LONDON, OH, December 19, 2018 – Give yourself the gift of better horsemanship by applying to Ride with a Pro at the 2019 Equine Affaire in Columbus, Ohio. Equine Affaire’s robust clinic program offers equestrians of all skill levels and disciplines the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to saddle up with the industry’s top professionals. The 2019 Equine Affaire, which will take place at the Ohio Expo Center on April 11-14, will feature such renowned horsemanship trainers as Guy McLean, Julie Goodnight, Steve Lantvit, Jason Irwin, and many more.

“Part of Equine Affaire’s mission is to improve the skills of horsemen and horsewomen,” said Coagi Long, president of Equine Affaire. “The Ride with a Pro program enables us to do that through clinics and demonstrations, but what makes the program unique is its diversity. We strive to offer clinics in as many different disciplines as we can at every Equine Affaire so that there’s truly something for everyone.”

With more than 200 educational sessions, clinics, and demonstrations on the schedule, the Ride with a Pro program offers novices and experts alike the opportunity to learn something new. This year’s clinicians are seeking participants of all skill levels and interests, as well as horses and riders with specific issues. Presenters include Guy McLean and Julie Goodnight (natural horsemanship), Steve Lantvit (general training and horsemanship), Jason Irwin (foundation training and general horsemanship), Neil Davies (fear-free horse training), Mette Rosencrantz (dressage), Candice King (hunter/jumper), Sandy Collier (reined cow horse), Jesse Westfall (reining), Jane Melby (barrel racing), Dana Hokana (western horsemanship and hunter under saddle), Muffy Seaton (driving), and Michael Gascon (easy gaited horses). More presenters will be announced soon, so check equineaffaire.com often for updates.

Clinic fees range from $75 to $350 and include participation in the clinic, admission to Equine Affaire on the day of the clinic, and twenty-four hours of stabling for your horse. The deadline to apply for all clinics is February 15, 2019. To apply for your opportunity to Ride with a Pro, visit equineaffaire.com (select the Ohio event, click “Participate” and then “Ride with a Pro”), or by calling (740) 845-0085 or emailing clong@equineaffaire.com.

Interested equestrians are also invited to apply for the Versatility Horse and Rider Competition, hosted by Equine Affaire on Friday, April 12, at 1:00 pm in the Coliseum. The “VHRC” features a timed race through an obstacle course, specially designed to test the communication and partnership between horse and rider. Judges will evaluate competitors based on horsemanship criteria as well as overall performance. Up to 25 pre-selected horse and rider pairs will compete for $5,500 in prize money. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top four contestants with ribbons presented through tenth place. The $350 entry fee includes three single-day admission tickets and stabling for one horse, Wednesday through Saturday of the event. All applications are due by February 15, 2019. Application materials are available online at equineaffaire.com.

Designed for equestrians by equestrians, Equine Affaire in Ohio presents the ultimate experience in all things equine. In addition to clinics, demonstrations, and more, visitors can learn all about horses from the ground up with the Horse & Farm Exhibits, the Breed Pavilion, the Equine Fundamentals Forum, and the Your Farm Forum. Horse owners and horse lovers alike will love browsing the aisles in the largest horse-related trade show in North America, while the hands-on exhibits will thrill visitors of all ages. The Fantasia, Equine Affaire’s beloved musical celebration of the horse, will return each evening, April 11-13. Bookmark equineaffaire.com and check back often for event schedules, ticket information, and more. Tickets for Equine Affaire and The Fantasia are on sale now!