Category Archives: Community/Charity

Community/Charity, Competitions, Disciplines, Dressage, Events

Canterbury Showplace USDF/USEF May Days Qualifier Show Sponsor Opportunities

February 18, 2011 Associate Editor 1 Comment

Be included with this year’s Canterbury May Day Qualifier Dressage Show, May 14-15, 2011 in Newberry, Florida!

Set in the beautiful horse country of north central Florida, this special show will host some of the south’s finest competition riders and horses. Canterbury Showplace has been at this for 6 years now and each show has grown bigger and better than ever. This year with the help of our sponsors they are holding the $1000.00 Freestyle Challenge under the lights on Saturday evening. They are also advertising it to the community to raise awareness about the sport of dressage. There will be an evening program printed for the spectators who can pick their favorite horse and rider combo and cheer them on. The Musical free styles are the “creative” portion of the daily scheduled dressage rides and this year they are hosting about 2 hours of this beautiful performance.

Can you be a participant either by; 1) coming and riding, or 2) perhaps sponsoring a division or 3) becoming a Bronze, Silver or Gold sponsor. See below for the benefits for each level. This is a unique and fun show that people look forward to every year. Last year Canterbury ran 3 rings both days. Their goal is 4 this year. With the new $2100.00 Classics on Sunday, sponsored by Fleet Footing, people will have added opportunity to win a bit of prize money which brings even more folks to the show!

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Become part of the exciting world of dressage competitions!

This dynamic sport is one of the fastest growing segments in the horse industry. Your company, product or service will be pre-targeted to an upscale equestrian market.

The competition runs over three days and brings people from all over the southeast. Many of them will need products or services that you have to offer. Decide to enjoy the weekend and boost your identity by becoming a sponsor.

$150.00 Division Sponsor-1/4 page ad in program, announcements

$300.00 Bronze Level- 1/2 page ad in program, banner on ring, public announcements (PA) mentions throughout the day, promotional booth for one day.

$500.00 Silver Level-Full page ad in program, banner on holding pen, PA mentions, booth space for promotions for the 3 days, listed on website.

$1000.00 Gold Level-banner on ring, PA mentions, booth space for promotions, listed on website and your business linked to Canterbury website for a full year, a one year’s sign space rental FREE (value 425.00 for a 4 X 8 space) you provide banner or sign

Please contact Wendy Low at email canterburyshows@bellsouth.net or 352-472-6758 or just complete the form below and mail to 3520 SW 162 St. Archer, FL 32618. Make check to Canterbury Showplace, Inc.

Estimated Demographics:

Attendees-150 horses

Each horse brings in approximately 3.5 people

Household Income averages 75K and upwards

Each family owns a 3/4 ton truck

Each family owns a 2-8 horse trailer

Business Name____________________________________________________

Address_________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip____________________________________________________

Email/Phone______________________________________________________

URL www.________________________________________________________

Contact Person_____________________________________

See more info & fill out the form at the Canterbury Showplace PDF

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Phelps Media Group

Pinata Ponies to Help the Horses of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue

February 18, 2011 Associate Editor 1 Comment

February 18, 2011 — Wellington, FL — Each week a special Pinata Pony will be around the show grounds in Wellington. Tickets are sold for the Pinata Pony; the proceeds will benefit the horses of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue. You can participate by contacting or visiting the vendor who has the pony and is supplying the major gift in the pony. The pony is filled with goodies and a special item.

This week the pony is at Michelle Farmer’s store at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Michelle has donated one of her unique necklaces, the “Kathryn” shown here with 14kt gold, rust leather and white baroque pearls, valued at $400.

Participation tickets are $10 each. For more information on Michelle Farmer’s designs you can visit www.michellefarmer.com. For directions to Michelle’s store, where tickets can be purchased please contact 516 769 3365 or email michelle@michellefarmer.com.

Each week the location of the new Pinata Pony will be listed on the website of Pure Thoughts Horse Rescue at www.PTHR.org. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the rescue. This week you have the opportunity to not only help the horses but also receive a beautiful one of a kind necklace, along with a pony full of goodies… that is if you can bear to break open the pretty little pony. Michelle has picked out a beautiful pony this week.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Fundraisers, JRPR

Pat Parelli Joins Star-Studded Line-Up of Judges for Vinceremos “Buck Off” Mechanical Bull Riding Contest

February 16, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

ChyneFrontierDays1 — Pat Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and other judges during VTRC’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest. (Photo by Hubbell Photography)

Wellington, FL (February 16, 2011) – There’s no bull about it that Pat Parelli, the founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, understands the relationship between a horse and rider. As a former rodeo bareback bronc rider, Parelli will put his rodeo knowledge to work for a great cause when he joins Robert Dover, Margie Engle, and an esteemed panel of judges during the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center’s Mechanical Bull Riding Contest.

Parelli, who won the Bareback Rookie of the Year title in 1972, will help judge the “Final Buck Off” during the Vinceremos Dinner and Auction at the International Polo Club on February 18th. The “Buck Off” competition will take place during a Vinceremos benefit and auction entitled “My First Pony”.

Vinceremos, located in Loxahatchee near the famed grounds of the Winter Equestrian Festival, uses horses and therapy to enhance the lives of special needs people in Palm Beach County.

Continue reading Pat Parelli Joins Star-Studded Line-Up of Judges for Vinceremos “Buck Off” Mechanical Bull Riding Contest →

Awards, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Events, JRPR, Show Jumping

Laura Kraut and Cedric Do It Again and Win Grand Prix and Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during WEF

February 16, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Wellington, FL (February 15, 2011) – Gold Medal Olympian Laura Kraut and her Olympic partner Cedric turned on the speed and the power during the $150,000 FEI World Cup Grand Prix, presented by Spy Coast Farm, to ride away the victor in the class that featured six other Olympians. During the fifth week of the prestigious 2011 FTI Winter Equestrian Festival, Kraut and Cedric also rode away, for the second week in a row, as the winner of The Sanctuary Peak Performance Award.

Sponsored by The Sanctuary Equine Sports Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, the Peak Performance Award is presented to the winner of the Grand Prix. “I heard Laura said that she and Cedric went as fast as they could go and turned as tight as possible, and I believe it,” said Brenda McDuffee, General Manager of The Sanctuary. “It was an amazing jump-off and Laura and Cedric certainly gave it their all and deserved to ride into the winner’s circle.”

McDuffee also congratulated Kraut on her second Sanctuary Peak Performance Award. “The competition was extremely tough in the Grand Prix, with 40 riders starting including seven Olympians and a field of world-class riders. For the second week in a row, Laura and Cedric were phenomenal and we look forward to seeing them at our new Sanctuary facility located on the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds.”

Continue reading Laura Kraut and Cedric Do It Again and Win Grand Prix and Sanctuary Peak Performance Award during WEF →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Publications/Media

NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #6, by Claire Dorotik

February 15, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

NO SECRET SO CLOSE is the story of a the most unthinkable betrayal humanly possible — at only 24 years old, Claire Dorotik’s father has been murdered, her mother arrested, and now, in a sinister twist of fate, Claire’s mother points the finger at Claire, accusing her of killing her own father. Battling the feelings of loss, abandonment, terror, and dissociation, and also learning about them, Claire struggles to stay in her master’s program for psychotherapy. However, when Claire’s brothers also betray her and side with her mother, Claire is left all alone to care for the 18 horses she and her mother owned. As the story unfolds, what is revealed is the horses’ amazing capacity for empathy in the face of human trauma, and the almost psychic ability to provide the author with what had been taken from her. Arising from these horrifying circumstances, the most unthinkable heroes — the horses — show Claire that life is still worth living.

Excerpt #6 from NO SECRET SO CLOSE:

My hand reached up to rub the round patch of white hairs in the middle of Nimo’s forehead.

“You’re free,” I whispered to him.

He looked at me intently, cocking both ears forward.

“That’s right, you’re free. Do you remember what you taught me? Well, back at ya pal.”

Continue reading NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #6, by Claire Dorotik →

Community/Charity, Conferences, Contributors/Press, Equine Assisted Therapy, Events, Phelps Media Group

Third and Final Buck Is Thursday, Hosted by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center

February 10, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Vinceremos005515 — Member of Team Florida Community Bank rides the Bull. Photo Courtesy of the Client

Loxahatchee, FL – February 10, 2011 – Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center is hosting its final “Buck Off” Event this Thursday night February 10, 2011. The event is sponsored by Vetericyn and is held at the Players Club. The evening’s winning team will join the two other teams from the other two Buck Offs as qualifiers to compete at the VTRC Annual Dinner held on Friday, February 18, 2011.

Guests can perfect their bull riding techniques before the competition from 7-8pm for $10 per ride. Starting at 8p.m. the competition begins with three hours of action packed bull riding fun. Teams of four can ride for $100 and individuals can ride for $30. All participants receive a BUCK OFF t-shirt. The winning team receives a ticket to VTRC Benefit Auction Dinner and a spot to compete in the finals, held at the International Polo Club February 18, 2011 during the VTRC Benefit Auction Dinner. This year’s winning teams will compete against The Bad Boy Vets last year’s “Buck Off” champions.

Floridian Community Bank secured their spot in the first week of competition. Winners of the second “Buck Off” were Team Bobbi’s Boys which included Jimmy Fairclough, Turea Wilson, Trevor Ritter, and Kevin McCarthy. Only one more round to go so don’t miss it!

Continue reading Third and Final Buck Is Thursday, Hosted by Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Driving, JRPR

Champion Combined Driver Chester Weber Named to USET Foundation Board of Trustees

February 10, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Ocala, FL (February 9, 2011) – Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time USEF Foundation National Four-In-Hand Driving Champion, has been named to the United States Equestrian Team Foundation (USET) Board of Trustees. The USET Foundation supports equestrian athletes, promotes international excellence and builds for the future of equestrian sports.

The eight High Performance equestrian disciplines supported by the USET Foundation are dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, reining, para-equestrian and vaulting. As one of the leading drivers in the United States, Weber’s experience — as well as his passion for promoting his sport — will serve as a benefit to the USET Foundation Board of Trustees.

“Chester and our other Trustees are people that have shown their leadership with the United States Equestrian Team through their involvement as ambassadors in International High Performance activities, and for their charitable support of our United States Equestrian Teams,” said Bonnie Jenkins, Executive Director of the USET Foundation. “We expect that Chester will continue to help us achieve our mission of supporting athletes, promoting international excellence and building for the future.”

*Featured/Spotlights, Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Competitions, Contributors/Press, Dressage, Phelps Media Group

Susan J. Stickle Named 2011 Photographer for Challenge of the Americas & World Dressage Masters

February 9, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

SteinerHoag005505 — Steiner and Hoag from the 2010 Challenge of the Americas. Photo Credit: Susan J. Stickle.

Wellington, FL – February 9, 2011 – Noted and distinguished photographer Susan J. Stickle has been announced as the professional photographer for two exciting events that are coming to Wellington the week of March 10-13. The World Dressage Masters returns to Wellington March 9-11, 2011, for the third year on its international tour, with three different competitions for dressage enthusiasts and the public alike held at the Jim Brandon Center. The weekend events wrap up with the tenth annual Challenge of the Americas March 12, 2011, which includes a Grand Prix team dressage quadrille and musical freestyle competition. This year, the Challenge will also feature a four-on-four polo match featuring patron level players. The Challenge is held at International Polo Club Palm Beach and benefits the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Stickle, originally from Maplewood, New Jersey, has been shooting professionally since 1995, covering local, regional and National Dressage championships. She bought her first camera at age 17 with her very first paycheck after always having an interest in photography. She began riding western at age 20, and then moved to a dressage barn where she fell in love with the sport.

“At that time, there were no real professional photographers shooting the actual classes, only the awards,” noted Stickle. “We just shot each other and our friends, and never looked back.” Stickle started her business, Susan J. Stickle Photography, with longtime partner Jonna Koellhoffer and the two continue working together today. Susan rode dressage competitively with her chestnut Thoroughbred mare, Bonnie. The pair were high score champions at training level and went on to compete thru the lower levels. Her love of horses and her knowledge of dressage have given her a wonderfully keen eye that shows in her work.

Continue reading Susan J. Stickle Named 2011 Photographer for Challenge of the Americas & World Dressage Masters →

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, EQUUS Foundation, Events, Phelps Media Group

Robert Orthwein Named 2011 Equestrian Idol Winner

February 9, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Orthwein005493 — Catherine Herman, Robert Orthwein, Patricia Keenan, and Rebecca Brewer Photo Credit: Alyson Sanderford/PMG.

WELLINGTON, FL – February 7, 2011 – Equestrians from all disciplines gathered on Friday, February 4, 2011, to enjoy the Equestrian Idol Musical Talent Show presented by Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach Gardens where the top prize of the evening was awarded to Robert Orthwein. Six talented performers vied for the crown, but Orthwein’s unique and incredible performance won over the judges to earn him the 2011 title. Equestrian Idol, co-chaired by Catherine Herman and Patricia Keenan, was the first event to be held in the “new” Grande Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy cutting edge culinary catering trends and the latest in food styling by the newly formed International Polo Club Catering Company.

The EQUUS Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that seeks to educate the public on the significant impact of horses in our everyday lives and award grants to charities that use the horse for the benefit of the public, promote horse welfare, and advance the equestrian sport. The Foundation has awarded over $1.5 million in grants, thanks almost entirely to events like Equestrian Idol.

Mason Phelps, Jr. emceed the 5th year of the event, kicking things off by thanking everyone for attending and acknowledging the many wonderful sponsors. In addition to title sponsor Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach Gardens, other generous sponsors include Buick and GMC, the Official Vehicle Sponsor of The EQUUS Foundation. Gold Medal sponsors include: Mr. & Mrs. Michael Carpenter, the Ann T. D’Addario Family Foundation, Equestrian Sport Productions, Britta Lippert and Caroline Moran. Silver Medal sponsors include: Jennifer Burger & Meredith Lipke, and Visse Wedell. Bronze Medal sponsors include: the Adikes-Hill Family Foundation, Patricia Adikes-Hill & Rosalind Schaefer, Bobbie & Derek Braun & Split Rock Farm, Jane Forbes Clark, Louisburg Farm, Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Orthwein, Chris & Jessica Pasmore, Quiet Corner Farm, the Steeple Chase Farm Foundation, and Jenny Wren Sutton.

Community/Charity, Contributors/Press, Publications/Media

NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #5, by Claire Dorotik

February 8, 2011 Associate Editor Leave a comment

Excerpt #5 from NO SECRET SO CLOSE:

“I only know one. But he’s very good.” Two years before I had been sued. I was trying to sell my first horse Cheers, when a woman and her daughter saw him at a horse show and asked if they could take him on trial. I was naïve, and they seemed nice. We wrote a contract on the back of a show entry and shook hands. “The buyer will have two weeks to try the horse, at the end of which time she can either purchase him for the agreed price of $10,000, or give him back.” That’s what it said, word for word. It didn’t say that if I took my horse back when they didn’t buy him that it would result in “emotional damages” to her daughter. When the woman chased the hauler down the freeway in her Range Rover, honking and swearing at him, I thought he was the one who would suffer emotional damages. She wanted longer than two weeks, but didn’t want to pay for the horse. I just wanted my horse back. But she sued me anyway and hired a prestigious attorney. I had no money. I couldn’t even decipher the papers I had been served with. When I showed it to the trainer I was riding for at the time, she said, “You gotta call Mike, he’s the best.” I took the number and the papers and went to see him. When he saw the name of the woman’s attorney, he told me I was in trouble. But he took the case for $500. It was a pro-bono for him. I thought it was an act of sympathy.

So I gave him a call. He didn’t hesitate. He also didn’t ask questions. Another act of sympathy. “Kerry Steigerwald. Call Kerry Steigerwald.”

Continue reading NO SECRET SO CLOSE excerpt #5, by Claire Dorotik →

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