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

The official results are as follows:

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

Reserve Champions: Kelly Jackson and Cara Schroeder

3rd Place: Kelsey Duff and Grace Thomas

4th Place: Bella Sweigard and Amanda Lewis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Equine Affaire will take place at the Ohio Expo Center on April 13-16, 2023. The Ohio Expo Center (OEC) is located at 717 East 17^th Avenue in Columbus, Ohio. Hours on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday are from 9 am-7 pm (EST), and on Sunday, from 9 am-5 pm (EST). Single day tickets and four-day passes for Equine Affaire are available for purchase here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-general-information/tickets/.

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

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

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

QUICK TIP: If you plan to come multiple days or would like to enter and leave repeatedly on the same day, purchase a parking pass from the OEC! Parking passes will be available for purchase from the parking attendants at the gate.

FAQ: When can I arrive to park on site? You can arrive and park as early as you wish, but the doors to all the exhibit buildings will remain locked until 9 am.

WHERE CAN I STAY?

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

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

HEY, WHAT’S FANTASIA?

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

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

QUICK TIP: Make sure to stay after the event for a special autograph signing session! All the performers come back out into the arena after the show to sign postcards and programs.

FAQ: Do I need to purchase separate tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia? Yes, you need to purchase general admission tickets to access Equine Affaire’s daytime activities and a separate ticket to attend Fantasia. However, if you arrive after 6:30 pm EST to attend Fantasia, you will not have to purchase a general admission ticket to Equine Affaire.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT RIDING AND TRAINING?

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

Whether you love riding, jumping, liberty, reining, ranch work, roping, dressage, pole bending, driving, learning about horse health care and husbandry, or any number of other horse-related topics, there’s a clinic, seminar, or demonstration on our schedule for you. Check out our schedule and presenters at this link to find the best clinics to attend for you and your area of interest: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-attend/ohio-educational-program/ohio-presenters/.

QUICK TIP: Many of our presenters will have booths in the trade show, and others are happy to answer quick questions or give brief tips after their clinics or seminars are over. The best questions to ask (according to our presenters) are short and sweet, with minimal background info, so try to keep your visit brief and to the point!

FAQ: How can I ride in a clinic at a future Equine Affaire? Equine Affaire’s Ride with a Pro clinic program is a popular and affordable way to ride with and learn from one of your idols at Equine Affaire! Applications are available online starting in January and the deadline to apply is typically in early February. Learn more about Ride with a Pro here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-ride-in-clinics/ohio-ride-with-a-pro-2/.

WHAT IF I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT HORSES?

Equine Affaire has introduced tens of thousands of people to the horse industry over the years, and we’re proud to serve as your guide to the wonderful world of horses, too. Beginners, start your visit at the Equine Fundamentals Forum in the Celeste Center. The EFF features educational exhibits about horses, horse health, horse management, equine anatomy, and lots of hands-on activities, such as a mane and tail braiding station, identification stations, and more. There’s also a demo ring where horse-savvy experts will be hosting demonstrations on fundamental topics all day, every day, so there’s plenty to see and do and learn. We also suggest visiting the Breed Pavilion, where you can learn about breeds of horses from breed representatives, and touring the Horse & Farm Exhibits, where you can meet horsemen and horsewomen from a variety of local businesses and horse organizations. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

QUICK TIP: Make sure to stop by the Equine Affaire Information Booth and tell our friendly staff that you’re brand new to Equine Affaire and to horses in general. They’ll have extra tips and info for you to help get you started! That’s also where you can pick up your official event program.

WHERE DO I GO TO SHOP?

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

Love shopping for bargains? Located in the Voinovich, the Marketplace at Equine Affaire is a consignment shop where people just like you can drop off their gently used equestrian items for sale, or browse for bargains among quality used equestrian goods. Learn more about consigning and shopping at the Marketplace here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-sell/ohio-the-marketplace-consignment/.

QUICK TIP: Many exhibitors host raffles at their booths during the show. Make sure to take business cards or little slips of paper pre-filled with your name, mailing address, and email addresses to make entering raffles quick and easy! You can find a list of all the exhibitors holding raffles in the event program, too. You never know what you might win! (And for that matter, don’t forget to enter Equine Affaire’s raffle online: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-win/ohio-free-raffle/. Entries are accepted through April 16!)

HOW CAN I SEE HORSES COMPETE?

There are two competitions taking place at Equine Affaire! First, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will take place on Friday, April 14, 2023, in the Coliseum. This exciting competition features horses and riders riding an obstacle course created to test communication between horse and rider, as well as each competitor’s horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. Riders are competing for $5,500 in cash and other prizes. It’s one exciting race! Check it out here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/ohio/ohio-participate/ohio-compete/ohio-versatile-horse-rider-competition/ and bookmark this page for the future to learn more about applying to compete!

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

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

HOW CAN I MEET SOME COOL HORSES AND PEOPLE?

Visit the Breed Pavilion in the Voinovich Center and the Horse & Farm Exhibits in the Gilligan Complex! First, the Breed Pavilion will showcase dozens of horse breeds and registries with origins in North America, Europe, and beyond. You can network with horse owners, research breeds, learn about national, regional, and local breed associations and their activities, and so much more. Association representatives will be on hand to provide helpful information and answer questions about their breeds and horses, and equines from miniatures to drafts and from stock horses to sport horses will be on exhibit and presented in hand for your consideration. Under saddle demonstrations of the breeds featured in the Breed Pavilion will also be conducted throughout the weekend in the main clinic arenas, offering you a chance to understand and appreciate the conformation, characteristics, and aptitudes of horses of different breeds.

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

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

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

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

QUICK TIP: Ask all the questions! Our exhibitors love to share and showcase their equestrian experiences. Make sure to ask for business cards or pamphlets, too, especially if you’re interested in taking lessons, purchasing a horse, or asking for training services.

WHAT ABOUT THE KIDS?

Equine Affaire is a great place to take kids of all ages, especially horse-crazy ones. The Equine Fundamentals Forum has lots of fun activities, including an arts and crafts project, a fun stick horse rodeo (3 pm daily!), and a purple mechanical pony.

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

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

THIS EVENT SOUNDS GREAT! HOW CAN I VOLUNTEER/EXHIBIT/ADVERTISE/PARTICIPATE SOMEDAY?

Yes! You can learn more about how to volunteer, exhibit, advertise, or participate with Equine Affaire in the future by visiting www.equineaffaire.com.

MY QUESTION DIDN’T GET ASKED! NOW WHAT?

If you have more questions or need to get in touch with our staff, there are plenty of ways to reach out to us! Bookmark our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @equineaffaire, or call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00pm EST (M-F). We can’t wait to see you at Equine Affaire!

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

Tammy Burgard

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

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

Dawn Chambers

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

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

Franny Galvin-Hynes

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

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

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

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

Raymie Shoop

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

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

Robin Ball

Horse: Bentley, 9 year old Appaloosa gelding

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

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!

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

Alexis O’Neal

Horse: Pepper, 6 year old Appaloosa gelding

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

Miranda Roesel

Horse: Shamrock, 9 year old American Quarter Horse gelding

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

Dessie Shepherd

Horse: Paris, 22 year old American Quarter Horse mare

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

Raymie Shoop

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

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

Anya Emmons

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

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

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!

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

Sidney Hawk

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

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

Matt Keefe

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

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

Amanda Malone

Horse: Turbo, 18 year old Norwegian Fjord gelding

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

Myron Martin

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

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

Wendy Montgomery

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

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

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!

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

Dawn Chambers

Horse: Charge on Gunsmoke, 6 year old APHA gelding

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

Kristy Fouty

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

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

Franny Galvin-Hynes

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

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

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

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

Olivia Giuffrida

Horse: Tiny, 9 year old Clydesdale cross mare

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

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

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

Are you excited for this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition yet? Plan to attend Equine Affaire on Friday, April 14, and watch the competition unfold in the coliseum, starting at 1:30 pm Eastern Time. Learn more about the competitors for this exciting event by following along on our social media channels leading up to the event, and stay tuned after the event for results!