposition’s coliseum on November 9, 10, and 11. Separate tickets are required for Fantasia. Tickets for both events are on sale now at equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, LRP Matting, Chewy, Triple Crown Nutrition, and Blue Seal. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com) and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, August 29, 2023 — Whether you own horses and want to show them off, or you love horses and want to admire herds of them in person, Equine Affaire is the horse expo for you! The Breed Pavilion provides visitors with a colorful and interactive introduction to the world of horses, while the Horse & Farm Exhibits offer avenues of connection between attendees and horse owners, horse farm owners, equine service providers, and more. Whatever side of the fence you’d like to be on, we invite you to come to the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 9-12, and enjoy all that our event has to offer.

Since 1994, Equine Affaire has proudly served as the pinnacle event of equine-related education, entertainment, and enrichment, bringing joy and knowledge to tens of thousands of equestrians every year through its two events in Columbus, OH, and W. Springfield, MA. This fall, North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering celebrates its 25^th anniversary in Massachusetts with four days of educational clinics, sessions, and demonstrations; two exciting competitions; interactive exhibits and activities; an expansive trade show; kids’ crafts and activities; special giveaways; an exclusive viewing party of the Equine Network’s Horse Week; a fabulous nighttime musical and theatrical show, and so much more. Tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com.

If you own horses, operate a farm or stable, provide an equine-related service, offer a stallion at stud, or have horses available for sale or adoption, you’re invited to participate in the Breed Pavilion, the Horse & Farm Exhibits, the For Sale Stalls, or the Adoption Affaire! These exhibits are the perfect way to put yourself and your horses, brand, farm, or business in front of tens of thousands of interested and enthusiastic horse people. Fill your stalls with the friendliest and most beautiful horses you own, then use your stall fronts as a space to promote your barn, farm, stallion, breed, or business, share brochures and other materials about your services, put up photo displays, and more! Here’s how:

Promote your farm, stallion, or equine services with a Horse & Farm Exhibit Stall in C-Barn. Stalls are 12’ by 9’. Regular in-line stalls are $160 each; end stalls on the outer aisles of the barn are $185, and end stalls on the main center aisle of the barn are $210 each. Each exhibitor is required to purchase or share a tack stall in addition to a horse stall, and tack stalls are $120 each. Rental of an exhibit stall in the Horse & Farm Exhibits area includes:

• One four-day adult ticket to Equine Affaire per stall (a $55 value)
• A one-line listing of stall number, farm name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address in the event program, distributed for free to our attendees
• A listing of the farm or horse owner name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address on equineaffaire.com prior to and during the event

Although Equine Affaire is a four-day event, Horse & Farm exhibitors must commit to exhibiting for at least three days (and specify in advance whether they plan to exhibit Thurs-Saturday or Friday-Sunday). Shavings, straw, and hay will be available for purchase on site. Learn more by visiting https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-breed-exhibits/mass-horse-farm-exhibits/. You can also reach out to Jessica Anderson (janderson@equineaffaire.com) today to arrange for rental of your Horse & Farm Exhibit stall, and ask her how you (or your breed association or group) can also participate in the Breed Pavilion. Or visit https://equineaffaire.com/mass-breed-pavilion/ for details!

Do you have a horse for sale? Sign up to participate with a For Sale stall! For Sale Stalls are in-line stalls located within the Horse & Farm Exhibits. Rental of a For Sale stall is only $160 per stall and includes:

• One four-day adult ticket to Equine Affaire per stall (a $55 value)
• A descriptive For Sale sign to post on your stall
• A free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com that will provide the horse’s breed, age, gender, name, discipline, price, and stall location
• A one-line listing of stall number, horse owner’s name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address in the event program, distributed for free to adult attendees
• The opportunity to give interested adult customers the chance to test ride horses in a schooling arena at the event

Horse owners who rent For Sale stalls must commit to exhibiting for at least two days and specify in advance their date of arrival. Horse owners who rent For Sale stalls may also rent a tack stall next to their sale stall for an additional $120 to store bedding, tack, feed, and other equipment at the show. Visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-exhibit/mass-breed-exhibits/mass-for-sale-stalls/ for more information, or contact Jessica Anderson (janderson@equineaffaire.com).

Do you operate a horse rescue, shelter, or sanctuary that connects horses in need with adopters? Participate in the Right Horse Adoption Affaire in Massachusetts! Equine Affaire is proud to partner with the ASPCA’s Right Horse Initiative to improve the lives of horses in transition and connect adopters with their Right Horse. Offer your horses for adoption at the Adoption Affaire by renting a 12’ by 9’ Adoption Affaire stall for $160. An Adoption Affaire stall includes:

• One four-day pass to the event (a $55 value)
• An Adoption Affaire sign to post on the stall
• A free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com that will provide the horse’s breed, age, gender, name, discipline, price, photo, and stall location
• The opportunity to give interested adult customers the chance to test ride horses in a schooling arena at the event

Tack stalls are also available for $120. Please plan on occupying your Adoption Affaire stall for at least two days of the event. More information is available at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-exhibit/mass-adoption-affaire-2/!

The Sale and Adoption Horse Showcase is another incredible opportunity to put your horse’s best hooves forward – literally! – at Equine Affaire. The Showcase will take place on Saturday, November 11, at 3:30 pm in the US Equestrian Arena at Equine Affaire, and includes the chance to lead your horse through the arena in front of thousands of interested potential buyers or adopters while the announcer shares relevant information about your sale prospect. Contact Jessica Anderson (janderson@equineaffaire.com) to schedule your horse’s spot in the Showcase.

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25^th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, LRP Matting, Chewy, and Triple Crown Nutrition. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, August 24, 2023 — Looking for a way to kick off your 2023 holiday season with a little extra sparkle and shine? We recommend attending Fantasia! Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. This two-hour spectacular is filled to the brim with awe-inspiring performances by gorgeous horses and talented equestrians, all set to music. If you’re a horse lover, there’s no better way to lift your spirits or plant a little extra joy in your heart than by spending a magical night at Fantasia.

This November, Equine Affaire proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of its event in Massachusetts. Featuring clinics, educational exhibits, an extensive trade show, and lots more, this four-day horse expo will take place November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. And just like no great ride is complete without a pat of thanks to your equine partner, no trip to Equine Affaire is complete without attending Fantasia! Catch one (or more) of just three special performances on November 9^th, 10^th, or 11^th in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition.

As the perfect complement to Equine Affaire, Fantasia showcases all that’s beautiful, graceful, and athletic about the horse. Every performance is also a testament to the special relationship and sense of trust that exists between every equestrian and his or her horse. If you love horses, then Fantasia is the show for you.

This year, you’re invited to enjoy performances from some of the country’s top equine and equestrian entertainers. Composed of two 12-year-old equestrian performers, the Pegasus Riders thrilled our audiences in Ohio with their daredevil trick riding antics and we’re delighted to share they’ll be coming to Massachusetts to spread their magic in November. Thanks to Melissa Barnett’s Lion King-inspired routine, you’ll feel the love each night as she guides her horses through an enthralling liberty routine. Draft horse fans will adore watching Scott Seymour drive the Morrisville College Belgian hitch alongside Sam and Kellie Rettinger’s gorgeous Whispery Pines Percherons. Outfitted with their signature flair, the Young Guns Drill Team promises to bring all the speedy thrills with a perfectly synchronized drill performance. Power couple Brendan and Melanie Wise will bring their horses as well as their own particular brand of bridleless magic and put on two incredible acts. Fans of feather will cherish watching the graceful Friesians and skilled Amish riders of the Friesian Heritage Drill Team perform to a medley of inspiring anthems. And finally, if comedy is what you’re looking for, you’ll laugh – and gasp in delighted awe – at the antics of Bobby Kerr and his American mustangs. Whether you love liberty, bridleless riding, trick riding, drill teams, or driving, there’s an act for you!

Seats sell out quickly for Fantasia, so make sure to purchase your tickets early. Depending on seating, ticket prices range from $16 to $27. Tickets for Fantasia are on sale now at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-tickets/, so get yours today. Special seating for those who have disabilities is available; please call our office at (740) 845-0085 for special accommodation. All tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia are digital and delivered immediately to your email inbox after purchase – just save them to your phone or mobile device, or print them at home, and get ready to enjoy an incredible show come November. Each show begins at 7:30 pm, and the doors open for seating at 6:45 pm. Don’t forget to save your program and stay after the show for autographs from your favorite performers.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the support of Absorbine, sponsor of Fantasia. Learn more about Absorbine by visiting www.absorbine.com. To learn more about Equine Affaire and to purchase tickets, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, August 11, 2023 — With ninety days to go until Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, it’s the perfect time to start making your plans to attend North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering! Horse lovers and equestrians from all over the world are planning to gather at the Eastern States Exposition in November to help celebrate the 25^th anniversary of our event in Massachusetts. Will you be there?

Twenty-five years can seem like a long time, but equestrians know better than anyone else how fast time flies when you’re having fun – especially when you’re spending it with the people and the horses you love! Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate such an important milestone in its long history of bringing horses and people together to elevate the equestrian experience.

Equine Affaire was founded in 1993 by Eugenia Snyder. Snyder and her team launched the company’s flagship event in Ohio in 1994. Buoyed by the enthusiastic support of the horse industry, Equine Affaire introduced its second event in 1998 at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. Twenty-five years later, Equine Affaire in Massachusetts continues to delight, educate, and entertain horse lovers of all ages. This fall, join us in the Bay State for a celebration of Equine Affaire that offers a combination of all the features you know and love, plus new and exciting events guaranteed to become fresh favorites!

WAIT, WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING AND HOW DO I GO?

A four-day horse expo filled with clinics, competitions, and more, Equine Affaire will take place at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, on November 9^th through the 12^th, 2023. Come spend the day at Equine Affaire, and then spend your evening at the Fantasia! Equine Affaire’s special nighttime show, the Fantasia, will return for three nights only – on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – at 7:30 pm in the Coliseum. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse and features an incredible variety of exciting equestrian performances set to music.

Tickets for both events are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. General admission tickets are $18 for adults per day and $55 per four-day pass. Admission tickets for children (ages 7-10) are $8 per day. Children six and under get in for free! General admission tickets provide entry to the trade show (spread out across four buildings), all themed pavilions, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, the brand-new Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, and all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. General admission tickets will also be available for purchase at the gates, cash only. Please note that separate tickets are required for admission to Fantasia for both children and adults, and range in price from $16 to $27. Fantasia tickets will be available online and at the Equine Affaire Information Booth during the event until they sell out.

Hours for Equine Affaire, including the clinic schedule, trade show, barns, and themed pavilions, are 9 am through 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The doors to the Coliseum will open at 6:45 pm each evening, and Fantasia will begin at 7:30 pm each night. Please note that the Eastern States Exposition charges for parking!

If you’re ready to book your hotel stay for your visit, check out equineaffaire.com today for a list of our host hotels. Room blocks and discounted rates are available at most properties until October. Mention “Equine Affaire” when you book to receive special rates! Camping on site at the Eastern States Exposition is also available for attendees, exhibitors, and participants. You can learn more about camping on the grounds at our website.

WHAT WILL I SEE?

We’re glad you asked! Equine Affaire has built its reputation on the pillars of equine-related education and entertainment, and this fall’s event will feature hundreds of educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations with some of the industry’s most talented horsemen and horsewomen.

Come learn live and in person from our general horsemanship and training clinicians: Mike Major, Julie Goodnight, Jason Irwin, Brandi Lyons, and Chelsea Canedy. Dive deeper into your discipline of choice with Phillip Dutton (eventing), Steffen Peters (dressage), Andrew Welles (hunter/jumper), Greg Robinson (ranch horse versatility), Jeanne McDonald (dressage), Mark Bolender (mountain trail), Stacey Giere (driving), Bronwyn Irwin (pole bending), Lynn Newton (Western dressage), Carl Bledsoe (easy gaited horses), Jim Masterson (equine bodywork), Marty Whittle (rider biomechanics), Copper Hill Vaulting Team (vaulting), and many more! Phillip Dutton’s presentations are sponsored by Triple Crown Nutrition.

Would you like to ride in a clinic at Equine Affaire? Then you’re in luck! Applications and details for Equine Affaire’s Ride With a Pro clinic program, sponsored by Fairhill Saddlery, are available online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/. Apply by September 8 for your opportunity to ride with many of the clinicians who are presenting at Equine Affaire. It’s an affordable and easy way to give yourself and your horse the gift of advanced instruction by some of the nation’s best instructors, coaches, clinicians, and competitors.

In addition to clinics, attendees will enjoy browsing and shopping at the largest horse-related trade show in the east. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a friend, seeking to outfit one horse or a dozen, wanting to try out brand new products or looking for your faithful favorites, you’re virtually guaranteed to find what you want, need, or just-gotta-have at Equine Affaire! Hundreds of vendors will be on site with products for you to check out, try on, taste, touch, and see. For a full list of vendors expected to be at Equine Affaire, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-trade-show/mass-exhibitors/ and check back often for updates in the months to come.

If you’re new to the horse world, Equine Affaire is your perfect introduction to horses. Check out the Equine Fundamentals Forum for awesome anatomical displays, educational posters and hands-on exhibits, fun activities, and lots more. The EFF is also home to lots of fun kids’ activities, such as arts and crafts and the Stick Horse Rodeo, which happens daily at 3 pm. Once you’ve learned the basics in the EFF, make sure to visit the Breed Pavilion and the Horse & Farm Exhibits. In these areas, you can interact with horses of all different breeds, sizes, shapes, and colors, plus chat with their owners and companions to learn about breed associations, riding organizations, local horse facilities and farms, and lots more. The Horse & Farm Exhibits will also feature horses for sale, as well as horses available for adoption through the ASPCA Right Horse and Equine Affaire’s Adoption Affaire.

Equine Affaire will also feature two incredible competitions this year! First, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition will take place on Friday, November 10 in the Coliseum. Sponsored by Chewy, this exciting event features up to 25 pre-selected horses and riders who race the clock to tackle an obstacle course. The obstacle course varies from year to year, but every obstacle is designed to test the communication between horse and rider and the versatility skills and athleticism of both parties. Interested equestrians should apply in advance to compete at equineaffaire.com. Applications are due by September 8! Visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-compete/mass-versatile-horse-rider-competition/ for all the details. Next, a brand-new event is coming to Equine Affaire on Saturday, November 11. Emceed by Ifa Simmonds of Equestrian Fitness Academy, the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge is a fun and exciting competition open to all Equine Affaire attendees – no horses needed! Attendees can sign up on site to participate in one of three events: the Barn Chores Marathon, the Bouncy Pony Race, or the Horse Nugget Relay. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event. During the event, sign up on site at the announcer’s table outside the Mallary South Arena.

Are you looking for even more ways to get hands-on with horses? Then you’re in luck! Equine Affaire is proud to offer the Drive A Draft experience in collaboration with Whispery Pines Percherons. With expert guidance from Sam and Kellie Rettinger, learn to drive a single Percheron or a pair of Percherons from the ground on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at the event. You can sign up on site by visiting the Whispery Pines Percherons stalls in the C-barn! Or if you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or a first responder, consider bringing your whole family to participate in A Horse for Heroes, offered by Operation Horses and Heroes. This special activity is the perfect way to celebrate Veterans Day – and to experience horses in an all-new way. Interested parties can apply in advance through the Ride With a Pro application on our website: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/.

Crown your perfect day at Equine Affaire with a sparkling evening at Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in the Coliseum. This magical event is a two-hour showcase that features a medley of inspiring performances by some of the nation’s most talented equestrians and horses. Performers will include the Friesian Heritage Drill Team, liberty performer Melissa Barnett, the Pegasus Trick Riders, the Young Guns drill team, an incredible driving display by the Whispery Pines Percherons and Scott Seymour’s Morrisville Belgians, a comedic routine by Bobby Kerr, and much more! Tickets for Fantasia sell quickly, so make sure to purchase yours in advance at equineaffaire.com.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE AT EQUINE AFFAIRE?

There are tons of ways to participate at Equine Affaire. In addition to applying to ride in a clinic or competition, you can also sign up to participate in special equestrian fitness workshops, consign items in the Marketplace Consignment Shop, or even volunteer! Equine Affaire relies on hundreds of volunteers at each event. Depending on the number of shifts that you work, you can even earn free admission! Volunteers should apply online by September 27, 2023. For more information on consigning your gently-used items at the Marketplace, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-sell/mass-marketplace/. To participate in an Equestrians In Motion workshop with Ifa Simmonds, stay tuned to our website for more details!

If you would like to exhibit products in the trade show at Equine Affaire or represent your farm, horse-related business, or offer horses for sale or adoption in the Horse and Farm Exhibits, please visit our website or contact our friendly staff at the Equine Affaire office. You can call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00 pm EST (M-F).

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25^th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, Triple Crown Nutrition, LRP Matting, and Chewy. To learn more about our event, visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

COLDWATER, OH, July 27, 2023 — LRP Matting and Equine Affaire, Inc. are proud to announce a sponsorship agreement between both companies, making LRP Matting the ‘Official Matting Sponsor’ of Equine Affaire through 2025. Both parties have committed to an official sponsorship agreement for the Equine Affaire events to be held in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, for the next three years.

As the ‘Official Matting Sponsor,’ LRP Matting will provide and install their high-quality and durable rubber mats for use within the Breed Pavilion display stalls, Breed Pavilion Aisles, Breed Pavilion presentation ring, Equine Fundamentals Forum Demo Ring and walkway, and Mallary North Demo Ring and walkway.

“We are very proud to partner with Equine Affaire and welcome the opportunity to support them at one of the largest equestrian events in the country,” says Kris Baucher, LRP’s Commercial Manager. “Being able to showcase our rubber mats in live-action areas is something we are very excited about. Along with providing flooring solutions in multiple areas, we are also happy to contribute to a safe and comfortable overall event environment.”

25 years in W. Springfield, Massachusetts

Equine Affaire is North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering. Equine Affaire unites horse lovers of all disciplines and interests in the ultimate celebration of the horse. This year’s event, to be held from November 9 – 12, marks the 25^th anniversary of Equine Affaire in W. Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Equine Affaire values the opportunity to partner with a great company like LRP Matting, which provides products designed to benefit and enhance the lives of both horses and people,” says Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “We’re excited for this partnership, and we are looking forward to working with Kris and the team at LRP Matting for our events in Massachusetts.”

Shaping Your Environment

Boosting the well-being of both humans and animals, LRP Matting has a solution for every surface and size. LRP’s long-lasting rubber mats – made from the highest quality rubber – ensure optimal levels of protection and comfort. Since 1971, LRP Matting has been manufacturing rubber mats and flooring for use in agricultural, recreational, and industrial facilities. Apart from standard-sized rubber mats, LRP Matting is also specialized in made-to-measure solutions, producing a completely customizable option to fit our client’s individual needs. LRP Matting is shaping your environment! For media inquiries or additional questions about LRP Matting, please contact: Kenny Boons (LRP Matting) at media@drirubber.com.

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25^th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, Triple Crown Nutrition, and LRP Matting. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @equineaffaire, or call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00pm EST (M-F). We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, July 19, 2023 – Life’s too short to sit on the sidelines – especially if you’re an equestrian! If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s finally time to bring your horse with you to Equine Affaire, this is it. Pack your saddle bags and join us at the 25^th Equine Affaire in Massachusetts this fall, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Whether you want to ride in a clinic, compete for cash, or both, there’s a chance for you to ride at Equine Affaire this year!

Make strides toward your goals in the saddle, on the ground, or behind the cart through Ride With a Pro! Sponsored by Fair Hill Saddlery, the Ride With a Pro program connects equestrians like you with professional coaches, trainers, instructors, and industry experts who can help guide you and your horse in the pursuit of excellence. Mark your calendars and apply by September 8 for the opportunity to participate in a clinic at North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering.

Whether you’re struggling to master a particular skill, hoping to explore a new discipline, or looking for ways to boost your confidence in the saddle, there’s a RWAP clinic for you. This fall’s class of clinicians includes a wide range of equestrian professionals with a multitude of different teaching styles and perspectives, representing more than a dozen different disciplines. If you’ve always dreamed of riding like a pro, you’ve got to Ride With a Pro! Here’s who you can apply to ride with at Equine Affaire this fall:

Jason Irwin…Colt Starting

Steffen Peters…Dressage

Jean McDonald…Dressage

Stacey Giere…Driving

Carl Bledsoe…Easy Gaited Horses

Jim Masterson…Equine Bodywork

Marty Whittle…Equi Yoga

Phillip Dutton…Eventing

Mike Major…General Training & Horsemanship

Julie Goodnight… General Training & Horsemanship

Brandi Lyons… General Training & Horsemanship

Jason Irwin… General Training & Horsemanship

Chelsea Canedy… General Training & Horsemanship

Andrew Welles…Hunter/Jumper

Mark Bolender…Mountain Trail

Bronwyn Irwin…Pole Bending

Greg Robinson…Ranch Horse Versatility

Lynn Newton…Western Dressage

Anyone 12 years and older is welcome to apply. Since all clinics will be happening at Equine Affaire, applicants should feel comfortable and confident enough in their abilities to ride (or drive) in front of a crowd. For more details on clinic topics, review the 2023 RWAP Clinic Summary Packet, available here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/. Each clinic summary includes the time and date of the clinic, the topic, and details on whether the clinician is looking for horses and riders with specific skills or issues. All applicants should be prepared to submit an application video, an application form, bio, and photo. Each clinic costs $105, which includes participation in the clinic, admission to Equine Affaire on the day of the clinic, twenty-four hours of stabling, and a free T-shirt. To apply, visit equineaffaire.com (click “Participate,” then “Ride With a Pro”) or you can contact Lori Helsel at LHelsel@equineaffaire.com. All applications are due by September 8, and all applicants will be notified of their selection status by October 13.

Calling all veterans, active duty, and first responders! We have a special opportunity for you this fall at Equine Affaire. We’re partnering with Operation Horses and Heroes, Inc., to bring you “A Horse for Heroes,” which is a chance for you (and your families) to experience the effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies on two different days at Equine Affaire: Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11. In the past, we’ve asked participants to sign up for this activity on site at the event; this year, we’re inviting you to apply with our RWAP applicants. There is no clinic fee for this interactive activity, but you will need to submit an application and a bio form to LHelsel@equineaffaire.com. Be sure to visit the RWAP page on our website, as outlined in the paragraph above, to apply.

Are you looking for an extra special kind of thrill this fall? If you and your horse love a challenge, apply to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Open to riders from any discipline and horses of all breeds, the “VHRC” is a timed and judged race through an obstacle course that will test your horsemanship skills as well as your ability to communicate with your horse. This year, the VHRC will take place on Friday, November 10, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Expo. Many will apply, but only 25 horse-and-rider pairs will be accepted. The first-place winner will receive $2,500 in cash, a champion rosette, and the coveted title of Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion! Second through fourth places will also receive cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively, and rosettes, while fifth through tenth places will receive rosettes. Start prepping your application materials today! Visit equineaffaire.com (click “Participate,” then “Versatile Horse & Rider”) to fill out your application form, sign a copy of the VHRC rules, and learn about how to submit an application video. The entry fee is $360 with applications due by September 8. For questions, contact Coagi Long at CLong@equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25^th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, and Triple Crown Nutrition. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @equineaffaire, or call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00pm EST (M-F). We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!