Equine Affaire Press Room - Equine Affaire

11 02

Nov 2, 2021

MEET THE 2021 VHRC COMPETITORS, PART FOUR

THE FACES OF THE 2021 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER COMPETITION

The excitement is building for the 2021 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Sponsored by Nutrena, the competition will take place on Friday, November 12, 2021, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition during Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. With $5,500 in cash and other prizes at stake, it’s going to be one exciting race as 18 competitors and their mounts vie for top honors. In this post, meet four of the competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire. (Check out Parts 1, 2, and 3 to meet more of the competitors.)

Karli Knapp

Horse: Meadowbrook’s Sir Prize, 13-year-old Gypsy Vanner gelding

Karli and “Prize” are all about versatility. Together, they’ve competed in reining, ranch riding, dressage, hunter jumper, and pleasure driving. Prize has also escorted two brides by carriage on their special days, proving he’s got the looks to go with the talent! Karli and Prize’s most recent accomplishment was earning a 67 on their very first reining pattern. Karli says her goal with Prize is to show how versatile the gypsy breed truly is.

Stephanie Speers

Horse: Leap of Faith, 24-year-old Haflinger mare

Partners for eleven years, Stephanie and “Faith” have tried their hand at eventing, cattle sorting, dressage, Western dressage, hunt seat, Western pleasure, trail riding, and driving. Faith has also served as a therapeutic riding horse and has been a visitor to nursing homes. At just 14 hands high, Faith has a heart of gold and plenty of try. Stephanie and Faith placed 8th in the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition, and they’re excited to return this year.

Rob West

Horse: Moonshine Lady, 11-year-old Mustang mare

Rob and Moonshine Lady ride in all disciplines and have earned a jumping championship to boot. They placed 5th in the 2015 Extreme Mustang Makeover and have made the top ten in a previous Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

Carly Wade

Horse: Wranglin Attraction, 7-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Carly and “Pauli” enjoy reining, ranch riding, and trail riding. They actively show in National Reining Horse Association events and have placed in the top 5 in the Rookie Pro class multiple times. They also love trail riding and versatility obstacles.

Don’t miss the excitement! Admission to the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition is included with every general admission ticket to Equine Affaire. The competition will be held in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts, on Friday, November 12, 2021, from 1:00-5:00pm EST. For more information, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-compete/mass-versatile-horse-rider-competition/.

10 26

Oct 26, 2021

MEET THE 2021 VHRC COMPETITORS, PART THREE

THE FACES OF THE 2021 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER COMPETITION

Ready to marvel at what’s possible when a horse and rider trust each other through it all? Check out the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Sponsored by Nutrena, this exciting, timed competition will take place on Friday, November 12, 2021, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition during Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Eighteen competitors and their mounts will compete for $5,500 in cash and other prizes as they race through a course of obstacles specially chosen to test their athletic prowess and the partnership between horse and rider. In this post, meet four more of the determined horse-and-rider pairs who will compete this fall. (And if you missed Parts 1 & 2, click here and here.)

Logan DeCourcey

Horse: Chandler Bing, 15-year-old Thoroughbred gelding

Logan DeCourcey is excited to compete in this year’s VHRC with Chandler Bing, an off-the-track Thoroughbred who was rescued by her trainer in 2019. In just two short years, Chandler has transformed from a lame, malnourished horse who refused to get on a trailer into a capable, athletic mount who’s both brave and bombproof. Since 2020, Logan and Chandler Bing have competed in several A-rated shows, earned several year-end championships in local shows, and had wins at USEF and USHJA-rated shows.

Sarah Morgan

Horse: Pat, 12-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding

Sarah and Pat are two-time National Barrel Horse Association division champions as well as the proud owners of blue ribbons in extreme trail challenges and team penning. Pat started out life as a ranch horse, then found his way east to become Sarah’s mount in a variety of disciplines, including barrel racing, working cow horse, trail, and hunt seat. Sarah says she worked hard to earn Pat’s trust by introducing the gelding to different obstacles; the more things she showed him that he’d never seen before, the more Pat learned to trust Sarah, and vice versa. Sarah hopes to take her partnership with Pat to new levels by competing in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

Geoff Goodson

Horse: Stella, 10-year-old Mustang mare

A certified journeyman farrier and the owner-operator of Geoff Goodson Horsemanship and Double G Farm, Geoff Goodson will bring not one, but two mounts to the 2021 VHRC: Taco and Stella. Stella is a 2010 BLM mustang mare from the Adobe Town Herd Management Area in Wyoming. Geoff and Stella’s partnership began by chance – literally – when the mare turned out to be Geoff’s random draw for the 2015 Extreme Mustang Makeover. After they finished in the top ten, Geoff purchased Stella. Today, Stella is a staple in Geoff’s program and they enjoy riding in versatility events, working cow classes, ranch classes, and trails.

Kayla O’Leary

Horse: Wildfire, 11-year-old Mustang mare

Kayla says as soon as she sat on Wildfire for the first time, she knew they’d be partners for life. Six years into their journey together, Kayla and Wildfire are keen adventurers. From competing in local ranch pleasure shows to riding in Teddy Roosevelt Rough Rider reenactment demos, they’ve tried and loved it all. This year marks their third time to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

10 20

Oct 20, 2021

MEET THE 2021 VHRC COMPETITORS, PART TWO

THE FACES OF THE 2021 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER COMPETITION

On Friday, November 12, 2021, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition returns to the Eastern States Exposition! Judged by Ed Dabney, eighteen horse-and-rider pairs will race through a timed obstacle course in pursuit of $5,500 in cash and other prizes. In this post, meet four of the horse-and-rider pairs who will ride in this exciting competition at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Sponsored by Nutrena, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition is an event not to be missed!

Lisa Doyle

Horse: Dagger L.S.F. Ster, 12-year-old Friesian gelding

Lisa and “Harry” have come a long way together in just two and a half years. According to Lisa, when their partnership began, Harry would bolt when confronted with challenging situations. But today, he has become a confident and brave partner for Lisa. Together, they compete in a variety of disciplines, from team penning and mounted shooting to dressage, pleasure, breed shows, and more! They also competed in the 2019 Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

Nicolina Foti

Horse: Ginger, 22-year-old Quarter Horse mare

Nicolina has been dreaming of competing in the VHRC ever since she was a little girl, and this year, her dream is coming true. Nicolina and Ginger have been partners for 18 years and grew up together. They’ve done it all, including English and Western pleasure, show jumping, Hunter paces, gymkhana, ranch horse, team penning, cutting, team roping, polo, and trail riding. This year, they’re excited to compete in their first VHRC together and see just what they can accomplish together.

Amanda Malone

Horse: Ironwood Turbo, 16-year-old Norwegian Fjord gelding

With both championships and ribbons to their name, Amanda and “Turbo” are a team to be reckoned with. They compete in 3-day eventing, combined tests, competitive mountain trail rides, foxhunting, and more. Turbo also loves to play on the teeter-totter and the Vegas box and enjoys going swimming.

Danielle Gauvin

Horse: Put A Little Pep In Your Step, 17-year-old Quarter Horse gelding

Danielle says “Pep” is a jack of all trades and a true athlete. This pair have done everything together, including gymkhana, jumping, and more. They’ve won the Woodstock Fair Classic in barrel racing and pole bending, made many accomplishments in the National Barrel Horse Association, and competed in eventing and jumping. This year, they’re looking forward to testing themselves in the 2021 VHRC in Massachusetts.

10 13

Oct 13, 2021

MEET THE 2021 VHRC COMPETITORS, PART ONE

THE FACES OF THE 2021 VERSATILE HORSE AND RIDER COMPETITION

Sponsored by Nutrena, the hugely popular Versatile Horse and Rider Competition will take place on Friday, November 12, 2021, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition during Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Under the watchful eyes of this year’s judge, internationally acclaimed clinician Ed Dabney, competitors will tackle a timed obstacle course specially designed to test their horsemanship skills and athletic prowess. This year, eighteen horse-and-rider pairs are slated to compete for $5,500 in cash and other prizes. In this post, meet the first four horses and riders who will compete in this fall’s exciting event!

April Baronas

Horse: Que Sera Sera, 21-year-old Chincoteague Pony mare

Partnered for more than five years, April and “Moon” compete in obstacles, trail, eventing, and hunt seat equitation. April and Moon have competed in three previous VHRC competitions, placing in the top 10 each time. Although Moon is now 21 years old, April says the little mare is as capable and solid as ever, and the pair are excited for the opportunity to compete in this year’s Versatile Horse and Rider Competition.

Jackie Rappel

Horse: Beckett’s Hickory Doc, 20-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding

Jackie and “Roanie” have earned a number of buckles in reined cow horse, versatility, and cow sorting events. They’ve also competed in the VHRC a total of five times, taking home a 4^th place one year and a 5^th place another year. Although Roanie is now semi-retired, Jackie has high hopes for competing in this year’s VHRC and can’t wait to ride into the coliseum aboard Roanie once again.

*Jackie Rappel and Beckett’s Hickory Doc*

Danelle Osinchuk

Horse: Slip Me a Dual Pep, 21-year-old American Quarter Horse gelding

VHRC veteran competitors Danelle and “Magic” 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 are leading the buckle series in O.H.I.O EXCA for the intermediate and non-pro divisions. The pair also won the 2019 Massachusetts Versatile Horse and Rider Competition. When he’s not competing, Magic spends his days teaching Danelle’s kids how to ride.

Geoff Goodson

Horse: Takota, 17-year-old Mustang gelding

Geoff Goodson is a certified journeyman farrier as well as the owner-operator of Geoff Goodson Horsemanship and Double G Farm. Geoff has been working with “Taco,” an unbranded mustang gelding, for more than ten years. Taco is an accomplished all-around horse, with experience in obstacles, Western dressage, trail riding, and winter skijoring. Geoff will also be competing in the VHRC aboard Stella, another mustang; you can learn more about Geoff and Stella in Part 3 of this series.

08 19

Aug 19, 2021

BECOME PART OF THE MAGIC OF EQUINE AFFAIRE: Bring your horses and participate in the Horse & Farm Exhibits at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, Nov 11-14, 2021.

Do you love sharing your horses, your favorite discipline or your equine business with other horse lovers? If you do, then there’s no better place for you to exhibit this fall than at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts! Equine Affaire will take place November 11-14, 2021, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. As North America’s premiere equine exposition and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire is the go-to destination for tens of thousands of equestrians from all around the United States and beyond. In addition to providing top-notch education and entertainment, Equine Affaire gives horse lovers the opportunity to network with each other through its hugely popular Horse & Farm Exhibits.

Located in C-Barn at the Eastern States Exposition, the Horse & Farm Exhibits provide the perfect place for horse owners, farm owners and equine service providers to connect with customers who are interested in all breeds of horses and a variety of equestrian disciplines. Bring your horses to exhibit as breed representatives in the Horse & Farm stalls, and you could become part of a new horse lover’s introduction to the world of horses. If you have horses for sale, consider marketing your horses to thousands of potential buyers in For Sale stalls. Do you own and operate an equine rescue or horse sanctuary? You’re invited to bring your adoptable horses to participate in the Adoption Affaire, a special event produced by Equine Affaire to help horses in need find their new forever homes. Adoptable horses will be stabled in C-barn along with sale horses and the Horse & Farm Exhibits, which means they’ll be seen and visited by thousands of potential adopters over the course of the event.

If you’d like to participate, submit your materials as early as possible. All For Sale stalls are $150 and include a 10 x 10 inline stall in the C-barn, a “For Sale” sign to post on the stall and a free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com, plus two 4-day adult tickets to Equine Affaire ($100 value). You must commit to exhibiting your sale horses at least two days of the event; if your horse is sold, another horse may be substituted. Potential buyers, ages 19 and over, may test ride your horse at the event with the proper releases. Horse & Farm stalls are $150 for an inline stall, $175 for an end stall on the outer aisle of the barn or $200 for an end stall on the main center aisle of the barn. All stalls are 10 x 10 and include a one-line listing of the stall number, farm name, horse breed and phone number (or website) on our website before the event as well as in the official event program. Horse & Farm Stalls also include two 4-day adult tickets to Equine Affaire. Tack stalls are available for $100 each. Stall applications, payment and information must be received by September 10, 2021, so apply today!

Ready to learn more about the Horse & Farm Exhibits, apply to participate and more? Visit equineaffaire.com, select the Massachusetts event, click “Attend” and then “Horse & Farm Exhibits.” You can also contact Karin Brennan at (740) 845-0085, ext. 112 or email kbrennan@equineaffaire.com. Exhibitors may also participate in the Breed Pavilion demonstrations or sessions; just ask when you submit your materials.

We can’t wait to see you at Equine Affaire! Visit us online at equineaffaire.com for updates between now and November. If you have questions, call our office at (740) 845-0085 any time from 9:00am-5:00pm EST, Monday-Friday.

Equine Affaire extends our grateful thanks to our sponsors: Absorbine®, US Equestrian, Farnam, Horizon Structures, GGT Footing, Nutrena®, Cowboy Magic and Mane N Tail. To learn more about our sponsors, plan to visit their booths in the trade show this fall.