W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, July 7, 2023 – Join us at the Eastern States Exposition this November as Equine Affaire in Massachusetts celebrates its sterling anniversary in the Bay State! In 1994, Equine Affaire debuted its flagship event in Ohio. Four years later, buoyed by the excitement and loyalty of our fans, the expo expanded to New England, launching the first ever Equine Affaire in Massachusetts at the Eastern States Expo in November of 1998. Now, 25 years later, North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering is primed to celebrate a very special jubilee – and you’re all invited!

Journey to Massachusetts with us on November 9-12, 2023, for Equine Affaire’s silver anniversary event. Filled with all the features you’ve come to know and love, plus tons of new surprises, there’s something special waiting for every horse lover at Equine Affaire. Elevate your equestrian experience with clinics, sessions, and demonstrations; interactive exhibits; world-class shopping; hands-on activities; themed pavilions; exciting competitions for horses and people; watch parties; stellar evening entertainment, and so much more! If you love horses, Equine Affaire is the expo for you.

Tickets for this unmissable equestrian extravaganza and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, go on sale on July 12 via equineaffaire.com. Adult tickets to the expo are $18 per day or $55 for a four-day pass (that’s a savings of $17!); children’s tickets are $10 per day for ages 7-10; and children six and under get in for free. Hours for the expo are from 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. General admission includes entry to the largest equine-related trade show in the east; numerous theme pavilions, exhibits, and special activities; competitions; and all horse clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. Separate tickets are required for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s companion nighttime show, and range in price from $16-$27. Sponsored by Absorbine®, Fantasia will run for three performances only on November 9, 10, and 11. Doors open for seating at 6:45 pm. The show begins at 7:30 pm and will last for approximately two hours with one 15-minute intermission. On July 12, get your tickets at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-tickets/.

For almost three decades, Equine Affaire has built its reputation around providing education and entertainment for every equestrian. No matter your discipline, level of experience, or area of interest, there’s something horse-related for you to learn, enjoy, or celebrate at this event. Are you ready for a sneak preview of the 25^th Equine Affaire in Massachusetts?

Equine Affaire is proud to announce an exceptional coterie of the horse industry’s best and brightest stars, including general horsemanship and training clinicians Mike Major, Julie Goodnight, Jason Irwin, Brandi Lyons, and Chelsea Canedy! Eager for help with a specific discipline? Look for Phillip Dutton (eventing); Steffen Peters and Jeanne McDonald (dressage); Andrew Welles (hunter/jumper); Greg Robinson (ranch horse versatility); Mark Bolender (mountain trail); Stacy Giere (driving); Bronwyn Irwin (pole bending); Lynn Newton (Western dressage); Carl Bledsoe (easy gaited); Jim Masterson (equine bodywork); Marty Whittle (rider biomechanics); Copper Hill Vaulting Team (vaulting); and many more to be announced. Hundreds of educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations will take place around the clock across multiple arenas throughout the event. We recommend coming for the whole weekend so you can catch sessions with all your favorite horsey celebrities! Details on the expo’s celebrated Ride with a Pro program, sponsored by Fair Hill Saddlery, will be announced soon. Applications and information on how you can ride with the pro of your choice at the event will be posted at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/.

No horse expo is complete without horses, of course. Come meet and greet with horses of all different shapes, sizes, breeds, colors, and disciplines in the Breed Pavilion and the Horse & Farm Exhibits during Equine Affaire. Whether you live for the elegance and grace of the Friesian, enjoy thrilling to the curls of a Bashkir Curly, or want to lose your heart to an Icelandic Horse, plan to wander the stalls and exhibits from end to end to meet them all. And if you’re looking for your next best friend or riding partner, check out the Adoption Affaire, presented in partnership with the ASPCA Right Horse, as well as the Horses for Sale.

Interested in competing? Applications for the fan-favorite Versatile Horse and Rider Competition will be posted online soon! With $5,500 in cash and other prizes at stake, the VHRC is going to be one exciting race – and there are just 25 spots available to ride. Brush up on your horsemanship skills, practice with your favorite obstacles (and a few new ones!), and start planning ahead for your chance to race the clock in the Coliseum. Or if you aren’t planning to bring your own horse, there’s a brand-new opportunity to win prizes and bragging rights at Equine Affaire – no horse required. Compete in the first annual Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, a fun way for barn yard Olympians to test their mettle and show off their strength and skills in front of all their friends. Look for more details on this hilarious new offering on our website, coming soon!

We know our most diehard fans love to shop, so of course, we have a tremendous trade show planned for our 25^th anniversary. Featuring some of the biggest names in the industry, our trade show is the perfect place to meet and greet with representatives from Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Saddle Up Clothing Company, Poulin Grain, Smartpak, Spalding Fly Predators, The Impeccable Equerry, The Certified Horsemanship Association, Straight Arrow Products, Boehringer Ingelheim, Mainline Fence, The English Saddler, The Equestrian Collection, and hundreds more. Shop and show your support to all our incredible vendors, then pay a visit to the Marketplace Consignment Shop, where equestrians just like you can consign their gently used horsey goods.

Oh, and did we mention Fantasia? Equine Affaire’s musical nighttime show, sponsored by Absorbine, will feature an incredible line-up of equine and equestrian performers. Spend the day at the expo, then settle in for an evening of entertainment with such stars as the Pegasus Trick Riders, Bobby Kerr, the Friesian Heritage Drill Team, Melissa Barnett, and many more!

There are plenty of additional reasons to attend Equine Affaire, including interactive activities with horses, networking with equine professionals, learning opportunities for new riders and new horse owners, and lots more anniversary surprises to come! Stay tuned to our social media channels (FB/IG/Twitter: @equineaffaire) and to our website at equineaffaire.com for announcements in the months to come.

Ready to plan your pilgrimage to Massachusetts? Visit equineaffaire.com to stay apprised of all the latest news (remember to select the “Massachusetts” event) and to find a list of our host hotels.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, and Triple Crown Nutrition. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @equineaffaire, or call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00pm EST (M-F). We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

LONDON, OH, May 2, 2023 — On April 13-16, the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus overflowed with horses and horse-lovers as tens of thousands gathered to honor and participate in the 28^th annual Equine Affaire! Long celebrated as North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire provides the perfect platform for equine enthusiasts to gather and celebrate all things horse through learning, riding, networking, interactive activities, entertainment opportunities, shopping, and more.

“As we move steadily closer towards our 30^th anniversary in Ohio, we’re honored to continue to serve the horse industry as a premier event,” said Coagi Long, president and owner of Equine Affaire. “Equine Affaire was founded in 1993 by Eugenia Snyder and held its first event in Dayton in 1994. It’s incredible to look back and see our rich history unfold as we’ve grown, developed, survived a worldwide pandemic, and then come back just as strong. We’re thankful for all the people, organizations, associations, and horses who continue to help make our events grand year after year.”

Every year, Equine Affaire fills four days at the Ohio Expo Center to their fullest with hundreds of educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations; world-class equine shopping avenues; championship competitions; exhibits; interactive activities; and countless opportunities for visitors to meet and greet with horses and to connect with a host of elite industry professionals. The first three nights of the event also feature the Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s beloved musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is a nighttime show filled with incredible performances by some of the nation’s most exciting equine and equestrian performers. Read on for a recap of highlights from this year’s event, and find out how you can join us next time.

AS ALWAYS, THE HORSES WERE NUMBER ONE

This year’s event was filled – naturally! – with horses. From colossal Percherons to adorable mini-Gypsy Cobs, horses of practically every size, shape, breed, and color filled the buildings, barns, and arenas as they participated in clinics and breed demos, represented their breed associations in the Breed Pavilion and Horse and Farm Exhibits, met potential new owners through the ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Affaire, or introduced people to the magic of horses through hands-on activities and meet-and-greets.

One of Equine Affaire’s primary goals is to produce events that help improve the horse management, training, and riding skills of current horsemen. To that end, more than forty of the industry’s elite equestrian educators were on site to present clinics, sessions, and demonstrations designed to educate and enlighten. Headliners included Guy McLean, Jonathan Field, Julie Goodnight, and Jason Irwin, along with a selection of discipline-specific clinicians such as Brad Barkemeyer (reined cow horse & roping), Nona Garson (hunter/jumper), JJ Tate (dressage), Bryan Penquite (reining), Rita Timpanaro (hunter/jumper), Bronwyn Irwin (pole bending), Sterling Graburn (driving), and many more.

Many of these clinics also included participants who applied for the Equine Affaire “Ride with a Pro” program earlier in the year, which enables riders to receive instruction and coaching right there at the event. Horse owners could also apply for their horses to receive training in clinics that focused on working with green horses, such as Guy McLean’s clinics.

Equine Affaire was proud to offer not just one, but two, interactive activities this year for visitors who wanted to get up close and personal with horses. First, Equine Affaire partnered with Sam and Kellie Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons Carriage Rides and Logging to offer the Drive A Draft activity. Interested attendees could sign up in advance to learn how to drive either a single or a pair of giant Percheron horses from the ground. Offered on three different days, the activity was incredibly popular, outgrowing its time slots and drawing rave reviews from visitors.

The other interactive activity was A Horse For Heroes, which is a special feature just for veterans, active duty, and first responders, as well as their families. Equine Affaire proudly collaborated with Operation Horses & Heroes to bring this activity to Ohio audiences. Participants signed up at the event and enjoyed interacting with horses and experiencing the effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies, all while working hand in hand with the experienced and compassionate staff of Operation Horses and Heroes. OH+H is a registered 501©3 founded by Gerald Paulsen, who is a former U.S. Army NCO and proud veteran himself, as well as an avid horse lover.

In the barns, the ASPCA led an Adoption Affaire event for nearly 40 horses from 9 ASPCA Right Horse Adoption Partner organizations as well as from the ASPCA Equine Transition and Adoption Center in Oklahoma. Each group brought along several adoptable horses, and the ASPCA was present to support them and answer the public’s questions about equine adoption. The Adoption Affaire event resulted in 21 horses being adopted on-site, with at least three adoptions pending. The ASPCA encourages horse lovers to explore adoption digitally by visiting myrighthorse.org to meet hundreds of adoptable horses in one place.

FROM LIBERTY TO VERSATILITY, COMPETITION WAS STIFF!

The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition has been a popular feature of Equine Affaire for years, and every spring, riders apply for their opportunity to tackle the Equine Affaire versatility course and vie for $5,500 in cash and other prizes. The 2023 Ohio Versatile Horse & Rider Competition took place on Friday, April 14, in the US Equestrian Coliseum, and showcased twenty-five spectacular rides. This year’s 2023 Ohio Versatile Horse and Rider Champions were Franny Galvin-Hynes and her 7 year old Fjord-Quarter Horse mare, Super Nova, who were also our champions in the 2022 Massachusetts VHRC! Franny and “Nova” came in first with a score of 53.5 and won $2,500 in cash. The reserve champions were Kristin Fouty and Dun Got It Goin On, an 18 year old American Paint Horse gelding, who scored 51. Fouty and “Boo” won $1,750.00 in cash. For the full results, check out equineaffaire.com/press!

Founded by Dan and Elizabeth James, the International Liberty Horse Association is the world’s only association dedicated exclusively to promoting the discipline of liberty and celebrating liberty horses, trainers, competitors, and fans everywhere. Equine Affaire was proud to partner with the ILHA to offer the ILHA Invitational Freestyle Competition again in Ohio. Sponsored by Espana Silk Grooming Products, the ILHA Freestyle Competition was a team competition this year and took place on Friday and Saturday of the event. The Champion Team was Sally Durbin and Reese Wolheter, while the reserve champions were Kelly Jackson and Cara Shroeder. Third place went to Kelsey Duff and Grace Thomas. Bella Sweigard and Amanda Lewis came in fourth, but also won the honor of being the “fan favorites.” Congratulations to all!

Finally, the Ohio 4-H State Horse Bowl & Hippology Contests took place on Saturday, April 15, in the Voinovich Center. A record number of teams competed as youth from all over the state came together to demonstrate their knowledge of horses in a friendly, competitive setting. In the Horse Bowl contest, Union county teams reigned supreme in both the junior and senior divisions.  The senior high individual overall was Ayla Powers and the junior high individual overall was Eli Ball.  In the Hippology contest, the team from Jefferson county won the junior division with Maddie Granatir being the high individual overall. Twenty teams competed in the senior division, with the team from Lorain county coming out on top and also having the high individual overall in Jordyn Simpson. Complete results are available at horse.osu.edu. Congratulations to all the participants!

FANTASIA SHOWCASED ALL THAT WE LOVE ABOUT THE HORSE

Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is the must-see equestrian show of the year – and once again, high ticket sales and a sold-out Saturday night performance proved that much of the horse industry agrees with that statement. This year’s show featured a wide variety of performances, including beloved fan favorites like the Knights of Iceland and the Diamond D Cowgirls, and newcomers like the Pegasus Riders. The Pegasus Riders is a duo of 11 year old girls, Maddy Gatrel and Liberty Cunningham, who are also accomplished dancers, contortionists, barrel racers, and champion trick riders. This was the girls’ first performance at Equine Affaire and they knocked it out of the park!

Outfitted with dazzling and patriotic sparkle, the Diamond D Cowgirls lit up the arena with their award-winning mounted drill team performance. Guy McLean brought his signature Australian charm to the show with a hilarious comedic routine that paid homage to “The Man From Snowy River.” The Rettingers’ fantastic six-Percheron hitch and Crowl’s Haflingers hitch, Bryan Penquite’s reining freestyle, and a touching drill performance from the beautiful Friesian Heritage Drill Team rounded out the evening, with renowned trick rider Dusti Dickerson’s fiery Roman Riding performance serving as the grand finale.

EQUINE AFFAIRE IS HOME TO THE LARGEST HORSE-RELATED TRADE SHOW IN NORTH AMERICA

Fans of Equine Affaire continue to put shopping opportunities at the top of their list of reasons for why they love the event, and this year’s trade show floors did not disappoint. Super stores such as Rod’s Western Palace, State Line Tack, Cashman’s Horse Equipment, and Circle L Saddle Company lined the trade show buildings with impressive and attractive displays of product, featuring everything from tack and grooming supplies to décor, clothing, toys, books, and more. The Bricker building overflowed with a full range of vendors and exhibitors, including companies such as Cascada, who chose to debut their brand new app-enabled watering system at Equine Affaire. Equine Affaire’s beloved consignment shop, The Marketplace, was also a popular shopping spot for visitors throughout the weekend.

For a full list of all the vendors who populated our trade show floors, visit https://www.equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-trade-show/ohio-exhibitors/.

You can also view the digital version of the official Equine Affaire program here for even more information about our sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors, and vendors: http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/84beeeeb#/84beeeeb/1.

DID YOU MISS OUT? HERE’S HOW YOU CAN CATCH UP…

If you had the misfortune of missing out on joining us this year, we’ve got great news for you! Equine Affaire partnered with the Horse Radio Network and EQUUS Television in order to provide select coverage on our event for listeners and viewers at home through podcasts and videos. Here’s how to catch the coverage:

• Watch EQUUS Television Network by visiting equustelevision.com/search?keywords=equine+affaire or by downloading their mobile app today to see exclusive interviews with our presenters, street scenes from the event, quick tip videos, and lots more, including a photo essay! It’ll (almost) feel like you were there. Watch interviews with Julie Goodnight, Sam & Kellie Rettinger of Whispery Pines Percherons, Sheryl Mankel, Cynthia Keating, and lots of others.
• Listen to the Horse Radio Network by visiting https://www.horsesinthemorning.com/ or by looking for Horses In The Morning on your favorite podcast player. Glenn Hebert, America’s Horse Husband, and Allison Rehnborg, Equine Affaire’s marketing coordinator, recorded and produced three episodes live from the event, featuring interviews with vendors and exhibitors like The Funky Unicorn, Braveheart Beasts, United Horse Coalition, and Espana Silk Grooming Products; presenters like Wendy Murdoch of the Sure Foot Equine Stability Program, Jason and Bronwyn Irwin, Carl Bledsoe, Ifa Simmonds, and Sky Epperson; and Adoption Affaire partners like the West Virginia Horse Network and Horses Haven in Michigan. If you like what you hear, make sure to keep listening for more of the Equine Affaire podcast, which airs on the third Thursday of every month as part of Horses In The Morning, America’s leading daily morning podcast for the horse world.
• The official photographer of Equine Affaire is Winslow Photography, LLC. All images taken by Winslow at the event are now online and available for review and purchase here: https://winslowphoto.photostockplus.com/album/3489619/.
• Finally, follow our social media pages (@equineaffaire on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) to review play-by-play coverage of the event and to see videos and photo albums, as well as to catch all the latest news about our next events.

SAVE THE DATES, UPDATES ON THE OHIO RAFFLE, AND EVEN MORE INFORMATION

The staff of Equine Affaire are already hard at work producing our next event, which will take place on November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA. Save the date and revisit our website and social media channels for updates. Tickets for Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and for Fantasia will go on sale July 12.

Mark your calendars for the 2024 Equine Affaire in Ohio, which will take place April 11-14 at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsors who helped make this year’s event possible: Absorbine, Rod’s, US Equestrian, Espana Silk, GGT Footing, and Best Sand Equestrian Sand. Equine Affaire would also like to thank the companies who donated prizes for this year’s online raffle: Bronco Western Supply, Back On Track USA, and US Equestrian. Raffle winners have been chosen and notifications have been sent via email. If you entered the 2023 Ohio Equine Affaire raffle, make sure to check your email!

As North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire elevates the equestrian experience for horse lovers of all ages. Visit equineaffaire.com for schedules, tickets, and additional details about upcoming events. Our office staff can be reached by phone at (740) 845-0085, Mon-Fri, 9 am to 5 pm ET.

COLUMBUS, OH, May 1, 2023 — Sponsored by Espana Silk Grooming Products, the International Liberty Horse Association Invitational Freestyle Competition took place in two parts on Friday, April 14 and Saturday, April 15 at Equine Affaire in Ohio. Participants competed in a special teams format, tackling the compulsories on Friday and the freestyle on Saturday.

The official results are as follows:

Champions: Sally Durbin (Senior) and Reese Wolheter (Youth)

Reserve Champions: Kelly Jackson and Cara Schroeder

3rd Place: Kelsey Duff and Grace Thomas

4th Place: Bella Sweigard and Amanda Lewis

The Fan Favorites award went to Bella Sweigard and Amanda Lewis.

Congratulations to all of the competitors and the ILHA team for putting on another incredible event!

COLUMBUS, OH, April 15, 2023 — The 2023 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition took place yesterday in the US Equestrian Coliseum and what a show it was! We had twenty-five spectacular rides and saw a lot of excellent horsemanship and fine riding. Master of Ceremonies Jason Irwin performed his duties admirably, and judge Brad Barkemeyer did a fabulous job scoring our rides. Special thanks to our announcer, Noah Rattner, for musical contributions, and to our ring crew for set up and tear down!

First, we’d like to acknowledge that yesterday, at the end of the competition, there was a scoring malfunction and the placings that were announced and acknowledged at the event were incorrect. Equine Affaire would like to extend a formal apology to all of the riders who were affected by the scoring spreadsheet malfunction. We strive for excellence and accuracy in everything that we do, especially when it affects riders who give their all, and we deeply regret this mistake. Thank you for extending grace and patience to us in this situation, and our staff have worked hard to make things right with all involved.

And now, with no further ado, here are your official results for the 2023 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition in Ohio.

Congratulations to Franny Galvin-Hynes and Super Nova, her 7 year old Fjord-Quarter Horse mare, for a spectacular trip around the VHRC course. Franny has added another jewel to her crown with this run, because she and Super Nova were also the winners of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider Competition! Here’s a little bit more about your winning duo:

In 2017, Franny Galvin-Hynes made her first trip from her Canadian home to Equine Affaire in Ohio and, although she was only 15 at the time, she immediately determined she just had to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition one day. An 18 year old Franny was first accepted to compete in 2020, but like many others, she had to wait out the pandemic. She eventually got to compete for the first time in Ohio in 2022, where she and Super Nova were thrilled to finish in 6th place. Franny was very excited to be welcomed back to Equine Affaire last fall in MA, to meet up with her VHRC friends again, and then cap it off with her dream-come-true of taking home the VHRC 1st place ribbon with Super Nova.

Super Nova was a somewhat scruffy looking yearling when Franny first saw her, but she felt a connection, saw her potential, brought her home – and they’ve been a dynamic duo ever since. They’ve spent endless hours training together and competing as a team in extreme cowboy racing, team penning, ranch roping and western games, as well as enjoying long trail rides or local parades with their barn buddies. Sometimes they throw on their English tack for some hunter/jumper classes and fun on the local eventing courses, or leave the tack in the locker and practise their liberty work together.

Franny says, “Nova is a one in a million horse for me, I’ve never had a horse like her before. She’s always willing to try anything I ask, no matter what it is; we trust each other completely.”

A heartfelt congratulations to KRISTIN FOUTY and DUN GOT IT GOIN ON! This pair also put in the work and had a spectacular ride. “Boo” is an 18 year old American Paint Horse gelding. Here’s a little bit more about Kristin and her Boo:

Kristin and “Boo” have been together since 2007. Boo is a “been there and done that horse.” From open and 4-H shows to the ranch circuit, Kristin and Boo have tackled many disciplines, including pleasure, jumping, rodeo, and ranch. They’ve also earned a variety of champion and reserve champion titles from open and professional circuits, such as the American Ranch Horse Association and the Ranch Horse Association of Michigan. They placed in the top ten in the 2019 and 2022 VHRC.

Here are the rest of the placings with their official scores:

1. Franny Galvin Hynes and Super Nova. Score: 53.5
2. Kristin Fouty and Dun Got It Goin On. Score: 51
3. Wendy Montgomery and SF Distinguished Gentleman. Score: 50.5
4. Raymie Shoop and Miss N Bleach. Score: 50
5. Brenda Hanson and Ace. Score: 49
6. Dawn Chambers and Charge on Gunsmoke. Score: 48
7. Tammy Burgard and WR Classic Whiskey. Score: 47
8. Sidney Hawk and Zippo’s Blue Sky. Score: 44 (Tiebreaker: 9)
9. Dawn Chambers and MT Rowdy Coal. Score: 44 (Tiebreaker: 7.5)
10. Melinda Arnitsis and Bella Beretta. Score: 42.5
11. April Baronas and I Can’t Eeven. Score: 42
12. Tammy Burgard and Nada Snow. Score: 40.5
13. Franny Galvin-Hynes and Aspen’s Wild Grove. Score: 40
14. Miranda Roesel and Shamrock. Score: 39 (Tiebreaker: 9.5)
15. Raymie Shoop and Sweet Hollywood Star. Score: 39 (Tiebreaker: 7.5)
16. Amanda Malone and Turbo. Score: 37
17. Dessie Shepherd and Paris. Score: 35
18. Alexis O’Neal and Pepper. Score: 31.5
19. Robin Ball and Bentley. Score: 24
20. Brittany Buchanan and Creme De Motion. Score: 23
21. Anya Emmons and High Stylin Bobcat. Timed Out.
22. Mike Cassedy and Wakiyan. Timed Out.
23. Marissa Wooton and Flo Dunnit Again. Timed Out.
24. Matt Keefe and Blue Moon Jr Cash. Timed Out.
25. Olivia Giufrrida and Tiny. Timed Out.

Congratulations to ALL of our riders! We look forward to this fall, when the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will return to Springfield, Massachusetts, for the 2023 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. If you’re interested in applying to ride there, materials will be posted on our website later in the year. Stay tuned!

LONDON, OH, April 7, 2023 – Equine Affaire returns to the Ohio Expo Center in just one week! As you pack your bags and look forward to the ultimate road trip with your barn buddies, check out this handy trail guide. Whether it’s your first time in Ohio or you’ve been attending this event for years, this handbook can help you plan your visit from beginning to end. Elevate your equestrian experience at Equine Affaire by checking out our insider’s guide to what to see, where to go, and what to do! We’ll also share frequently asked questions and links to all the latest news.

I WANT TO GO! WHERE IS IT, WHEN IS IT, AND HOW DO I GET THERE?

Equine Affaire will take place at the Ohio Expo Center on April 13-16, 2023. The Ohio Expo Center (OEC) is located at 717 East 17^th Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are from 9 am-7 pm (EST), and on 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/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/.

You can access the event via off I-71 from 17^th Avenue on the north side of the Ohio Expo Center. On Thursday through Sunday, you can drive through the main gate (Gate 3) and park on the south side of 17^th Avenue. On Friday and Saturday, you can also park in a large lot on the north side of 17^th Avenue and walk through pedestrian Gate 2, near the Bricker Annex. For an overview map, click here: https://equineaffaire.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/23-OH-Overview-Map-Combined-1.pdf.

The Ohio Expo Center charges for parking, so please be prepared to pay the parking attendants promptly when you arrive. It’s $7/day or $20/four day pass. Also, please leave your pets at home! We cannot allow any pets in any of the buildings, except for credentialed service dogs per Ohio Revised Code § 955.43.

Need more information? Click here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/ohio-location-event-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 OEC! 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?

There are a variety of host hotels near the event. A list is available on our website! Many of our host hotels still have rooms available. Here’s how to find out: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/ohio-host-hotels/.

Are you coming in an RV or camper? Camping is available on site at the OEC. There is no advance registration. All spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis, and there are plenty of spaces for all. The current OEC camping rate is $50/day and subject to change without notice. You can learn information about camping at the OEC here: https://www.ohioexpocenter.com/p/visit/camping-at-the-ohio-expo-center.

HEY, WHAT’S FANTASIA?

We’re glad you asked! Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Absorbine, this special nighttime show features exciting performances by the nation’s top equine and equestrian performers. The perfect end to a perfect, horse-filled day, Fantasia takes place in the Coliseum on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights during Equine Affaire. The doors open at 6:45 pm and the show starts promptly at 7:30 pm. The show typically lasts approximately two hours with one fifteen-minute intermission.

Fantasia requires separate tickets, and tickets sell quickly, so buy yours today! You can purchase Fantasia tickets online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/ or by calling our office at (740) 845-0085, M-F, 9 am-5 pm (EST). You can also buy tickets on the day of each performance from the Information Booth in the Bricker building until we sell out.

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 Fantasia, you will not have to purchase a general admission ticket to Equine Affaire.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT RIDING AND TRAINING?

Equine Affaire is organized by horse lovers for horse lovers. Our mission is to produce events that help improve the horse management, training, and riding skills of equestrians. That’s why our first-class educational program is filled with talented speakers and presenters who are dedicated, passionate, and knowledgeable about the horse industry – so if information about horses is what you seek, information about horses is what you’ll get!

Whether you love riding, jumping, liberty, reining, ranch work, roping, dressage, pole bending, driving, learning about horse health care and husbandry, or any number of other horse-related topics, there’s a clinic, seminar, or demonstration on our schedule for you. 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/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-educational-program/ohio-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 a future 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 are available online starting in January and the deadline to apply is typically in early February. Learn more about Ride with a Pro here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-ride-in-clinics/ohio-ride-with-a-pro-2/.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HORSES?

Equine Affaire has introduced tens of thousands of people to the horse industry over the years, and we’re proud to serve as your guide to the wonderful world of horses, too. Beginners, start your visit at the Equine Fundamentals Forum in the Celeste Center. 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, identification stations, and 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! That’s also where you can pick up your official event program.

WHERE DO I GO TO SHOP?

Equine Affaire is home to the largest horse-related trade show in the Midwest. Featuring hundreds of exhibitors spread out across several buildings, you’re virtually guaranteed to find what you’re looking for! Make sure to visit the Bricker Annex, the Celeste Center, and the Voinovich Center, as well as outdoor areas between buildings, to see all the exhibitors. See a full list of vendors here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-trade-show/ohio-exhibitors/.

Love shopping for bargains? Located in the Voinovich, 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/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-sell/ohio-the-marketplace-consignment/.

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/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-win/ohio-free-raffle/. Entries are accepted through April 16!)

HOW CAN I SEE HORSES COMPETE?

There are two competitions taking place at Equine Affaire! First, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place on Friday, April 14, 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/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-compete/ohio-versatile-horse-rider-competition/ and bookmark this page for the future to learn more about applying to compete!

Next, the International Liberty Horse Association Invitational Freestyle, sponsored by EspanaSILK, is returning to Equine Affaire. The compulsories will take place on Friday, April 14, in the Cooper Arena, and the freestyle finals will happen on Saturday, April 15, in the Coliseum. This competition showcases the amazing discipline of liberty and demonstrates all the ways horses and humans can communicate with each other with little or minimal tack. Learn more here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-other-features/ilha-freestyle-invitational/!

FAQ: Is admittance to both competitions included with my general admission ticket? That’s correct. No extra tickets are required to attend the VHRC or the ILHA.

HOW CAN I MEET SOME COOL HORSES AND PEOPLE?

Visit the Breed Pavilion in the Voinovich Center and the Horse & Farm Exhibits in the Gilligan Complex! First, 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. Association representatives will be on hand to provide helpful information and answer questions about their breeds and horses, and equines from miniatures to drafts and from stock horses to sport horses will be on exhibit and presented in hand for your consideration. Under saddle demonstrations of the breeds featured in the Breed Pavilion will also be conducted throughout the weekend in the main clinic arenas, offering you a chance to understand and appreciate the conformation, characteristics, and aptitudes of horses of different breeds.

After you’re done in the Breed Pavilion, take a stroll through the Gilligan Complex and visit the Horse and Farm Exhibits. You can chat with barn and equine business owners, visit with industry professionals offering horses for sale, and plenty more. The Adoption Affaire, in partnership with the ASPCA Right Horse program, will also be going on in the Gilligan Complex all weekend. Make sure to visit the Adoption Affaire stalls (marked with green signs) to learn about the mission of various rescues and sanctuaries and meet horses up for adoption.

Have you ever dreamed of driving a pair of giant draft horses? At Equine Affaire in Ohio, we are delighted to offer you the chance for a fascinating experience with the gentle giants of Whispery Pines Percherons! Free for all Equine Affaire attendees, the Drive A Draft activity will take place once a day, Friday through Sunday, in the Cooper Arena. Sign up by visiting the Whispery Pines Percherons’ stalls in the Gilligan Complex near the green wall. Learn more here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-other-features/drive-a-draft/.

Are you a veteran? Meet Operation Horses and Heroes at Equine Affaire. We’ve partnered with Operation Horses and Heroes to offer A Horse for Heroes, where veterans, active duty, and first responders can experience the benefits of equine-assisted therapies and activities. This activity will take place once a day on Friday, April 14; Saturday, April 15; and Sunday, April 16 in the Cooper Arena. You can learn more here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-other-features/a-horse-for-heroes/.

Are you an equestrian interested in learning more about improving your fitness? You need to meet Ifa Simmonds. Ifa Simmonds is an equestrian fitness trainer and clinician, as well as the creator and owner of Equestrian Fitness Academy. He’ll be offering live workshops on a variety of rider fitness and wellness topics during the event on Thursday, April 13; Friday, April 14; and Sunday, April 16 in the conference room in the Voinovich Center. Best of all, it’s free to Equine Affaire attendees! Sign up and learn more here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-other-features/equestrian-fitness-academy/.

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, a fun stick horse rodeo (3 pm daily!), and a purple mechanical pony.

For young adults prepping for college, check out the College & Career Fair presentations. There will be two special presentations about pursuing equine-related careers and college degrees – one on Thursday and one on Friday – as well as the opportunity to sign up for a one-on-one mentoring session with Dr. Karin Bump. You can sign up for the one-on-one sessions in advance, or on site in the Equine Fundamentals Forum in the Celeste Center. Here’s more information about this opportunity: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-educational-program/ohio-college-career-fair-scavenger-hunt/.

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association is offering an intensive dressage judge’s clinic on Sunday, April 16, from 2 to 4 pm in the Cooper Arena. Formatted to review items from a judge’s perspective, this clinic will explore the hunt seat and dressage disciplines in the IEA show format. IEA is a nonprofit organization that promotes and improves the quality of equestrian competition and instruction for middle and secondary school students. Best of all, kids don’t have to own a horse to compete with IEA! Learn more about IEA by attending the clinic at Equine Affaire.

THIS EVENT 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!

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LONDON, OH, April 7, 2023 — The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is in exactly 1 week! We can’t think of a better way to celebrate than by introducing you to the final five riders in this spring’s competition. On April 14, the VHRC will begin at 1:30 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center. Twenty-five pre-selected horse and rider pairs will race the clock to tackle a series of challenging obstacles in their pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. In this post, meet the final five members of the spring 2023 class of VHRC competitors. (If you missed the rest of the posts in the series, click here!)

Tammy Burgard

Horse: Nada Snow, 5 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Tammy and “Maverick” have been together for about a year. In that short amount of time, he has excelled in ranch horse versatility competitions, winning multiple championships which culminated in earning the year end reserve high point championship for Oklahoma. He also won the overall high point championship for the 3-5 year division at the Nebraska State Fair, competing with over 700 entries. Tammy says, “He is good minded, big hearted and always does his best. It has been my pleasure to be his partner this year.”

Dawn Chambers

Horse: MT Rowdy Coal, black American Quarter Horse gelding.

Dawn says, “We started Coal in our program as an unstarted colt and are so proud of the horse he has become with our guidance! Coal loves a job!” Dawn and Coal work as a team all around the ranch. from gathering and sorting cattle to riding out on the trails. Coal is a fun horse with lots of personality who works hard and always tries his best. They’re excited to try their hand at the VHRC!

Franny Galvin-Hynes

Horse: Super Nova, 7 year old Fjord-Quarter Horse mare

In 2017, Franny Galvin-Hynes made her first trip from her Canadian home to Equine Affaire in Ohio and, although she was only 15 at the time, she immediately determined she just had to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition one day. An 18 year old Franny was first accepted to compete in 2020, but like many others, she had to wait out the pandemic. She eventually got to compete for the first time in Ohio in 2022, where she and Super Nova were thrilled to finish in 6th place. Franny was very excited to be welcomed back to Equine Affaire last fall in MA, to meet up with her VHRC friends again, and then cap it off with her dream-come-true of taking home the VHRC 1st place ribbon with Super Nova.

Super Nova was a somewhat scruffy looking yearling when Franny first saw her, but she felt a connection, saw her potential, brought her home – and they’ve been a dynamic duo ever since. They’ve spent endless hours training together and competing as a team in extreme cowboy racing, team penning, ranch roping and western games, as well as enjoying long trail rides or local parades with their barn buddies. Sometimes they throw on their English tack for some hunter/jumper classes and fun on the local eventing courses, or leave the tack in the locker and practise their liberty work together.

Franny says, “Nova is a one in a million horse for me, I’ve never had a horse like her before. She’s always willing to try anything I ask, no matter what it is; we trust each other completely.”

Raymie Shoop

Horse: Sweet Hollywood Star, 7 year old American Paint Horse mare

Raymie and “Spencer” have been together approximately three years. They enjoy competing in ranch horse classes in local circuit and open shows, and have earned many local and state ranch horse wins.

Robin Ball

Horse: Bentley, 9 year old Appaloosa gelding

Robin and Bentley are from Buckhannon, West Virginia, and have been together for seven years. Although Robin’s mother bought Bentley when he was just a weanling, Robin says Bentley was made for her! He is often the focal point of her artwork. When she’s not drawing and painting Bentley, she loves trail riding, camping, and riding in parades with him. “We love to challenge ourselves and push the limits to see what we can accomplish,” Robin says. “We love working as a team and besting my brothers and their horses!” Robin last attended Equine Affaire several years ago with her Poppi, and their favorite entertainment was watching the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. Although her Poppi has since passed away, she hopes to honor him by competing in this year’s competition.

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. 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!

LONDON, OH, April 4, 2023 — If you’re here, chances are you’re eager to learn about the next five competitors in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in Ohio! In this post, we’ll be introducing the penultimate five riders and their horses who will be competing on Friday, April 14, in the VHRC. The VHRC will begin at 1:30 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center. Twenty-five pre-selected horse and rider pairs will race the clock to tackle a series of challenging obstacles in their pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. In this post, meet five more of the members of the spring 2023 class of VHRC competitors. (If you missed the first four posts in the series, click here!)

Alexis O’Neal

Horse: Pepper, 6 year old Appaloosa gelding

Hailing from Pittsburgh, PA, Alexis is a trainer and instructor who focuses on horsemanship, body control in horse and rider, and confidence-building. This is her first time competing – ever – and she’s excited for the opportunity to ride in Equine Affaire’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition. Her mount, Pepper, belongs to one of her clients. Pepper came to Alexis about nine months ago as a spooky horse without much of a handle, and his owner confided in Alexis that she felt she’d lost her confidence not just in Pepper, but in herself as a rider. During his time with Alexis, Pepper has transformed into a confident horse who can handle just about any situation. Alexis says, “My intention with this competition is to show Pepper’s owner that her horse can do just about anything we set his mind to. I’d like to give my client back her confidence in her horse, and in turn hopefully inspire other folks that their horse (and they as riders) can do the exact same thing.”

Miranda Roesel

Horse: Shamrock, 9 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Miranda and Shamrock are returning for their third round in the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition! This couple has been together for six years, ever since Shamrock was three. They enjoy competing in ranch events at open shows and love trail riding. On the trails, Shamrock loves playing in creeks.

Dessie Shepherd

Horse: Paris, 22 year old American Quarter Horse mare

Together for two years, Dessie and Paris enjoy riding in ranch classes. In 2021, Dessie won senior high point as well as reserve champion in Ranch Pleasure at the Greene County Fair. Then in 2022, she attended her first International Buckskin Horse Association show, where she won 3 of the 4 classes she competed in. This will be Dessie and Paris’s first time competing in the VHRC.

Raymie Shoop

Horse: Miss N Bleach, 26 year old American Quarter Horse mare

“Lena” was Raymie’s first horse. They’ve been together for fifteen years and have been through it all. Raymie says, “When I started riding her, I took her in every event that I could every chance I had. We would have an English saddle on one minute and be cutting cattle the next!” Their top achievements include a reserve world championship in ranch and a world-level high point in gymkhana. Lena is now partially retired from competing, but she’s always on standby for a trail ride or horse show – like the VHRC!

Anya Emmons

Horse: High Stylin Bobcat, 3 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Anya and “Peep” first met in October of 2021 and it was love at first sight. Anya had been searching for a young horse to begin her training career and when she met Peep, she knew he would be perfect. Anya began riding when she was 6 years old and was immediately hooked. She began riding English but switched to Western after a few years. She settled on reined cow horse and has progressed in that discipline. Anya plans on pursuing a career as a performance horse trainer and is starting with Peep. With less than a year together, they have developed a strong bond and trust in each other. They placed 5th in the November Equine Affaire Versatility Competition and hope to improve on that in April.

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. 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!

LONDON, OH, March 30, 2023 — Join us in Ohio for the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, happening Friday, April 14, at 1:30 pm in the US Equestrian Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center! Twenty-five pre-selected horse and rider pairs will race the clock to tackle a series of challenging obstacles in their pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. In this post, meet five more of the members of the spring 2023 class of VHRC competitors. (If you missed the first two posts in the series, click here!)

Sidney Hawk

Horse: Zippo’s Blu Sky, 14 year old American Paint Horse mare

Sidney and “Sky” hail from Massillon, Ohio. As a student at the University of Findlay, Sidney is pursuing a double major in Equine Western Training and Equine Business Management with a minor in Marketing. She has been riding for more than twelve years and competing for nine as she works toward a career in training horses. Sidney says, “I’ve been attending Equine Affaire for longer than I can even remember and I have wanted to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition since I started mountain trail at age 12.” Partnered together for nine years, Sidney and Sky are eager to make Sidney’s dreams come true of competing in the VHRC.

Matt Keefe

Horse: Blue Moon Jr Cash, 16 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Matt and Cash have been partners in and out of the show arena for six years. Together, they have shown in numerous competitions and everything in between from pony rides to lessons. Cash was bred and trained to be a reiner. Due to his kind temperament and quiet disposition, his skills continue to grow. Matt and Cash hope to compete in the VHRC to honor their accomplishments over the years together.

Amanda Malone

Horse: Turbo, 18 year old Norwegian Fjord gelding

Amanda and Turbo have been partners for four 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 three 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.

Myron Martin

Horse: Runnin for Cocktails, 3 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Myron and “Forest” have been together for only a few months, but enjoy riding Western together. Myron has been around horses all his life, but didn’t start riding show horses until 2022. He’s excited to see how he and Forest perform this spring in the VHRC!

Wendy Montgomery

Horse: SF Distinguished Gentleman, 18 year old Rocky Mountain gelding

Wendy and “Rocky” are obstacle aficionados! They’ve been together for fifteen years, and competed in their first obstacle challenge in 2013. After that, they were hooked. For the last decade, they’ve traveled to compete in obstacle challenges in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, and Alabama. That includes four times in the VHRC, with two top ten finishes, and a long list of championship wins in the American Competitive Trail Horse Association, the Extreme Cowboy Association, the Rocky Mountain Horse Association, the International Mountain Trail Challenge Association, and at the Southern Equine Expo. Wendy says, “Rocky truly is my heart horse. The partnership he and I have formed will never be matched. It’s a privilege for me to have such an incredible animal by my side.”

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. 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!

LONDON, OH, March 28, 2023 — If you’re joining us in Ohio on April 13-16, 2023, for Equine Affaire, make sure you plan to attend the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition! This exciting tournament will feature 25 pre-selected horse-and-rider pairs as they tackle a challenging obstacle course and race the clock, all for $5,500 in cash and other prizes. The VHRC will take place in the US Equestrian Coliseum on Friday, April 14, at 1:30 pm, with awards to follow. In this post, meet five more of the riders in this year’s spring 2023 class of VHRC competitors. (And if you missed the first post in this series, click here!)

Dawn Chambers

Horse: Charge on Gunsmoke, 6 year old APHA gelding

Dawn Chambers of Chambers Horsemanship will be riding twice in this year’s competition! First, meet “Bandit.”  Dawn and Bandit, a black American Paint Horse gelding, enjoy working cattle, checking fences, working obstacles, and going on leisurely trail rides with family. Dawn says, “Bandit is truly an amazing horse, as he is so willing to please.”

Kristy Fouty

Horse: Dun Got It Goin On, 18 year old American Paint Horse gelding

Kristin and “Boo” have been together since 2007. Boo is a “been there and done that horse.” From open and 4-H shows to the ranch circuit, Kristin and Boo have tackled many disciplines, including pleasure, jumping, rodeo, and ranch. They’ve also earned a variety of champion and reserve champion titles from open and professional circuits, such as the American Ranch Horse Association and the Ranch Horse Association of Michigan. After placing in the top ten in the 2019 and 2022 VHRC, the pair are eager to return and tackle the Equine Affaire obstacle course again.

Franny Galvin-Hynes

Horse: Aspen’s Wild Grove, 5 year old American Mustang gelding

Franny Galvin-Hynes has been riding and working with horses since she was old enough to walk and, since then, she’s competed throughout North America in extreme cowboy, mustang challenges, and thoroughbred makeovers – but Equine Affaire is hands-down her favorite event to attend!

Aspen’s Wild Grove is a wild-born American Mustang who was gathered as an 8-10 month old by the BLM from Warm Springs, Oregon. Franny purchased Aspen for a Mustang TIP Challenge and has been working with him ever since. Naturally friendly and calm from the start, Aspen enjoys taking it back to his roots on long trail rides in all sorts of terrain and weather. He loves participating in parades, nothing fazes him, and he makes friends everywhere he goes – both horse and human.

In Aspen’s debut last year as a 4-year-old at Equine Affaire in MA, he and Franny proudly brought home the 10th place VHRC ribbon. Aspen and Franny are also the 2022 Ontario Extreme Cowboy High-Points Futurity Champions and Provincial Reserve Champions. When they’re not cowboy racing, Franny and Aspen enjoy cattle sorting, ranch roping, competitive trail, and occasionally hitting the local Hunter circuit.

Olivia Giuffrida

Horse: Tiny, 9 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.

Horse: PVF Frosted Ace, 8 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Brenda Hanson and “Ace” are returning to defend their titles as the 2022 OH Versatile Horse & Rider Champions. They also won the 2019 OH Versatile Horse & Rider Competition! Brenda and Ace have been together for nine years and enjoy ranch riding and obstacle courses. They’re seasoned veterans of the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, having placed in the top five many times as well as winning a reserve championship in addition to their two championships.

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. 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!