Category Archives: Art/Photography

FEI Celebrates 100 Years with Urban Art Intervention

(Photo credit: FEI/Richard Juilliart)

To mark its 100 year milestone, the FEI has invited French graffiti artist Ludovilk Myers to transform the statue of the White Horse, located on the outer façade of the FEI Headquarters in Lausanne, into a one-of-a-kind urban art intervention.

The FEI kicked off its year-long centenary celebrations in May 2021, with a video highlighting the achievements, successes and milestones of the organisation and the sport.

“We have been looking for a unique way to celebrate our centenary year and it was natural that the White Horse become the focal point,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez explained.

“Equestrian sport is unquestionably about the ‘love of the horse’ which binds together our athletes from different disciplines. But our noble friend, the horse, has also always captured the imagination of artists around the world, for their movement, grace, and beauty. And this is why we’re pleased to welcome the very talented Ludovilk Myers who, like our equine partner, is in his element when carrying out his art in the great outdoors.”

Ludovilk Myers, was born in the Seine St. Denis district of the Paris suburbs where he lives and works today. He started writing graffiti in Paris in 1998, taking his inspiration from the geek and street culture that defines the French capital.

Myers’ playful art, scattered with funny shapes and colours, stands in opposition to the darkness that we sometimes experience in our everyday world. His unique style earned him a position as ambassador for Converse Cons in 2014, and accolades for his design of the iconic Timberland Yellow Boot in 2016. His exhibitions in Paris, Zurich, Munich, and other European cities continue to gain attention.

The FEI was created in 1921 and was headquartered in Brussels, Belgium until the 1970s when it moved to Bern, Switzerland. The FEI moved its headquarters to Lausanne in 1991, but the current building, now located next to the Délices metro station in Lausanne, was officially opened in 2011.

The building, a gift from former FEI President HRH Princess Haya, was thoroughly renovated in accordance with the Swiss MINERGIE® construction standard for environmental responsibility, reducing energy consumption by 25 percent. At the time, only two percent of renovated buildings in Switzerland met the high Minergie standards.

“The city of Lausanne, which has housed the FEI’s Headquarters for 30 years now, has become an integral part of the equestrian family’s identity and character over the past decades,” Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“This is why we also wanted to involve the local Lausanne community in our celebrations. Just as street artists make their work more accessible to people by using urban settings as their canvas, sport also aspires to being universal. We hope this urban art intervention will be a unique introduction to equestrian sport, and that more people will discover the beauty of our sport as a result.

“And if you decide to ride the Lausanne metro to get to the FEI’s Headquarters, make sure you listen carefully as the train pulls into the Délices station!”

Media contact:

Vanessa Martin Randin
Senior Manager, Media Relations & Communications
vanessa.randin@fei.org
+41 78 750 61 73

Olympian Dani Waldman Strikes a Pose for Ifat Zohar Photography

Waldman and her Olympic partner Queensland in an image that was used in multiple magazine covers.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (October 26, 2021) – Ifat Zohar’s photography thrives at the intersection of fantasy, reminiscence, and passion; this summer that intersection was stunningly bisected by an Olympic equestrian and her journey to the upper echelons of the sport. Dani Waldman, formerly Goldstein, has been a longtime friend of Zohar; the pair met via their connections with the Israeli Equestrian Federation, and the merging of art, sport, and brilliance has yielded some breathtaking imagery. From Renaissance style equine portraits to scenes straight from a fantasy novel, Zohar and Waldman’s creative minds have combined to create some of the most striking portraits of an Olympian athlete.

Waldman has long been known on the equestrian and mainstream media circuits for both her skill in the saddle and her own trademark feathered mane. She and the 12-year-old gelding Queensland made their Olympic debut this summer in Tokyo, where she rode for Israel. Her sessions with Zohar were inspired by a parallel appreciation for animals (especially horses), fashion, and a flair for the scintillating. The resulting work has been dazzling, right down to her Olympic portraits for Team Israel.

“Ifat has the ability to capture a moment in time and turn an ordinary photograph into art,” said Waldman. “Her work is truly reminiscent of the great masters of painting! Branded imagery like Ifat’s is key to anyone’s public image — recognizability and consistency helps people identify you and creates a sense of unity for an athlete or artist. Ifat’s very unique and recognizable style sets her apart from typical photographers; she is able to capture that unique bond between animal and human by bringing out the emotions rather than just a pretty image.”

Of her many shoots with Zohar, Waldman struggles to pick a favorite image or moment: “There are so many to choose from, but I love the ‘La vie en Rose’ image perhaps the most.” Zohar’s work with Waldman has also been used in multiple publications across the United States and Europe, as well as in photography competitions. One image of Waldman with a white peacock was chosen to represent The Netherlands in a 2022 World Challenge Photography Competition by the Dutch national photographers association (DuPho), a major honor.

Known for her stunning work with both domestic and fantastic fauna, Zohar combines themes of old-world indulgence, elegant theatrics, and a closeness to nature to create her visual masterpieces. An award-winning photographer originally from Israel, Zohar’s work has been featured in numerous publications, including those for the biggest equestrian events of 2021, and stands out as a new breed of modern portraitist.

Zohar’s portrait studio work is inspired by the old masters’ love for storytelling, and their use of light and dark to add depth and dimension to their subjects. Ifat’s signature portraiture technique breathes art into her images of people and the animals they love. “I was looking for a better way to tell my clients’ stories with their pets, a more artistic way to timelessly capture their relationships,” said Zohar. “During my shoot, I am not just creating beautiful portraits but also capturing the unique connection, personality, character, and emotions of each animal and their humans.”

Originally from Israel, Zohar is now based full time in The Netherlands. Her creative portraits include Fine Art, human & animal themes, commissioned work, and character portraiture. The uniqueness of her work has earned her numerous accolades and exhibitions: 2 nominations in the international Fine Art Photography Awards (2021), Finalist in the 2020 “One Eye Photography Awards”, winner of the 2019 Benelux Photo Master award competition, and the 2019 Bronze Rise International Photography Award, to name a few.

Visit www.IZIPhotoArt.com for examples of her work, or contact ifatphoto@gmail.com, WhatsApp: +31.(0)6.13.33.83.31 for more information.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Breathing Art into Pet Portraiture: Ifat Zohar Photography

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (August 4, 2021) – Somewhere at the intersection of fantasy, reminiscence, and passion lives Ifat Zohar’s portraiture. Known for her stunning work with both domestic and fantastic fauna, Zohar combines themes of old-world indulgence, elegant theatrics, and a closeness to nature to create her visual masterpieces. An award-winning photographer originally from Israel, Zohar’s work has been featured in numerous publications, including those for the biggest equestrian events of 2021, and stands out as a new breed of modern portraitist.

Zohar’s portrait studio work is inspired by the old masters’ love for storytelling, and their use of light and dark to add depth and dimension to their subjects. Ifat’s signature portraiture technique breathes art into her images of people and the animals they love.

“I was looking for a better way to tell my clients’ stories with their pets, a more artistic way to timelessly capture their relationships,” said Zohar. “During my shoot, I am not just creating beautiful portraits but also capturing the unique connection, personality, character, and emotions of each animal and their humans.”

Zohar is now based full time in The Netherlands. Her creative portraits include Fine Art, human & animal themes, commissioned work, and character portraiture. The uniqueness of her work has earned her numerous accolades and exhibitions: 2 nominations in the international Fine Art Photography Awards (2021), Finalist in the 2020 “One Eye Photography Awards”, winner of the 2019 Benelux Photo Master award competition, and the 2019 Bronze Rise International Photography Award, to name a few.

Visit www.IZIPhotoArt.com for examples of her work, or contact ifatphoto@gmail.com, WhatsApp: +31.(0)6.13.33.83.31 for more information.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Dani the Wonderhorse: Breyer Meet & Greet plus Multiple Spring Championships

Dani, her fan, and her model during the Meet & Greet at Tackeria.

Wellington, FL (May 3, 2021) – Wellington’s spotted sport horse has had a busy spring, between wrapping up her 2021 WEF season, jumping into the winner’s circle during ESP’s Spring Circuit, and she was the gracious host of an exclusive meet and greet for Breyer Model Horses at The Tackeria! Dani, or Danash’s Northern Tempest, is the 2021 BreyerFest Celebration Horse, and will headline Breyer’s 2021 event as she embodies their theme, “A Horse of a Different Color.” Her eye-catching spots, while not the traditional color for a hunter, have nevertheless been paired with the tricolor champion ribbon and circuit champion cooler multiple times this year.

In late March, Dani was the star of Breyer’s Tackeria Meet & Greet, journeying to the equestrian superstore’s front lawn to greet shoppers and passersby. Lucky visitors were given Dani stickers, an exclusive look at her brand-new model, and information on BreyerFest 2021. Dani enjoyed the cool shade from a gorgeous stall set up by Darren Frazier Tents, and munched on her favorite forage, Hydroponic Farms organic grass mats, while enjoying pats and pictures with Breyer fans and equestrian enthusiasts of all ages. Breyer’s exclusive Dani model, which is a stunning anatomical and artistic miniature of the Leopard Appaloosa-Friesian mare, is available only available as part of the BreyerFest ticket package. Visit their website, www.BreyerHorses.com, for more information.

Owned by Palm Beach Sport Horses and trained by Ashley Glica of ATG Equestrian, Dani’s success in the hunters reached a crescendo during the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival. The mare pulled in multiple ribbons and top placings with in both the WEF and ESP hunter rings, she earned blues in the equitation, gave amateurs and juniors a first experience at the prestigious show, and enjoyed rounds with dedicated equestrians like Isabella Pina, Xavier Gomez, and multiple USEF & National Hunter Champion Kat Fuqua. With the addition of Breyer’s Celebration Horse announcement in January, Dani is definitely fresh off the biggest winter season of her life, and is showing no signs of slowing. In ESP’s Spring Circuit, Dani & trainer Ashley Glica were the Circuit Champions in the USHJA 2′ Hunters, scoring Champion & Reserve titles to secure the cooler, and will be a major part of the 2021 BreyerFest, to be held July 16-18, 2021.

Danash’s Northern Tempest (aka Dani) is a 2013 Leopard Appaloosa Friesian cross mare (Danash K x Chief’s Bold Angel) registered with Friesian Heritage Horse & Sporthorse International as well as with the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF). Dani is owned by Palm Beach Sport Horses of West Palm Beach, Florida and is trained by Ashley Glica of ATG Equestrian in Loxahatchee, Florida. Dani was born in Michigan and bred by Jessica Bowman of North Horse Farm in Cheboygan. She was purchased as a filly by Jessica Collins and relocated to Southern Florida where she was slowly and properly started under the close eye of Brandy Rivas at Equines and Equestrians in Southwest Ranches. In 2017 she was purchased by Palm Beach Sport Horses, and makes her home at ATG Equestrian in Loxahatchee. Under the keen eye of ATG’s Ashley Glica, Dani has quickly become an exceptional sport horse, winning Circuit Champion in Rusty Stirrup at ESP in 2019-2020 as well as several notable ribbons in Hunter Derby, USHJA, and Green Hunter Classes at the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, Florida. She has also spent the fall perfecting her style in the hunter ring, including numerous USHJA National Hunter Derbies and the Low Children’s Hunter classes.

While Dani is not the typical Hunter horse, she is a shining example of her lineage’s versatility and a divergence from the typical sporthorses seen in Wellington. The mare has been recognized through a multitude of media outlets and has an active, engaged, and quickly growing following on social media. She has been featured on the cover of Wellington the Magazine and Equine America magazine, and her most recent press was a 6-page spread by Horse & Style magazine. She was profiled in Chronicle of the Horse in early 2020, has starred in numerous fun and fashion photo shoots, and was chosen to appear in an editorial for famed children’s photographer Olesja Mueller for publication in La Belle Kidz magazine. Much of her popularity has come from social media where she has her own Instagram account: @danithewonderhorse.

To keep up to date on all her shows and events, visit her website www.DaniTheWonderHorse.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Encore and Knight — a Timeless Love Story

“Wild Heart Song” by Deb Lee Carson.

Love is in the air! Everyone enjoys a great love story and when it comes to wild horse couples, Encore and Knight’s story is unbeatable.

Wild horse photographer Deb Lee Carson has immortalized this iconic pair – Cloud’s lookalike daughter Encore and her roan stallion, Knight. As a couple, they’ve been inseparable since 2015, living wild in the Pryor Mountains of Montana.

Thanks to Deb’s amazing generosity, The Cloud Foundation brings you a chance to win this one-of-a-kind, matted, and framed piece of photographic art. It could be yours for just the price of a single raffle ticket… only $25! All proceeds go directly to TCF’s work keeping wild horses WILD.

Click here for ALL the details:

  • Deb’s story “behind the scenes”
  • Encore and Knight’s touching love story
  • How to buy your raffle tickets, and more!

We’re drawing the winning ticket from this Valentine’s Week Fundraiser on February 22nd. Don’t miss your chance to own a truly unique photo with its own wild love story!

The Cloud Foundation
www.thecloudfoundation.org

Miniature Therapy Horses Inspirational Card Deck

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses bring their big love, hope, and healing to more than 25,000 adults and children each year inside hospitals, hospice programs, and with families, veterans, and first responders who have experienced traumatic events. Even during the current health challenges, the therapy horses have been using Zoom and FaceTime to encourage patients and have also been visiting patients outside windows using iPads to communicate back and forth.

Now a unique and magical boxed deck of Miniature Therapy Horses Inspirational Cards with guidebook have been created and are currently on Kickstarter. They feature and will help support the tiny horses of Gentle Carousel.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/gentlecarousel/gentle-carousel-miniature-therapy-horses-inspirational-deck

Of all the thousands of Kickstarter campaigns currently active, the Miniature Therapy Horse Inspirational Card Deck was given one of three Projects We Love badges this week from the Kickstarter staff.  We already knew this was a beautiful, one-of-a-kind deck, but a show of respect and enthusiasm from Kickstarter means so much. Projects We Love badges are a BIG deal and we are thrilled.

This has been a challenging year for charities. Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses had to cancel their two main fundraisers in 2020 due to health concerns. Pledging on Kickstarter helps the charity and also brings a BOX OF HAPPY to your home or to a loved one. They are perfect for children of all ages.

Funding past the Kickstarter goal will be used to print even more decks to help Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses in 2021.

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses
www.Horse-Therapy.org
www.facebook.com/TherapyHorses
www.instagram.com/gentlecarousel

Vote for Interagro Lusitanos in the Finalists of “Best Covers Contest” for Revista (Horse) Magazine

Since July, the Brazilian Horse Magazine “Revista Horse” has been engaging Instagram users across the world with their “Best Magazine Covers” contest. Over a hundred covers were selected to participate and divided into four categories: Breeds, Sports Disciplines, General, and Miscellaneous.

Interagro was directly represented by a number of these covers, including Edition 99, highlighted by the Lusitano stallion Perdigueiro (MAC). Bred by Assunção Coimbra Stud Farm in Portugal and photographed by Tupa, Perdigueiro cover was the winner of “Breeds” category representing the Purebred Lusitano on August 13th with over a thousand votes.

Interagro also had three other Lusitanos of its brand competing at this contest: Jackpot Interagro, driven by Interagro’s Antonio Souza, won the Sports Discipline category representing the carriage driving, photographed by Heleno Clemente for the cover of Edition 115.

Having been a part of Team Interagro for almost 2 decades, Antonio trained in Portugal with Jorge Sousa in 1994 and took a Driving Course at the Coudelaria de Alter in 1998. In 2014, Antonio was trained by Mr. Rui Quintino de Oliveira from Portugal and in 2016 attended clinics with Mr. Jorge Baixo from Portugal at Larissa Farm in Brazil. He dedicates himself to the whole range of Driving activities, from breaking youngsters to the most advanced training. His first test in Brazil was a four-in-hand, but these days on the farm he harnesses 6, 8, and 10 animals together. He now also gives tutoring courses to coachmen and horses and is a great wealth of knowledge and information for Interagro.

Antonio won the prizes “Hipismo Brasil” in 2017 and 2018 in the Single Professional division with Jackpot who was sold in 2019 to Monsanto Stud Farm in the 1st Ares Lusitanos Auction promoted by Virtual Stables.

Antonio’s partner for the Sport Discipline cover, Jackpot Interagro, is the last son of the highly decorated Nirvana Interagro and the black mare Naranja do Mirante, who scored 80 points at her revision and is the mother of Varanja Interagro and Zampano Interagro, who were sold to the US, as well as Apache Interagro who was sold to Canada.

In the General category, the Lusitano Bailos Interagro reached the finals with the cover of Edition 88. published originally in December 2015. Photographed by Fagner Almeida at Haras Godiva, located in Jose Ignacio, Uruguay, Bailos is owned by Mr. Mauricio Delucchi who lived in Itapira for years as Interagro’s head trainer. When Mauricio returned to his home country of Uruguay, he took with him the young grey stallion sired by Noblíssimo Interagro and Dona (RC), beautiful mare bred by beloved Architect Arsênio Raposo Cordeiro, by Venturoso III (MV) and Saloia II (MV), a daughter of Guerrita (MV) the mother of the mythological Novilheiro (MV) with Nilo (MV). In addition to Bailos, Dona (RC) also produced the International Working Equitation Champion Xaveco Interagro, sold at the auction Leilão Coleção Interagro 2006.

The final is scheduled for September 29th starting at 2 pm Brazil time (1 pm Miami time). Voting is at @revistahorse story on Instagram and it stays active for 24 hrs. only (as all stories do). Please join us in voting for Interagro’s fabulous horses and the gorgeous covers of Revista (Horse).

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Esparteiro Interagro’s Watchful Eye Graces Cover of Revista Horse

Cover of Revista Horse Brazil, June 2020. Photo courtesy of Interagro Lusitanos.

Itapira, Sao Paulo, Brazil (July 10, 2020) – During a trying time in world history, the reflective eye of an Interagro Lusitano was chosen to grace the cover of one of Brazil’s largest equestrian magazines: Revista Horse. Esparteiro Interagro, an elegant mahogany bay stallion, was photographed by Tupa as a young horse, and his pensive, intelligent expression accurately reflects the breed standard of the Interagro Lusitano sport horse.

Esparteiro, who has since been exported to the United States to pursue a dressage career, exudes the conformation, beauty, and noble air of his sire, Perdigueiro (MAC). The famous gray stallion (Hábil (MV) x Fidalga (MAC)) was also a cover star for Revista Horse in August of 2017, and is one of Interagro’s most influential sires. His offspring, including Esparteiro, excel in many disciplines including dressage, jumping, working equitation, driving, and conformation/in hand classes.

With travel between Brazil and the United States still mired in coronavirus concerns, Interagro’s US agents have been observing pairs of horses via WhatsApp video to select ideal FEI and adult amateur prospects before arranging for shipping to South Florida. With horses currently on 4 continents, Interagro is no stranger to selling horses virtually, even before the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. A focus on integrity, quality, and trust between breeder, agent, and buyer has yielded much success in “sight unseen” sales via video, both in national and international auctions as well as one-on-one transactions.

For more information on Interagro Lusitanos, Interagro’s horses for sale, or the Lusitano bloodlines, visit Interagro’s website at www.lusitano-interagro.com.

Media contact:
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
Holly Johnson
holly@equinium.com
www.equinium.com

Hats Off to the Horses 2020 Continues with the Slim Shadey Chapeau

Dagmar Steiner and Slim Shadey at Old Friends (Photo: Laura Battles)

GEORGETOWN, KY – APRIL 3, 2020 –  The annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” online fashion auction continues this week with a new Derby-style chapeau going on the virtual block to raise money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

This is the 11th consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off four handcrafted Derby hats between January and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 200-plus retired racehorses. To date this online fundraiser has garnered nearly $40,000 for Old Friends.

This new hat was inspired by graded stakes winner Slim Shadey, and it is showcased here by equine artist Dagmar Galleithner-Steiner.

The hat will be up for bid for 10 days only from 8 pm (EST) April 1st through 8 pm (EST) on April 11th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link, or CLICK HERE to visit our eBay page.

To read more and to view additional images of the hat, CLICK HERE.

About the Horse

A two-time graded-stakes winner, Slim Shadey — by 2001 Breeders’ Cup Mile winner Val Royal (FR) out of the Chief’s Crown mare Vino Veritas — was bred in Great Britain by Phil Cunningham and spent two seasons racing throughout England and Ireland. He made his U.S. debut for Cunningham and trainer Simon Callaghan in 2012 at Santa Anita, kicking off what was to become his banner season.

In February of 2012 Slim captured his first graded stakes, the Grade 2 San Marco at Santa Anita (a race he would capture again in 2013). Then, in September, Slim took the top spot in the Grade 2 John Henry Turf Championship, which served as a stepping stone to a run in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf where he finished 8th (a few lengths behind the winner, Old Friends retiree Little Mike). By 2014, the now 6-year-old Slim began a series of claims. In 2018 Slim was claimed by owner Michael Hui for trainer Mike Maker.  After a series of unsuccessful starts for his new connections, the time finally came for Slim to hang up his racing plates.

About the Hat

Since Slim raced for several different stables Steinmann used a combination of his pink, black, and white silks for the trimmings of this stunning Derby hat.

A large foundation was created using a base layer of soft pink dupioni silk. The brim was then trimmed with a single layer of pink silk organza ruffle, which allows the light to pass through the sheer fabric. A fancy black braiding was top stitched where the silk layer meets the brim edge. To further showcase racing silk colors, a large rose curl, created out of alternating layers of pink dupioni silk and white silk organza, adorns the front of the hat.

For the final touches, a medley of black and white silk organza “feathers” were added, a black satin sash encircles the crown, and a black pebble button edged in gold adorns the sash in the back.

The hat is stunning from every angle and measures approximately 21 inches end to end. The lining for the “Slim Shadey” was done is a soft pink satin to coordinate with the floral trim.

As a physical remembrance, several strands of Slim’s tail hair have been braided and woven into the trim.

Our thanks go out to artist Dagmar Steiner for helping with this year’s “Hats Off to the Horses” and also to Old Friends volunteer and photographer Laura Battles for her stunning images.

Bidding on the “Slim Shadey is open now.

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions, from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Maggie Mae Designs (508) 430-1626, sally@maggiemae.com

Hats Off to the Horses 2020 Continues with Soi Phet Chapeau

GEORGETOWN, KY – MARCH 2, 2020 –  The annual “Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby” online fashion auction continues this week with a new Derby-style chapeau going on the virtual block to raise money for Old Friends, the Thoroughbred Retirement Facility in Georgetown, KY.

This is the 11th consecutive year that Old Friends has joined with acclaimed milliner Sally Faith Steinmann of the Massachusetts-based Maggie Mae Designs® to auction off four handcrafted Derby hats between January and April, each inspired by one of the non-profit organization’s 200-plus retired racehorses. To date this online fundraiser has garnered nearly $39,000 for Old Friends.

This new hat was inspired by stakes winner Soi Phet, and it is showcased here by equine artist Dagmar Galleithner-Steiner.

The hat will be up for bid for 10 days only from 8 pm (EST) March 1st through 8 pm (EST) on March 11th. Interested bidders can go to the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org and follow the link, or CLICK HERE to visit our eBay page.

To read more and to view additional images of the hat, CLICK HERE.

About the Horse

Bred in California, Soi Phet was a formidable force in the Golden State for eight seasons, between 2012 and 2019, winning eight stakes and placing third in the Grade 1 Awesome Again. The dark bay son of Tizbud even set a record of a different sort in 2018, becoming the oldest stakes winner in the history of Santa Anita when he won the Crystal Water at the age of 10.  In all, Soi Phet had 15 trips to the winner’s circle from his 64 lifetime starts, and he put over $1 million in the bank.

About the Hat

To honor this new Old Friends retiree, the distinctive orange, white, red, and yellow silk colors of his connections were used as inspiration for the trimmings of this stunning Derby hat.

A foundation was created using a base of black dupioni silk.  A large, sumptuous rose curl, created in alternating layers of red silk organza and dupioni silk, adorns the front.  This floral centerpiece is framed with two-tone orange and yellow organza leaves that are top stitched with orange thread as an accent.  Four black silk organza “bow loops” and three black silk organza “feathers” were added to reflect Soi Phet’s nearly black coat.

Swirling layers of red tulle were gathered and shaped to cover the brim, and a red satin sash lined with orange organza was handcrafted to encircle the crown of the hat.  For a final accent, a black pebble button adorns the sash in the back.

As always, several strands of the horse’s tail hair have been braided and woven into the trim.

Bidding on the “Soi Phet” is open now.

For more information about Old Friends, see their website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or call the farm at (502) 863-1775.

Maggie Mae Designs® Custom Millinery offers magnificent hats for all occasions, from glamorous racing events such as the Kentucky Derby and the Royal Ascot to stunning bridal wear and handsome cocktail fashions. Every hat is carefully handcrafted by milliner Sally Faith Steinmann from her home base in South Harwich, MA. Salons of her fashions can be seen on her website at www.maggiemaedesigns.com.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (347) 423-7322, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; Maggie Mae Designs (508) 430-1626, sally@maggiemae.com