Equine Affaire Press Room

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!