SPRINGFIELD, MA, July 18, 2022 – Are you ready to take the next step in your relationship with your horse? In the horse industry, learning is a lifelong endeavor, and that’s especially true when it comes to horseback riding. No matter what discipline you participate in, striving to improve your skills and abilities in the saddle (or driving seat!) is one of the best ways to invest in the relationship between you and your horse. That’s why Equine Affaire is proud to bring you two exciting opportunities to stretch your abilities at Equine Affaire: the Ride With a Pro clinic program and the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition! Both activities will take place at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, MA, during Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, November 10-13, 2022.

The Ride With a Pro clinic program matches horses and riders with clinicians who are seeking participants in their clinics at Equine Affaire. Some clinicians are looking for horses and riders with specific skills and problems, while others are seeking any riders interested in improving their relationships with their horses. With more than 150 individual sessions, clinics, and demonstrations, there’s something for everyone to learn, especially with this year’s lineup of clinicians! The following horse trainers and educators are looking for participants in their clinics this fall:

• Jonathan Field…General Training
• Pat Parelli…General Training
• Steve Lantvit…General Training and Ranch Horse
• Lorie Duff…General Training
• Scott Purdum…General Training
• Gina Miles…Eventing
• Bill Warren…Dressage
• Nona Garson…Hunter/Jumper
• Jane Karol…Dressage
• Sterling Graburn…Driving
• Chad Crider…Barrel Racing
• Karen Black…Reined Cow Horse
• Leslie Lopardo… Western Dressage
• Michael Gascon…Easy Gaited Horses
• Sally Batton…The Athletic Equestrian and Equicize
• Ty Evans…Mules

Ready to learn how to apply? Application packets are available on our website and include a clinic summary, applications for both adults and youth, and other requirements, such as a written description of you and your horse’s competitive history, training, and riding experience, as well as recent videos of you and your horse at work. To apply online or see more details, visit equineaffaire.com and make sure to select the Massachusetts event, then click “Participate” and “Ride with a Pro.” Got questions or concerns? Email Lori Helsel at lhelsel@equineaffaire.com or by calling (740) 845-0085, ext. 107, Mon-Fri, 9 am-5 pm EST. The Massachusetts clinic summary will include special requests from the clinicians and will outline the fees for each clinic, which range from $75 to $350 and include clinic participation, event admission, and 24 hours of stabling. The application deadline is September 9, 2022. After decisions are made, all applicants will be notified of their application status prior to October 7.

Feeling like you’re ready for a competitive challenge? Apply today to ride in the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, sponsored by Nutrena! You could be one of the 25 horse and rider teams selected to compete on Friday, November 11, 2022, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition. Competitors will race the clock to navigate obstacles and perform various maneuvers and patterns, all while being evaluated on communication, horsemanship, and athletic prowess. With $5,500 in cash and other prizes at stake, it’s an opportunity not to be missed! To apply, visit equineaffaire.com, select the Massachusetts event, then click “Participate” and “Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.” The application deadline is September 9, 2022, and all applicants will be notified of their status by October 7.

Equine Affaire is an exciting and affordable daytime horse exposition filled with fun activities suitable for kids, families, and equestrians and horseback riders of all ages. General admission includes entry to the largest equine-related trade show in the east; numerous theme pavilions, exhibits, and special activities; multiple horse competitions; and all horse clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. Separate tickets are required for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse! Sponsored by Absorbine®, Fantasia is an evening show boasting a variety of performances by elite equestrian and equine performers. Tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia are available now at equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, Farnam, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, and Nutrena. 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!

SPRINGFIELD, MA, July 8, 2022 – Equine Affaire is delighted to announce the official opening of the 2022 Equine Affaire Raffle for the Massachusetts event! Each year, before each exposition, Equine Affaire opens an online raffle form so that attendees and fans can enter to win great prizes from some of the industry’s most beloved organizations and retailers. Past raffle prizes have been provided by such companies as Smartpak, Farnam, Kong, Outback Survival Gear, and others. Interested in entering the next raffle to win? Read on for details!

The raffle form for the 2022 Equine Affaire Raffle is officially open and available at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-other-features/mass-free-raffle/. Participants can enter to win one of five $100 gift certificates from Smartpak; one of five $100 gift certificates to Outback Survival Gear; one of ten Farnam product buckets ($75 value!), or one of ten pairs of single-day admission tickets to the 2023 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts! That’s 30 opportunities to win. It’s easy to enter and you need not be present to win. You can enter online now through November 13, 2022. All winners will be selected via randomized drawing and notified by November 30, 2022.

After you finish entering the raffle at equineaffaire.com, make sure to check out the details for the 2022 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts! This four-day horse exposition will take place November 10-13, 2022, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Featuring hundreds of educational clinics, the largest equine-related trade show in the east, horses for sale and adoption from Massachusetts and surrounding states, exciting competitions, evening entertainment and a whole lot more, Equine Affaire is the go-to destination for equestrians and horseback riders of all ages, skill levels, and disciplines. Headlining clinicians include Jonathan Field, Pat Parelli, Lorie Duff, Steve Lantvit, and Scotti Purdum. You can learn more at equineaffaire.com.

Prior to the 2022 event in Ohio, which took place in April at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, almost 600 participants entered the raffle to win prizes from Smartpak, Kong, Outback Survival Gear, and Equine Affaire. When the raffle ended, twenty-four lucky fans won! Congratulations to all of our lucky winners.

The winners of five $100 gift certificates from Smartpak were Megan Duarte of Berlin Center, Ohio; Shelley Kay of West Alexandria, Ohio; Ruth Ragsdale of New Madison, Ohio; Maresa Ahrens of Hilliard, Ohio; and Patti Stief of Mansfield, Ohio.

The winners of three Kong equine hanging kits were Kelley Olin of Olean, New York; Angela Sutton of Youngsville, Pennsylvania; and Taylor Schmidt of Nashville, Tennessee.

The winners of six prize packages from Outback Survival Gear were Jess Shira of Fremont, Michigan, who won a hat, boots, and jacket; Tammy Rollins of Howell, Michigan, who won a hat and a can of Leather Seal; Heather Dwire of New Lebanon, Ohio, who won a hat and a can of Leather Seal; Jason Morse of Pickerington, Ohio, who won a tub of Leather Seal; Sarah Foos of Ostrander, Ohio, who won a family pack of Leather Seal; and Julie Marcinkoski, who also won a family pack of Leather Seal!

Finally, the winners of ten pairs of single-day admission tickets to the 2023 Equine Affaire in Ohio were Linsay Wykoff of Hanover, Michigan; Jena Woods of Eaton, Ohio; Jennifer Kinn of Findlay, Ohio; Denise Drugan of Grand Blanc, Michigan; David Scheve of Lexington, Kentucky; Rebekah Salés of Paoli, Indiana; Magna Linnevers of North Olmsted, Ohio; Judy Caffrey of Yosemite, Kentucky; Amy Deak of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Abigail Krabacher of Hamilton, Ohio.

Elevating the equestrian experience since 1994, Equine Affaire is known as the nation’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering. Join us on November 10-13, 2022, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, for our next event, and help us celebrate the horse and everything that it represents to all of us! Purchase tickets, learn more about the event, and enter the raffle now at equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire is grateful to the companies who have supported the raffle year after year! Thank you to Smartpak, Kong, and Outback Survival Gear for supporting our 2022 Ohio raffle, and to Smartpak, Farnam, and Outback Survival Gear for participating in our 2022 Massachusetts raffle.

SPRINGFIELD, MA, June 30, 2022 – Horse lovers, prepare to be inspired at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts! As North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering, there’s no better place to elevate your equestrian experience. Join tens of thousands of fellow equine enthusiasts at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 10-13, 2022, for clinics, shopping, competitions, activities, evening entertainment, and more! Tickets for Equine Affaire and its evening musical show, Fantasia, go on sale July 6 via equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire is an exciting and affordable daytime horse exposition filled with fun activities suitable for kids, families, and equestrians and horseback riders of all ages. Adult tickets are $18 per day or $55 for a four-day pass (savings of $17!); children’s tickets are $10 per day for ages 7-10; and children six and under get in for free. Hours are from 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Admission includes entry to the largest equine-related trade show in the east; numerous theme pavilions, exhibits, and special activities; multiple horse competitions; and all horse clinics, seminars, and demonstrations.

No day at Equine Affaire is complete without spending the evening at Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse! Sponsored by Absorbine®, Fantasia takes place at 7:30 pm on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. A musical extravaganza boasting a variety of performances by elite equestrian and equine performers, this year’s show will include bareback vaulting, drill team routines, reining, fast-paced driving, an exciting performance featuring Icelandic horses, and much more! Separate tickets are required for Fantasia. Ticket prices range from $14 to $25 and will be available online at equineaffaire.com, starting on July 6. With just three performances and limited seating, tickets for Fantasia sell out fast, so purchase yours today! Please note the Eastern States Exposition charges for parking.

Equine Affaire’s educational program is second to none, featuring tons of educational horse clinics, sessions, and demonstrations. This fall, enjoy learning from general horsemanship clinicians such as Jonathan Field, Pat Parelli, Steve Lantvit, Lorie Duff, and Scott Purdum. There are also a host of discipline-specific clinicians slated to present, including Gina Miles (eventing), Nona Garson (hunter/jumper), Jane Karol (dressage), Steve Lantvit (ranch horse), Chad Crider (barrel racing), Sterling Graburn (driving),  Leslie Lopardo (western dressage), Michael Gascon (easy gaited horses), Karen Black (reined cow horse), Sally Batton (varsity equestrian athletes and Equicize), Ty Evans (mules), Carrie Brandt (Icelandics), Caleb Carinci-Asch (lunging), Joyleen Seymour (mounted games), Copper Hill Vaulting Team (vaulting), Canadian Cowgirls (drill teams), and others. Many more clinicians will be announced in the months to come, so stay tuned to our social media channels (FB/IG/Twitter: @equineaffaire) for announcements!

Looking for even more reasons to attend Equine Affaire? Plan to shop and play at the trade show, which features hundreds of vendors spread out across five buildings, and look for all your favorite tack shops, supplement suppliers, trailer vendors, apparel stores, book shops, and more. Browse for bargains or drop off your gently used horse-related items to sell at the Marketplace Consignment Shop. Are you new to horses? Visit the Equine Fundamentals Forum, a special corner of our event dedicated to new horse owners and kids, to learn all about the basics of horsemanship and horse husbandry! Eager for a hands-on experience with horses? Check out the Breed Pavilion where you can meet and greet with a variety of different breeds of horses in-person and “in-horse,” including Friesians, Marsh Tackies, American Quarter Horses, Icelandic horses, and many others. Network with equine professionals, chat with equine service providers, and browse horses for sale or adoption in the Horse & Farm Exhibits! Horses for sale and adoptable horses will also be showcased in special “sale horse spotlights” throughout the event. Finally, cheer on your favorite horses and riders in the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition and other fun competitions that will be announced soon!

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. Reservations should be made in advance. Make sure to mention “Equine Affaire” when you make your reservation to get a special discounted rate!

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, Farnam, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, and Nutrena. 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, April 21, 2022 – Earlier in April, Equine Affaire made a triumphant return to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, hosting happy crowds of horse lovers and equine enthusiasts for four days of equine-themed education, entertainment, and enjoyment. This year’s event was especially momentous because it was the first time Equine Affaire had taken place in the state of Ohio since 2019. After three long years away, excited fans, presenters, exhibitors, vendors, volunteers and Equine Affaire staff welcomed the return of their favorite equine exposition and equestrian gathering with open arms.

“Our staff members have missed putting on this event the past two years. We conducted a successful in-person event in Massachusetts this past November, but it felt especially wonderful to return to the Ohio Expo Center this year since it’s so close to our London office,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “We also experienced a 7% increase in ticket sales compared to previous years. That was a great welcome back!”

On April 7-10, 2022, tens of thousands of eager visitors streamed through the gates of the Ohio Expo Center to attend North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering. Crowds enjoyed attending more than 150 educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations presented by some of the nation’s most renowned horsemen and horsewomen, including Craig Cameron, Jim Thomas, J.R. Robles, Lynn Palm, and Warwick Schiller. They also experienced the joy of meeting a variety of different breeds of horses in the Breed Pavilion, including Akhal-Tekes, International Drum Horses, and more, as well as networking with dozens of equine professionals in the popular Horse & Farm Exhibits. Equine Affaire’s trade show, which is hailed as the largest horse-themed trade show in the east, filled several buildings with vendors selling everything from horse trailers to tack to horse show apparel to toys, jewelry, clothing, and more. Visitors also flocked to the Marketplace Consignment Shop all weekend long to sell and to purchase quality used goods. Special immersive activities and competitions were also a highlight each day. From shopping to networking to riding and learning, visitors of all ages were able to elevate their equestrian experience through the 2022 Equine Affaire in Ohio.

Several exciting competitions took place throughout the weekend, including the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition; the Mustang Trainers’ Incentive Program Challenge; and the International Liberty Horse Association Freestyle Invitational. The VHRC took place on Friday, April 8, with clinician Kevin Oliver as judge and clinician Lynn Palm as emcee. Twenty-five horse and rider pairs competed for $5,500 in cash and other prizes, including special product prize packages provided by Farnam for the top ten finishers. The first-place winners were Brenda Hanson and PVF Frosted Ace, who won $2,500 in cash, a Champion rosette, a Farnam product prize package, and the coveted title of Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion. The Mustang TIP Challenge took place in three parts on Friday, April 8 and Saturday, April 9, and featured both youth and adults who competed for $20,000 in prize money. For these competitors, the Mustang TIP Challenge was the culmination of 100 days spent gentling a feral mustang and preparing each horse to compete in a pattern class, a handling and conditioning class and a trail class.  The overall winner of the finals was Garrett Shanks and his mustang, Dreamin of Amazing Grace. Finally, the ILHA Invitational Freestyle took place on Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9, featuring horses and handlers who performed liberty routines. The winners of the ILHA Invitational Freestyle were Melissa Barnett and Jamaican Me Marley. For full results, photos, or other details for all three competitions, please email arehnborg@equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire’s signature musical celebration of the horse, Fantasia, returned as a major highlight of the event, and enthusiastic crowds filled the coliseum each night for the two-hour musical variety equestrian show. Attendance on Thursday night doubled compared to 2019, while the Friday and Saturday night performances sold out completely! Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia featured equestrian performers of all shapes, sizes and talents, including the Mini Doves, a group of miniature horses expertly handled by a team of youths; the 2^nd Cavalry Brigade Band and the 6^th Ohio Mounted Buglers; the Young Guns Drill Team; liberty rider Luke Gingerich and his horse, Tinseltowns Whizard; the Drentwett family of performers in multiple acts; Jenny Vidbel O’Donnell with a 16-horse liberty act; and many more.

Equine Affaire wouldn’t be possible without the support of its sponsors, including Absorbine, sponsor of Fantasia; Farnam, sponsor of the Courtesy Shopping Bag and prizes for the 2022 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition; Rod’s Western Palace, sponsor of the Rod’s Arena; US Equestrian, sponsor of the US Equestrian Arena; and Wahl, sponsor of the Wahl demo ring.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the 2022 Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, which will take place November 10-13, 2022, at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, Massachusetts. Save the dates for the 2023 Equine Affaire in Ohio, which will take place April 13-16, 2023, at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio.

To learn more about Equine Affaire and how to participate, attend, sponsor, or exhibit in one of our events, visit www.equineaffaire.com. You can also call our main office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm EST, Monday through Friday, for information. Follow Equine Affaire on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram via @equineaffaire, and bookmark equineaffaire.com/home/podcast to catch every episode of the official Equine Affaire podcast, released monthly.

CONGRATULATIONS TO BRENDA HANSON AND ACE!

Brenda and PVF Frosted Ace are the 2022 OH Versatile Horse & Rider Champions! Brenda and “Ace” are veterans of the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, having placed in the top five many times as well as winning a reserve championship. They were also the winners of the 2019 OH Versatile Horse & Rider Competition with a score of 65 points. This year, they won with a score of 68, narrowly beating our second-place finishers, Danelle Osinchuk and Slip Me a Dual Pep! Brenda and Ace have been together for eight years and enjoy ranch riding and obstacle courses. Their trust in each other was evident this year as they navigated the VHRC obstacle course with ease, scoring 5s on multiple obstacles. Brenda won $2,500 in cash, a Champion rosette, a Farnam product prize package, and the coveted title of Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion!

Our second place winners, Danelle Osinchuk and Magic, won $1,750.00 in cash, a Farnam product prize package, and a Reserve champion rosette. Third place went to Tammy Burgard and Whiskey, who won $1,000.00 in cash, a Farnam product prize package, and rosette. Martin Schwartz and Sterling placed fourth, winning $250.00, a Farnam product prize package, and rosette. Fifth place went to Melinda Arnitsis and Bella Beretta. Our fifth through tenth place finishers all took home Farnam product prize packages and rosettes! Congratulations to all our fantastic competitors, and special thanks to our judge, Kevin Oliver, and emcee, Lynn Palm. This year’s VHRC was supported by Farnam, who provided fantastic prize packs for our top ten finishers. Thank you, Farnam, for your support of this competition! And thank you and congratulations to all of our competitors.

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FULL RESULTS:

1. Brenda Hanson – Ace – 68 Points
2. Danelle Osinchuk – Slip Me A Dual Pep – 67 Points
3. Tammy Burgard – Whiskey – 61 Points
4. Martin Schwartz – Sterling – 60 Points
5. Melinda Arnitsis – Bella Beretta – 57 Points
6. Franny Galvin-Hynes – Super Nova – 56 Points
7. Lindsey Partridge – Thunderous Affair – 55 Points
8. Tammy Burgard – Badger – 50 Points
9. Kayla Schlabach – Highway Masquerade – 49 Points (tiebreaker: 9)
10. Kristen Fouty – Dun Got It Goin On – 49 Points (tiebreaker: 8)
11. Wendy Montgomery – SF Distinguished Gentleman – 45 Points
12. Raymie Shoop – Sweet Hollywood Star – 44 Points
13. Erin Vensel – King Julian – 43 Points
14. Julia Mazzarella – Nine Lives – 41 Points
15. Miranda Roesel – Shamrock – 40 Points
16. Amanda Malone – Buckshot – 32 Points
17. Rachel Dicken – Rowdy – 32 Points
18. Amanda Malone – Ironwood Turbo – 29 Points
19. Jess Schira – DL’s Guinan – no score
20. Rose Ellsworth – Batman – no score
21. Julia Mackey – Lakota – no score
22. Kiersten Woods – Georgia – no score
23. Katie Finley – Travel Gun – no score
24. Kim Nemcheck – Once in a Fantasy – no score
25. Carole Bower – Zahra – no score

The competition was held in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, on Friday, April 8, 2022, from 1:00-5:00 pm EST. For more information, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-compete/ohio-versatile-horse-rider-competition/.

 

MEET THE 2022 VHRC COMPETITORS, PART FIVE

On Friday, April 8, 25 horse and rider pairs will enter the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! This competition tests the partnership of a horse and rider as they navigate an obstacle course and race the clock. Competitors are judged on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s horsemanship, and the team’s overall performance. Times are translated into points, and points from each obstacle are totaled. The horse and rider team with the highest overall point score wins, and they’ll receive the honor of becoming the Versatile Horse and Rider Champions as well as a cash prize! Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the top four riders, while the top ten riders receive ribbons and prize packages. This year, all top ten riders will receive a special Farnam product prize package.

Ready to meet the final five talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire?

Tammy Burgard

Horse: Whiskey, 10 year old mare

Tammy and Whiskey have been partners for ten years. In that time, they’ve advanced to Open level competition. Tammy has been Whiskey’s only trainer and they’ve won many championships at the state, regional, and national levels. Tammy says that Whiskey, who is blind in one eye, has a big heart and always gives 100% to any task.

 

Kayla Schlabach

Horse: Highway Masquerade, 4 year old Gypsy Vanner gelding

“Masque” and Kayla have been a team since the summer of 2021. Kayla says Masque has a huge personality and loves interacting with people. They enjoy extreme cowboy racing, mountain trail, and Western dressage. Masque also knows tricks, such as bowing and laying down, and is learning to drive. Masque and Kayla were the EXCA State Finals Green Horse Champions and the Mountain Trail Adult In Hand/Under Saddle Champions.

Erin Vensel

Horse: King Julian, 18 year old Shire/American Quarter Horse gelding

Erin and King Julian are past competitors of the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, and they’re excited for the opportunity to return this year in Ohio. Partners for 12 years, Erin and King Julian have progressed from Intro through Fourth Level in Dressage and hope to compete at the FEI level someday. In 2017, they placed 5^th in the nation at second level. They were Grand Champions at the D4K Youth Festival that same year. They’ve earned their USDF bronze medal and are on their way to earning their silver medal. In addition to dressage, they love trying new things, such as mini trials, beach riding, and mounted shooting.

Raymie Shoop

Horse: Sweet Hollywood Star, 6 year old American Paint Horse gelding

“Spencer” and Raymie are a versatile team who have enjoyed overnight trail rides, ranch horse shows, and pleasure shows. Spencer stays willing and calm in trail and obstacle situations. Spencer also has experience in Western dressage. The pair became a team in 2020 and are excited to participate in the VHRC this year.

Raymie and Spencer

Rose Ellsworth

Horse: Batman, 7 year old gaited gelding

Rose and Batman have been developing their abilities through trail rides. This will be their first judged event.

Batman

Excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 8, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1 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!

The Faces of the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition

The Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is a beloved feature of Equine Affaire and has thrilled generations of horsemen and horsewomen. On Friday, April 8, the VHRC will return to the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center for the first time in two years! Twenty-five horse and rider pairs will compete for the top honor of becoming the Versatile Horse and Rider Champions. The VHRC tests the partnership of a horse and rider as they navigate an obstacle course and race the clock. Competitors are judged on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s horsemanship, and the team’s overall performance. Times are translated into points, and points from each obstacle are totaled. The horse and rider team with the highest overall point score wins! Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the top four riders, while the top ten riders receive ribbons and prize packages. This year, all top ten riders will receive a special Farnam product prize package.

Ready to meet five of the talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire?

Kiersten Woods

Horse: Georgia, 10 year old mare

Kiersten purchased Georgia to run barrels. Kiersten describes Georgia as a sweet mare that just about anyone can ride at a walk or trot. To prepare for this year’s event, they’ve been working on developing their collected canter and practicing with an obstacle course at home.

 

Kim Nemcheck

Horse: Once in a Fantasy, 5 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding

Although Kim and “Cruz” have been partners for only a year, they’re excited to compete in the VHRC. Kim says the VHRC was designed for Cruz, who is a talented and versatile animal. The duo enjoy participating in ranch riding, dressage, and English and Western disciplines.

 

Brenda Hanson

Horse: PVF Frosted Ace, 11 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding

Brenda and “Ace” have been together for eight years and enjoy ranch riding and obstacle courses. They’re veterans of the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, having placed in the top five many times as well as winning a reserve championship. They also won the championship at the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in Ohio with a score of 65 points and a time of 4 minutes and 55 seconds.

 

Katie Finley

Horse: Travel Gun, 4 year old American Quarter Horse Gelding

Katie and Travel Gun compete in the novice divisions of Extreme Cowboy Racing, ranch riding, and trail competitions. They’ve won multiple championships and reserve championships in extreme cowboy racing and trail competitions.

Katie and Traveller

Jess Schira

Horse: DL’s Guinan, 5 year old Hanoverian/Thoroughbred gelding

Jess and “Q” met the moment Q was born on June 18, 2017. From the very beginning, Q was sweet, smart, and bold, with a penchant for cuddling and having a good time. The pair started competing in American Horsemen Challenge Association shows in order to provide Q with a safe environment to start developing his “show legs.” Q enjoys obstacle work. In addition, Jess and Q are preparing for a future in dressage.

Excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 8, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1 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!

The Faces of the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition

On Friday, April 8, 25 competitors and their mounts will enter the coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center. Their goal? To become the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Champions! The VHRC is a popular competition that tests the partnership of a horse and rider as they navigate an obstacle course and race the clock. Competitors are judged on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s horsemanship, and the team’s overall performance. Times are translated into points, and points from each obstacle are totaled. The horse and rider team with the highest overall point score wins! Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the top four riders, while the top ten riders receive ribbons and prize packages. This year, all top ten riders will receive a special Farnam product prize package.

Ready to meet five of the talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire?

Melinda Arnitsis

Horse: Bella Beretta, 11 year old American Quarter Horse mare

Melinda has been riding “Retta” for six years. In that time, they’ve performed at Breyerfest, competed in a freestyle reining, won third place at the American Ranch Horse Association World Championships in ranch reining, and placed in the top ten multiple times at the VHRC. Melinda says, “Retta isn’t an easy mare, but usually the best aren’t easy. Retta has so much to give and I believe she can win this competition.”

 

Tammy Burgard

Horse: A Lot Nu Jazz or “Badger,” 10 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Win or lose, “Badger” is Tammy’s forever horse, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. They’ve been together since Badger was a 2 year old, and in that time, they’ve won numerous state, regional, and national championships in obstacle competitions. Tammy says Badger is the smartest horse she has ever owned.

 

Amanda Malone

Horse: Buckshot, 16 year old Arabian/Tennessee Walking Horse gelding

Amanda and Buckshot have competed in a variety of events, including speed events, driving, trail riding, hunter paces, and more. They also enjoy riding bareback and bridleless. Amanda says Buckshot takes great care of beginner riders and children and serves as a steady influence around green horses. In addition to his steadfast nature and handy ways, he’s always up for a challenge – and that’s why Amanda is excited to ride him in the 2022 Versatile Horse & Rider Competition. Amanda is also competing aboard Ironwood Turbo.

Wendy Montgomery

Horse: SF Distinguished Gentleman or “Rocky,” 17 year old Rocky Mountain gelding

Before Rocky came into her life, Wendy didn’t even know what a Rocky Mountain Horse was. All she knew was she loved his calm, levelheaded, and willing disposition. Fast-forward 13 years, and Wendy and Rocky are dedicated partners with a history of success in obstacle challenges in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, and Alabama. The pair also competed in the VHRC in 2017, 2018, and 2019, and were accepted to compete in 2020 before the event was postponed. They’re excited to compete this year in what Wendy says is her favorite competition.

Danelle Osinchuk

Horse: Slip Me a Dual Pep or “Magic,” 22 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

VHRC veteran competitors Danelle and “Magic” are a competent, confident pair with a lengthy partnership. They enjoy competing in O.H.I.O EXCA events and versatility competitions. Together, they’ve earned multiple year-end championships in stock horse events and led the buckle series in O.H.I.O EXCA for the intermediate and non-pro divisions in 2021. The pair also won the 2019 and 2021 Massachusetts Versatile Horse and Rider Competitions. When he’s not competing, Magic spends his days teaching Danelle’s kids how to ride.

Excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 8, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1 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!

Meet The Faces of the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition

In just a few weeks, 25 competitors and their mounts will race the clock and each other in the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition at Equine Affaire in Ohio! The competition will take place on Friday, April 8, 2022, in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center. Competitors will navigate a challenging obstacle course under a time limit. For each obstacle, the judge awards performance points on a scale of 0-5 based on the horse’s attitude, the rider’s horsemanship, and the team’s overall performance. Times are translated into points, and points from each obstacle are totaled. The horse and rider team with the highest overall point score wins! Cash and other prizes will be awarded to the top four riders, while the top ten riders receive ribbons and prize packages. This year, all top ten riders will receive a special Farnam product prize package.

Ready to meet five of the talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire?

Julia Mackey

Horse: Lakota, 15 year old American Paint Horse gelding

Julia and Lakota are from Pemberville, Ohio, and have been together for six years. They enjoy competing in county and open shows in Western, English, dressage, jumping, contesting, and pleasure. Julia says Lakota’s patience and loyalty have enabled her to try new disciplines. She’s excited to see how they’ll perform at the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

 

Franny Galvin-Hynes

Horse: Super Nova, 5 year old American Quarter Horse/Fjord cross mare

Franny has been riding since she was just three years old; now 20, she’s a seasoned competitor and loves training horses to compete. She got Nova as a yearling and trained the mare herself. In 2021, they showed on the Ontario Extreme Cowboy (OXC) circuit and finished the season by winning the 2021 OXC Maturity Championship. They love to do liberty, ride tackless, and perform tricks together, as well as jump and hit the trails with friends. Franny and Nova were accepted as VHRC competitors in 2020. Ever since that competition was canceled due to COVID-19, they’ve been looking forward to the opportunity to apply again. They’re extra excited to compete in 2022!

 

Carole Bower

Horse: Zahra, 22 year old Arabian/American Quarter Horse mare

Carole purchased Zahra when the mare was just 8 years old. At the time, she’d been used as a trail horse, but hadn’t been ridden for two years. Carole originally hoped to use Zahra as a riding horse for her family, but quickly realized the flighty mare needed some one-on-one time to prepare her for life as a trustworthy mount. Carole worked with Zahra to help desensitize her and teach her to give to pressure. Eventually, Zahra became a trusted show horse for both Carole and her daughter, as well as a favorite mount in Carole’s weekend riding program for the youth of inner-city Cincinnati. Carole and Zahra were originally selected to compete in the 2020 VHRC. They’re excited to be back and have the opportunity to display their skills, trust, and partnership in the 2022 competition!

 

Martin Schwartz

Horse: Show Me, “Sterling”, 12 year old Appaloosa mare

Martin and “Sterling,” owned by Guy Gene Cutshaw, are no strangers to the VHRC Competition. They won the reserve championship in the 2016 Ohio event, then came back to win the championship in both 2017 and 2018. In 2019, they earned 4^th place in Ohio and 6^th place in Massachusetts. Martin, Sterling, and Guy are delighted to return to the Ohio Expo Center to compete again this year.

 

Kristin Fouty

Horse: Dun Got It Goin On, “Boo,” 17 year old American Paint Horse gelding

Kristin and “Boo” have been partners for 15 years. In that time, they’ve competed in showmanship, trail, driving, jumping, Western dressage, roping, and rodeo events, as well as American Ranch Horse Association events. In the Michigan ranch show circuit, they won the Open reining in 2019 and 2020 and placed top 5 overall in the ranch trail. Kristin says that Boo is a well-seasoned gentleman with a great work ethic. They competed in the 2019 VHRC and were slated to compete again in 2020, so they’re looking forward to competing this year.

Excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 8, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1 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!

Meet the Faces of the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition

The excitement is building for the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! The competition will take place on Friday, April 8, 2022, in the Coliseum at the Ohio Expo Center during Equine Affaire in Ohio. With $5,500 cash and other prizes at stake, including special prize packages from Farnam, it’s going to be one exciting race as 25 competitors and their mounts vie for the honor of becoming the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Champions! In this post, meet five of the talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire.

Rachel Dicken

Horse: Rowdy, 7 year old Appaloosa gelding

Rachel Dicken hails from Kingston, Ohio. She brought Rowdy home as a weanling and trained him herself from the ground up, teaching him everything from cow work to sliding stops to loping up and down steep trails. Thanks to their shared history, Rachel and Rowdy enjoy a special partnership built on trust, and they look forward to showing as a team at the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in Ohio.

Miranda Roesel

Horse: Shamrock, 8 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

Miranda and Shamrock are from Amelia, Ohio, and have been together ever since Shamrock was just three years old. The pair enjoy competing in ranch classes at open shows. They placed third in the ranch trail and fifth in the ranch riding at the 2021 NOHSA World Championship Show, and they also competed in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition in 2019. When they’re not showing, they love going on trail rides together.

Miranda and Shamrock

Lindsey Partridge

Horse: Thunderous Affair, 5 year old Thoroughbred mare

Lindsey Partridge is from Pontypool, Ontario, and has been riding Thunderous Affair for two years. Thunderous Affair is America’s Most Wanted Thoroughbred from the 2020 class at the 2021 Thoroughbred Makeover. Lindsey and Thunderous Affair won championships in both Freestyle and Trail at the Mustang Makeover in Kentucky. They also won the reserve championship at the Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo in 2021. Lindsey and Thunderous Affair love riding bridleless and playing at liberty.

Julia Mazzarella

Horse: Nine Lives, 16 year old Thoroughbred mare

Julia Mazzarella grew up training in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation, and competed through the Intercollegiate level, culminating with a national championship in the Intercollegiate Open Over Fences in 2013. Julia began riding Nine Lives, aka Kitten, in 2014 and purchased her in 2015. Kitten was a green OTTB and Julia initially trained her for the jumpers, in which they have competed up to 3’ in both schooling and A-rated competitions. Upon moving to Ohio, Julia and Kitten tried their hand at eventing, and competed at several schooling competitions at the beginner novice level. Following several injuries for Kitten, including a fractured leg, the duo switched gears to dressage. Since 2020, the pair has competed through First Level at USDF rated shows. When not training for a competition, Julia and Kitten spend most sunny afternoons trail riding with Julia’s dogs. Julia and Kitten have stepped up to many challenges during their 8 years together and are excited to put their training to the test in the 2022 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition!

Amanda Malone

Horse: Ironwood Turbo, 16 year old Norwegian Fjord gelding

Hailing from Mathias, West Virginia, Turbo and Amanda have been a team for three years. Together, they’ve ridden in trail competitions, hunter paces, foxhunting, cattle drives, parades, and more. Amanda says Turbo is an inquisitive horse who loves to learn and try new things. The pair competed in the 2021 Massachusetts Versatile Horse & Rider Competition and have spent the winter training for this spring’s VHRC in Ohio. Amanda and Turbo are excited for the opportunity to compete in the Ohio Expo Center’s coliseum and put their training to the test!

Excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 8, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1 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!