London, OH, October 16, 2017–Welcome to the first of several segments highlighting this fall’s 2017 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition competitors. The following highlights some of the individuals and their horses who will convene on Friday, November 10 at Equine Affaire for the ultimate test of horsemanship.

First up, meet Erin Gendreau, of Guilford, VT, who has been partnered with her 7-year-old QH mare Dunitgoodtobeapepto for the past year. In that time, they have competed in barrel racing, pole bending, and cow sorting events. In barrel racing, they have qualified for the Open 1D and 2D World Championships. They won the AQHA Region 6 Level 1 barrel racing and pole bending classes, and have qualified for AQHA Worlds in all levels of barrel racing and pole bending.

Next we have Ariana Gunderson, of Meredith, NH, who has been partnered with her 17-year-old Mustang gelding, Shadow, for six years. The pair has competed in cowboy mounted shooting and western dressage. Recently, they won Adult Overall Champion at the 2017 Kaitlyne Wadman Mustang Makeover.

Katie Bogaert, of Meriden, MA has been riding her 4-year-old QH gelding Mowgli for almost year. Katie found him at auction and bought him with the intention of reselling him. However, Mowgli soon fell seriously ill and over the course of three months of recovery, Katie and Mowgli grew a very strong bond. Now that Mowgli is back to full health, the pair have been dabbling in dressage and western training.

Last in this installment is Kristin Sweeney, of Berlin, MA, who bought her 14-year-old Norwegian Fjord mare, Fergie, six years ago as a birthday present to herself. Since then, they have competed in numerous events at the beginner novice and advanced elementary level. The pair has also recently gotten into obstacle and versatility training.

Stay tuned to meet more of our competitors soon!

And in the meantime, purchase tickets to Equine Affaire to be sure you don’t miss the action: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-tickets/

 

London, OH, September 29, 2017–The Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, will once again become “horse-central” for horse lovers from throughout the East Coast and beyond when it hosts the 56^th Equine Affaire on November 9-12. Since its introduction to New England in 1998, Equine Affaire has been a “must see” for horse enthusiasts associated with all breeds and equestrian disciplines. With an unwavering mission to elevate the equestrian experience, Equine Affaire offers an educational program that is second-to-none, the largest horse-related trade show in the East, top equine entertainment and competition, and endless opportunities to experience, buy, and sell horses of all types. Equine Affaire is where you see, feel, touch, compare, try on, experience and smell all aspects of the horse world in person and, most important, “in horse.”

At the heart of Equine Affaire is an educational program designed to help horsemen of all riding and driving persuasions reach their equestrian goals at home, on the trail, and in the competitive arena. Hundreds of clinics, seminars and demos by many of the foremost trainers, coaches, competitors, judges, TV personalities, and industry professionals will be presented in six venues—so a little advance planning will be required to know just what to do when!

This year’s gathering will feature Olympic, Pan American, World Equestrian Games, and World Champion greats including Greg Best, Phillip Dutton, Craig Johnson, Steffen Peters and Suzy Stafford as well as outstanding overall horsemen such as Ken McNabb, Julie Goodnight, Van Hargis, Chris Irwin, Steve Lantvit, and Wendy Murdoch.  Clinic topics will cover the gamut from the English disciplines of dressage, jumping, eventing, driving, and English pleasure through the western sports of cutting, reining, western pleasure, ranch riding, cowboy dressage, and trail.  Sessions will also be presented on liberty horse training, mounted games, the training of easy gaited horses, vaulting, scholastic / collegiate competition, and more.

Equine Affaire’s Equine Fundamentals Forum, located in the Mallary South, will be where new riders and horse owners—and those still developing basic skills—will meet and learn together with their own demo ring and savvy string of experts sharing solid “horse sense” that forms the building blocks of good horsemanship.  The Forum will offer video presentations, hands-on interactive displays about equine health and management, and fun activities tailored to the youngest horse lovers.

Of course the focus of any “horse fest” is obviously the horses, and you’ll find plenty of ways to discover and appreciate the amazing diversity of the horse world in the Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, and breed demos throughout the weekend. Get up close and personal with equines from miniatures to drafts, gaited to easy gaited breeds, and stock horses to sport horses. Representatives of dozens of horse, pony, color, and breed associations and registries will be on hand in the Breed Pavilion to answer your questions and share their exceptional horses with you. And, if you’re wanting to learn more about a breed, find horses for sale, research stallions for your mare, and review training and breeding facilities, take time to explore the Horse & Farm Exhibits located in C Barn right next to the coliseum. The Horse & Farm Exhibits is where horse and farm owners and horse service providers connect directly with customers and share information.

Another Equine Affaire favorite is the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena^®.  This ultimate test of horsemanship will bring 25 pre-selected horse and rider teams to the coliseum on Friday afternoon to ride against the clock in front of a judge who will rate their performance through a pattern of obstacles and horsemanship tests.  The race course will embody the definition of versatility requiring jumping over obstacles, working gates, crossing bridges, performing rollback and gymkhana maneuvers, backing through patterns, and demonstrating trust while navigating “spooky” objects. Come out and cheer on your favorite contestants in this exciting, fast-paced event!

At the end of a great day of learning and shopping at Equine Affaire there can be no better way to cap off the day than to settle into a seat to enjoy the very best in equine entertainment—and you can do that at the Fantasia—Equine Affaire’s magical and musical celebration of the horse. The Fantasia, sponsored by Absorbine^®, will take place at 8:00pm on Thursday-Saturday in the coliseum and offer unforgettable performances by some of the foremost equine and equestrian entertainers in the country. From the exhilarating derring-do of Bobby Kerr and his mustangs to mesmerizing Lusitanos taking flight in airs above the ground, the theatrical showmanship of Pirate-costumed Friesians, and the natural beauty of horses performing at liberty with world-renowned trainer and entertainer Sylvia Zerbini, the 2017 Fantasia will be a feast for the senses.

The Fantasia is a two-hour choreographed spectacle of horsemanship and showmanship that never fails to leave Standing Room Only audiences singing along to musical scores from country to classical to contemporary and leaving with full hearts and renewed conviction in the beauty, nobility, strength and devotion of the horses and ponies that share our lives. But unlike Broadway prices, tickets for the Fantasia are just $14 to $25.  Advance tickets are available online through November 7; remaining tickets will be available for purchase starting at 9:00am on November 9 at the Information Booth in the Better Living Center at Equine Affaire. Doors to the show will open nightly at 7:15pm.

There’s shopping online—and then there’s SHOPPING at Equine Affaire!  At Equine Affaire’s vast trade show you’ll be able to see, touch, try on and compare everything you and your horse “need”….and some things you’ll discover you simply “must have!” With large retail “stores” to wander through, hundreds of exhibit booths, and acres of trade show to cover, you’ll want to review the vendor list online in advance before shopping in person at the show.  Whether you want to make plans for a new arena or barn, find the perfect trailer to haul your equine companions, secure the best saddle for you and your horse, research farm equipment, begin your holiday shopping, or find year-end savings on a wide range of equine and equestrian items, you’ll find vendors at Equine Affaire to check all the boxes on your list. It will be one-stop shopping at its finest!

Equine Affaire’s exceptional and affordable program of educational activities and entertainment are made possible through generous sponsorships by dozens of equine-related companies and organizations. We all extend our sincere gratitude to Absorbine^®, Farnam, Horizon Structures, Wahl Clipper, Cosequin^®, Nutrena^®, Horse Network, and the dozens of other companies who have endorsed the educational mission of Equine Affaire through their sponsorships and helped make Equine Affaire both an exceptional as well as affordable opportunity for all horse people.

 

Equine Affaire will be up and running from 9:00am-7:30pm on Thursday-Saturday, November 9-11, and from 9:00am-5:00pm on Sunday, November 12. You can enjoy all that Equine Affaire has to offer—the clinics and seminars, the shopping, the specialty pavilions, and the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition for the price of a single-day or multi-day general admission ticket. Adult admission is only $16/day (and includes a free event program) and youth (age 7-10) tickets are only $8. A four-day adult pass is just $50—a savings of $14 from the daily rate.  Kids 6 and under attend for free.

Advance tickets to Equine Affaire are available online through October 22 at equineaffaire.com or by phone at (740) 845-0085 Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern. Tickets will go on sale at 8:30am at event entrances each show day; cash only at the gates.

Whether you have only a budding interest in horses or you’re a seasoned veteran of the horse world, your destination of choice this November will be Equine Affaire.  Visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event, and follow the links for detailed information on everything that Equine Affaire has to offer—and everything you need to know to attend and/or participate in the event. Or call (740) 845-0085 for personal assistance. Get together with your family and horse-loving friends to share your passion for horses and enjoy a weekend of fabulous horses, phenomenal opportunities and unforgettable experiences at North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering:  Equine Affaire!

London, OH, August 16, 2017–Good horse business, like good horsemanship, is very much in the hands. Hands waving welcome invitations to a barn. Hands running over the smooth coat of a breeding stallion or sale horse. A handshake between horsemen as they close a deal.

If you’re looking to complement your online marketing by investing in a personal, hands-on approach to promoting and selling your horses and services, look no further than the Horse & Farm Exhibits at Equine Affaire—North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering. The 2017 event will take place November 9-12 at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, and bring together tens of thousands of prospective customers and savvy horse and horse business owners.  In Equine Affaire’s Horse & Farm Exhibits event attendees will see firsthand what you have to offer, and you will hold the reins to your own real-time advertising. If a picture is “worth a thousand words,” then having opportunities to sell your horses and promote your farm and services in person to potential customers is “priceless.”

The Horse & Farm Exhibits will be presented in Eastern States’ spacious C Barn adjacent to the coliseum.  C-Barn features an enclosed exercise arena perfect for schooling, and there is a nearby outdoor arena for evaluating a sale horse or pony. What could be a better venue at which to sell a horse or market a stallion or stable than a centrally located and well-established equine facility like the Eastern States Exposition and a first class equestrian event like Equine Affaire?

Selling your horses at Equine Affaire

Yes, you can sell your horse online, at your barn, or through an auction, but finding the right buyer at the right price at Equine Affaire just might be quicker, easier, and more profitable. You can rent a 12 x 9 “For Sale” stall within the Horse & Farm Exhibits area at Equine Affaire for just $150, and each stall rental includes two four-day passes to the event (a $100 value), a “For Sale” sign to post on the stall, and a free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com that will provide the horse’s breed, age, gender, name, disci­pline, price, photo, and stall location.

For added convenience, you may also rent a tack stall next to your “For Sale” stall(s) for only $100 in order to store your bedding, tack, feed, and other equipment while at the show. Though Equine Affaire is a four-day event, you only need to commit to exhibiting your horse for at least two days of the event.

Marketing your farm, stable, stallion, or boarding, training, and breeding facility at Equine Affaire

Equine Affaire’s Horse & Farm Exhibits complement the Breed Pavilion and serve as a second location to showcase horses and ponies on exhibition rotation. The area includes three types of exhibit stalls—inline 12 x 9 stalls for only $150 each, end/corner stalls on the outer aisles of the barn for $175, and end/corner stalls on the main center aisle of C-Barn for $200. The rental of each exhibit stall includes two four-day event passes (a $100 value); a one-line listing of stall number, farm name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address in the free event program; and a listing pre- and during the event on equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire understands that Horse & Farm Exhibitors have facilities to run and may have difficulty being away from home for the duration of the event.  Horse & Farms exhibitors are not required to participate all four days of the event, but they must commit to exhibiting for at least three days and specify in advance which days they will be on site.

Fascinated by a new breed you saw in the Fantasia or the Breed Pavilion? Looking to buy a new horse or take your riding to the next level with a fresh trainer? Dreaming of the ideal stallion for your mare? Then the Horse & Farm Exhibits at Equine Affaire is for you.

For detailed information on Equine Affaire’s “For Sale” stalls, Horse & Farm Exhibits, and Breed Pavilion consult equineaffaire.com. Click on the Massachusetts event and follow the “exhibit” link to the Breed Exhibits pages. You may also contact Karin Brennan by phone at (740) 845-0085 ext. 112 or email kbrennan@equineaffaire.com.

London, OH, August 3, 2017–It’s the kind of news that makes a horse lover’s heart sing.  Once again Equine Affaire® is pleased to confirm three consecutive nights, November 9-11, of its blockbuster “musical celebration of the horse” known and loved as the Fantasia at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA.  The Fantasia is a choreographed spectacle of showmanship that never fails to leave Standing Room Only audiences singing along to musical scores from country to classical to contemporary, and leaving with full hearts and renewed conviction in the beauty, nobility, strength and devotion of the horses and ponies that share our lives.

From the exhilarating derring-do of Bobby Kerr and his mustangs to mesmerizing Lusitanos taking flight in airs above the ground, the theatrical showmanship of Pirate-costumed Friesians, and the natural beauty of horses performing at liberty with world-renowned trainer and entertainer Sylvia Zerbini, the 2017 Fantasia will be a two-hour feast for the senses that will be the perfect way to cap off a day of shopping at the largest all-horse trade show of its kind and taking in Equine Affaire’s array of educational forums, clinics and demonstrations.

Historically drawing sold-out crowds nightly to the Eastern States Exposition’s historic Coliseum, the Fantasia is the equestrian entertainment cornerstone of Equine Affaire.  The show is again generously underwritten by Absorbine®, aka the W.F. Young Company, which was founded in 1892 in nearby East Longmeadow by Mary Ida and Wilbur Young as they developed a humane method of treating lameness in their own beloved horses. Absorbine® celebrates its own milestone this season with 125 years of caring for animals.

The Fantasia will start nightly at 8:00pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, with doors opening at 7:15pm. Tickets are just $14 to $25 and are available online at www.equineaffaire.com or by contacting Equine Affaire. Advance tickets are on sale through November 7; any remaining tickets are then available for purchase at Equine Affaire starting at 9:00am, Thursday, November 9, at the Information Booth in the Better Living Center.

Bookmark equineaffaire.com for upcoming announcements about the 2017 Fantasia celebrity guests and performers, as well as updates about all of Equine Affaire’s speakers, seminars and demonstrations. As always, Equine Affaire in W. Springfield, MA, will host 100’s of retailers (just in time for the holidays) for the largest horse-related trade show on the East Coast; plus an engaging and often hands-on Breed Pavilion; Horse & Farm Exhibits; Equine Fundamentals Forums; and popular Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. Find complete event schedules, ticket information, and discounts to Equine Affaire host hotels at equineaffaire.com.  Or contact Equine Affaire’s friendly staff of fellow horse people at (740) 845-0085 from 9:00am-5:00pm ET for personal assistance.

London, OH, July 27, 2017–

The Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, will once again become “horse-central” for horse lovers from throughout the East Coast and beyond when it hosts the 56^th Equine Affaire on November 9-12. Since its introduction to New England in 1998 by founder and president, Eugenia Snyder, Equine Affaire has been a ‘must see’ for horse enthusiasts associated with all breeds and equestrian disciplines. With an unwavering mission to elevate the equestrian experience, Equine Affaire offers an educational program that is second-to-none, the largest horse-related trade show in the East, top equine entertainment and competition, and endless opportunities to experience, buy, and sell horses of all types. Equine Affaire is where you see, feel, touch, compare, try on, experience and smell all aspects of the horse world in person and, most important, “in horse.”

At the heart of Equine Affaire is an educational program designed to help horsemen of all riding and driving persuasions reach their equestrian goals at home, on the trail, and in the competitive arena. Hundreds of clinics, seminars and demos by many of the foremost trainers, coaches, competitors, judges, TV personalities, and industry professionals will be presented in six venues—so a little advance planning will be required to know just what to do when!

This year’s gathering will feature Olympic, Pan American, World Equestrian Games, and World Champion greats including Greg Best, Phillip Dutton, Craig Johnson, Steffen Peters and Suzy Stafford as well as outstanding overall horsemen such as Ken McNabb, Julie Goodnight, Van Hargis, Chris Irwin, Steve Lantvit, and Wendy Murdoch.  Clinic topics will cover the gamut from the English disciplines of dressage, jumping, eventing, driving, and English pleasure through the western sports of cutting, reining, western pleasure, ranch riding, cowboy dressage, and trail.  Sessions will also be presented on liberty horse training, mounted games, the training of easy gaited horses, vaulting, and more.

If you’re inclined to do more than just watch clinics at Equine Affaire—you can also receive individual instruction from or have your horse trained by one of the top clinicians through Equine Affaire’s Ride WithThe Best program.  The experience is as economical as it is educational, as expenses normally associated with traveling for just one clinic are invested in so much more at Equine Affaire with four days of equestrian education, entertainment and shopping.  Ride With The Best clinic fees start at just $85 and include stabling and event admission.  Participants will be reviewed and selected based on written applications and videos submitted by September 8, so check out all of the great clinicians and clinic opportunities at equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire’s Equine Fundamentals Forum, located in the Mallary South, will be where new riders and horse owners—and those still developing basic skills—will meet and learn together with their own demo ring and savvy string of experts sharing solid “horse sense” that forms the building blocks of good horsemanship.  The Forum will offer video presentations, hands-on interactive displays about equine health and management, and fun activities tailored to the youngest horse lovers.

Of course the focus of any “horse fest” is obviously the horses, and you’ll find plenty of ways to discover and appreciate the amazing diversity of the horse world in the Breed Pavilion, Horse & Farm Exhibits, and breed demos throughout the weekend. Get up close and personal with equines from miniatures to drafts, gaited to easy gaited breeds, and stock horses to sport horses. Representatives of dozens of horse, pony, color, and breed associations and registries will be on hand in the Breed Pavilion to answer your questions and share their exceptional horses with you. And, if you’re wanting to learn more about a breed, find horses for sale, research stallions for your mare, and review training and breeding facilities, take time to explore the Horse & Farm Exhibits located in C Barn right next to the coliseum. The Horse & Farm Exhibits is where horse and farm owners and horse service providers connect directly with customers and share information.

Another Equine Affaire favorite is the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena^®.  This ultimate test of horsemanship will bring 25 preselected horse and rider teams to the coliseum on Friday afternoon to ride against the clock in front of a judge who will rate their performance through a pattern of obstacles and horsemanship tests.  The race course will embody the definition of versatility requiring jumping over obstacles, working gates, crossing bridges, performing rollback and gymkhana maneuvers, backing through patterns, and demonstrating trust while navigating “spooky” objects. “VHRC” elements also include classic foundations of equitation with gait/lead changes, work on the diagonals, and flexion.  The top four teams will share $5500 in cash with the winner receiving the coveted title of Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion. The VHRC is open to adult riders of all disciplines and horses of all breeds. Put your skills to the test—or come and cheer on your favorite contestants in this exciting, fast-paced event!  Competition applications will be accepted through September 8.

At the end of a great day of learning and shopping at Equine Affaire there can be no better way to cap off the day than to settle into a seat to enjoy the very best in equine entertainment—and you can do that at the Fantasia—Equine Affaire’s magical and musical celebration of the horse. The Fantasia, sponsored by Absorbine^®, will take place at 8:00pm on Thursday-Saturday in the coliseum and offer unforgettable performances by some of the foremost equine and equestrian entertainers in the country. From the exhilarating derring-do of Bobby Kerr and his mustangs to mesmerizing Lusitanos taking flight in airs above the ground, the theatrical showmanship of Pirate-costumed Friesians, and the natural beauty of horses performing at liberty with world-renowned trainer and entertainer Sylvia Zerbini, the 2017 Fantasia will be a feast for the senses.

The Fantasia is a two-hour choreographed spectacle of horsemanship and showmanship that never fails to leave Standing Room Only audiences singing along to musical scores from country to classical to contemporary and leaving with full hearts and renewed conviction in the beauty, nobility, strength and devotion of the horses and ponies that share our lives. But unlike Broadway prices, tickets for the Fantasia are just $14 to $25.  Advance tickets are available online through November 7, and any remaining tickets will be available for purchase starting at 9:00am on November 9 at the Information Booth in the Better Living Center at Equine Affaire. Doors to the show will open nightly at 7:15pm.

There’s shopping online—and then there’s SHOPPING at Equine Affaire!  At Equine Affaire’s vast trade show you’ll be able to see, touch, try on and compare everything you and your horse “need”….and some things you’ll discover you simply “must have!” With large retail “stores” to wander through, hundreds of exhibit booths, and acres of trade show to cover, you’ll want to review the vendor list online in advance before shopping in person at the show.  Whether you want to make plans for a new arena or barn, find the perfect trailer to haul your equine companions, secure the best saddle for you and your horse, research farm equipment, begin your holiday shopping, or find year-end savings on a wide range of equine and equestrian items, you’ll find vendors at Equine Affaire to check all the boxes on your list. It will be one-stop shopping at its finest!

Are you interested in earning free admission to Equine Affaire by helping as a volunteer at the show?  Volunteers sign up for specific “jobs,” work two-hour shifts, and earn free admission and an event souvenir. For information on volunteering, visit equineaffaire.com or contact Jessica Grose at (740) 845-0085 ext. 102. Get your application in soon; volunteers are scheduled in the order in which their applications are received.

Equine Affaire’s exceptional and affordable program of educational activities and entertainment are made possible through generous sponsorships by dozens of equine-related companies and organizations. We all extend our sincere gratitude to Absorbine^®, Farnam, Horizon Structures, Wahl Clipper, Cosequin^®, Nutrena^®, Horse Network, and the dozens of other companies who have endorsed the educational mission of Equine Affaire through their sponsorships and helped make Equine Affaire both an exceptional as well as affordable opportunity for all horse people.

Equine Affaire will be up and running from 9:00am-7:30pm on Thursday-Saturday, November 9-11, and from 9:00am-5:00pm on Sunday, November 12. You can enjoy all that Equine Affaire has to offer—the clinics and seminars, the shopping, the specialty pavilions, and the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition for the price of a single-day or multi-day general admission ticket. Adult admission is only $16/day (and includes a free event program) and youth (age 7-10) tickets are only $8. A four-day adult pass is just $50—a savings of $14 from the daily rate.  Kids 6 and under attend for free.

Advance tickets to Equine Affaire are available online through October 22 at equineaffaire.com or by phone at (740) 845-0085 Monday through Friday from 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern. You may also download a mail-in ticket order form from the site to send with a check. Tickets will go on sale at 8:30am at event entrances each show day; cash only at the gates.

Equine Affaire makes your trip even more affordable with special room blocks and discount rates at dozens of area host hotels. But make your hotel reservations soon.  The demand for hotel rooms during New England’s fall foliage season is high, and most room blocks and special rates at the show’s host hotels will expire by mid-October. Camping with hookups is available right at the Eastern States Exposition on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 5:00pm on Wednesday, November 8th.

Whether you have only a budding interest in horses or you’re a seasoned veteran of the horse world, your destination of choice this November will be Equine Affaire.  Visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event, and follow the links for detailed information on everything that Equine Affaire has to offer—and everything you need to know to attend and/or participate in the event. Or call Equine Affaire’s helpful staff of dedicated horse people at (740) 845-0085 from 9:00-5:00 ET for personal assistance.

Get together with your family and horse-loving friends to share your passion for horses and enjoy a weekend of fabulous horses, phenomenal opportunities and unforgettable experiences at North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering:  Equine Affaire!

 

London, OH, July 5, 2017–

It’s been repeated by such great coaches as football’s Vince Lombardi and U.S. Olympic show jumping’s George Morris because it’s true: Practice doesn’t make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect. The perfect step to your personal best is to sign up before September 8 for the Ride With The Best Program at Equine Affaire Massachusetts, November 9-12, at the Eastern States Expo in West Springfield, MA. The Ride With The Best Program at Equine Affaire delivers an unparalleled opportunity for a select group of riders and horses to access individualized instruction from some of the world’s most proven horsemen and women over a four-day series of more than 50 clinics across a range of disciplines.

 

“This is an all-access pass to excellence,” said Coagi Long of Equine Affaire, Inc., confirming this year’s line-up includes national and world champions and Olympic, WEG and Pan American squad riders. Ride With The Best Program applicants can practice with such perfect representatives of their sport as Greg Best (hunter/jumper), Phillip Dutton (eventing), Craig Johnson (reining/ranch riding), Steffen Peters and Vitor Silva (dressage), Barbara Schulte (cutting), Suzy Stafford (driving), Robin Gollehon (western pleasure), Liz Graves (easy gaited), Jeff Wilson (cowboy dressage), and overall horsemen Ken McNabb, Julie Goodnight, Van Hargis, Chris Irwin, Steve Lantvit, and Wendy Murdoch.

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Under saddle, in-hand and at liberty, Equine Affaire learning opportunities like the Ride With The Best Program can match applicants with presenters seeking candidates who represent specific skills or challenges, as well as those seeking to build overall horse-and-rider harmony. The experience is as economical as it is educational as expenses normally associated with traveling for just one specific clinic are invested in so much more at Equine Affaire: four days of equestrian education, entertainment and shopping. Ride With The Best Program fees start at just $75 and include clinic participation, event admission and 24 hours of on-site stabling. Applications are reviewed and selected based on written applications and videos.

 

The perfect answer to practicing perfectly, the Ride With The Best Program and its world-class clinicians can help you and your horse add that plus to your reining test, improve your dressage or cones score, deliver a better round over fences, and strengthen your overall partnership in the arena and at home. Don’t miss the September 8 deadline to apply! Find details and the Ride With The Best application at equineaffaire.com. Click the Massachusetts event and follow the Participate link to Ride With The Best. Prefer a personal touch? Information packets and applications are available through Alison Scott, email or (740) 845-0085 ext. 105.

 

Bookmark equineaffaire.com to follow Ride With The Best Program announcements and updates about Equine Affaire speakers, seminars and demonstrations. Equine Affaire will again bring 100’s of retailers (just in time for the holidays) with the largest horse-related trade show on the East Coast; plus its Fantasia musical/theatrical celebration of the horse – sponsored Thursday-Saturday nights by Absorbine^®; an engaging and often hands-on Breed Pavilion; Horse & Farm Exhibits; Equine Fundamentals Forum; and the Friday-afternoon favorite, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. Find event schedules, ticket information, and discounts to Equine Affaire host hotels at equineaffaire.com.

 

London, OH, June 6, 2017–

Are you ready to show the world your horsemanship skills and earn some cash in the process?  Applications are now being accepted for Equine Affaire’s popular all-breed Versatile Horse & Rider Competition—aka “VHRC”—that will take place on Friday, November 10th, in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA.  A select group of only 25 horse and rider teams will tackle a challenging obstacle/trail course in this timed and judged race for $5500 in cash prizes and the coveted title of 2017 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion.

The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is now in its tenth year at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, and this year’s event is made possible through the generous sponsorship of Nutrena, manufacturer of exceptional nutrient-focused feeds for horses and other livestock.

“The VHRC is a challenging test of horsemanship for those who choose to put their skills to the test, and it attracts some pretty amazing contestants,” explained Eugenia Snyder, the President of Equine Affaire.  “The event has become really popular for both the contestants and Equine Affaire attendees because it’s fun, fast-paced and unpredictable.”

Win $5500 in cash and more!  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four contestants with the first-place team receiving $2,500 and the title of Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion and the second, third, and fourth place teams receiving $1,750, $1,000, and $250 respectively. Ribbons will be presented to the top 10 teams, and additional awards will be announced prior to the event. All awards will be presented at the conclusion of the competition on Friday afternoon.

Who can compete.  The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is open to all riders age 18 years and older and horses of all breeds and disciplines. Horse breeds as diverse as Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Appaloosas, Morgans, Norwegian Fjords, Rocky Mountain Horses, Warmbloods, and Gypsy Vanners have participated successfully in past events demonstrating that the competition is truly “all breed” in nature. A maximum of only 25 horse/rider teams will be pre-selected to compete based on application materials submitted, and all horse and rider teams will compete against each other.  There will be no “divisions” based on gender or age.

The competition course.  The VHRC course will be made up of 12-13 obstacles and patterns set in the 95’ x 200’ arena of the Eastern States coliseum.  The obstacles may include jumping over or through structures, backing through a pattern, pole bending and/or roll backs, gait changes, various gymkhana games, ground tying, working gates, and riding over or through difficult or spooky objects.

How the competition will be judged.  The horsemanship performance of each contestant will be judged on each obstacle. Performance points will be awarded on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the rider’s horsemanship, the horse’s attitude, and the team’s overall performance. Horses and riders will be required to complete the course within a given time.  Any contestant who fails to meet this time limit will be disqualified. Ride times will be translated into points, and the team with the highest overall point score will be the winner.

Are you and your horse ready to compete?  To obtain all of the details on the VHRC and an entry form, visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event and “Participate” links to access the VHRC page.  You may also contact Alison Scott via email or by calling (740) 845-0085 ext. 105.  The entry fee for each horse/rider team is $350 and includes stabling on Thursday to Saturday and three single-day tickets to Equine Affaire. Applications and support materials will be accepted by Equine Affaire through September 8th.  They will be reviewed by the management of Equine Affaire, which will select the final contestants for the competition and notify contestants by September 29th.

Just want to watch?  Come and empathize with the contestants as their horses succeed at some obstacles and fall short at others. You can also learn a lot by watching the different approaches that outstanding horses and riders take in tackling the same obstacles. Admission to the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is included in general admission to Equine Affaire—providing just one more reason to travel to the 2017 Equine Affaire in W. Springfield, MA.  We extend our thanks to Nutrena for their support of this exciting competitive experience at Equine Affaire.

Be sure to visit equineaffaire.com for everything you need to know to attend the 2017 Equine Affaire—North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering—on November 9-12 including details on all of the top quality clinicians and presenters; the clinic, seminar, and demo schedule; list of trade show exhibitors; ticket information; and details on discounted rates at Equine Affaire’s convenient host hotels.

London, OH, December 7, 2016–Extraordinary shopping opportunities, dozens of breeds of horses from around the world, the best in equine entertainment, and an unparalleled program of clinics, seminars, and demonstrations on a wide range of disciplines and equine-related topics. Where else but Equine Affaire, North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering?

The cornerstone of every Equine Affaire is education—and for avid horse people than can mean the opportunity to soak up a wealth of information from top equestrians and industry professionals by attending more than 200 different sessions over the four days of Equine Affaire. But, for those who want to garner even more from their Equine Affaire experience, the event offers the opportunity to participate in dozens of clinics on a wide range of equestrian disciplines.

The 2017 Equine Affaire will take place at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on April 6^th through the 9^th. Whether your equestrian interest leans toward a particular western or English discipline or you spend most of your time in the show arena or on the trail, Equine Affaire’s unique “Ride With The Best” program offers you opportunities to receive individual instruction or have your horse trained in clinics conducted by many of the nation’s foremost coaches, competitors, judges, and horse trainers—for clinic fees designed to fit your budget.

The Clinics and Clinicians. Among the presenters who have been confirmed as of press time to participate in the “Ride With The Best” program this April are general horse and horsemanship trainers Guy McLean, Dan James, Julie Goodnight, Lynn Palm, Brandi Lyons, Steve Lantvit, and Sandi Simons. Clinicians offering sessions in the western disciplines will include Dick Pieper (reining), Chad Crider (barrel racing), Lynn Palm (western dressage), and Tony Kennedy (cutting).  Those confirmed to conduct clinics on English disciplines will include John Pearce (jumping), Matt McLauglin (dressage), and Casi Gilliam (hunter under saddle).  Anita Howe will also be on hand to present sessions on training and riding easy gaited horses, Dana Bright will conduct driving clinics, Wendy Murdoch will offer clinics on equine and human biomechanics, Sean Patrick will teach trail and trail class riding skills, and Steve Edwards will provide insight into the training of mules and donkeys.  Additional presenters are being finalized for clinics on eventing, dressage, western pleasure, and English pleasure and will be announced soon.

If you have one or more horses that are halter broke and ready to be started under saddle, you may want to consider applying to have your horse trained by Guy McLean in Equine Affaire’s “Foundation First” clinics.  Mr. McLean will train two unbroke horses to be ridden—one horse on Thursday and Friday and a second horse on Saturday and Sunday at the event.

Clinic fees and how to apply.  The modest clinic fees for Equine Affaire’s “Ride With

The Best” program range from $75 for a single clinic to $350 for the multi-session

“Foundation First” clinics and include clinic participation, stabling, and admission to Equine Affaire.   Clinicians will select the participants for their sessions from written applications and videos submitted by applicants to Equine Affaire.

Full clinic details and a “Ride With The Best” application are available at equineaffaire.com. Click on the Ohio event and follow the “Participate” link to the “Ride in Clinics” link. You may also request an information packet and clinic application by contacting Alison Scott at ascott@equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085 ext. 105.  Be sure to consult equineaffaire.com for continuously-updated information on clinicians and sessions added in the “Ride With The Best” program.   The application deadline is February 15^th.  Don’t miss the unique and affordable clinic opportunities offered at Equine Affaire.

In addition to Equine Affaire’s legendary educational program, the 2017 show will feature the largest horse-related trade show in North America with more than 450 retailers and manufacturers filling four buildings at the Ohio Expo Center. Other highlights will include Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse–the Fantasia sponsored by Absorbine®–on Thursday-Saturday nights; an extensive Breed Pavilion and Horse & Farm Exhibits area; the Equine Fundamentals Forum;  the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition on Friday; and the Marketplace at Equine Affaire—a consignment store featuring quality tack, apparel, and equine equipment for horse & rider. For everything you need to know to go, visit equineaffaire.com.

London, OH, December 6, 2016–Applications are now being accepted for Equine Affaire’s popular Versatile Horse & Rider Competition that will take place in the afternoon on Friday, April 7^th, in the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.  A select group of horse and rider teams will tackle a challenging obstacle/trail course in this timed and judged race in pursuit of $5500 in cash and the coveted title of Champion at the 2017 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition.

Win $5500 in cash and more!  Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four contestants with the first place team receiving $2,500 and the title of Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion and the second, third, and fourth place teams receiving $1,750, $1,000, and $250 respectively. Ribbons will be presented to the top 10 teams, and additional awards will be announced prior to the event. All awards will be presented at the conclusion of the race on Friday afternoon.

Who can compete.  The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition—aka “VHRC”—is open to all riders age 18 years and older and horses of all breeds and disciplines. All horse and rider teams will compete against each other; there will be no “divisions” based on gender or age. A maximum of only 25 horse/rider teams will be pre-selected based on application materials submitted.

The competition course.  The VHRC course will feature a combination of traditional and very unique riding obstacles and patterns set in the 90’ x 212’ arena of the Ohio Expo Center coliseum.  The obstacles may include jumping over or through structures, backing through a pattern, pole bending and/or roll backs, gait changes, various gymkhana games, ground tying, working gates, and riding over or through difficult or spooky objects.

How the competition will be judged.  The horsemanship performance of each contestant will be judged on each obstacle. Performance points will be awarded on a scale of 1 to 5 based on the rider’s horsemanship, the horse’s attitude, and the team’s overall performance. Horses and riders will be required to complete the course within a given time.  Any contestant who fails to meet this time limit will be disqualified. Ride times will be translated into points, and the team with the highest overall point score will be the winner.

“The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is a challenging test of horsemanship for those who choose to put their skills to the test,“ explained Eugenia Snyder, the President of Equine Affaire.  “The competition has been around for many years, and it attracts some pretty amazing contestants.  Before the horses and riders can demonstrate their horsemanship, our production team has the increasingly difficult job of creating new obstacles and developing a course that is both difficult and doable—as well as suitable for different breeds and sizes of horses and riders of all disciplines,” Snyder explained.

Over the years the VHRC has become really popular for attendees because it’s fast-paced and unpredictable.  You can’t be sure how any horse and rider team will perform until they’re on the course—and a lot of unexpected things happen.  Riders in the audience empathize with the contestants as their horses succeed at some obstacles and fall short at others. They also learn a lot by watching the different approaches that outstanding horses and riders take in tackling the same obstacles. Admission to the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is included in general admission to Equine Affaire—providing just one more reason to travel to the 2017 Equine Affaire in Columbus, OH.

Are you and your horse ready to compete?  To obtain all of the details on the VHRC and an entry form, visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Ohio event and “Participate” link to access the VHRC page.  You may also contact Alison Scott at ascott@equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085 ext. 105.  The entry fee for each horse/rider team is $350 and includes stabling on Thursday to Saturday and three single-day tickets to Equine Affaire. Applications and support materials will be accepted by Equine Affaire through February 15^th.  They will be reviewed by the management of Equine Affaire, which will select the final contestants for the competition and notify contestants by March 3rd.

Be sure to visit equineaffaire.com for everything you need to know to attend the 2017 Equine Affaire—North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering–on April 6-9 including the clinic, seminar, and demo schedule; ticket information; and details on discounted rates at our host hotels.

London, OH, August 1, 2016–If it’s November, you’re a horse person, and you’re somewhere in the Northeast, your destination of choice is Equine Affaire. Indulge your passion for horses at the 2016 Equine Affaire on November 10-13 at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. Immerse yourself in clinics, seminars, and demonstrations by top trainers and industry experts. Explore new breeds of horses and riding disciplines. Shop for all of your equine and equestrian needs. And sit back to enjoy fabulous entertainment including Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse—the Fantasia—and the ever-popular Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. The stars of the equestrian world will be aligned at Equine Affaire, and you can meet and mingle with them while enjoying a special season-end getaway with family and friends.

Immerse Yourself in Education
Equine Affaire’s impressive smorgasbord of clinics, seminars, and demos will be presented by many of the nation’s premiere coaches, competitors, trainers, TV personalities, authors, judges, and other industry experts. Whether you’ve been in the saddle since childhood or are new to horses and equestrian activities, you’ll find sessions to help you and your horse excel and experience a winning relationship.

There will be something to satisfy almost every equestrian taste in the lineup of presenters at the 54th Equine Affaire. This year’s roster of talent includes experts who will offer a range of horse training philosophies and techniques and hail from a wide variety of competitive arenas. Sessions on general horse training and horsemanship topics of interest to all horse people will be presented by Guy McLean, Jonathan Field, Lynn Palm, Tommie Turvey, and Sandi Simons. Each of these individuals will focus on understanding and communicating with horses, building rider confidence, improving horsemanship, addressing training issues, and enhancing the horse-rider partnership.

Other accomplished equestrians will present clinics on specific equestrian disciplines. They will include Jim Wofford (eventing), Kevin Oliver (reining and ranch horse versatility), Mette Rosencrantz and Nicholas Fyffe (dressage), Doug Leasor (barrel racing and pole bending), Linda Langmeier (hunters/jumpers), Stephanie Lynn (western pleasure and hunter under saddle), Julie Winkel (hunters/jumpers), Sterling Graburn (driving), Sean Patrick (trail riding), Daniel Stewart (equestrian sport psychology over fences), Lynn Palm (western dressage), Larry Whitesell and Jennifer Bauer (easy gaited breeds), Heidi Potter (clicker training), Sandy Croote (miniature horses), Tommie Turvey (trick training), and the Copper Hills Vaulting Team. More than 200 clinics, seminars, and demos will be presented in six venues—making a little advance planning on “what to attend when” a must!

If you’ve recently taken up riding or just bought your first horse, you’ll find plenty of helpful information at the Equine Fundamentals Forum sponsored this year by Cosequin®. The “E.F.F.” will feature a demo ring where experts will share their knowledge on a wide range of essential horsemanship topics of use to new riders and horse owners young and old. You’ll also discover informative and hands-on interactive displays about horses, horse health, and horse management as well as activities geared toward the youngest horse fans.

Shop for All Things Horse Related
Equine Affaire offers the largest equine-oriented shopping opportunity in the East and plenty of reasons to take a break from online pursuits. Explore hundreds of the nation’s leading equine and equestrian retailers, manufacturers, service providers, and organizations in five exhibit halls and the outdoor areas in between. All of your equine and equestrian must-haves will be available in a trade show with literally acres of superb shopping.

Explore Horse Breeds, Stallions, Farms, and More
Visit Equine Affaire’s Breed Pavilion–sponsored by Neue Schule Bits–to experience dozens of horse breeds from ponies to drafts and stock horses to sport horses. Horse owners and breeders and representatives of various national, regional, and local breed associations will provide helpful information and answer your questions. Breed demonstrations will also take place throughout the weekend, offering you a chance to understand the conformation, movement, and temperament of different breeds as well as the many different riding disciplines at which they excel.

The nearby Horse & Farm Exhibits in C-Barn will showcase individual horse farms, stallions, stables, and training and breeding facilities from throughout New England and provide opportunities to network with horse owners, trainers, and facility managers. This exhibit area will be expanded this year to include “For Sale” stalls where individual horse owners will present horses they have for sale. If you’re in the market for a new horse, Equine Affaire will provide a great opportunity to evaluate and compare horses of a variety of breeds and types for sale in one convenient location.

And, if you have a horse to sell, the Horse & Farms Exhibits will be the best way to market your horse this fall. You can rent a “For Sale” stall for four days for just $125 and receive with your stall a free for sale ad for your horse pre-event on equineaffaire.com! For all of the details on exhibiting in the Horse & Farm Exhibits and renting a “For Sale” stall, visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event, and follow the “Exhibit” link to the Horse & Farm Exhibits and Sell Horses pages…or call Equine Affaire.

Experience the Fantasia . . . sponsored by Absorbine®
As the entertainment cornerstone of Equine Affaire, the Fantasia showcases the beauty, diversity, athleticism, and willing spirit of horses of a great variety of breeds and provides the perfect ending to a busy day of shopping, learning, and mingling at Equine Affaire. Outstanding equine and equestrian acts from throughout the United States will perform to a wide range of musical styles to create an evening of unforgettable equestrian entertainment for horse lovers of all ages. The Fantasia will take place at 8:00pm on November 10th to the 12th in the Eastern States Exposition coliseum and be an evening of great entertainment for horse lovers of all ages

“This year’s show will offer just the right mix of drama, comedy, fast-paced action, remarkable horses, and remarkable horsemanship,” explained Eugenia Snyder, the President of Equine Affaire. “The 2016 Fantasia will incorporate many of the elements that veteran Fantasia-goers have come to expect at the event including Grand Prix freestyle dressage, driving, horses performing at liberty, garocha, and drill team performances. We’re thrilled to be able to once again feature two of the best liberty horse trainers and performers in the world—Guy McLean and Tommie Turvey—and also introduce several very special acts and performers that will be new to the Fantasia and to the New England audience. The show will feature plenty of sensational equine entertainment provided by Icelandics, Andalusians, Morgans, Paso Finos, Percherons, Miniature Horses, Warmbloods, and Quarter Horses—and plenty of reminders of why we find horses so intoxicating.”

Ticket prices range from $12 to $24; advance tickets are available at equineaffaire.com or by calling Equine Affaire. Tickets for this popular event sell quickly, and advance ticket sales end November 2nd. Any tickets not sold in advance will be available for purchase at the Information Booth in the Better Living Center beginning at 9:00am on Thursday, November 10th at Equine Affaire.

Catch all of the Action
Up to 25 pre-selected horse and rider teams will compete for $5500 in cash and other prizes in Equine Affaire’s ultimate test of horsemanship, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. With only one round being held in the Eastern States Exposition coliseum on Friday, November 11th, this popular event promises to be more exciting than ever. The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is open to adult riders of all disciplines and horses of all breeds and is sponsored this year by Nutrena®. It’s a true test of horsemanship for those who are willing to put their riding skills on the line tackling a tough obstacle course at top speeds—and a whole lot of fun for everyone watching in the audience. Be sure to get there early to watch great horses and talented riders tackle real riding challenges and take in all of the action.

Win a $1000 Shopping Spree or another great prize
Equine Affaire’s 2016 raffle is free, it’s easy to enter, and you need not be present to win. Visit equineaffaire.com, click on the Massachusetts event, and follow the
“Participate” link to the raffle entry page to enter to win a $1000 gift certificate for
Horseloverz.com, a western saddle package, a pair of custom English boots, grooming clippers, a supplement package, a framed official Equine Affaire limited edition print, and tickets to the 2017 Equine Affaire. And visit the Raffle Center in the Better Living Center at the show to see the prizes and enter the raffle on site. Winners will be announced at 4:30 on Sunday at Equine Affaire.

Volunteer and Earn Free Admission
Are you interested in earning free admission by helping out as a volunteer at Equine Affaire? Volunteers sign up for specific “jobs,” work two-hour shifts, and earn free admission and an event souvenir. For information on volunteering, visit equineaffaire.com or contact Lori Helsel at (740) 845-0085 ext. 107. Get your application in soon; volunteers are scheduled in the order in which their applications are received.

Everything You Need to Know to Go
Round up your horse-loving friends and barn mates and plan your getaway now.
Equineaffaire.com contains everything you need to know to make your visit a fun and successful one: show hours, admission details, directions, host hotel information, an updated listed of presenters, daily schedules, maps, facility and camping information, and tips for making the most of your Equine Affaire experience. If you’re not web-savvy or have questions, call Equine Affaire at (740) 845-0085 and speak to a member of our staff, Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm Eastern.

You can enjoy all that Equine Affaire has to offer—the clinics and seminars, the shopping, the specialty pavilions, and the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition for the price of a single-day or multi-day general admission ticket. Adult admission is only $15/day (and includes a free event program) and youth (age 7-10) tickets are only $8. A four-day adult pass is just $50–a savings of $10 from the daily rate.

Advance tickets to Equine Affaire are available through October 23rd online at equineaffaire.com or by phone. Tickets will go on sale at 8:30am each show day. Be sure to make your hotel reservations soon—room blocks and special rates at our host hotels will expire in early October.

Generous Sponsors Make Equine Affaire Possible
Equine Affaire’s exceptional and affordable program of educational activities and entertainment are made possible through generous sponsorships by dozens of equine-related companies and organizations. We all extend our sincere gratitude to Absorbine®, Neue Schule Bits, Farnam, Horizon Structures, Wahl Clipper, Cosequin®, Nutrena®, Centaur Horse Fence, and the dozens of other companies who have endorsed the educational mission of Equine Affaire through their sponsorships.