Equine Affaire’s popular test of horsemanship, the Versatile Horse & Rider Competition, will once again be an entertaining as well as educational part of the event. Up to 25 pre-selected horse and rider teams will race through a challenging obstacle course in the coliseum on Friday, April 13, in pursuit of $5,500 and the coveted title of Versatile Horse & Rider Competition Champion. The VHRC is open to adult riders of all disciplines and horses of all breeds and has evolved over the years into one of the most popular features of Equine Affaire. Put your skills to the test—or come and cheer on your favorite contestants in this exciting, fast-paced event! The deadline to apply to compete is February 20.

“100% of our proceeds goes to Nellie’s Catwalk 4Kids www.NC4K.org to help children, and their families, fighting cancer,” Amy says. “Childhood cancer research is vastly and consistently underfunded, but is the leading cause of death in children under 15. I have witnessed Nellie’s incredible work first hand, and I have loved working with her. We have high goals for this year ($10,000) and we were so close last year raising $8,800!”

American Horse Publications is conducting their Equine Industry Survey for the fourth time. The 2018 survey is intended to gauge trends and management practices in the U.S. equine industry.

“In layman’s terms, this rule change means an exhibitor’s points and experience in traditional show classes—Western pleasure, trail and Western riding—no longer affect his or her Novice eligibility in similar ranch classes, and vice versa,” APHA Amateur Director Savannah Robbins explained. “As the popularity of ranch events continues to rise, the Amateur Committee decided to move the ranch disciplines into their own Novice categories, thereby making it easier for our Paint Horse exhibitors to dip their toes into these exciting classes at a level suited to their experience.”

The tentative schedule for the 2018 Pinto World Championship Show is now online. The event will take place June 11-23 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Click here to view the show schedule. Click here to view the fee schedule.