WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 30, 2022 – For years, horse enthusiasts and equestrians from all across North America have lovingly referred to Equine Affaire as “horse heaven.”  After all, where else can you spend sunup to sundown being surrounded by all things horse, with some of the country’s best equine-related education, entertainment, and shopping available at every turn? North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering earned its heavenly moniker once again on November 10-13, 2022, when it returned to the Eastern States Exposition with record numbers of attendees. In terms of attendance, 2021 served as a banner year for Equine Affaire, especially since it marked the first time in two years that the expo was held in person. The 2022 event attracted even more people, with attendance increasing by 3.5% overall.

“We have always been thankful for the support of our horse community, but in the wake of the pandemic and the way it interrupted live events like ours, our community is even more important to us now,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “We continue to be especially grateful for the chance to see our supporters and fans live and in person at our events, where we can all come together to celebrate the horse.”

The 63^rd Equine Affaire featured horses of all shapes, sizes, ages, breeds, and disciplines in a four-day extravaganza of competitions, entertaining shows, educational clinics, a huge trade show, interactive breed pavilions, and lots more. The event’s educational program featured clinics by Canadian horseman Jonathan Field; natural horsemanship trainer Pat Parelli; ranch horse aficionado Steve Lantvit; Canadian equestrienne Lorie Duff; and general horsemanship coach and trainer Scott Purdum, along with many other discipline-specific clinicians. More than a dozen clinicians also participated in the “Ride with a Pro” initiative, which enables riders to participate in clinics and demos during the event and benefit from one-on-one instruction with the country’s best and brightest horsemen and horsewomen. Scores of interested equestrians applied, including Jessica Knapp, who was selected to ride with internationally-respected show jumping Olympian and hunter competitor Nona Garson.

“Nona Garson’s clinic was so much fun and one of the best clinics in which I’ve ever participated,” said Jessica Knapp, who rode her 11-year-old Holsteiner/Welsh gelding, River of Dreams. “It was well run in all areas, and she gave me some awesome tips on how to improve my jumps with ‘Riv.’ I truly believe that it is a tremendous privilege to be chosen to participate in any of the clinics that are offered at EA, and I treasure the memories made throughout it all.”

Jessica Knapp was also one of the lucky 24 horse-and-rider pairs who was selected to compete in this year’s Massachusetts Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

“The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is one of the things I look forward to most every year,” Knapp said. “My horse, Riv, was a little awed by some of the creative obstacles this year, but he gave his best try, which is everything. I have some great ideas regarding what to work on for next year, when I am determined to better our round!”

The VHRC is a signature event for Equine Affaire, featuring a judged race through a timed obstacle course. Every obstacle was specially designed to test the communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. This year’s event was judged by Scott Purdum, while Steve Lantvit served as the master of ceremonies. The course was especially challenging for many of the competitors, featuring a longlining obstacle, a feed sack drag, serpentines, and using a lance to spear a ring, among others.

Regardless of the challenges, one pair rose supreme: Franny Galvin-Hynes and her 6-year-old Fjord/Quarter Horse cross mare, Super Nova.

“I was so proud of Nova,” Galvin-Hynes said during her winner’s interview on the Equine Affaire Purple Carpet at the event. “We ran second in the arena, so I did not get to see anybody else’s go at all. She did everything I asked! I was super proud of her for the way she handled all the obstacles. The counter canter? She did it the moment I asked. The roping? She stood perfectly. The weave? She cantered the whole thing. The spear? Even though I didn’t get the ring right away, she stood like a champ! Jumping? She’s a really good girl with that stuff. She was perfect in my eyes.”

The pair first competed in the 2022 Ohio VHRC, which took place in April. During that event, Franny and Nova took sixth place with 56 points – and they were determined to do even better during their go-round in Massachusetts. Galvin-Hynes, who’s from Bethany, Ontario, said they spent every weekend at shows and practicing in anticipation of this fall’s competition.

“I told Nova that I didn’t care if she got dead last, because in my heart, she did her best,” Galvin-Hynes said. “After our ride, did I think we did as well as we did? No! Am I incredibly proud of her and our goal was top 5? Yes!”

Galvin-Hynes won $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette. Danelle Osinchuk and Slip Me A Dual Pep claimed second place honors with $1,750 and a reserve champion rosette, while Karli Knapp & Meadowbrook’s Sir Prize placed third and won $1,000.00 and a rosette. The last cash prize of $250 and a rosette went to fourth place winners Jackie Rappel & Beckett’s Hickory Doc. Fifth through tenth place also received rosettes.

To hear Galvin-Hynes’ full interview from the Purple Carpet, check out the latest episode of the Equine Affaire podcast on Horses in the Morning via the Horse Radio Network. Horses in the Morning is available everywhere you download your podcasts, and the Equine Affaire HITM episodes are also accessible via equineaffaire.com/podcast.

Another highlight of an incredibly horsy weekend included a special Veterans Day activity, as presented by the Equine Immersion Project in partnership with Equine Affaire. The “A Horse for Heroes” session on the afternoon of Veterans Day had full bleachers and a crowded fence line showing tremendous support for service members and first responders. The Equine Immersion Project (EIP), leaders in the field of equine assisted services nationwide, facilitated a groundwork session with their team of veterans, Blue Star family members, and equine specialists. Eleven participants ranged in age from 26 to 79 years and in service, including active duty, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, Vietnam era, EMT/Paramedics, and a K-9 police officer.

“There is a desire and demand for alternative healing modalities among service members with invisible wounds of war, such as post-traumatic stress disorder,” said Tara Mahoney, CEO of EIP and a licensed clinical mental health counselor. “Grooming a horse encourages mindfulness and connection while leading a horse through obstacles builds confidence to handle challenges. The Equine Immersion Project team was honored to provide a demonstration at Equine Affaire for this deserving population on Veterans Day.”

According to Mahoney, one participant in the activity stated, “My friend is really the horse person. I just came for a fun day at Equine Affaire. But doing this with EIP… I had no idea the healing impact that 30 minutes would have on me. I definitely recommend this program.”

Equine Affaire wouldn’t be complete without a bustling trade show that filled three buildings with vendors, tons of breed demonstrations, educational activities for kids, and a thriving sale horse pavilion, along with the annual Adoption Affaire. Multiple rescues, including Rising Starr Horse Rescue and New England Equine Rescue, brought horses to participate in the Adoption Affaire and in Equine Affaire’s new Sale Horse Showcase activity. In the showcase, which took place twice during the weekend, horses for sale and available for adoption made their debut in the US Equestrian Coliseum, enabling potential buyers and adopters to watch their prospects in action.

And finally, Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse and beloved nighttime show, sold out two nights of its three-night run. This beloved equine variety show has become a family tradition over the years for generations of horse lovers, and this year’s show did not disappoint. The Canadian Cowgirls performed multiple rousing drill team routines, including a salute to veterans of both the American and Canadian armed forces. The Knights of Iceland lit the arena on fire and got fans’ blood pumping with their fantastical costumes, fabulous music, and indefatigable energy, while Jane Karol and Hot Chocolate W presented a beautiful dressage freestyle set to Kate Bush’s nostalgic 80s anthem, “Running Up That Hill.” Elliot Holtzman and his wife, Caitie, performed a tribute to Aladdin. Sterling Graburn and his fellow driving team members sped through the arena in an exciting combined driving demonstration. Audiences cheered for power couple Dusti Dickerson & Justin Dickerson as they showed off their trick-riding abilities at top speed. The finale, Wild West Skills & Thrills, featured seven-time National Finals Rodeo performer Rider Kiesner and his trick-riding partner, Bethany Illes, who wowed fans with a combo performance of incredible trick riding and trick roping.

If you didn’t make it to either of this year’s Equine Affaires, here’s your chance to ward off the dreaded FOMO for 2023. Equine Affaire (and Fantasia!) will return on April 13-16, 2023, to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, and on November 9-12, 2023, to the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for the 2023 Ohio event go on sale December 7, 2022 and will be available for purchase online at equineaffaire.com.

Want to learn more about Equine Affaire or start planning your visit? 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!

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 17, 2022 (updated: November 21, 2022) — We are delighted to announce the winners and results of the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition took place in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11. Twenty-four horse and riders tackled a challenging obstacle course, which included a rollback, serpentine, jumps, a feed-sack drag, and a bridge, as well as a roping obstacle and a long-lining obstacle. Every obstacle was especially designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. The judge for the event was Scott Purdum of Advantage Horsemanship, and the emcee was the always-entertaining Steve Lantvit of Steve Lantvit Horsemanship.

With no further ado, we proudly present to you the winners: Franny Galvin-Hynes and her 6-year old Fjord-Quarter Horse cross mare, Super Nova! Franny and Super Nova took home $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette.

Pictured, L to R: Scott Purdum, Steve Lantvit, Coagi Long, Super Nova, and Franny Galvin-Hynes.

Franny Galvin-Hynes has been riding since she could walk, training horses since she was twelve, and has won multiple championships in Ontario Extreme Cowboy and at Kentucky’s Retired Racehorse Project in competitive trail, show jumper, and ranch work. She’s competed successfully in several TIP Mustang Challenges, loves to ride in local hunter/jumper shows and Western games, enjoys trail riding with friends, and this summer, started learning team penning and ranch roping.

Super Nova is a 6-year-old Fjord-Quarter Horse who came to Franny as a somewhat scruffy yearling – but Franny saw her potential and they’ve been a dynamic duo ever since. Last summer, they hit the Ontario Extreme Cowboy circuit for their first full season and finished the year as Maturity Champions. This summer, they decided to give Ranch Roping a try and found it’s a very good fit – they have wins in the open class and teamed up to win a Cowboy Relay Challenge Buckle!

Franny first made the trip from Canada to Equine Affaire over five years ago and knew immediately she had to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider competition one day. She made that dream come true earlier this year in Ohio, placing 6th overall with her beloved Super Nova, and came back this fall to move their names up the leaderboard — all the way to 1st place!

Congratulations, Franny & Super Nova, and to all our amazing competitors. Final scores for the top ten finishers are below, plus the rest of the scores were added as of 11/21/2022:

1. Franny Galvin-Hynes & Super Nova, 66.5
2. Danelle Osinchuk & Slip Me a Dual Pep, 63.5
3. Karli Knapp & Meadowbrook’s Sir Prize, 59.5
4. Jackie Rappel & Beckett’s Hickory Doc, 58
5. Anya Emmons & High Stylin’ Bobcat, 57.5
6. Melanie Davidson & Willow, 52
7. Amanda Malone & Ironwood Turbo, 49
8. Carolyn Weeks & Mr. Spoc, 47.5
9. April Baronas & I Can’t Even, 46
10. Franny Galvin-Hynes & Aspen’s Wild Grove, 35.5
11. Danielle Gauvin & Put a Little Pep In Your Step, 32.5
12. Logan DeCourcey & Cletus, 32
13. Megan Harmon & Doc Highbrow Dually, DNP
14. Kendra Gorham & Drummers Tango, DNP
15. Olivia Giuffrida & Tiny, DNP
16. Nichole Grunet & Passing In Style, DNP
17. Rob West & Moonshine Lady, DNP
18. Lisa Doyle & Daggers L.S.F., DNP
19. Kayla O’Leary & Wildfire, DNP
20. Brittany Mayer & Copperhead Koad, DNP
21. Jessica Knapp & River of Dreams, DNP
22. Susan Johnson & NR Bada Bling, DNP
23. Jessica Hogan & Cannoli Bandit, DNP
24. Jordan White & Two Socks, DNP

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 7, 2022 — The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is coming back to Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and we can’t wait! As part of our preparations, we’re introducing you to all 25 horse and rider pairs that will be competing in this year’s competition. If you missed the first four posts, click here and check them out! Then come back to meet our final five.

Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 5 pm. Riders will traverse our obstacle course and race the clock to see who will win the title of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider champions.

Every obstacle is designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Their efforts will be evaluated by our celebrity judge, Scott Purdum; narrated by our emcee, Steve Lantvit; and applauded by an audience of excited fans.

The champions will win $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette, while reserve, third, and fourth will take home rosettes and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Fifth through tenth will take home rosettes.

Ready to meet the final five competitors for this year?

Jessica Knapp and River of Dreams, 11 year old Holsteiner/Welsh gelding

Jessica and “Riv” have won champion awards in both hunter and equitation divisions of their local show circuit. Recently, they switched over to jumpers and have had many great rounds this season at both A and C rated shows. They also love to participate in obstacle and versatility classes. Jessica intentionally changes things up with Riv in order to maintain his focus and sharpen his interest. The pair competed in the 2019 and 2021 Massachusetts VHRCs and are hoping to have another go at the course to improve upon their previous rides.

“Riv is a brave and curious horse who likes new challenges and different venues. He definitely has a mind of his own but the trust between us grows in leaps and bounds with every new experience that we have together,” Jessica says.

Susan Johnson and NR Bada Bling, 8 year old Morgan gelding

Susan began riding when she was just nine years old. At twelve, she fell in love with trail riding. She purchased “Bling” in early 2020 after falling in love with his goofy personality. Although her original intention was to turn him into her new trail partner, she quickly realized that he lacked a few important things, like brakes and steering.  When COVID hit in March 2020 and Susan found herself confined to the ring, she began to focus on dressage to give Bling a solid foundation before venturing out on trail rides.  To keep ring riding interesting and fun, she started incorporating some versatility obstacles into their riding routine.  In 2021, she began trail riding with Bling. They now split their time between the woods and the ring, with occasional trips to the beach!

Jessica Hogan and Cannoli Bandit, 18 year old Pinto gelding

Jessica inherited her love of horses from her mother, who has been her best friend and support throughout her horse journey. Jessi and “Bandit” have been together for about two years, ever since her grandparents gave him to Jessi’s family as a gift. Jessi quickly learned that Bandit was like an anxious toddler who needed lots of attention to help overcome his trust issues. By working with him and learning his likes and dislikes, Jessi helped Bandit and now the pair are a great team. Bandit is Jessi’s gymkhana and English equitation partner. He also loves trail courses and his favorite treat is Gatorade. Jessi says that competing at Equine Affaire has always been a dream of hers, and she’s excited for the chance to bring Bandit with her to the VHRC.

“It is important for me to set an example for my equestrian students and to encourage them to work hard, take chances, and believe in yourself! So here I am, giving this a shot, knowing I will always be proud of my boy and no matter what, I’ll always have the people who love me behind me,” Jessi says.

Danelle Osinchuk and Slip Me A Dual Pep, 22 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Danelle and Magic are VHRC veterans with multiple wins and second place finishes under their belts. They’ve spent the last two years competing in extreme cowboy racing and have become quite fond of the sport because it helps them improve and enhance their horsemanship and communication. Magic and Danelle reside in Vermont with Danelle’s husband and three children, two other horses, and a handful of cows. Danelle works as a business partner for a large animal veterinary practice and handles domestic and international Wagyu cattle registrations for Vermont Wagyu. Magic is the “everything” horse for the Osinchuks. In addition to being Danelle’s competition partner, he helps children learn to ride at a local summer AirBnB and serves as a heading horse for Danelle’s 13 year old son, who wants to be a team roper.

“We cherish every minute we get together, and it has been an absolute honor to call Magic my horse,” Danelle says.

Jordan White and Two Socks, 19 year old American Quarter Horse mare

Jordan and her former reiner, “Socks,” are excited to compete this fall in the VHRC. Socks is a happy trail horse who also dabbles in dressage and jumping. He shares a special bond with Jordan. The duo has been together for seven years. Jordan is dedicating their ride to Kathy, her “second mom” and Socks’ former owner, who passed away in 2021 after a long hard battle with cancer. Jordan says she’s thankful for all that Kathy did and all that Kathy’s husband, Robert Tobey, continues to do for Jordan and Socks.

Now that you’ve met all the competitors in this year’s competition, it’s time to make your plans to attend the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11^th, from 1-5 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum, to see who will win.

 

 

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 5, 2022 — Within the past few weeks, we asked our Facebook audience to submit their favorite tips and tricks for making the most out of a visit to Equine Affaire. Whether this is your first visit or your fifth visit, you’ll want to check out this list of tips about shopping, learning, eating, attending Fantasia, and lots more! You might just learn something new that you can put to good use in just a few days when Equine Affaire returns to the Eastern States Exposition, November 10-13th, 2022!

1. Plan to come multiple days, especially Thursday! Thursdays are typically less crowded and vendors are fully stocked because it’s the start of the trade show. Many vendors are also happy to hold purchases for later pickup; just ask.

2. Make a list of your must-gets, your wants, and your wish-list before you start shopping.

3. Study the program. You’ll get a paper copy at the event, and a digital copy is available here!

4. Talk to the exhibitors and vendors. Ask questions! Find out what people have to offer and learn their stories.

5. Look at the schedule, plan your educational experiences, and take notes.

6. Ask the clinicians and presenters lots of questions. This is your chance to gain insights and knowledge from the best in the industry.

7. Look for the distribution tables at the entrances to the trade show buildings. The materials are free to take home.

8. Dress warmly and in layers. The buildings can be warm, but it may be cold, snowy, or rainy outside and you’ll need to go from building to building outdoors.

9. If you stay for Fantasia, take handwarmers and extra layers to keep from getting too chilly.

10. Bring a wheelie bag or an empty rolling suitcase and pack it with your souvenirs and purchases as you go.

11. Want to enter raffles or sign up for email lists? Bring address labels with your information already pre-printed. Easy peasy raffle entry! (And don’t forget to enter the free Equine Affaire raffle — online!)

12. Eat at “non-peak” times to avoid long lines at the food booths. Pick easy grab-and-go snacks and meals so you can walk and eat, or so you can carry it to a clinic and eat while you watch. You can also pack your lunch and eat in your car.

13. Use the event map to mark what booths you liked or want to return to later.

14. Hate carrying a purse? Use a zippered pocket to stash your wallet on your person.

15. Pack hand sanitizer, Kleenex, chapstick, and other necessities in a backpack or fanny pack so you always have what you need close at hand!

16. Want a delicious breakfast? Try Memo’s Restaurant.

17. Planning to purchase a pitchfork, salt block, or other heavy or awkward item? Buy your bulky items at the end of your visit.

18. Bring a raincoat or poncho in case of rain.

19. Make multiple passes through the trade shows – you never know what you might have missed the first time around.

20. Shop with family and friends so you can help each other look for items on everyone’s list.

21. Don’t miss the Consignment Shop. The Marketplace Consignment Shop is located in the Mallary South this year. Look for great deals on gently used horsey tack and items and check back throughout the weekend – people can drop off new items at any time.

22. Lose something or find something you think someone else lost? Stop by the Equine Affaire Information Booth in the Better Living Center and ask to check the Lost and Found log. And if you’ve got questions, our friendly EA staff will be in the booth all weekend and happy to help you. While you’re there, buy your Affaire Wear and rep your love for the event all weekend long.

Got a hot Equine Affaire tip you want to submit? Email arehnborg@equineaffaire.com!

 

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 4, 2022 — The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition happens one week from today! We are so thrilled for another round of this fabulous competition. As part of our preparations, we’re introducing you to all 25 horse and rider pairs that will be competing in this year’s competition. If you missed the first three posts, click here and check them out! Then come back to meet our last five riders.

Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 5 pm. Riders will traverse our obstacle course and race the clock to see who will win the title of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider champions.

Every obstacle is designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Their efforts will be evaluated by our celebrity judge, Scott Purdum; narrated by our emcee, Steve Lantvit; and applauded by an audience of excited fans.

The champions will win $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette, while reserve, third, and fourth will take home rosettes and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Fifth through tenth will take home rosettes.

Ready to meet the next five competitors for this year?

Jackie Rappel and Beckett’s Hickory Doc, 20 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Jackie and “Roanie” are VHRC veterans and have competed six times. It’s safe to say they love versatility work! Jackie, now a practicing attorney, first met Roanie seven years ago when she was between jobs and earning money riding horses. She started riding Roanie, who was a sale horse at the time, and fell in love. She has taught the senior gelding to perform flying lead changes. They’ve also competed in reined cow horse. These days, Roanie is semi-retired, but Jackie says that as long as he has the ability and desire to compete, she’s going to keep chasing a top 3 finish in the VHRC.

Kayla O’Leary and Wildfire, 12 year old Mustang mare

Together for seven years, Kayla and Wildfire are jills-of-all-trades. They’ve competed in local Western and ranch pleasure shows as well as English shows. They’ve done mounted shooting and cow work, revolutionary war re-enactments, and trail riding. They’ve even performed in multiple parades as members of Teddy Roosevelt’s rough riders from the Spanish American wars, demonstrating various cavalry techniques such as mounted shooting, drill formations, saber work, and other skills. This year marks their fourth time competing in the VHRC.

Brittany Mayer and Copperhead Road, 7 year old Mustang mare

Brittany is a trainer and riding instructor from Cumberland, Rhode Island, and has competed in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition twice before. This is the first year she will be competing with “Copper”. Brittany and Copper have known each other for just over two years, but have been a consistent team for about 6 months — ever since Copper officially joined the family this summer. In the last several months, they’ve gotten to know each other quite well in a variety of ways including trail riding, ranch sorting, showing, and plenty of obstacles. They have lots of showing goals for next year in the ranch horse events and are hoping to become an even stronger team as they continue to learn about each other.

Amanda Malone and Ironwood Turbo, 17 year old Fjord gelding

Amanda and “Turbo” have been partners for four years. Amanda says, “This little horse has made me proud of who [he is] and what he has accomplished. Turbo is a one-of-a-kind horse.” Hailing from Mathias, West Virginia, Amanda and Turbo have competed in eventing, trail, games, parades, jousting, and lots more, plus many expos and demos as representatives of the Fjord breed. They also participated in the Apple Blossom Parade in Winchester, Virginia, this year. Turbo loves people and learning new things. Turbo has been helping train young horses and being a solid horse for new people to experience the Fjord horse. This will be Amanda and Turbo’s third time competing in the VHRC.

Karli Knapp and Meadowbrook’s Sir Prize, 14 year old Gypsy Vanner gelding

Karli and Meadowbrook’s Sir Prize competed in the VHRC last year for the first time and took eleventh place. Karli and her Gypsy Vanner compete in English, Western, dressage, reining, and driving. This year, they entered many more obstacle clinics and competitions in order to improve their skills in time for this year’s competition. Karli is excited for the chance to be back and work on her precision over obstacles.

Are you excited yet? We’ve got five more competitors to introduce to you before November 11^th gets here. Watch this page for all the updates, then plan on attending the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11^th, from 1-5 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum, to see who will win!

 

 

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, November 2, 2022 – The Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is coming back to Equine Affaire in Massachusetts and we can’t wait! As part of our preparations, we’re introducing you to all 25 horse and rider pairs that will be competing in this year’s competition. If you missed the first two posts, click here and check them out! Then come back to meet our next fabulous few contenders.

Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 5 pm. Riders will traverse our obstacle course and race the clock to see who will win the title of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider champions.

Every obstacle is designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Their efforts will be evaluated by our celebrity judge, Scott Purdum; narrated by our emcee, Steve Lantvit; and applauded by an audience of excited fans.

The champions will win $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette, while reserve, third, and fourth will take home rosettes and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Fifth through tenth will take home rosettes.

Ready to meet the next four competitors for this year?

Rob West and Moonshine Lady, 11 year old Mustang mare

Moonshine and Rob have been together since 2016, ever since the mare was gathered from the wild and the pair competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Virginia. They placed fifth. After that, they embarked on a great adventure (#MissionMoonshine)! Rob and Moonshine have competed in many events, encountered many trails, swum in the ocean, and represented Mustangs at the famous Hampton Classic Horse Show. Rob says, “Moonshine is truly my best friend, and she will be with me my whole life or hers.”

Anya Emmons and High Stylin’ Bobcat, 3 year old American Quarter Horse mare

Anya and “Peep” first met in October of 2021 and fell in 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. Almost a year later, they’ve developed a strong bond and trust in each other and are looking forward to competing together in the VHRC.

Although she’s just beginning her career as a performance horse trainer, Anya has been riding since she was 6 years old and enjoys riding in reined cow horse.

Lisa Doyle and Dagger L.S.F, 13 year old Friesian gelding

Lisa and “Harry” are a dynamic duo that bring plenty of flash and style to the VHRC. They’ve competed multiple times since 2019, including earning eighth place in the 2022 Ohio event. In addition to versatility, the pair participate in team penning and sorting, ranch riding, trail competitions, and parades.

“Our goal has been to show that Friesian horses are not just beautiful, but are adaptable and versatile enough to do much more than just dressage and showing,” Lisa says. “We love bringing the Friesian horse experience to everyone. Our goal for this year is to hopefully hit the top 5 in the competition. We have been told by other competitors every year that we are their favorites to watch compete, and as we always hear that we get style points!”

Logan DeCourcey and Cletus, 14 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Logan and Cletus are new to the competition world and to each other – they’ve only been together for six months! Cletus is an ex-roping horse and Logan has been teaching him “the ropes” of flat work and versatility. The pair hail from Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Are you excited yet? We’ve got ten more competitors to introduce to you before November 11^th gets here. Watch this page for all the updates, then plan on attending the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11^th, from 1-5 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum, to see who will win!

 

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 31, 2022 – Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition returns this fall to the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11, from 1 to 5 pm. This year, 25 horse and rider pairs will traverse our obstacle course and race the clock to see who will win the title of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider champions.

Every obstacle is designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Their efforts will be evaluated by our celebrity judge, Scott Purdum; narrated by our emcee, Steve Lantvit; and applauded by an audience of excited fans.

The champions will win $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette, while reserve, third, and fourth will take home rosettes and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively. Fifth through tenth will take home rosettes.

We introduced our first five competitors here. Ready to meet the next five?

Olivia Giuffrida and Tiny, 8 year old Clydesdale cross mare

Olivia has owned Tiny for three 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.

Danielle Gauvin and Put A Little Pep In Your Step, 18 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

For more than nine years, Danielle and “Pep” have done everything together, from simple trail rides, ponying horses, an introduction to mounted cowboy shooting, barrel runs, western games, visiting nursing homes during COVID, hunters/jumpers, and eventing. Pep is a very willing mount who will always give his all and then some. With every new thing, Pep always exceeds expectations. Together, Danielle and Pep have many barrel racing accomplishments including their most recent title as 2022 Woodstock Fair Barrel Classic Champions, as well as their accomplishments in past years, including being the Woodstock Barrel Classic Champions for the last 7 years, multiple years qualifying for state championships in their barrel runs, and qualifying for the world show in barrel racing. Last year, Danielle and Pep had their first attempt at the Equine Affaire Versatile Horse Competition and were ribboned winners. This year, they are hoping to come back and show what they have learned and worked on in the last year to improve their versatility.

Denise Spender and Oliver, 7 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Denise Spender and Oliver hail from Coventry, Rhode Island. They’ve been together for four years and enjoy riding in both English and Western disciplines.

Carolyn Weeks and Mr Spoc, 10 year old Mustang gelding

Carolyn and Mr. Spoc have been together for the last eight years, competing in various horse events, camping, trail riding, and driving. Carolyn, who’s also a barefoot trimmer, a barn manager, and a school bus driver, says Mr. Spoc is one of the sweetest horses she has ever worked and that he has a great sense of humor and a desire to please. Carolyn has been working with horses since she was seventeen years old and learned how to trim and train when she was in her mid-twenties.

Nichole Grunert and Passing In Style, a 20 year old Thoroughbred gelding

Nichole discovered “Portobello” at a barn near her home. He was a rescue from an auction and covered in fungus – which is exactly how he got his name. They’ve been together for thirteen years now and have participated in myriad disciplines, including gymkhanas, dressage, Western pleasure, equitation, and hunter classes. Together, Nichole and Portobello earned many high point overall grand/reserve championships, have placed fourth in a previous VHRC, and have shown in the Hampton Classic Horse Show. In 2021, Nichole nearly lost Portobello to a foramen entrapment colic, but he’s made a full recovery.

“This was our first year back to showing together and he has done nothing but give his all,” Nichole says. “This horse is my diamond in the [rough], and I am forever grateful to call him mine.”

Are you excited yet? We’ve got fifteen more competitors to introduce to you before November 11^th gets here. Watch this page for all the updates, then plan on attending the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11^th, from 1-5 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum, to see who will win!

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 24, 2022 – Equine Affaire’s most exciting feature challenge, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, returns this fall to the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition on Friday, November 11! Every year, dozens of horsemen and horsewomen apply to compete in the VHRC, and every year, we narrow it down to 25 competitors. This year’s class of daring horsemen and horsewomen will race the clock and each other to complete an exciting course of obstacles. Every obstacle is designed to test communication between horse and rider as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Their efforts will be evaluated by our celebrity judge, Scott Purdum; narrated by our emcee, Steve Lantvit; and applauded by an audience of excited fans! Twenty-five horses and riders will compete, but only one pair will earn the title of the 2022 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider Champions and the grand prize of $2,500 in cash and a champion rosette. Reserve, third, and fourth will take home rosettes and cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively; fifth through tenth will take home rosettes.

Ready to meet the first five competitors for this year?

April Baronas and I Can’t Eeven, 7 year old Mustang mare

April Baronas hails from Attleboro, MA. This year, she’ll be competing on I Can’t Eeven, or Eevee, a Mustang from the Little Owyhee HMA in Nevada. Eevee is owned by Carole Mayer and has been trained by April. April has been riding Eevee for four years, competing in trail, obstacles, dressage, and hunter/jumper classes in Open and adult divisions and at training level. In Eevee’s first show season, the pair earned many top ten placings at local, regional, and national virtual shows. They’ve gone on to win many other awards and accolades in their time together.

Eevee is the first “green project” that April has ever taken part in, and she describes her time with the mare as “a journey of growth for both of us.” April has competed in the VHRC four different times previously, and she’s excited for the chance to compete on a horse that she has trained and guided herself with the ultimate goal of taking her to Equine Affaire.

Melanie Davidson and Willow, 18 year old Haflinger mare

Melanie and Willow are jills-of-all-trades. Melanie wasn’t looking to buy a horse, but a friend mentioned needing help with a new pony. After working with Willow for six months, the pair became an inseparable team. Now together for five years, they’ve dabbled in almost every discipline together and have enjoyed jumping, fox hunting, trail riding, gymkhana, drill team, mounted shooting, dressage, and more. Melanie and Willow have also performed in many reenactments and cavalry demos with swords, lances, pistols, and bow and arrows. Willow has even pulled cannons and carts.

“There are not many horses I’d call bombproof, but Willow is the closest. She will go over, under, and through anything I point her at without hesitation,” Melanie says.

Megan Harmon and Doc Highbrow Dually, 9 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

From Windham, Maine, Megan and “Dually” have been a team for the last three years. They compete in Western Dressage, ranch riding, and versatility events, and also enjoy beach rides and trail riding. Dually has a huge personality and enjoys scratches, begging for snacks (his favorite is salt & vinegar chips). and playing with his plastic barrels or his Mega Jolly Ball. He’s a little horse with a whole lot of heart and always gives his best try at whatever Megan asks of him. Megan says he’s the absolute best partner she could ever ask for.

Franny Galvin-Hynes and Super Nova, 6 year old Fjord-Quarter Horse mare

Franny Galvin-Hynes has been riding since she could walk, training horses since she was twelve, and has won multiple championships in Ontario Extreme Cowboy and at Kentucky’s Retired Racehorse Project in competitive trail, show jumper, and ranch work. She’s competed successfully in several TIP Mustang Challenges, loves to ride in local hunter/jumper shows and Western games, enjoys trail riding with friends, and this summer, started learning team penning and ranch roping.

Super Nova is a 6-year-old Fjord-Quarter Horse who came to Franny as a somewhat scruffy yearling – but Franny saw her potential and they’ve been a dynamic duo ever since. Last summer, they hit the Ontario Extreme Cowboy circuit for their first full season and finished the year as Maturity Champions. This summer, they decided to give Ranch Roping a try and found it’s a very good fit – they have wins in the open class and teamed up to win a Cowboy Relay Challenge Buckle!

Franny first made the trip from Canada to Equine Affaire over five years ago and knew immediately she had to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider competition one day. She made that dream come true earlier this year in Ohio, placing 6th overall with her beloved Super Nova, and is back this fall to move their names up the leaderboard!

Kendra Gorham and Drummers Tango, 20 year old American Paint Horse mare

Seven years ago, Kendra had to euthanize her heart horse. Heartbroken, she decided she was never going to own another horse again – and then “Tango” waltzed into her life. Then just thirteen years old, Tango, a fiery, smart, and strong little mare, proved to be exactly what the doctor ordered. Kendra purchased Tango as a wedding gift to herself and embarked on a whole new journey of love and trust with her new horse.

Although Tango is twenty years old this year, Kendra says she’s still shining in the show ring, has the heart of a winner, and never, ever stops trying. Kendra is thankful to have the chance to ride in this year’s competition with her beloved Tango.

Are you excited yet? We’ve got twenty more competitors to introduce to you before November 11^th comes around and every one of them has an amazing story to tell! Watch this page for all the updates, then plan on attending the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 11^th, from 1-5 pm in the US Equestrian Arena in the coliseum, to see who will win!

 

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA, October 18, 2022 – It’s almost time for Equine Affaire, and that means you should start planning your visit to North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering! Whether it’s your first time or your fifteenth time to join us in Massachusetts, this handy trail guide is the perfect handbook to help you plan your trip from beginning to end. Get the most out of your visit to this year’s Equine Affaire by learning tips and tricks for enjoying your visit; links to all the latest info about the event; plenty of answers to our most frequently asked questions; and, of course, an insider’s guide to what to see, where to go, and what to do for 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 10-13, 2022. 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/.

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 service dogs wearing the appropriate service vests.

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 9. You can call (413) 737-2443 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?

Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, featuring exciting performances by some of the nation’s top equine and equestrian performers. Designed to showcase the beauty, athleticism, and grace of the horse, this extraordinary nighttime show takes place only 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. 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 separate purchase 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 {INSERT DISCIPLINE HERE}?

Whether you love to ride, jump, vault, participate in drill teams, spin and stop, work cows, perform liberty, drive, learn about horse health care and husbandry, or dozens of other things, there’s a clinic, seminar, or demonstration available for you! Equine Affaire has a top-notch educational program that’s filled with speakers and presenters who are dedicated, passionate, and at the top of their game – so if information about horses is what you seek, information about horses is what you’ll get! 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 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/)

HOW CAN I SEE HORSES COMPETE?

There are two competitions taking place at Equine Affaire! First, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena, will take place on Friday, November 11, 2022, 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, the International Liberty Horse Association Invitational Freestyle, sponsored by EspanaSILK, is returning to Equine Affaire on Saturday, November 12^th, and Sunday, November 13^th. 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/massachusetts/mass-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 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. 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 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.

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

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

For young adults prepping for college, check out the College & Career Fair Scavenger Hunt, which combines education and tips for pursuing an equine-related career with a fun scavenger hunt that encourages participants to network with equine businesses and colleges and meet new people (plus, the chance to win prizes!).

Equine Affaire has also partnered with Ebony Horsewomen, Inc., of Hartford, Connecticut, to offer youth the opportunity to interact with horses and experience the fun of equine-assisted activities and therapies. Horses That Heal will feature unmounted activities on Saturday, November 12. You can sign up on site in the barn office in C-Barn!

The Interscholastic Equestrian Association is offering an intensive dressage judge’s clinic on Thursday, November 10. Formatted to review items from a judge’s perspective, this clinic will explore the dressage discipline 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 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!