Equine Affaire Press Room

08 30

BOOST YOUR BRAND

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, August 29, 2023 — Whether you own horses and want to show them off, or you love horses and want to admire herds of them in person, Equine Affaire is the horse expo for you! The Breed Pavilion provides visitors with a colorful and interactive introduction to the world of horses, while the Horse & Farm Exhibits offer avenues of connection between attendees and horse owners, horse farm owners, equine service providers, and more. Whatever side of the fence you’d like to be on, we invite you to come to the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, on November 9-12, and enjoy all that our event has to offer.

Since 1994, Equine Affaire has proudly served as the pinnacle event of equine-related education, entertainment, and enrichment, bringing joy and knowledge to tens of thousands of equestrians every year through its two events in Columbus, OH, and W. Springfield, MA. This fall, North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering celebrates its 25th anniversary in Massachusetts with four days of educational clinics, sessions, and demonstrations; two exciting competitions; interactive exhibits and activities; an expansive trade show; kids’ crafts and activities; special giveaways; an exclusive viewing party of the Equine Network’s Horse Week; a fabulous nighttime musical and theatrical show, and so much more. Tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com.

If you own horses, operate a farm or stable, provide an equine-related service, offer a stallion at stud, or have horses available for sale or adoption, you’re invited to participate in the Breed Pavilion, the Horse & Farm Exhibits, the For Sale Stalls, or the Adoption Affaire! These exhibits are the perfect way to put yourself and your horses, brand, farm, or business in front of tens of thousands of interested and enthusiastic horse people. Fill your stalls with the friendliest and most beautiful horses you own, then use your stall fronts as a space to promote your barn, farm, stallion, breed, or business, share brochures and other materials about your services, put up photo displays, and more! Here’s how:

Promote your farm, stallion, or equine services with a Horse & Farm Exhibit Stall in C-Barn. Stalls are 12’ by 9’. Regular in-line stalls are $160 each; end stalls on the outer aisles of the barn are $185, and end stalls on the main center aisle of the barn are $210 each. Each exhibitor is required to purchase or share a tack stall in addition to a horse stall, and tack stalls are $120 each. Rental of an exhibit stall in the Horse & Farm Exhibits area includes:

  • One four-day adult ticket to Equine Affaire per stall (a $55 value)
  • A one-line listing of stall number, farm name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address in the event program, distributed for free to our attendees
  • A listing of the farm or horse owner name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address on equineaffaire.com prior to and during the event

Although Equine Affaire is a four-day event, Horse & Farm exhibitors must commit to exhibiting for at least three days (and specify in advance whether they plan to exhibit Thurs-Saturday or Friday-Sunday). Shavings, straw, and hay will be available for purchase on site. Learn more by visiting https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-breed-exhibits/mass-horse-farm-exhibits/. You can also reach out to Jessica Anderson (janderson@equineaffaire.com) today to arrange for rental of your Horse & Farm Exhibit stall, and ask her how you (or your breed association or group) can also participate in the Breed Pavilion. Or visit https://equineaffaire.com/mass-breed-pavilion/ for details!

Do you have a horse for sale? Sign up to participate with a For Sale stall! For Sale Stalls are in-line stalls located within the Horse & Farm Exhibits. Rental of a For Sale stall is only $160 per stall and includes:

  • One four-day adult ticket to Equine Affaire per stall (a $55 value)
  • A descriptive For Sale sign to post on your stall
  • A free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com that will provide the horse’s breed, age, gender, name, discipline, price, and stall location
  • A one-line listing of stall number, horse owner’s name, breed of horse, and phone number or web site address in the event program, distributed for free to adult attendees
  • The opportunity to give interested adult customers the chance to test ride horses in a schooling arena at the event

Horse owners who rent For Sale stalls must commit to exhibiting for at least two days and specify in advance their date of arrival. Horse owners who rent For Sale stalls may also rent a tack stall next to their sale stall for an additional $120 to store bedding, tack, feed, and other equipment at the show. Visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-exhibit/mass-breed-exhibits/mass-for-sale-stalls/ for more information, or contact Jessica Anderson (janderson@equineaffaire.com).

Do you operate a horse rescue, shelter, or sanctuary that connects horses in need with adopters? Participate in the Right Horse Adoption Affaire in Massachusetts! Equine Affaire is proud to partner with the ASPCA’s Right Horse Initiative to improve the lives of horses in transition and connect adopters with their Right Horse. Offer your horses for adoption at the Adoption Affaire by renting a 12’ by 9’ Adoption Affaire stall for $160. An Adoption Affaire stall includes:

  • One four-day pass to the event (a $55 value)
  • An Adoption Affaire sign to post on the stall
  • A free listing pre-event on equineaffaire.com that will provide the horse’s breed, age, gender, name, discipline, price, photo, and stall location
  • The opportunity to give interested adult customers the chance to test ride horses in a schooling arena at the event

Tack stalls are also available for $120. Please plan on occupying your Adoption Affaire stall for at least two days of the event. More information is available at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-exhibit/mass-adoption-affaire-2/!

The Sale and Adoption Horse Showcase is another incredible opportunity to put your horse’s best hooves forward – literally! – at Equine Affaire. The Showcase will take place on Saturday, November 11, at 3:30 pm in the US Equestrian Arena at Equine Affaire, and includes the chance to lead your horse through the arena in front of thousands of interested potential buyers or adopters while the announcer shares relevant information about your sale prospect. Contact Jessica Anderson (janderson@equineaffaire.com) to schedule your horse’s spot in the Showcase.

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, LRP Matting, Chewy, and Triple Crown Nutrition. To learn more about our event, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

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08 24

ADD A LITTLE SPARKLE TO YOUR LIFE WITH FANTASIA

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, August 24, 2023 — Looking for a way to kick off your 2023 holiday season with a little extra sparkle and shine? We recommend attending Fantasia! Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. This two-hour spectacular is filled to the brim with awe-inspiring performances by gorgeous horses and talented equestrians, all set to music. If you’re a horse lover, there’s no better way to lift your spirits or plant a little extra joy in your heart than by spending a magical night at Fantasia.

This November, Equine Affaire proudly celebrates the 25th anniversary of its event in Massachusetts. Featuring clinics, educational exhibits, an extensive trade show, and lots more, this four-day horse expo will take place November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. And just like no great ride is complete without a pat of thanks to your equine partner, no trip to Equine Affaire is complete without attending Fantasia! Catch one (or more) of just three special performances on November 9th, 10th, or 11th in the coliseum at the Eastern States Exposition.

As the perfect complement to Equine Affaire, Fantasia showcases all that’s beautiful, graceful, and athletic about the horse. Every performance is also a testament to the special relationship and sense of trust that exists between every equestrian and his or her horse. If you love horses, then Fantasia is the show for you.

This year, you’re invited to enjoy performances from some of the country’s top equine and equestrian entertainers. Composed of two 12-year-old equestrian performers, the Pegasus Riders thrilled our audiences in Ohio with their daredevil trick riding antics and we’re delighted to share they’ll be coming to Massachusetts to spread their magic in November. Thanks to Melissa Barnett’s Lion King-inspired routine, you’ll feel the love each night as she guides her horses through an enthralling liberty routine. Draft horse fans will adore watching Scott Seymour drive the Morrisville College Belgian hitch alongside Sam and Kellie Rettinger’s gorgeous Whispery Pines Percherons. Outfitted with their signature flair, the Young Guns Drill Team promises to bring all the speedy thrills with a perfectly synchronized drill performance. Power couple Brendan and Melanie Wise will bring their horses as well as their own particular brand of bridleless magic and put on two incredible acts. Fans of feather will cherish watching the graceful Friesians and skilled Amish riders of the Friesian Heritage Drill Team perform to a medley of inspiring anthems. And finally, if comedy is what you’re looking for, you’ll laugh – and gasp in delighted awe – at the antics of Bobby Kerr and his American mustangs. Whether you love liberty, bridleless riding, trick riding, drill teams, or driving, there’s an act for you!

Seats sell out quickly for Fantasia, so make sure to purchase your tickets early. Depending on seating, ticket prices range from $16 to $27. Tickets for Fantasia are on sale now at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-attend/mass-tickets/, so get yours today. Special seating for those who have disabilities is available; please call our office at (740) 845-0085 for special accommodation. All tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia are digital and delivered immediately to your email inbox after purchase – just save them to your phone or mobile device, or print them at home, and get ready to enjoy an incredible show come November. Each show begins at 7:30 pm, and the doors open for seating at 6:45 pm. Don’t forget to save your program and stay after the show for autographs from your favorite performers.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the support of Absorbine, sponsor of Fantasia. Learn more about Absorbine by visiting www.absorbine.com. To learn more about Equine Affaire and to purchase tickets, visit our website (www.equineaffaire.com), follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

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08 11

MEET US AT EQUINE AFFAIRE

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, August 11, 2023 — With ninety days to go until Equine Affaire in Massachusetts, it’s the perfect time to start making your plans to attend North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering! Horse lovers and equestrians from all over the world are planning to gather at the Eastern States Exposition in November to help celebrate the 25th anniversary of our event in Massachusetts. Will you be there?

Twenty-five years can seem like a long time, but equestrians know better than anyone else how fast time flies when you’re having fun – especially when you’re spending it with the people and the horses you love! Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate such an important milestone in its long history of bringing horses and people together to elevate the equestrian experience.

Equine Affaire was founded in 1993 by Eugenia Snyder. Snyder and her team launched the company’s flagship event in Ohio in 1994. Buoyed by the enthusiastic support of the horse industry, Equine Affaire introduced its second event in 1998 at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA. Twenty-five years later, Equine Affaire in Massachusetts continues to delight, educate, and entertain horse lovers of all ages. This fall, join us in the Bay State for a celebration of Equine Affaire that offers a combination of all the features you know and love, plus new and exciting events guaranteed to become fresh favorites!

WAIT, WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING AND HOW DO I GO?

A four-day horse expo filled with clinics, competitions, and more, Equine Affaire will take place at the Eastern States Exposition in W. Springfield, MA, on November 9th through the 12th, 2023. Come spend the day at Equine Affaire, and then spend your evening at the Fantasia! Equine Affaire’s special nighttime show, the Fantasia, will return for three nights only – on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday – at 7:30 pm in the Coliseum. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse and features an incredible variety of exciting equestrian performances set to music.

Tickets for both events are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. General admission tickets are $18 for adults per day and $55 per four-day pass. Admission tickets for children (ages 7-10) are $8 per day. Children six and under get in for free! General admission tickets provide entry to the trade show (spread out across four buildings), all themed pavilions, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, the brand-new Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge, and all clinics, seminars, and demonstrations. General admission tickets will also be available for purchase at the gates, cash only. Please note that separate tickets are required for admission to Fantasia for both children and adults, and range in price from $16 to $27. Fantasia tickets will be available online and at the Equine Affaire Information Booth during the event until they sell out.

Hours for Equine Affaire, including the clinic schedule, trade show, barns, and themed pavilions, are 9 am through 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, and 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The doors to the Coliseum will open at 6:45 pm each evening, and Fantasia will begin at 7:30 pm each night. Please note that the Eastern States Exposition charges for parking!

If you’re ready to book your hotel stay for your visit, check out equineaffaire.com today for a list of our host hotels. Room blocks and discounted rates are available at most properties until October. Mention “Equine Affaire” when you book to receive special rates! Camping on site at the Eastern States Exposition is also available for attendees, exhibitors, and participants. You can learn more about camping on the grounds at our website.

WHAT WILL I SEE?

We’re glad you asked! Equine Affaire has built its reputation on the pillars of equine-related education and entertainment, and this fall’s event will feature hundreds of educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations with some of the industry’s most talented horsemen and horsewomen.

Come learn live and in person from our general horsemanship and training clinicians: Mike Major, Julie Goodnight, Jason Irwin, Brandi Lyons, and Chelsea Canedy. Dive deeper into your discipline of choice with Phillip Dutton (eventing), Steffen Peters (dressage), Andrew Welles (hunter/jumper), Greg Robinson (ranch horse versatility), Jeanne McDonald (dressage), Mark Bolender (mountain trail), Stacey Giere (driving), Bronwyn Irwin (pole bending), Lynn Newton (Western dressage), Carl Bledsoe (easy gaited horses), Jim Masterson (equine bodywork), Marty Whittle (rider biomechanics), Copper Hill Vaulting Team (vaulting), and many more! Phillip Dutton’s presentations are sponsored by Triple Crown Nutrition.

Would you like to ride in a clinic at Equine Affaire? Then you’re in luck! Applications and details for Equine Affaire’s Ride With a Pro clinic program, sponsored by Fairhill Saddlery, are available online at https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/. Apply by September 8 for your opportunity to ride with many of the clinicians who are presenting at Equine Affaire. It’s an affordable and easy way to give yourself and your horse the gift of advanced instruction by some of the nation’s best instructors, coaches, clinicians, and competitors.

In addition to clinics, attendees will enjoy browsing and shopping at the largest horse-related trade show in the east. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or a friend, seeking to outfit one horse or a dozen, wanting to try out brand new products or looking for your faithful favorites, you’re virtually guaranteed to find what you want, need, or just-gotta-have at Equine Affaire! Hundreds of vendors will be on site with products for you to check out, try on, taste, touch, and see. For a full list of vendors expected to be at Equine Affaire, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-trade-show/mass-exhibitors/ and check back often for updates in the months to come.

If you’re new to the horse world, Equine Affaire is your perfect introduction to horses. Check out the Equine Fundamentals Forum for awesome anatomical displays, educational posters and hands-on exhibits, fun activities, and lots more. The EFF is also home to lots of fun kids’ activities, such as arts and crafts and the Stick Horse Rodeo, which happens daily at 3 pm. Once you’ve learned the basics in the EFF, make sure to visit the Breed Pavilion and the Horse & Farm Exhibits. In these areas, you can interact with horses of all different breeds, sizes, shapes, and colors, plus chat with their owners and companions to learn about breed associations, riding organizations, local horse facilities and farms, and lots more. The Horse & Farm Exhibits will also feature horses for sale, as well as horses available for adoption through the ASPCA Right Horse and Equine Affaire’s Adoption Affaire.

Equine Affaire will also feature two incredible competitions this year! First, the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition will take place on Friday, November 10 in the Coliseum. Sponsored by Chewy, this exciting event features up to 25 pre-selected horses and riders who race the clock to tackle an obstacle course. The obstacle course varies from year to year, but every obstacle is designed to test the communication between horse and rider and the versatility skills and athleticism of both parties. Interested equestrians should apply in advance to compete at equineaffaire.com. Applications are due by September 8! Visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-compete/mass-versatile-horse-rider-competition/ for all the details. Next, a brand-new event is coming to Equine Affaire on Saturday, November 11. Emceed by Ifa Simmonds of Equestrian Fitness Academy, the Great Equestrian Fitness Challenge is a fun and exciting competition open to all Equine Affaire attendees – no horses needed! Attendees can sign up on site to participate in one of three events: the Barn Chores Marathon, the Bouncy Pony Race, or the Horse Nugget Relay. Prizes will be awarded to the top ten participants in each event. During the event, sign up on site at the announcer’s table outside the Mallary South Arena.

Are you looking for even more ways to get hands-on with horses? Then you’re in luck! Equine Affaire is proud to offer the Drive A Draft experience in collaboration with Whispery Pines Percherons. With expert guidance from Sam and Kellie Rettinger, learn to drive a single Percheron or a pair of Percherons from the ground on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday at the event. You can sign up on site by visiting the Whispery Pines Percherons stalls in the C-barn! Or if you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or a first responder, consider bringing your whole family to participate in A Horse for Heroes, offered by Operation Horses and Heroes. This special activity is the perfect way to celebrate Veterans Day – and to experience horses in an all-new way. Interested parties can apply in advance through the Ride With a Pro application on our website: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/.

Crown your perfect day at Equine Affaire with a sparkling evening at Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia will take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings in the Coliseum. This magical event is a two-hour showcase that features a medley of inspiring performances by some of the nation’s most talented equestrians and horses. Performers will include the Friesian Heritage Drill Team, liberty performer Melissa Barnett, the Pegasus Trick Riders, the Young Guns drill team, an incredible driving display by the Whispery Pines Percherons and Scott Seymour’s Morrisville Belgians, a comedic routine by Bobby Kerr, and much more! Tickets for Fantasia sell quickly, so make sure to purchase yours in advance at equineaffaire.com.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE AT EQUINE AFFAIRE?

There are tons of ways to participate at Equine Affaire. In addition to applying to ride in a clinic or competition, you can also sign up to participate in special equestrian fitness workshops, consign items in the Marketplace Consignment Shop, or even volunteer! Equine Affaire relies on hundreds of volunteers at each event. Depending on the number of shifts that you work, you can even earn free admission! Volunteers should apply online by September 27, 2023. For more information on consigning your gently-used items at the Marketplace, visit https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-sell/mass-marketplace/. To participate in an Equestrians In Motion workshop with Ifa Simmonds, stay tuned to our website for more details!

If you would like to exhibit products in the trade show at Equine Affaire or represent your farm, horse-related business, or offer horses for sale or adoption in the Horse and Farm Exhibits, please visit our website or contact our friendly staff at the Equine Affaire office. You can call our office at (740) 845-0085, 9:00am-5:00 pm EST (M-F).

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, Triple Crown Nutrition, LRP Matting, and Chewy. To learn more about our event, visit our website, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter/X @equineaffaire. We’ll see you at Equine Affaire!

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08 03

LRP MATTING NAMED AS ‘OFFICIAL MATTING SPONSOR’ AT EQUINE AFFAIRE

COLDWATER, OH, July 27, 2023 — LRP Matting and Equine Affaire, Inc. are proud to announce a sponsorship agreement between both companies, making LRP Matting the ‘Official Matting Sponsor’ of Equine Affaire through 2025. Both parties have committed to an official sponsorship agreement for the Equine Affaire events to be held in W. Springfield, Massachusetts, for the next three years.

As the ‘Official Matting Sponsor,’ LRP Matting will provide and install their high-quality and durable rubber mats for use within the Breed Pavilion display stalls, Breed Pavilion Aisles, Breed Pavilion presentation ring, Equine Fundamentals Forum Demo Ring and walkway, and Mallary North Demo Ring and walkway.

“We are very proud to partner with Equine Affaire and welcome the opportunity to support them at one of the largest equestrian events in the country,” says Kris Baucher, LRP’s Commercial Manager. “Being able to showcase our rubber mats in live-action areas is something we are very excited about. Along with providing flooring solutions in multiple areas, we are also happy to contribute to a safe and comfortable overall event environment.”

25 years in W. Springfield, Massachusetts

Equine Affaire is North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering. Equine Affaire unites horse lovers of all disciplines and interests in the ultimate celebration of the horse. This year’s event, to be held from November 9 – 12, marks the 25th anniversary of Equine Affaire in W. Springfield, Massachusetts.

“Equine Affaire values the opportunity to partner with a great company like LRP Matting, which provides products designed to benefit and enhance the lives of both horses and people,” says Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “We’re excited for this partnership, and we are looking forward to working with Kris and the team at LRP Matting for our events in Massachusetts.”

Shaping Your Environment

Boosting the well-being of both humans and animals, LRP Matting has a solution for every surface and size. LRP’s long-lasting rubber mats – made from the highest quality rubber – ensure optimal levels of protection and comfort. Since 1971, LRP Matting has been manufacturing rubber mats and flooring for use in agricultural, recreational, and industrial facilities. Apart from standard-sized rubber mats, LRP Matting is also specialized in made-to-measure solutions, producing a completely customizable option to fit our client’s individual needs. LRP Matting is shaping your environment! For media inquiries or additional questions about LRP Matting, please contact: Kenny Boons (LRP Matting) at media@drirubber.com.

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, Triple Crown Nutrition, and LRP Matting. 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!

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07 19

MAKE IT AN EQUINE AFFAIRE TO REMEMBER

W. SPRINGFIELD, MA, July 19, 2023 – Life’s too short to sit on the sidelines – especially if you’re an equestrian! If you’ve been waiting for a sign that it’s finally time to bring your horse with you to Equine Affaire, this is it. Pack your saddle bags and join us at the 25th Equine Affaire in Massachusetts this fall, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Whether you want to ride in a clinic, compete for cash, or both, there’s a chance for you to ride at Equine Affaire this year!

Make strides toward your goals in the saddle, on the ground, or behind the cart through Ride With a Pro! Sponsored by Fair Hill Saddlery, the Ride With a Pro program connects equestrians like you with professional coaches, trainers, instructors, and industry experts who can help guide you and your horse in the pursuit of excellence. Mark your calendars and apply by September 8 for the opportunity to participate in a clinic at North America’s premier equine exposition and equestrian gathering.

Whether you’re struggling to master a particular skill, hoping to explore a new discipline, or looking for ways to boost your confidence in the saddle, there’s a RWAP clinic for you. This fall’s class of clinicians includes a wide range of equestrian professionals with a multitude of different teaching styles and perspectives, representing more than a dozen different disciplines. If you’ve always dreamed of riding like a pro, you’ve got to Ride With a Pro! Here’s who you can apply to ride with at Equine Affaire this fall:

Jason Irwin…Colt Starting

Steffen Peters…Dressage

Jean McDonald…Dressage

Stacey Giere…Driving

Carl Bledsoe…Easy Gaited Horses

Jim Masterson…Equine Bodywork

Marty Whittle…Equi Yoga

Phillip Dutton…Eventing

Mike Major…General Training & Horsemanship

Julie Goodnight… General Training & Horsemanship

Brandi Lyons… General Training & Horsemanship

Jason Irwin… General Training & Horsemanship

Chelsea Canedy… General Training & Horsemanship

Andrew Welles…Hunter/Jumper

Mark Bolender…Mountain Trail

Bronwyn Irwin…Pole Bending

Greg Robinson…Ranch Horse Versatility

Lynn Newton…Western Dressage

Anyone 12 years and older is welcome to apply. Since all clinics will be happening at Equine Affaire, applicants should feel comfortable and confident enough in their abilities to ride (or drive) in front of a crowd. For more details on clinic topics, review the 2023 RWAP Clinic Summary Packet, available here: https://equineaffaire.com/events/massachusetts/mass-participate/mass-ride-in-clinics/mass-ride-with-a-pro/. Each clinic summary includes the time and date of the clinic, the topic, and details on whether the clinician is looking for horses and riders with specific skills or issues. All applicants should be prepared to submit an application video, an application form, bio, and photo. Each clinic costs $105, which includes participation in the clinic, admission to Equine Affaire on the day of the clinic, twenty-four hours of stabling, and a free T-shirt. To apply, visit equineaffaire.com (click “Participate,” then “Ride With a Pro”) or you can contact Lori Helsel at LHelsel@equineaffaire.com. All applications are due by September 8, and all applicants will be notified of their selection status by October 13.

Calling all veterans, active duty, and first responders! We have a special opportunity for you this fall at Equine Affaire. We’re partnering with Operation Horses and Heroes, Inc., to bring you “A Horse for Heroes,” which is a chance for you (and your families) to experience the effects of equine-assisted activities and therapies on two different days at Equine Affaire: Friday, November 10, and Saturday, November 11. In the past, we’ve asked participants to sign up for this activity on site at the event; this year, we’re inviting you to apply with our RWAP applicants. There is no clinic fee for this interactive activity, but you will need to submit an application and a bio form to LHelsel@equineaffaire.com. Be sure to visit the RWAP page on our website, as outlined in the paragraph above, to apply.

Are you looking for an extra special kind of thrill this fall? If you and your horse love a challenge, apply to compete in the Versatile Horse and Rider Competition! Open to riders from any discipline and horses of all breeds, the “VHRC” is a timed and judged race through an obstacle course that will test your horsemanship skills as well as your ability to communicate with your horse. This year, the VHRC will take place on Friday, November 10, in the Coliseum at the Eastern States Expo. Many will apply, but only 25 horse-and-rider pairs will be accepted. The first-place winner will receive $2,500 in cash, a champion rosette, and the coveted title of Equine Affaire Versatile Horse & Rider Champion! Second through fourth places will also receive cash prizes of $1,500, $1,000, and $500, respectively, and rosettes, while fifth through tenth places will receive rosettes. Start prepping your application materials today! Visit equineaffaire.com (click “Participate,” then “Versatile Horse & Rider”) to fill out your application form, sign a copy of the VHRC rules, and learn about how to submit an application video. The entry fee is $360 with applications due by September 8. For questions, contact Coagi Long at CLong@equineaffaire.com.

Equine Affaire is proud to celebrate its 25th event in Massachusetts, happening November 9-12, 2023, at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Tickets for Equine Affaire and for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse, are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges its sponsors: Absorbine, US Equestrian, GGT Footing, Horizon Structures, Fair Hill Saddlery, Tribute Equine Nutrition, and Triple Crown Nutrition. 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!

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ELEVATING THE EQUESTRIAN EXPERIENCE SINCE 1994 TM