Equine Affaire Press Room

LONDON, OH, March 23, 2023 — In just a few short weeks, Equine Affaire will take the Ohio Expo Center by storm for a fabulous long weekend of all things equine and equestrian on April 13-16, 2023. In the midst of that long weekend, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition will return on Friday, April 14, at 1:30 pm in the US Equestrian Coliseum! With $5,500 cash and other prizes at stake, it’s going to be one exciting race as 25 competitors and their mounts vie for the honor of becoming the 2023 Versatile Horse and Rider Champions! In this post, meet five of the talented competitors that will join the race at Equine Affaire.

Melinda Arnitsis

Horse: Bella Beretta, 12 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 has a lot of spice and so much heart.  She is one of those mares that you have to ask her questions and not tell her what to do. I know she has it in her to be the best.”

April Baronas

Horse: I Can’t Eeven, 8 year old Mustang mare

April has been training “Eevee” for five years. This past December, Eevee became April’s first horse – presented on Christmas Eve with a big red bow, many tears, and all. Together, this pair has competed in hunter/jumper, dressage, versatility, trail, mounted archery, and mostly recently, ranch riding. They have earned many top placings in local, regional, and (virtual) national shows, including back to back trail division championships in 2021 and 2022 at the Woodstock Fair and 9^th place at the 2022 MA Versatile Horse and Rider Competition. The 2022 competition marked April and Eevee’s 5^th VHRC and 5^th top 10 run. April says, “Although she would much rather just play, Eevee is always game to participate in whatever I ask of her and tries her hardest doing it. ‘I Can’t Eeven’ begin to think of a better partner than Eevee, and am so proud of everything we’ve accomplished together.”

Brittany Buchanan

Horse: Crème de Motion, 14 year old Tennessee Walker gelding

In 2014, Brittany purchased a green 5 year old Walking horse. “I had no business at the time finishing out a spunky young horse,” Brittany says. “But I immediately fell in love with this gelding and gave it my all.” In their time together, Brittany and “Momo” have enjoyed riding in all around classes, trail, dressage, obstacles, fun shows, and more. In 2017, they discovered the joys of endurance riding – but they had to take a break from long distance rides when Brittany became pregnant. Brittany’s daughter was born blind, and coincidentally, Momo later lost an eye of his own – but he doesn’t let that stop him. Brittany and Momo hope to dust off their competition skills and come back strong this year with the 2023 VHRC in Ohio!

Tammy Burgard

Horse: WR Classic Whiskey, 10 year old mare

Tammy has owned “Whiskey” since she was a 4 year old, and has been her only trainer for the six years that they’ve been a team. Tammy and Whiskey have won many championships at the state, regional, and national levels. They compete in Extreme Cowboy Racing (EXCA) and other obstacle competitions. For the past six years, Whiskey has finished in the top 10 at the EXCA World Championships. In 2022, they finished the year with a reserve world championship. “I could not be more proud of this mare,” Tammy says. “She is all heart and always does her best.”

Mike Cassedy

Horse: Wakiyan, 8 year old Mustang mare

Mike, or Pappa Mike as he is known, and Wakiyan come from Burlington, Kentucky. Mike is a Mustang TIP Trainer with a passion for working with mustangs. Mike and Wakiyan have been together for five years and compete in trail challenges, cow sorting, barrels, poles, and versatility. In 2018, 2019, and 2020, they took part in the Extreme Mustang Makeover.

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 16, 2023 – Don’t rely on luck alone this year to see you through your show season! Come to Equine Affaire in Ohio to brush up on your horsemanship skills and learn live and in person from the nation’s premier equestrian educators, coaches, trainers, and more. Putting in the hard work of studying your craft – whether it’s from the saddle as a participant in a clinic or from the bleachers as an avid student – is the greatest gift you can give yourself and your horses. You’re invited to attend the best place on earth for equestrians to learn: Equine Affaire!

North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering will be at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus, Ohio, on April 13-16, 2023. Horsemanship aficionados Guy McLean (general horsemanship), Jonathan Field (general horsemanship & training), Julie Goodnight (general horsemanship & training), and Jason Irwin (general horsemanship & training) lead a class of dozens of clinicians who will be at the event, ready to produce more than 150 educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations. Will you be there?

The full schedule for Equine Affaire in Ohio is available online. Hours for the event are from 9 am to 7 pm, Thursday through Saturday, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sunday. That means you’ve got approximately 38 hours to learn from our general horsemanship clinicians as well as Brad Barkemeyer (reined cow horse & roping), Nona Garson (hunter/jumper), JJ Tate (dressage), Bryan Penquite (reining), Rita Timpanaro (hunter/jumper), Bronwyn Irwin (pole bending), Sterling Graburn (driving), Carl Bledsoe (easy gaited horses), Suzanne Galdun (biomechanics), Ali Kermeen (working equitation), Carrie Brandt & Laura Benson (Resonant Riding/Icelandics), Wendy Murdoch (horsemanship and Sure Foot), Karin Bump, PhD (college/career fair), Larkspur Carroll, DVM (alternative therapies), Kimberly Cole, PhD (forages), Robert Coleman, DVM (stable management), Barb DiPalma (arena footing), Sky Epperson (mustangs), Mandee Flanders (equine business), Amanda Held (mustangs), Carol Herder (hoof care), Sheryl Mankel (acupressure), Dan Moore, DVM (veterinary), Kellie & Sam Rettinger (draft horses), Tim Shuttleworth (manure composting), Ifa Simmonds (equestrian fitness), Annamarie Sims (mustangs), Mackenzie Turrisi (hoof care), Carol Walker (equine photography), Karen Wimbush, PhD (reproduction & breeding), Donna Woods (light therapy), Melyni Worth, PhD (herbs & nutrition), and more!

Guy McLean is a self-taught, Australian-born horse trainer and teacher who possesses an uncanny ability to entertain an audience with his magnetic personality, authentic bush poetry, quick wit, cracking stock whips, and almost supernatural connection with horses. Through a complete love of horses and a burning desire to “find better ways” of building relationships with horses, Mr. McLean developed his own training methods to “ask” the horse to do the job as a partner. He has won multiple colt-starting championships in Australia and America, is a two-time Australian Bush Poetry Champion, and was recognized as “Ambassador of the Outback” in 2002 and 2006. While maintaining a home base in Australia, Mr. McLean now travels throughout the United States to perform and present at prominent equestrian events, including the World Equestrian Games, the National Rodeo Finals, Dressage at Devon, the Washington International Horse Show, and major equine expos and fairs. He has also produced an educational DVD series to share his training approaches and philosophies with riders of all disciplines.

Jonathan Field is a horseman, published author, and renowned international clinician. He grew up in both English and Western saddles before becoming a full-time cowboy on one of the largest cattle ranches in Canada. Mr. Field has dedicated his life to helping people develop the skills to have a connection with horses. His foundation training program is embraced by people around the world, from those new to horses to elite competitors and industry professionals. Overcoming obstacles, creating an environment where learning can thrive, and having fun while doing it are trademarks of his unique style. Mr. Field has been featured on national television including CBS and the Red Bull Media House. He is a recipient of the Jack Brainard Horseman’s award and has taught alongside top equestrian coaches and Olympic medalists in eventing, jumping, and reining. He is also a two-time Road to the Horse finalist, a TEDx presenter, and stunt man in several major motion pictures. He is the published author of “The Art of Liberty Training for Horses” and has produced more than a dozen digital training films.

Growing up in the 1960s on a small horse farm in central Florida, Julie Goodnight developed a connection with horses from a young age. Now an internationally renowned trainer and clinician, Ms. Goodnight is a rarity in that she has ridden and trained extensively in multiple disciplines, both English and Western, working with many breeds. Her focus is on classical horsemanship and developing the horse and rider’s relationship. Ms. Goodnight started her horse training business in 1985. Her methods are grounded in natural horsemanship, classical riding, and understanding what motivates horses. She teaches at clinics, expos, and special events everywhere, and produces an award-winning podcast, “Ride On with Julie Goodnight.” Ms. Goodnight travels both domestically and internationally to lead riding adventures and teach horsemanship. She was named Exceptional Equestrian Educator by Equine Affaire, and is Spokesperson for the Certified Horsemanship Association, an organization focused on promoting safety and excellence in horsemanship. She holds their highest level of certification, Master Clinic Instructor.

Jason Irwin is a lifelong equestrian and horse trainer from Ontario, Canada. He and his wife, Bronwyn, operate Jason and Bronwyn Irwin Horsemanship. Together, they teach horse training clinics, put on training demonstrations, and present at horse events throughout North America. Mr. Irwin began his training career focusing on colt starting and fixing problem horses and later added advanced training and liberty work. Mr. Irwin works with both western and English riders of all skill levels. Jason and Bronwyn host the TV show “The Horse Trainers” on The Cowboy Channel Canada and RFD-TV Canada. They have created several video training series and regularly post training information on their social media accounts.

Tickets for Equine Affaire and Fantasia are on sale now at equineaffaire.com. General admission tickets include entry to all clinics, sessions, and demonstrations; all themed pavilions; the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition; the ILHA Freestyle Invitational; and all interactive activities. Separate tickets are required for Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s musical celebration of the horse. Sponsored by Absorbine, Fantasia is a nighttime equine variety show that will take place nightly at 7:30 pm on Thursday, April 13; Friday, April 14; and Saturday, April 15, featuring a host of incredible performers such as Guy McLean, the Diamond D Cowgirls, the Friesian Drill Heritage Team, Whispery Pines Percherons, and others. Buy your tickets to Fantasia fast – seats are selling out for this popular event! Please note that the Ohio Expo Center charges for parking. Still need accommodations? Visit our website to peruse our list of host hotels.

Equine Affaire is thankful for the generous support of sponsors like Absorbine, Rod’s, US Equestrian, Espana Silk, and GGT Footing. To learn more about Equine Affaire, 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!

LONDON, OH, March 6, 2023 — If you’re proud of your horses, business, farm, organization, association, brand, or any or all of the above, declare it! Bring the whole “horse and farm” to Ohio this spring and share your pride and joy with the world at one of the most renowned equine expositions in North America. Equine Affaire returns to the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus on April 13-16, 2023. Consider this your invitation to join us and become part of this incredible event. Tens of thousands of horse lovers and equestrians are already making their plans to attend (or exhibit!) at Equine Affaire. Will you be among them?

The Horse & Farm Exhibits at Equine Affaire present visitors with a glimpse into the wide world of horses by showcasing a variety of breeds, from the familiar to the fascinating, as well as businesses, associations, farms, stallions, horses for sale, and more. Exhibiting is easy, economical, and fun, and there are multiple ways for equine businesses to participate in one of Equine Affaire’s most popular exhibits. 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 you can participate. Promote your farm, stallion, or equine services with a Horse & Farm Exhibit Stall. Prices are $160 for an in-line stall, $185 for an end-stall in the center aisle of the barn, and $215 for an end stall on an outer aisle of the barn.

Regardless of position, all stalls are 10 x 10 stalls in the Gilligan Complex and come with:

• A listing of the stall number, farm name, horse breed, and phone number (or website) on equineaffaire.com before the event
• A listing of the above in the official event program
• One four-day admission ticket to Equine Affaire ($52 value)
• Tack stalls are available for an additional $110 each.

During the event, visitors love walking up and down the barn aisles, greeting exhibitors, meeting the horses, and collecting information or taking photos. Put your best foot forward and plan to meet and greet with a host of new fans and friends! To participate in the Horse & Farm exhibits, exhibitors must commit to presenting for at least three days.

Do you have horses for sale, or are you an equine rescue or sanctuary interested in placing horses for adoption? Take advantage of this opportunity to put your horse in front of tens of thousands of potential buyers or adopters with a For Sale Stall or Adoption Affaire Stall! These stalls are an economical and easy way to market horses in need of a new home. Prices are $160 for an in-line stall, $185 for an end-stall in the center aisle of the barn, and $215 for an end stall on an outer aisle of the barn. All stalls are 10 x 10 stalls in the Gilligan Complex, and include:

• A “For Sale” or “Adoption Affaire” sign to post on the stall
• A free listing on equineaffaire.com before the event
• A listing in the event program
• One four-day admission ticket to Equine Affaire ($52 value)
• The option to sign up to display your horse in one of two exciting Sale Horse Showcase events during Equine Affaire
• If a horse sells early, you may substitute another horse!
• Tack stalls are available for an additional $110 each.

The Sale Horse Showcase events will take place twice throughout the weekend and consist of the opportunity to ride, lead, or pony your sale horse or adoptee through the coliseum in front of crowds of interested attendees. Equine Affaire debuted this brand-new feature in Massachusetts last November to rave reviews, and we’re excited to bring it to Ohio.

Join Equine Affaire by reserving your stall today. For more information on the Horse & Farm Exhibits, to sign up for a spot in the Sale Horse Showcase, or to book your stall, contact Jessica Anderson at (740) 845-0085 ext. 112 or janderson@equineaffaire.com. You can also ask Jessica about participating in breed demonstrations during the event.

As North America’s premier equine expo and equestrian gathering, Equine Affaire elevates the equestrian experience for horse lovers of all ages. With more than 150 educational sessions, world-class shopping, championship competitions, and plenty of interactive exhibits, Equine Affaire offers something for everyone in the family. Visit equineaffaire.com for schedules, tickets, and additional details.

Equine Affaire gratefully acknowledges the generous sponsors who are making this year’s event possible: Absorbine, Rod’s, US Equestrian, Espana Silk, and GGT Footing. See you at Equine Affaire in Ohio!