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01 25

Jan 25, 2024

FIND YOUR STRIDE AT EQUINE AFFAIRE

LONDON, OH, January 23, 2024 – Depending on where you live, January weather may not be prime riding weather – but it can be prime planning weather! It’s time to get excited about going riding again. While you’re stuck inside and thawing out from your morning barn chore regimen, start working on your riding applications for Equine Affaire in Ohio. Application materials are now available online for Equine Affaire’s ever-popular Ride with a Pro clinic program as well as the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. Bring your horses and get the best seat in the house – literally – by riding in a clinic or competition at North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering, happening April 11-14, 2024, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH. This year’s event promises to be extra special, as it will mark the thirtieth anniversary of Equine Affaire in Ohio. Don’t miss your chance to participate in an extraordinary event as we celebrate both our history and our future on horseback.

This year’s schedule features multiple unique opportunities to participate in clinics, seminars, and demonstrations presented by clinicians hailing from a wide range of backgrounds and disciplines, including dressage, driving, English pleasure, eventing, hunter/jumpers, mountain trail, Western dressage, and others. Equestrians from all corners of the industry will enjoy the opportunity to learn something new in a clinic, whether it’s an eventing clinic by seven-time Olympian Phillip Dutton, a dressage intensive by two-time US team medalist Lauren Sammis, or a colt-starting demo by modern-day cowboy Mike Major. Riding, training, or participation slots are available with the following presenters:

Operation Horses & Heroes…Interactive activities for veterans

Kristine May…Barrel racing

Daniel Stewart…Biomechanics and sports psychology

Brendan & Melanie Wise…Classical horsemanship and bridleless riding

Mike Major…Colt starting

Lauren Sammis…Dressage

Stacey Giere…Driving

Duane Esser…English Pleasure

Phillip Dutton…Eventing

Ken McNabb…General training and horsemanship

Pat Parelli…General training and horsemanship

Chelsea Canedy…General training and horsemanship

Steve Lantvit…General training and horsemanship

Cynthia Hankins…Hunters/jumpers

Mark Bolender…Mountain trail

Tanner Keith…Ranch sorting

Dave Treharne…Roping

Solange…Stable riding system

Lynn Newton…Western dressage

Equine Affaire is also proud to announce the debut of a brand-new educational feature this year in Ohio: Cowtown in Cooper, sponsored by Western Life Today! Embark on a two-day tour of cattle-oriented Western events, which will also feature opportunities for applicants to ride in clinics and learn firsthand about roping, boxing, ranch sorting, reining, cutting, and more from Steve Lantvit, Tanner Keith, Ken McNabb, Dave Treharne, and others. Wear your cowboy hats and cowboy boots and take part in an authentic Western experience. Cowtown in Cooper will take place on Friday, April 12 and Saturday, April 13 in Cooper Arena.

Application materials and clinic summaries are available online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-ride-in-clinics/ohio-ride-with-a-pro-2/. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024. Clinic fees are $105 and include clinic participation, event admission, 24 hours of stabling for your horse, and a T-shirt. Clinicians will make their selections based on applications and videos from applicants, so make sure to read up on all the details on our website so you can put your best foot forward for this year’s Ride with a Pro.

Or if you’re looking for something to bring out your competitive side, applications are also open for the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. This beloved mainstay will take place on Friday, April 12, during Equine Affaire. Competitors must navigate a challenging obstacle course under the watchful eye of an expert judge and the pressure of a ticking clock. Riders don’t know what the course will consist of until they check in on site, but past obstacles have included jumping, backing through patterns, pole bending, roll backs, gymkhana games, and other creative exploits. With a field capped at 25 pre-selected horse and rider teams, don’t miss your opportunity to vie for $5,500 in cash and other prizes, as well as the honor of being named the 2024 Versatile Horse & Rider Champion! Application materials are available online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-compete/ohio-versatile-horse-rider-competition/. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024.

If you’re interested in participating in Equine Affaire in a non-riding capacity, we’ve got an exciting opportunity or two available for you! Consider competing in the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Boot Barn! This fun new venture is arriving just in time to help commemorate the 30^th anniversary of Equine Affaire in Ohio. The GEFC will feature three events: a barn chores marathon, a bouncy pony race, and a horse nugget relay. You can sign up for the event of your choice on site – no horses needed and no entry fee required, besides general admission! Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event, as applicable. Whether you decide to compete or just want to watch, you’re guaranteed to have a fabulous time at the GEFC! Flex your barn rat muscles, bring your work boots and gloves, and get ready to compete.

Attendees are also invited to apply to work as volunteers at this year’s event. Volunteers who work a certain number of hours can earn free admission, free four-day passes, and fun souvenirs, all while getting a backstage pass to one of the industry’s most well-run and expansive horse expos! Apply by February 26, 2024, by filling out our application form, available online: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-help/ohio-volunteer/.

Tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia, the musical celebration of the horse, are available for purchase online any time (https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/) or by calling our office at 740-845-0085, M-F, 9 am to 5 pm EST. General admission tickets are $16 in advance for adults or $10 for children, ages 7-10. Four-day passes are $52. Children (ages 6 & under) get in for free! Tickets to Fantasia, sponsored by Equine Medical & Surgical Associates, are also available online or by phone. Tickets for Fantasia range from $16 to $25. Show dates are Thursday, April 11; Friday, April 12; and Saturday, April 13; at 7:30 pm ET in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center. Club, organization, and association discounts are available for Thursday night’s Fantasia only – to receive this discount, call our office at (740) 845-0085.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the sponsors that help make this event possible: Equine Medical & Surgical Associates, Rod’s, GGT Footing, US Equestrian, Western Life Today, and Boot Barn. For more information about Equine Affaire, please visit equineaffaire.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

01 08

Jan 8, 2024

CELEBRATE 30 YEARS OF HORSES WITH EQUINE AFFAIRE IN OHIO

LONDON, OH, January 8, 2024 – Equine Affaire invites horse lovers everywhere to join in an extra-special milestone celebration on April 11-14, 2024! This spring, make the pilgrimage to North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering and celebrate thirty spectacular years of Equine Affaire in Ohio. This landmark event will take place at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH, and include four days of everything the horse industry has come to know and love about Equine Affaire – plus a wealth of exciting new features, fun giveaways, and special guests. Elevate your equestrian experience this spring and saddle up for the equine event of the year.

Like all great movements, Equine Affaire first began as an idea. In 1993, founder Eugenia Snyder set out to create a first-class, education-oriented horsemen’s exposition, where horse people from all breeds and all disciplines could convene in a non-competitive environment and share their passion for horses with each other. The very next year, Eugenia and her staff produced the first Equine Affaire at the Hara Arena Complex in Dayton. Just three years later, the expo outgrew the Dayton facility and relocated to the Ohio Expo Center, where it has been produced annually ever since. In 2024, Equine Affaire is proud to continue celebrating its traditions by uplifting and uniting the horse industry. With a little over three months to go until the first horses set foot into the arenas of the Ohio Expo Center, now is the perfect time to begin exploring your options for joining the celebrations! Whether you’d like to attend, ride, participate, compete, volunteer, or exhibit, there’s a way for you to become part of Equine Affaire.

For three decades, equestrians have traveled from all over the globe to attend Equine Affaire and give themselves – and their horses – the gift of better horsemanship through education. This spring, attendees will enjoy clinics, seminars, and demonstrations by such spectacular horsemen and horsewomen as Mike Major, Ken McNabb, Pat Parelli, Steve Lantvit, and Chelsea Canedy, who will present on topics relating to general horsemanship and training. The event’s discipline-specific educators will include Daniel Stewart (jumping, fitness & sport psychology), Phillip Dutton (eventing), Mark Bolender (mountain trail), Cynthia Hankins (hunter/jumper), Lauren Sammis (dressage), Stacey Giere (driving), Solange (stable riding system), Lynn Newton (Western dressage), Duane Esser (English pleasure), Matt McHugh (trailer driving), Karin Bump, PhD (college/career fair), Jerry Paulsen (equine-assisted activities), and the Mid-Ohio Marauders (mounted shooting), plus many more to be announced in the months to come.

Many of these clinicians will be searching for horses and riders to participate in their clinics and demos at the event. Interested riders are welcome to apply to Equine Affaire’s clinic participation program, Ride with a Pro! Application materials and clinic titles and topics will be available online in mid-January. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024. Clinic fees range from $85 to $350 and include clinic participation, event admission, and 24 hours of stabling for your horse. Clinicians will review applications and videos from applicants. Whether you’re hoping to improve your dressage scores, tackle a new discipline, fine-tune your communication skills with your horse, or something else, there is a spectacular learning opportunity waiting for you at Equine Affaire!

And speaking of learning opportunities, Equine Affaire is pleased to introduce a brand-new educational feature this year, focused on highlighting the Western way of life: Cowtown in Cooper. Get ready to embark on a two-day tour of Western cattle-oriented disciplines in the Cooper Arena on Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13. Attendees will enjoy learning from – or riding with – some of the industry’s finest clinicians in roping, boxing, ranch sorting, reining, cutting, and more. Wear your cowboy hats and cowboy boots and take part in an authentic Western experience. Stay tuned to our website and social media channels for more information about Cowtown in Cooper, including our featured Western clinicians and clinic titles, in the weeks to come.

Looking for something to bring out your competitive side? The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition may be right up your alley! This hugely popular feature will take place on Friday, April 12, during Equine Affaire. Competitors must navigate a challenging obstacle course under the watchful eye of an expert judge and the pressure of a ticking clock. Competitors don’t know what the course will consist of until they check in on site, but past obstacles have included jumping, backing through patterns, pole bending, roll backs, gymkhana games, and other creative exploits. With a field capped at 25 pre-selected horse and rider teams, don’t miss your opportunity to vie for $5,500 in cash and other prizes, as well as the honor of being named the 2024 Versatile Horse & Rider Champion! Application materials are available online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-compete/ohio-versatile-horse-rider-competition/. The deadline to apply is February 15, 2024.

Equine Affaire is also proud to announce the return of Fantasia, the musical celebration of the horse. With just three performances, Fantasia is can’t-miss entertainment that serves as the perfect bookend for a day spent at Equine Affaire. Sponsored by Equine Medical and Surgical Associates, this two-hour extravaganza is bursting at the seams with gorgeous horses, talented riders and performers, and great music. This spring, enjoy performances by 2020 PRCA Dress Act of the Year and 7-time NFR performers Rider Kiesner and Bethany Iles; Brendan and Melanie Wise’s fantastical bridleless jumping; a touch of Pony Magic from the Pegasus Riders; a fast-paced, patriotic drill team routine by the Young Guns; a dressage freestyle by Lauren Sammis, and more! Tickets for this special show are available online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/. Buy your Fantasia tickets early because seats are selling fast!

In addition to riding and educational opportunities, the 2024 Equine Affaire in Ohio will showcase a sprawling trade show; a Breed Pavilion and Horse and Farm Exhibits; an Adoption Affaire; a college & career fair; an Interscholastic Equestrian Association Horse Show; and lots more. Booth spaces on the trade show floor are going quickly, so if you would like to exhibit and share your products, company, and brand with the tens of thousands of attendees who will be coming to Equine Affaire, act today! Application materials for the trade show are available here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/exhibit/trade-show/ohio-exhibitor-information/.

If you own a farm, specialize in a particular breed of horse, or provide industry services, we welcome you to exhibit with us in the Breed Pavilion or the Horse & Farm Exhibits! These features are beloved elements of Equine Affaire and allow attendees to meet and greet with you and your horses in order to learn more about you, your horses, and the service and value you provide to the industry. Breed and Horse and Farm exhibitors are welcome to visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/exhibit/breed-exhibits/breed-pavilion/ or https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-breed-exhibits/ohio-horses-and-farm-exhibits/ to learn more about these fantastic opportunities.

Part of this year’s anniversary celebrations will also include the debut of the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge in Ohio. If you’re the king or queen of the barn chore list, a master stall mucker, or a true barnyard athlete, you’ll want to come to Equine Affaire ready to compete in the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge. This fun new competition will feature three events: a barn chores marathon, a bouncy pony race, and a horse nugget relay. You can sign up for the event of your choice on site – no horses needed and no entry fee required, besides general admission! Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event, as applicable. Whether you decide to compete or just want to watch, you’re guaranteed to have a fabulous time at the GEFC!

And that’s not all. In the days and weeks to come, stay tuned to our website and to our social media channels for announcements of new features, special guests, and schedule details for Equine Affaire in Ohio.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the sponsors that help make this event possible: Equine Medical & Surgical Associates, Rod’s, GGT Footing, and US Equestrian. For more information about Equine Affaire, please visit equineaffaire.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

12 01

Dec 1, 2023

HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU MISSED AT EQUINE AFFAIRE

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, December 1, 2023 — Last month, Equine Affaire in Massachusetts celebrated its 25^th anniversary at the Eastern States Exposition – and what a celebration it was! Filled with endless opportunities to celebrate the horse, North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering drew tens of thousands of eager equine enthusiasts from all over the globe to the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, on November 9-12, 2023. Attendance at the 2023 event increased compared to last year’s event, in large part due to the excitement of celebrating the expo’s milestone achievement.

Attendees brought their families, friends, and horses to Equine Affaire to commemorate the expo’s silver anniversary in style. They attended hundreds of educational clinics, shopped an extensive trade show, participated in exciting interactive workshops and activities, savored thrilling competitions, and engaged with horse lovers from across the industry. Visitors also enjoyed extra-special surprises, such as fun new competitions like the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Boot Barn, and the Best Booth Award Contest; screenings of HorseWeek.TV, courtesy of the Equine Network; signings from Olympians Steffen Peters and Phillip Dutton; and sold-out performances of Fantasia, sponsored by Absorbine!

“This year’s event in Massachusetts was a true celebration,” said Coagi Long, president and owner of Equine Affaire. “We’re proud to have reached the twenty-five-year mark of our event in New England, and we simply couldn’t have done it without the support of all the people who help make Equine Affaire great. Many volunteers and contracted staff have been working with us since the beginning, not to mention all the attendees who have faithfully attended every event over the years, and of course, the incredible staff of the Eastern States Exposition. It was wonderful to get to celebrate with all our friends, both old and new.”

Equine Affaire was incorporated in 1993 by Eugenia Snyder, a keen horsewoman with experience in both marketing and event production. She wanted to create a first-class, education-oriented horsemen’s exposition, where horse people from all breeds and disciplines could convene in a non-competitive environment and share their passion for horses with each other. The very next year, Eugenia and her staff produced the first Equine Affaire at the Hara Arena Complex in Dayton, OH. In 1997, the expo relocated to the Ohio Expo Center. Then, in 1998, a second Equine Affaire debuted at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. Twenty-five years later, attending North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering has become a beloved tradition in New England, uniting horse lovers of all ages and from all corners of the equine industry.

“It doesn’t matter which event we’re talking about – Massachusetts, Ohio, or California – people attend Equine Affaire because they want to learn more about what they love,” says Cheryl McLeod, who has been working at Equine Affaire events since 1997. “I think gaining knowledge about horses transcends anything that might make people different from one another.”

This year’s Equine Affaire featured a wealth of educational clinics presented by Mike Major, Julie Goodnight, Jason Irwin, Brandi Lyons, and Chelsea Canedy, plus Phillip Dutton, Steffen Peters, Greg Robinson, Jeanne McDonald, Mark Bolender, Bronwyn Irwin, and many more of the industry’s best and brightest instructors, coaches, experts, and practitioners. In between clinics, attendees browsed acres of shopping on sold-out trade show floors and enjoyed networking and connecting with representatives from hundreds of equestrian companies, including Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, LRP Matting, Triple Crown, Tribute Nutrition, Espana Silk All Natural Grooming Products, Sentinel, Saddle Up Clothing Company, Equine Network, and others. The ever-popular Breed Pavilion and the Horse and Farm Exhibits presented opportunities to engage with breeds as familiar as the Morgan and the Haflinger and as exotic as the Dales Pony, the Gypsy Vanner, the Irish Draught, the Icelandic pony, and the Swiss Freiberger.

The event also produced a slew of winners through mounted and unmounted competitions as well as a Best Booth award contest for trade show exhibitors, the annual Equine Affaire raffle, and a special award for clinicians.

On Friday, Nov 10, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, sponsored by Chewy, took place in the US Equestrian Coliseum as twenty-five pre-selected horse-and rider pairs raced the clock and each other to conquer a challenging obstacle course. Brittany Mayer of Cumberland, Rhode Island, won first place aboard My Sharoana’s Time to Shine with a score of 70. She also took second with her second mount, Copy That, with a score of 60. Rob West won third aboard Moonshine Lady, and Scott Keyes took home fourth aboard KC. Congratulations to all VHRC competitors! For full results, and to learn more about all the competitors and their mounts, please visit https://equineaffaire.com/press/.
On Saturday, Nov 11, attendees enjoyed the chance to compete in the inaugural Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, sponsored by Boot Barn! The GEFC featured three fun events: the Barn Chores Marathon, the Bouncy Pony Race, and the Horse Nugget Relay. Winners included Lydia Bajus; Elsa Lately; Dylan McCoskery; Nicole & Kasey Czarnecki; and Miriam and Sarah Slate. The event’s master of ceremonies was equestrian fitness coach Ifa Simmonds, owner and creator of the Equestrian Fitness Academy. For a full list of competitors and scores, visit https://equineaffaire.com/press/.
In honor of the 25^th anniversary, Equine Affaire also hosted the first-ever Best Booth Award contest for exhibitors and vendors. On Thursday, November 9, the staff of Equine Affaire selected and submitted five finalists to our social media audiences to vote for their favorite. The out-and-out winner was EquestriYUM Bakery, owned and operated by Katie Friesema! Congratulations to EquestriYUM Bakery and the other finalists: The Impeccable Equerry, Horizon Structures, Erreplus, and Dubarry of Ireland. The Equine Affaire staff would also like to award Honorable Mentions to the New England Equine Rescue, Sarah Lynn Richards Art, Purina Animal Nutrition, ABI Attachments, and Taborton Equine Books.
During the final performance of Fantasia on Saturday, November 11, Jason Irwin of Jason & Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship received the Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award in a special awards presentation ceremony. The Equine Affaire Exceptional Equestrian Educator Award was created in 2001 to recognize an individual within the horse industry who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the education and training of horsepeople. Mr. Irwin is a lifelong equestrian and horse trainer from Ontario, Canada, who works with both western and English riders of all skill levels and ages. Congratulations to Jason Irwin!
The official Equine Affaire raffle also produced twenty-four lucky winners! The raffle, which was hosted online through November 13, 2023, offered prizes from Dubarry of Ireland, Back On Track USA, October Design Equestrian Décor, Blue Seal-Sentinel, US Equestrian, and Equine Affaire. A full list of winners is available on our website at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/mass-free-raffle/. Review the list to see if you won, and then check your email for a winner notification. Special thanks to all of the incredible companies who donated to this year’s raffle!

Attendees also enjoyed plenty of hands-on and interactive educational activities. The Whispery Pines Percherons team offered three chances for visitors to learn how to “Drive a Draft” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the event. With supervision from Sam and Kellie Rettinger, owners of Whispery Pines, participants took the reins – literally – and learned how to drive either a pair of draft horses or a single draft horse around the ring. Ifa Simmonds partnered with Equine Affaire to offer Equestrians in Motion, sponsored by Blue Seal-Sentinel. These three special interactive workshops provided participants with the chance to learn about different exercises to increase their balance and mobility from Mr. Simmonds, who offers special coaching and workout programs designed for equestrians through Equestrian Fitness Academy.

Sponsored by Absorbine, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, Fantasia, returned for three spectacular performances, November 9-11, in the US Equestrian Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition. The Friday and Saturday evening performances both sold out. Attendees were treated to a fabulous and varied display of equestrian performances, including bridleless dressage and jumping by Brendan Wise and Melanie Ferrior-Wise; drill team exercises by the Friesian Heritage Drill Team and the Young Guns Drill Team; a drive-off between the Whispery Pines Percherons and the Morrisville College Belgians; liberty and trick-riding by the Pegasus Riders; a liberty performance by Melissa Barnett; and an incredible Wild West trick-roping finale by Loop Rawlins. Loop Rawlins’ performance was sponsored by Espana Silk Natural Grooming Products. Each evening also included a solemn tribute to American veterans, POWs, and MIAs by Jerry Paulsen of Operation Horses and Heroes, who presented the audience with a special reading and a Remembrance Table display.

The staff of Equine Affaire are thankful for the opportunity to celebrate twenty-five great years in Massachusetts and look forward to celebrating twenty-five more – at least! Save the dates for the 2024 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, happening November 7-10, 2024, at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield.

Equine Affaire is also looking ahead to celebrating the 30^th anniversary of its event in Ohio, which is happening April 11-14, 2024, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, OH. Tickets for that event – and for Fantasia in Ohio, sponsored by Equine Medical and Surgical Associates – will go on sale December 6, 2023, at equineaffaire.com.

To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com) or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

11 12

Nov 12, 2023

THE INAUGURAL GREAT EQUESTRIAN FITNESS CHALLENGE RESULTS, MA EDITION

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 12, 2023 — Sponsored by Boot Barn, the very first annual Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge took place at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts on Saturday, November 11. Equestrians of all ages enjoyed competing in the GEFC — or cheering on for their friends and barnmates — while equestrian fitness coach, Ifa Simmonds, coached and announced the three parts of the competition.

Participants could sign up for the Barn Chores Marathon, the Bouncy Pony Race, or the Horse Nugget Relay. The Barn Chores Marathon consisted of a challenging obstacle course filled with common — but challenging — horse care tasks, like hauling hay, carrying full water buckets, tying up a full hay net, moving bags of feed, and more. The Bouncy Pony Race featured a good old fashioned race on inflatable bouncy ponies. The Horse Nugget Relay — a teams event — consisted of teams racing to pick up as many horse nuggets as possible with a manure picker and filling a wheelbarrow.

FULL 2023 COMPETITION RESULTS – THE BARN CHORES MARATHON

1. Lydia Bajus – 2:24:80
2. Amy Thompson – 2:32:90
3. Owen Gay – 2:41:83
4. Dawn Brown – 2:43:14
5. Sheila Jones – 2:43:19
6. Amanda Damour – 2:50:25
7. Tracy Wood – 2:56:74
8. Emma Gooden – 3:16:30
9. Tatyanna Warschel – 3:23:09
10. Heather Worshel – 3:46:87
11. David Lawrence – 7:01:00
12. Brandon Price – 3:21:55 (penalized for bucket spill)

FULL 2023 COMPETITION RESULTS – THE BOUNCY PONY RACE #1

1. Elsa Lately
2. Meghan Foster
3. Alexis McCauley
4. Harleigh Nealon

FULL 2023 COMPETITION RESULTS – THE BOUNCY PONY RACE #2

1. Dylan McCoskery
2. Susan Barrows
3. Aeva Snyder
4. Shyanne Thomas

FULL 2023 COMPETITION RESULTS – HORSE NUGGET RELAY #1

1. Chaos Acres: Nicole Czarnecki and Kasey Czarnecki
2. Mucking Maniacs: Dana and Steph Smolyn
3. Horse Moms: Christina Snyder and Karla Barrows
4. Thrall Farm Thunder: Dylan Sharp and Angela Lent

FULL 2023 COMPETITION RESULTS – HORSE NUGGET RELAY #2

1. Blossoms Team: Miriam Slate and Sarah Slate
2. The Paints: Nicki Pakkala and Kaija Pakkala
3. Mucking Maniacs #2: Kelly Benedeth and Ella Shattuck

Thank you all for helping to make the first Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge such a success! And start training for next year… you could be our next GEFC Champion!

11 11

Nov 11, 2023

MEET THE CHAMPIONS OF THE 2023 VERSATILE HORSE & RIDER COMPETITION, MA EDITION

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 11, 2023 — Sponsored by Chewy, the 2023 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition in Massachusetts was a fabulous hit on Friday, November 10. The event took place in the US Equestrian Arena and featured 25 hopefuls who competed for $5,500 in cash and other prizes over a challenging obstacle course that featured carrying a garrocha pole, a ground tying obstacle, a narrow bridge, a counter canter, a grain scoop toss, and more. Brittany Mayer of Cumberland, Rhode Island, took first and second place with her mounts, My Sharoana’s Time to Shine and Coppy That. Congratulations to Brittany on two splendid rides! As first place finisher, Brittany won $2,500 in cash, received a Champion rosette, and is the Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion. As second place finisher, she also won $1,500 and received a reserve champion rosette.

Third place finisher Rob West won $1,000 and a rosette on Moonshine Lady, while fourth place rider Scott Keyes won $500 and a rosette aboard KC.

Congratulations to all our competitors! Keep reading to learn more about Brittany and to see a full list of results and scores.

Brittany Mayer

First Place Horse: My Sharoana’s Time to Shine, 19 year old grade American Quarter Horse mare

Brittany is a trainer and a riding instructor from Cumberland, Rhode Island, and has competed in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition three times. This would be her third time competing aboard “Roanie,” and her first time back with Roanie since 2017. Brittany and Roanie have been a team for more than 12 years and enjoy showing Western pleasure, ranch versatility and English pleasure. When she isn’t in the show ring with Brittany, Roanie is used as a lesson horse and as a confidence booster for young horses to be ponied.

Brittany Mayer

Second Place Horse: Coppy That, 8 year old Mustang mare

This is her second time to ride “Copper” in the event. Brittany has known Copper for three years, but has been working consistently with the horse for the last year and a half. They enjoy showing ranch classes at pinto shows, working cattle, trail riding, and jumping.

FULL 2023 VERSATILE HORSE & RIDER COMPETITION RESULTS

1. Brittany Mayer – My Sharoana’s Time to Shine – Score: 70
2. Brittany Mayer – Coppy That – Score: 60
3. Rob West – Moonshine Lady – Score: 53
4. Scott Keyes – KC – Score: 53
5. Susan Mallery – Ayel YES – Score: 50
6. Mackenzie Kunz – A Little Touch of Pine – Score: 46
7. Hilary Dorazio – One Smart Red Pine – Score: 46
8. Anya Emmons – High Stylin’ Bobcat – 45
9. Francis Veillette – YCC Sophia-Montana – 45
10. Olivia Giuffrida – Tiny – Score: 45
11. Cheyenne Vaillancourt – Just Gonna Send It – Score: 44
12. April Baronas – I Can’t Even – Score: 43
13. Christina Morin – JMF New York Windfall – Score: 40
14. Kayla O’Leary – Wildfire – Score: 37
15. Rob West – Ranger – Score: 35
16. Melanie Davidson – Willow – Score: 33
17. Amanda Malone – Turbo – Score: 33
18. Jessica Knapp – River of Dreams – Score: 31
19. Gina Lamb – Chocky – Score: 31
20. Danielle Gauvin – Put A Little Pep In Your Step – Score 28
21. Amanda Malone – Amora – Score: 20
22: Lily Germano – Super Star Express – Time Out
23. Jessica Hogan – Bandit – Time Out
24. Katie Kortright – Foxwillow’s Blue Angel – Time Out
25. Jason Wooldridge – Chili – Time Out

11 04

Nov 4, 2023

MEET THE RIDERS OF THE 2023 VERSATILE HORSE & RIDER COMPETITION, MA EDITION: PART FIVE

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 4, 2023 — It’s hard to believe that the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is happening in less than one week! Sponsored by Chewy, this exciting competition features 25 horses and riders as they race the clock and each other in pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. Over the past few weeks, we’ve introduced you to this year’s competitors, five at a time. In this press release, help us welcome the final five competitors to the class of 2023!

Jason Wooldridge

Horse: Chili, 13 year old American Quarter Horse mare

Jason grew up on a small farm in western Massachusetts. When he was sixteen, he participated in a Mustang makeover competition and enjoyed training his horse. After high school, he attended Kentucky Horseshoeing School and then moved to Montana to apprentice with a farrier. While he was there, he started cowboying on a large cattle ranch. That’s when he began working closely with Chili, who was previously his mother’s horse. Chili worked on the ranch with Jason for two years before he sent her back home to be a broodmare. After weaning the mare’s second foal in October, Jason is eager to get back to work with Chili.

“She has only been trained in real ranch work, and I look forward to showing people what a ranch horse can do,” Jason says.

Brittany Mayer

Horse: Coppy That, 8 year old Mustang mare

Brittany is a trainer and riding instructor from Cumberland, Rhode Island. She has competed in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition three times, and this is her second time to ride “Copper” in the event. Brittany has known Copper for three years, but has been working consistently with the horse for the last year and a half. They enjoy showing ranch classes at pinto shows, working cattle, trail riding, and jumping.

Rob West

Horse: Moonshine Lady, 14 year old Mustang mare

“Moonshine” and Rob have been together since 2016 when they competed in the 2016 Virginia Extreme Mustang Makeover together. Moonshine was auctioned after the competition, but escaped from her new home soon after. After eight days of searching on horseback, Rob found her. He brought her home and they’ve been together ever since. They have participated in many competitions, including the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition several times. Rob says that Moonshine’s versatility is unmatched. He often relies on Moonshine to gentle many other horses, including other mustangs. In addition, she competes in hunter paces and has performed at the Hampton Classic Horse Show.

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Rob West

Horse: Ranger, 13 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Although he’s now safely in the hands of the Warrior Ranch Foundation, Ranger has quite the story behind him. He was originally rescued from a kill auction, then proved to be too much to handle for his original adopter. When he first arrived at WRF, he was full of fear and, it turned out, pain. Veterinarians discovered that he was in serious pain and advised a course of chiropractic work, acupuncture treatment, a period of rest, and then ground work. Once Ranger had recovered sufficiently for work, Rob West came on the scene. With Rob’s gentle ways, Ranger warmed up and Rob was able to begin riding him.

Through equine assisted learning, WRF provides a recreational therapeutic outlet for veterans, first responders, and their families. The veterans at WRF quickly grew attached to Ranger and could relate to some of his emotional issues. As Ranger grew and learned to trust again, he became a valuable member of the WRF herd and has helped many veterans. Rob, who is a US Army Veteran, and Ranger have developed a beautiful relationship. It will be exciting to see how they perform this year in the VHRC!

Lily Germano

Horse: Super Star Express, 21 year old American Paint Horse stallion

Lily and “Super” have been together for six years. During this time, they competed together in the summers while Lily was home from school. Pre-pandemic, they set a goal to compete at the 2020 Equine Affaire – but unfortunately, COVID hit and the event was canceled. After that, Super became injured and had to be in rehab for a year. Once he was back in working condition, they renewed their pursuit of eventually competing at Equine Affaire – only for Lily to then tear her ACL and have to undergo surgery and her own year-long period of rehabilitation. This fall, they are both finally healed – and ready to finally fulfill their long-awaited goal of riding in the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition.

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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.

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.

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!

11 02

Nov 2, 2023

MEET THE RIDERS OF THE 2023 VERSATILE HORSE & RIDER COMPETITION, MA EDITION: PART FOUR

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 1, 2023 — The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, sponsored by Chewy, is happening next week! We have 25 pre-selected horses and riders who will be on site next week to take on our obstacle course, and we can’t wait. Who will become the 2023 Massachusetts Versatile Horse and Rider Champions? You’ll have to come to the event to find out!

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

Brittany Mayer

Horse: My Sharoana’s Time to Shine, 19 year old grade American Quarter Horse mare

Danielle Gauvin

Horse: Put a Little Pep In Your Step, 18 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Danielle has been with “Peppe” for eight years now, although she has known him for longer. Peppe was previously an unfinished barrel horse. In their eight years together, they have branched out and created many memories along the way. They’ve competed in hunter/jumpers, competed in NBHA competitions in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and have competed in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition twice. Their list of accomplishments in the show pen includes qualifying for the NBHA World Championships multiple times, winning the Woodstock Fair Horse Show Barrel Classic/Challenge and the Woodstock Fair Horse Show Open Gymkhana Championships multiple times, and claiming many English show championships in hunters, jumpers, and eventing. They also recently won second place in the Woodstock Fair Horse Show Versatile Horse Challenge.

For fun, they like to cow sort, hunter pace, event, visit nursing homes, go swimming in the ocean, and learn about mounted cowboy shooting. Each year, they have improved in their standings and are hoping to come back for another chance to earn the title of Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champions.

“Peppe is talented in many areas of training and exceeds expectations every time he competes,” Danielle says.

Katie Kortright

Horse: Foxwillow’s Blue Angel, 10 year old Foxtrotter mare

When Katie was just fourteen, her dad brought home a one-year-old “Angel.” At the time, Katie knew nothing about horses. She took lessons for a year and a half and then decided to start her training journey with Angel.

“I was very determined, since someone told me I couldn’t do it,” Katie says. “It took us a long time to learn how to work together as a team, and it wasn’t easy, but I am proud of how far we’ve come.”

The pair started out doing obstacle challenges. Now, they ride English and Western, have participated in mounted games, liberty work, and trick riding, and have even begun driving. Katie is excited for the opportunity to compete with Angel in this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, which will be their first.

“Angel has quite the personality and is a cow horse at heart. Although she is a sassy mare who has her own opinions, she tries hard for me, and that’s all I could ask for,” Angel says. “I am determined and have big dreams, and Angel and I have plenty of time to get there.”

Gina Lamb

Horse: Chocky, 14 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Gina and Chocky have been a team for the past six years. They love competing in cowboy mounted shooting, ranch riding, hunter paces, and going trail riding, but that’s not all. Gina works for a non-profit organization called Warrior Ranch Foundation, which brings horses and people together for a greater purpose. Her horses are involved in her work there.

“My equine partners, Chocky and Chance, aren’t just horses,” Gina says. “They are therapy companions through equine assisted learning for veterans, first responders, and their families, spreading healing and joy in every interaction. As a coach and horse trainer at Warrior Ranch, I’m dedicated to sharing my knowledge and love for the horses with others.”

Gina is excited for the opportunity to tackle this year’s VHRC course with Chocky.

Anya Emmons

Horse: High Stylin’ Bobcat, 4 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Anya and “Little Peep” may be young – she’s nineteen and he’s only four! – but they are experienced. They’ve been together for two years and this is their third Equine Affaire together. They love the excitement of the VHRC as well as the opportunity to get dressed up.

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10 26

Oct 26, 2023

MEET THE RIDERS OF THE 2023 VERSATILE HORSE & RIDER COMPETITION, MA EDITION: PART THREE

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 26, 2023 — With less than two weeks to go, we’re eagerly anticipating the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, sponsored by Chewy! We’ve got 25 pre-selected horses and riders who are gearing up to tackle Equine Affaire’s famous obstacle course in pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. Who will become the 2023 Massachusetts Versatile Horse and Rider Champions? You’ll have to come to the event 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 next five competitors:

Cheyenne Vaillancourt

Horse: Just Gotta Send It, 9 year old American Quarter Horse Mare

Cheyenne and “Caddy” hail from Hudson, New Hampshire. Before they came together in 2020, Caddy was a dressage and mounted shooting mount. Cheyenne has taught Caddy how to pull carts, pull logs, barrel race, pole bend, and more. Together, they’ve shown in flat classes and pleasure driving as well as competed in gymkhanas.

“Caddy is an all-around mare,” Cheyenne says.

Francis Veillette

Horse: YCC Sophia-Montana, 12 year old American Quarter Horse mare

Francis began riding at the age of six, but didn’t start competing until the last eight years when he teamed up with YCC Sophia-Montana. Together, they have won numerous extreme cowboy titles over the years, as well as a Provincial Reserve Champion title. They have also won competitions in other performance disciplines, such as ranch riding and obedience, to distinguish themselves on the show scene.

Melanie Davidson

Horse: Willow, 19 year old Haflinger mare

During their six years together, Melanie and Willow have dabbled in almost every discipline, but they especially enjoy trail riding on Long Island. Willow has held every position in the Smithtown Hunt including field master, whipper in, and fox, and has also tried dressage, reining, cow work, and gymkhanas. The pair enjoy participating in reenactments, often using swords, pistols, lances, and bows, as well as pulling equipment like cannons or wagons.

“She is a true war pony,” Melanie says. “She will jump anything in her path. If she can’t go over, she will go through. I don’t call many horses bombproof, but Willow is the exception.”

Olivia Giuffrida

Horse: Tiny, 13 year old Clydesdale cross mare

Olivia has owned Tiny for four years. When the pair first came together, they were starting from scratch. Olivia says she didn’t have a clear direction for their journey together, but it was clear that they both liked trying new things and learning together. Three years later, they’re excited to be competing in the VHRC because versatility is one of the disciplines they enjoy most. They competed this past spring in Ohio and now they’re back for another try.

Amanda Malone

Horse: Turbo, 19 year old Norwegian Fjord gelding

Amanda and Turbo have been partners for five years. Turbo loves to compete in eventing, especially in cross-country, but he’s also a fan of trail and versatility competitions. Together, they’ve participated in parades, eventing, western sports, trail competitions, expos, demonstrations, and much more. Amanda and Turbo have competed in the VHRC four times, and each time, they come away with new things to practice as well as having made new friends. Last fall, they placed in the top ten at the 2022 Massachusetts VHRC, and they competed again this past spring in Ohio.

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10 24

Oct 24, 2023

MEET THE RIDERS OF THE 2023 VERSATILE HORSE & RIDER COMPETITION, MA EDITION: PART TWO

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.

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.

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10 23

Oct 23, 2023

YOUR INSIDER’S GUIDE TO EQUINE AFFAIRE IS HERE!

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!