WALTON - An experienced, seasoned equestrian is bringing high energy and decades of expertise to the Delaware County Fair Horse Show as its new superintendent, following the retirement of volunteers Bill and Terri Sherman at the close of the 2023 fair. Meet Lisa Burdick, the new horse show superintendent, whose career spans 40 years in the equine world. With a résumé that includes roles as a competitor, trainer, judge, and coach at both local and national levels, Burdick hopes to elevate the fair’s offerings while preserving its rich traditions.
She’s shown, trained, judged, and coached across a wide range of disciplines — western, hunt seat, saddleseat, dressage, barrels, eventing, and pleasure driving, Burdick said. Her extensive experience has given her a deep understanding of the horse show circuit, making her an invaluable asset to the fair.
Changes in the department this year include a new ranch class on Friday and a reorganization of the hunter and gymkhana shows. No disciplines have been dropped, she said, “But we are always looking to attract more participants and refine events.”
Burdick acknowledges the challenges of maintaining interest in certain events, noting a steady decline in participation over recent years.
“Gymkhana day remains the strongest event of the week, but we’re committed to evaluating all our offerings to see how we can revitalize them,” she said.
In addition to the traditional competitions, Burdick has overseen the introduction of a new entertainment element.
“We’ve added a trick riding show on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m., replacing the team penning event we lost last year. It’s an exciting addition that we hope will captivate audiences and bring a fresh dynamic to the fair.”
As the equine competitions continue to evolve, Burdick’s leadership promises a blend of innovation and respect for tradition. With her at the helm, this year’s show is set to be a celebration of the equestrian arts, offering something for everyone, from seasoned competitors to enthusiastic spectators.
