Category Archives: Sydney Masters-Durieux

Youngest Rider at Gucci Masters/Paris Teams with Friend for Toys for Tots Drive

Emanuel Andrade Newest Junior Ambassador to the Step by Step Foundation

Daniela Stransky riding Starlight and representing Venezuela at the 3rd annual Gucci Masters in Paris. Photo by Sophie Durieux.

PALM BEACH COUNTY, FL – December 12, 2011 – Daniela Stransky made her European show jumping debut at the 3rd annual Gucci Masters, which ran from December 2 to 4, 2011 in Paris, France. The 15 year old was the youngest rider at the prestigious international horse show and the only competitor representing Venezuela.

Cheered on by her mother Liliane Stransky, the founder of the international charity Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com) and owner of Stransky’s Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida, and her trainer Hector Florentino of the Dominican Republic, Daniela piloted her mare Starlight to two fault free and speedy rounds.  Just out of the ribbons, the tenacious teen vowed to return next year with her friend and fellow Venezuelan rider Emanuel Andrade (15).

Continue reading Youngest Rider at Gucci Masters/Paris Teams with Friend for Toys for Tots Drive

Daniela Stransky Takes Gold for Venezuela & Champions Children’s Charity during FEI Americas Jumping Championships

Daniela Stransky and Ikarus

Florida Teen Wins Best Individual Junior Rider during Final Leg of Competition in Ecuador

Daniela Stransky, the 15 year old equestrian from Stransky’s Mission Farm who champions the children’s charity Step by Step Foundation, piloted her gelding Ikarus to the Junior Jumper Best Individual Rider Medal during the final weekend of the 2011 FEI Americas Jumping Championships held in Guayaquil, Ecuador from July 26 to 31, 2011.

More than 85 top young show jumping riders, ages 12 to 21, came from over a dozen countries including Colombia, Peru, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Canada and the United States to compete at the prestigious international competition hosted by the Ecuador Equestrian Federation from July 26 to 31, 2011. Representing her native Venezuela for the first time, Stransky competed over double courses designed by Mrs. Marina Acevedo of Brazil on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

The Miami Dade County High School student took top honors aboard her big gray Warm Blood and was the only rider from her country to compete in the high Junior division. She was awarded the individual gold for her efforts.

“It is an honor to have my daughter represent her native country,” stated Daniela’s mother Liliane.  “We are so very proud that she had such success her first time here.”

Continue reading Daniela Stransky Takes Gold for Venezuela & Champions Children’s Charity during FEI Americas Jumping Championships

Daniela Stransky Launches Step Forward Therapeutic Riding Plan Accepted by Pepsi Refresh

Daniela Stransky’s ‘Step Forward’ Plan for Pepsi Refresh Project to Bring Horses to Disadvantaged & Disabled Children in Florida & Beyond

Vote & Help Create Jobs & Offer New Skills to Community in Need

Stransky's Mission Farm staff working with a Step Forward child on a pony

Junior Jumper champion Daniela Stransky of Miami Beach, Florida believes horses are the key to helping disadvantaged and disabled children realize a fuller and happier life.  To help jump-start the therapy riding program at Stransky’s Mission Farm at Le Club Wellington, the 15-year-old came up with the “Step Forward” campaign and sent her idea to the Pepsi Refresh Project.  The program will start by assisting the Miami Dade County and Palm Beach communities, with the ambitious goal of expanding to serve other communities in the U.S and around the world.  To vote for ‘Step Forward,’ go to http://www.refresheverything.com/stepforward.

For the second year, Pepsi has asked people from across the United States to submit bold ideas that have the power to move communities forward, focusing on Education, Communities and Arts & Music. “I came up with this ‘Step Forward’ because I ride horses and they are a constant inspiration in my life,” explained the Miami Country Day High School student.  “I love horses, assisting others, and helping others help themselves. My ‘Step Forward’ equestrian therapy program will help kids experience horses and learn from them, feel empowered, make new friends, and dream new dreams.  I know personally, horses can become your best friend, and this program will allow kids who need a best friend to have one.”

Continue reading Daniela Stransky Launches Step Forward Therapeutic Riding Plan Accepted by Pepsi Refresh

Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Trainer & Teens Champion Children’s Charity & Take Lead in $30k Challenge & Junior Competitions

Hector Florentino piloting Ultimo to victory in the $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic. Photo by Rebecca Walton, Phelps Media

Lexington KY – May 15, 2011 – The Kentucky Spring Horse Shows, held May 11-15, featured the exciting debut of the 2011 Hagyard Challenge Series, consisting of seven grand prix classes to be held during the 2011 show series at the Kentucky Horse Park. Following the final event, a cash prize of $45,000 will be awarded to the rider accumulating the most points throughout the series. The top riders from across the nation gathered to compete over a challenging course during the lead off event on Thursday night’s $30,000 Hagyard Lexington Classic, CSI 2*. At the end of the two round competition, it was Hector Florentino aboard Stransky Mission Farm’s Ultimo in the winner’s circle.

Florentino, the head trainer and rider at Stransky Mission Farm in Wellington, Florida, now leads in the standings. The talented rider from the Dominican Republic is not only riding for owner Liliane Stransky but is a member of “Team Step by Step,” a group of riders of different levels, ages, and countries, who compete on the Hunter & Jumper A-Circuit to help raise awareness and funds for her international children’s charity, Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com).

Continue reading Stransky Mission Farm’s Team Step by Step Riders Top Competition at Kentucky Spring Horse Shows

Soon-to-Be Godparents Pablo Barrios and Daniela Stransky

Photo by: Kathy Andersen

Olympic show jumping veteran Pablo Barrios and junior jumper champion Daniela Stransky have more than their native Venezuela, their homes in Palm Beach, horses and riding in common. Hector Florentino of Stransky Mission Farm at Le Club Wellington has asked the duo to be Godparents for his and his wife Eve De Lengaigne’s first child, a daughter due this summer.

Sydney Masters
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Brazilian Grand Prix Icon Paulo Santana Wins Step by Step Foundation’s All In for Charity Poker Tournament Championship

Step by Step Founder Liliane Stransky & Grand Prix rider Paulo Santana, who was the evening's Poker Champion, by Mancini Photos

International Equestrians Unite to Raise Funds & Awareness for Children in Need at Dinner Benefit at Winter Equestrian Festival

Wellington, FL – Olympic show jumping legend Margie Engle and international children’s charity founder Liliane Stransky joined forces for the Step by Step Foundation’s second annual All In for Charity Poker Tournament and dinner benefit on Sunday, March 13 in Wellington, FL.  After Richard Spooner rode to victory in the $25,000 Suncast Jumper Classic, the action shifted to the tents for some fast paced, high stakes gaming in the Grand Prix Pavilion at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Engle, who was the Event Chair, was on hand with Stransky to welcome guests to the fun filled evening that featured fine food and good times for a great cause. Guests enjoyed a lovely buffet dinner as DJ Mario kept the music pumping, but it was the poker action that drew in the serious players and international teams.  Stransky had assembled a strong lineup of lovely ladies on her team including Engle, event organizer Kathy Andersen, Junior Jumper champion Daniela Stransky, and grand prix veteran Hillary Dobbs.  After donning their bright orange team Polos, the girls sat down to take on all challengers and raise funds for the children.

Continue reading Brazilian Grand Prix Icon Paulo Santana Wins Step by Step Foundation’s All In for Charity Poker Tournament Championship

Hillary Dobbs at the 2010 Washington International Horse Show

Photos by Diana De Rosa.

Former CNN anchor Lou Dobbs’s daughter Hillary showed her wining style at the 2010 Washington International Horse Show in DC the last week. The 22 year old, who lives between Palm Beach, FL and Sussex, NJ, competed as “The Flash” aboard Marengo placing in second during always colorful and exciting $20,000 Gambler’s Choice Costume Class. Rodrigo Pessoa won the class, decked out in an authentic Formula One racing outfit, complete with helmet.  Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s daughter Georgina (also of Palm Beach and NYC) placed 6th, in a full nun’s habit.  The 3rd place ribbon in the costume class went to Shane Sweetnam, who partnered with Dobbs to win Saturday night’s $15,000 Open Jumper Pair Relay.

Please contact the Washington International Horse show www.wihs.org.

Sarah Ward Wins $2,000 A/O Handy Hunter Class Despite Torn ACL & Meniscus at WIHS

ATLANTA, GA – October 29, 2010 — Despite riding with a torn ACL and meniscus and year-long effort to earn a place to compete at the 52nd annual Washington International Horse Show in DC, the payoff was big for Sarah Ward of Atlanta, GA on Wednesday, October 27, 2010.  The 20 year old equestrian, who trains with Jack Towell and Liza Boyd of Finally Farm in SC, piloted her gelding Onassis to the victory in the $2,000 Amateur Owner Handy Hunter Stake (35 and under) putting in a flawless round against 23 other top riders; the pair also placed 7th in the 3,000 A/O Hunter Stakes during the competition.  The University of South Carolina sophomore will now have surgery on her right knee to be performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. John Xerogeanes, head of the Emory Sports Medicine Center in Atlanta, GA.

By Sydney Masters-Durieux

Step by Step Benefit for Children at PBIEC Hosted by Olympian Margie Engle

Olympic Show Jumping Medalist Margie Engle & Step by Step Foundation’s Liliane Stransky Host 2nd Annual “All In for Charity 2011” Poker Tournament & Charity Benefit for Children in Need around the World

(Sunday, March 13, 2011 – 6:30 PM to Midnight)

WHO:  Event Chair Margie Engle, an Olympic medalist and 10-time AGA Rider of the Year, and Step by Step Foundation’s President Liliane Stransky, will host the “All In for Charity 2011” poker tournament and charity benefit dinner.  Olympic riders Chris Kappler, Jimmy and Danielle Torano, international course designer Olaf Peterson, and ESP’s CEO Mark Bellissimo, will be among the guests invited back to the tables for this fun filled benefit and night of gaming.

WHAT: Step by Step Foundation’s 2nd annual benefit to help raise funds for children in need around the world.  The transformation into a fun-filled casino will take place in The Hospitality Tent, overlooking the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s international arena. General admission will include a catered buffet dinner and a seat at the tables for roulette, craps, poker, Three Card Draw, Black Jack, and other games of chance. There will be dancing and a DJ, exclusive art, equestrian merchandise, celebrity memorabilia, and prizes awarded throughout the night.

Continue reading Step by Step Benefit for Children at PBIEC Hosted by Olympian Margie Engle

News Bits about Hillary Dobbs, Liliane Stransky, and Roger Young Stables

Photo by David Mullinix Photography

Hillary Dobbs
Hillary Dobbs hit the million dollar mark in winnings during the 41st annual Lake Placid Horse Shows.  The 22 year old Harvard graduate placed second aboard Marengo in the $30,000 Intercat, Inc. Open Jumper Classic CSI 2* pushed jumped her past the million dollar mark. Her victory in the $30,000 Battenkill Grand Prix, the 2nd year she has won it, also on Marengo at the Vermont Summer Festival WEEK 2 put her total earnings to date at $1,023,785.75.

Liliane Stransky/Stransky Mission Farms/Step by Step Foundation

Photo by Kathy Anderson

The tornado that slammed into the Olympic stadium may have delayed the XXI Central American and Caribbean Games in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, but it didn’t dampen the competition or spectators’ spirits. “You can plan for almost anything,” stated Liliane Stransky, the owner of Stransky’s Mission Farm and founder of the Step by Step charity. “I have learned the hard way, there is no plan with nature.  Every day is unexpected, and thank God no people, or horses, were seriously hurt.” Stransky celebrated the finishing of the Step by Step Foundation’s new Tipa Tipa Elementary School in Haiti with her 14 year old daughter Daniela by cheering on both Hector Florentino (Dominican Republic) riding their bay Ultimo, and Diego Muyshodndt (El Salvador) on their jumper Ikarus, in the CAC show jumping competitions. 31 nations were scheduled to participate.

Photo Courtesy of Roger Young Stables

Congratulations to rider, trainer, and judge Gary Young of Roger Young Stables and his lovely wife Michaela on the opening of Camden Equine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Center in South Carolina. Soon their two year old daughter Stella will be able to take the reins in the family business!

By Sydney Masters-Durieux