Category Archives: Products/Services

Publications/Media, Western/Reining

Because of Horses Podcast Celebrates Its 100th Episode with Reiner Shawn Flarida Friday, Sept. 13

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Shawn Flarida’s name is synonymous with the sport of reining. One of the most successful reiners in the world, Shawn won five World Equestrian Games gold medals, is a nine-time winner of the All-American Quarter Horse Congress, and in 2017 became the first reiner to break the $6 million mark in winnings.

Shawn produces horses for Futurity, Derby, and National Reining Breeders Classic competition, as well as mounts for Non-Pros and Youth Riders. In choosing his horses, Shawn believes that the mind, body, and heart are keys to a great reining horse. He has partnered with dozens of top horses, including Wimpy’s Little Step, Wimpy’s Little Chic, KR Lil Conquistador, and Spooks Gotta Whiz, all of whom have helped him to build a comprehensive resume which includes all the sport’s top jewels.

Every horse or rider who trains at Shawn Flarida Reiners in Springfield, Ohio receives his best, no matter what their goals. He is especially dedicated to helping young riders progress within the sport, taking students from Rookie to the FEI Junior and Young Rider World Reining Championships.

Shawn credits his success to the support of his family. He knew he wanted to be a horse trainer from a young age and was mentored and encouraged by his father, Bill. Shawn turned pro right out of high school, spending two years working for older brother Mike before striking out on his own. Shawn’s wife Michele helps keep the business running smoothly, while son Sam is an up-and-coming reining competitor. His parents Betty and Bill still support Shawn at shows, and Bill continues to offer friendly advice from the sidelines.

“We can’t believe this will be our 100th Because of Horses podcast episode. It is truly a labor of love. Thank you to all our loyal listeners. We appreciate your kind words and comments and love hearing from you!” — Elise Gaston Chand, Because of Horses host

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Art/Photography, Community/Charity, Publications/Media

Old Friends Hosts Dr. Seuss Kids’ Weekend

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GEORGETOWN, KY – August 30, 2019 – Old Friends, The Thoroughbred retirement facility in Georgetown, KY, will host a children’s reading and art event highlighted by the newly published Dr. Seuss book, Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum (Penguin Random House), for two weekends in September.

The events, to be held Sept. 14 and Sept. 15 and again on Sept. 28 and Sept. 29, from 2 pm to 4 pm, will welcome children ages six to 10 for a horse-themed afternoon featuring a book reading, an arts & craft session, a visit to Old Friends’ own “Horse Museum,” and a short interactive farm tour to introduce youngsters to some of the farm’s most famous equine athletes, including two winners of the Kentucky Derby.

Participating kids will also receive a gift bag that includes a copy of the new Seuss book and other related goodies.

“This new book offers Old Friends an opportunity to have a focused children’s event, something we’ve not really had the opportunity to do,” said Old Friends founder and President Michael Blowen. “We hope this will not only encourage reading and creativity, but at the same time teach children about the long-term care of horses and other animals, and, of course, raise awareness of our farm and its mission.”

Dr. Seuss’s Horse Museum is a never-before-published Dr. Seuss book about creating and looking at art. This book is like a visit to a museum – with a horse as your guide.

While beloved children’s book author Theodor Geisel — AKA Dr. Seuss — passed away in 1991, this new book is based on a manuscript and sketches discovered in 2013. Taking inspiration from these original sketches, acclaimed illustrator Andrew Joyner has created a look that is both subtly Seussian and his own.

His whimsical illustrations are combined with “real-life” paintings by such artists as Picasso, Alexander Calder, and Jackson Pollock, among others. The book also features cameo appearances by classic Dr. Seuss characters, among them the Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and Horton the Elephant.

Fifty (50) seats are available for each session of the Dr. Seuss Horse Museum event at Old Friends Farm, and the cost is $35 per child. Reservations are required (no walk-ins please) and are being accepted now. To reserve, please call (502) 863-1775 or visit the farm at 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY. Please note: Children must be accompanied by an adult for the duration of the event.

Payment is required in advance of event (cash, checks, and all major credit cards accepted). Payments can be made by phone, by mail, or in person at the farm.

Old Friends is a Thoroughbred retirement farm based in Georgetown, KY. The non-profit organization cares for over 200 retired and rescued horses, including breeding stallions. Among the famous residents are 1997 Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners Silver Charm and War Emblem. The farm is open to the public for tours daily by appointment.

For more information, visit the website at www.oldfriendsequine.org.

MEDIA CONTACT: Cynthia Grisolia, (502) 863-1775, cindy@oldfriendsequine.org; or Barbara Fossum, (502) 863-1775, barbara@oldfriendsequine.org

*Featured/Spotlights, Art/Photography, Polo

Cartier Queen’s Cup and ESPN Polo: Casares Illuminates US & UK with Stunning Photography

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Ramon Casares and Martina Monteverde of the ESPN Polo Show.

London, United Kingdom (August 7, 2019) – As the hoofbeats drum and mallet swings to strike its white, round target, so too does the shutter hum and flash bulbs crackle to freeze a moment in time. For Ramon Casares, capturing the raw beauty, power, and detail of the equine form has been a defining theme in his career. His work includes portrait, sport, and private commissions set in a chiaroscuro style, an artistic trademark featuring high contrast and dramatic illumination. The Casares brand and its imagery have captured the imagination of numerous national and international art and sport audiences, including most recently ESPN Polo and the 2019 Cartier Queen’s Cup Polo Final held at the prestigious Guards Polo Club in Windsor, Berkshire, United Kingdom.

The mid-June Cartier Queen’s Cup did indeed feature Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth II, decked out in a hot pink suit and hat, presenting Nicolas Pieres, Number 3 from the winning team Scone, with the day’s accolades, alongside a number of celebrities. But in addition to the Cup’s gameplay and social attractions, a more subtle form of entertainment and ambiance could be found in the VIP banquet area, where Casares’ portraits of famous equines stood vigil over partygoers.

“It was an absolute honor to have my artwork so displayed at the Queen’s Cup,” said Casares, who was present at the event to oversee the installation and presentation of his work. “My pieces have been showcased at the British Polo Days in the past, which is a highly regarded and star-studded charity exhibition, and I was thrilled to also be invited to the Queen’s Cup. My goal was to accurately depict the equine athlete as a source of grace, passion, strength, and beauty.”

With an equine portfolio that includes everything from rescued ponies to legendary polo champions and their clones, Casares’ breathtaking images also stole the attention of ESPN Polo Show International host Martina Monteverde. She and Casares spent an evening at one of Wellington, Florida’s many polo farms for a behind the scenes look at how he captures his iconic images. With a stage as dramatic as his artwork, Casares’ portraits include spectacular reflective lighting and elite equipment to capture every detail of his subject.

ESPN’s shoot with Casares is the most recent in a long line of rescued wildlife and sport horse portraits that have delineated Casares as an artist and conservationist. Building on influences from his background as a native of Argentina and career as an exotic animal caregiver at the country’s largest zoo, Casares expanded his photographic talents to include all species of creature, from human and equine to possum and crocodile. He has photographed animals from nearly every phylum, class, and order in the animal kingdom. With Casares Fine Art Photography appearing across the globe and garnering international acclaim, his images have captured the imagination of audiences at major media outlets and international art shows.

But despite his passion for the horses and traditional commissioned work, Casares’ portrait style images of nature’s rarest and most common species are the artist’s true accomplishment and calling card along with his trademark style: devoid of background distractions and illuminated to detail each whisker, feather, or scale. Casares captures an essence with each image that underscores his own passion and vision as a photographer and conservationist. As a former keeper for the Buenos Aires Zoo, Casares was witness to the beauty, ferocity, and fragility of the animal kingdom firsthand. During the evolution of his photographic career, he began to visit wildlife rescues to document the plight of their patients. Realizing his images could generate support and awareness for those injured and recuperating commonplace species, as well as those who are in danger of extinction, Casares embarked on a mission to unite his talent for photography with his passion for conservation. BROKEN was the result.

BROKEN is the final product of 4 years worth of photography, the resilience of each animal, and the selfless efforts of their rescuers. In the oversized fine art book, the saga of each animal is told beside their stunning and emotionally evocative images with the goal of bringing awareness to their struggle and rehabilitation. An ever-growing endeavor, Casares intends to expand the Broken: Rescued Wildlife Fine Art Project to multiple countries and continents to maximize awareness and resources for endangered wildlife.

For more information on Casares Fine Art Photography or BROKEN, visit www.RamonCasares.net.

Media contact:
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

*Featured/Spotlights, Products/Services, Racing

American Equus Chosen Riders Emerge Victorious from Belmont Stakes Racing Festival

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Mike Smith on Midnight Bisou in the Ogden Phillips Stakes. PC_ NYRA/Coglianese Photo.

Gilbert, AZ – June 14, 2019 – On Saturday, June 8, the 151st running of the Belmont Stakes took place as the final leg of the Triple Crown series. While no horses were eligible for the coveted title this year, many young thoroughbreds were still fighting for a spot in the winner’s circle throughout the thirteen races leading up to and following the grand event. Running to victory in six of the races were American Equus Thoroughbred Jockeys Javier Castellano, Mike Smith, Manuel Franco, Corey Lanerie, Ricardo Santana Jr., and Irad Ortiz Jr.

Race 4 marked the first win of the day for the talented group of Chosen Riders. Castellano, who describes the Thoroughbred Racing Irons as “the best in the market”, and Rushing Fall led the pack in the Longines Just a Game race. Following behind Castellano in the race was Chosen Rider Ortiz Jr. aboard Beau Recall, giving American Equus a one-two finish.

Race 5 was next on the agenda as the Ogden Phipps Stakes. Hall of Fame Jockey Smith captured the win for American Equus. Relying on the durability of his trusty irons, Smith piloted Midnight Bisou to a first-place finish.

Coming off of his second-place finish in Race 5 with Come Dancing, Franco raced to first in Race 6, the Jaipur Invitational. Franco, sporting his American Equus Long Board Thoroughbred Racing Irons, rode World of Trouble to a garland of roses at the end of their seamless race.

Playing an integral role in the success of Lanerie and Hog Creek Hustle in Race 8, the Woody Stephens Stakes presented by Mohegan Sun, the ultra-lightweight irons offered stability as they crossed the finish line in record time.

American Equus put another consecutive win to its name during Race 9 when Mitole was ridden by Santana Jr. to success. Galloping swiftly behind Santana Jr. was Smith who rode McKinzie to second place in the race. Both riders were supported by their stirrups extra wide carbon fiber footbeds, giving them the ability to comfortably maneuver the young horses with ease to clinch the first and second place positions.

Hall of Fame Jockey Ortiz Jr. concluded the winning streak for Chosen Riders in Race 10. With Bricks and Mortar between the irons, Ortiz Jr. rode to victory in the Manhattan Stakes, adding yet another win to his 1,798 previous wins.

“All of our chosen riders did fantastic this weekend. Belmont is always a great race and we are proud to have such a large presence at this historic track,” reported David Shano, Founder and CEO of America Equus. “We are excited to see what all of our Chosen Riders accomplish over the summer!”

For a complete list of results in the 151st Belmont Stakes, click here.

Media Contact: Lenore Phillips
561-753-3389 | lrb@phelpsmediagroup.com

Art/Photography, Kentucky Horse Park

Int’l Museum of the Horse Shares Discoveries from History Harvests for African American Equestrians

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LEXINGTON, Ky. (May 30, 2019) – The International Museum of the Horse will hold a Shareback Session as a follow-up to the recent History Harvests. The event is free, open to the public, and will be held on Thursday, June 13, 6:00-7:00 pm, at the Lexington Public Library, Central Branch, in Meeting Room A. Museum staff will present highlights from the community contributions and share what has been learned from the objects and stories.

History Harvests were held on April 13 and May 18 at the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center. The events provided opportunities for community participants to bring items that relate to African Americans working in the horse industry, to be scanned and photographed. Participants, volunteers, and staff held conversations and recorded oral histories as well. All participants were given a digital copy of their contributions.

The museum’s History Harvests are free, public events dedicated to uncovering, sharing, and digitizing items of historical significance for inclusion in the forthcoming website, the Chronicle of African Americans in the Horse Industry.

Community partners for the History Harvests included Phoenix Rising Lex and The Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, who promoted the event in Lexington’s East End neighborhood. The museum plans to hold more History Harvests in additional communities. They also offer the option of recording oral histories at the museum or visiting contributors at their homes. To contribute to the project, email chronicleinfo@ky.gov or call 859-259-4279.

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

To learn more, visit www.kyhorsepark.com.

Contact: Kerry Howe
kerry.howe@ky.gov
859-259-4224

*Featured/Spotlights, Art/Photography, Publications/Media

Award-Winning Equestrian Journalist Diana De Rosa to Visit Because of Horses Friday, May 24

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Photo courtesy of Diana De Rosa.

For over 35 years, veteran equestrian journalist, photographer, and public relations maven Diana De Rosa has covered equestrian sport around the world, including the past eight Olympic Games, all eight World Equestrian Games, several Pan Am Games, and FEI World Cups. Diana enjoys creating richly told stories through photography and writing and has over 1,000 published credits to her name.

Diana is the owner of Press Link, a public relations firm based in Farmingdale, New York. Her past and present clients include the Hampton Classic, National and Washington International Horse Shows, USA Equestrian Trust, Healthy Horse Boutique, Running Wild, Dream Works, the American Hunter Jumper Foundation, and Twentieth Century Fox. Diana worked with the late actor Christopher Reeve for eight years before his death in 2004.

A past president of American Horse Publications, Diana is also a longtime member of the International Alliance of Equestrian Journalists. She currently is on the executive board of the Press Club of Long Island. Diana’s work has taken her to 30 countries and has even led to a stint in front of the camera when she co-hosted the annual Hampton Classic Horse Show for local TV station WVVH. She was presented with the 2005 US Equestrian Federation Media Award for Photography in recognition of a photo of show jumper Peter Wylde and Fein Cera competing at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Diana dedicated her win to Reeve.

Diana is the co-organizer of the EQUUS Film Festival, held annually in New York City with tour stops around the United States. Notable recent tour appearances by the Festival included the 2017 World Cup in Omaha, Nebraska and the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Tryon, North Carolina.

Diana is a former riding school manager and a graduate of SUNY Albany, where she studied languages.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Diana de Rosa, Publications/Media

A Desert Flight VIP Experience at Longines Masters of New York

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Karen Pekarne with her seven friends. Diana De Rosa Photos.

Uniondale, NY, April 29, 2019 — As their cheers filled the air and they pumped their fists, it was clear the eight women who had won the Desert Flight VIP Experience at the world class Longines Masters of New York on Saturday night, April 27, were thrilled. The team behind the Desert Flight movie had done it again and won the hearts and souls of not only that night’s winners but those who had a chance to view the trailer on the jumbotron.

The plan was simple. Each afternoon and evening of this four-day show, April 25-28, after showing the trailer the ringmaster would come out and announce to the audience that he was about to make one group extra happy.

It began with a Desert Flight t-shirt tossed into the stands but in one of those was wrapped a unique VIP Experience. The person or persons who caught the winning t-shirt would go on a fun afternoon or evening journey. Combined with that VIP wristband was dinner in the lounge, souvenirs, and photo ops at some memorable sites around the Nassau Coliseum, before being escorted to the VIP seating area to get the perfect view of this powerful sport.

For the Saturday evening toss, the winning t-shirt was the last to explode into the stands. Suddenly a cheer was heard when a woman caught the final t-shirt and as she and her friends looked inside another screamed. She spied and grabbed the wristband and ran up and down the steps while the group of eight started jumping for joy.

In no time, Desert Flight team leader Stephen Williams, who had come up with the idea, was by their side explaining what they just won and guiding them down the stairs to kick off their evening.

The Desert Flight Experience

The years that led to this evening started with a vision and when the Desert Flight team threw their hat in the ring with those creating equine films, they did it with a purpose. Produced by Tell Studios in association with Samia Staehle’s Filter 4 Productions, the documentary is a compelling look at the horses and riders that compete in this highly demanding sport.

Executive director, Staehle, who competes herself, wanted to show the drive that it takes to be the best in the sport, and the compelling bond that is the only way to make the horse and rider team successful in competition. The goal was to create a film that would become a love letter to the sport of show jumping. It wasn’t long before Desert Flight became just that, evoking heartwarming emotions from everyone who watched or took part in it.

Since its inception, Desert Flight has been traveling the globe and has been showcased at some of the world’s most eminent equine events. In 2018, that journey took them to the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, NC and later that year to the prestigious EQUUS Film Festival where the film won Best of Festival as well as Best Sports Documentary. Since then it’s been traveling to cities large and small enriching the hearts of many and this evening was no exception.

Meeting Some of the Desert Flight VIP Experience Winners

Among the members who will cherish the memory of this unique opportunity was this group of eight friends who decided to enjoy their first horse show together, since how often do you get a world class horse event right in your own backyard? Encouraged by their colleague, Karen Pekarne, from Little Neck, Queens, they decided to have a girls’ night out never realizing how special it would turn out.

When Karen caught the flying t-shirt that revealed the winning wristband the team of eight were over the moon ready to enjoy their magical night. When given the choice of heading to get some nourishment, their minds were focused on only one thing. What they wanted most was to watch all the world class horses from their VIP seats.

“It was a total surprise and makes a great evening even better,” commented Karen as she and her friends posed for pictures.

While rushing off to catch up to her friends before the class began, she yelled back, “I’m excited to see the performances and the beautiful horses. This is really going to be a wonderful night.”

After the night was over, Karen couldn’t contain her thrill for what she and her friends had experienced. “The competition was exciting and different from anything I’ve ever seen. I loved the way the class was run. The riders and horses were just spectacular and talented and gorgeous to watch. We also attended the after party — so fun!”

On Sunday it was a family of four that caught the elusive t-shirt and wristband. Mackenzie Wood, who lives in New Hampshire, had never seen a horse show of this caliber before. So her father surprised her with tickets to the show. She went with her parents and grandfather and was overjoyed when the VIP Experience was added into the mix.

“It was so cool to catch the t-shirt and I was super excited to get the VIP Passes,” she commented as she and her family were getting ready for the competition to start.

Thanks to Desert Flight, a fun-filled afternoon and evening really did get even better!

Just What Is Desert Flight About?

Enamored by the horses, they all wanted to know more about the Desert Flight movie and how they could see it. In fact, this documentary short film delves into the unique relationship with the horse and why those who have been bitten by the horse bug dedicate so much time and energy to their equestrian life.

It is that sense of bonding and the visceral way in which horses enrich our lives and heighten our senses that the team of writers and videographers succeeded in capturing. It shows the strong passion and love that comes with being one with your horse and the incredible connection that these horse show people share. Whether it’s a child with a backyard horse, or an Olympian competing at the highest level, that horse-human bond is very strong.

Initially, the goal was to do something modest, just a 4-5-minute piece. However, that soon changed and grew like the branches of a tree into a full 39-minute documentary.

The film features some of the top equestrians, even some Olympic gold medalists and hearing their stories will melt your soul. The beauty is that even their candid honest words will touch your core as you attempt to hide a few tears.

If you are one of the few who has not seen this film, don’t despair: you can stream it for free via the USEF Network. For those who are not yet members of US Equestrian, a free fan membership is available to anyone using the promo code “desertflight” on the federation’s website (https://www.usef.org/network). For additional information, visit www.desertflightmovie.com and follow #desertflightmovie on social media.

dderosa1@optonline.net
516-848-4867

Community/Charity, Dressage, Publications/Media

Six-time Olympian and American Dressage Icon Robert Dover to Visit Because of Horses April 19

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Listen to Elise’s conversation with Robert Dover on the Because of Horses podcast, Friday, April 19

Robert Dover’s professional and competitive accolades have left a legacy unmatched by any other American dressage rider. A dressage specialist since the age of 19, Robert’s dedication, creativity, and commitment to excellence have proven influential in raising the standard within the sport in the U.S.

Robert made his first Olympic appearance at the 1984 Los Angeles Summer Games at the age of 28. He went on to represent the United States at the next five consecutive Olympic Games, earning four bronze medals along the way. In addition, Robert rode on four World Equestrian Games teams. In 1987, he made history by becoming the first American to win the Aachen Grand Prix since 1960, defeating six-time German Olympic gold medalist Reiner Klimke in the process.

After retiring from the competitive arena, Robert served as the technical advisor/chef d’Équipe for The Dutta Corp/U.S. Dressage Team from 2013 through the 2018 World Equestrian Games. Under his leadership, the team earned a gold medal at the 2015 Pan Am Games, a bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and a silver at the 2018 World Equestrian Games. He has served on the U.S. Olympic committee Athlete Advisory Council and the U.S. Equestrian Team Dressage committee.

Robert is well-regarded as a coach to both established and up-and-coming international pairs. He played a critical role in fundraising for the high-performance competition and training program and has taught in several growth and development programs, seeking to increase the depth and skill of riders aiming for the international ring.

In 2007, Robert partnered with the Fox Reality Channel to create and promote a TV show called “The Search for America’s Next Equestrian Star: Dressage.” A field of 400 applicants was whittled down to just six who competed for the chance to become Robert’s second assistant trainer at his Romance Farm in Wellington, Florida, along with other prizes. He also is the creator, producer, and master of ceremonies for “American Equestrians Got Talent” that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for high-performance equestrian sport.

But Robert’s impact on the equestrian community extends beyond just the dressage arena. In 1996, he founded the Equestrian Aid Foundation, an organization which financially assists equestrians suffering from life-threatening illness, catastrophic accident, or injury. He remains involved as the chairman emeritus.

Through his new Robert Squared, a line of luxury vegan leather tack and equipment, he gives a portion of all the proceeds to Equestrian Aid Foundation, Brooke USA, and Danny & Ron’s Rescue.

For his overall horsemanship and dedication to the sport, in 1994 Robert was named the U.S. Olympic Male Equestrian Athlete of the Year. He was inducted into the Roemer Foundation/U.S. Dressage Federation Hall of Fame in 2008.

For more information, go to BecauseofHorses.com.

Art/Photography

Casares Portraits Immortalize Equine Rescue Efforts

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Wellington, FL (April 17, 2019) – From kill pen to pony stardom: Coconut the rescue pony takes center stage in another spectacular photo shoot by Ramon Casares of Casares Fine Art Photography. Designed to immortalize the incredible journey of this equine and her rescuers, Casares’ trademark chiaroscuro shoot with Coconut combined dramatic stage lighting and his eye for artistic photography to create a stunning portrait and to transcend the connection between man and horse. Coconut, who is now in training to be a child’s polo pony, has also learned a few tricks along the rescue journey, including how to bow. As a fitting expression of her gratitude to her rescuers, Casares captured this pony’s bow in his typical fashion: with art and illumination.

The coming 4-year-old mare was rescued from a kill pen in 2017 by Pamela Flanagan and Rob Journayvaz. Both are polo players and enthusiasts, and sent the then feral Coconut to their close friend and trainer Jillian DeGeorge, who they give the most credit for turning Coco into the sweet and playful pony she is today. Recently started under saddle, Coconut’s training has focused on the polo basics, so that she may transfer that knowledge to her young riders. Flanagan, who is also an attorney, has made rescuing equines a passion to compliment her love for polo. Over the past year, Coconut has evolved from sensitive and skittish to trusting and brave, which is emphasized in her brilliant portraits. Casares’ stunning images, photographed so that she is the only source of light and detail, shine as bright as this little pony’s future.

Coconut’s shoot with Casares follows in a long line of rescued wildlife and sport horse portraits that have defined Casares’ work. Building on influences from his background as a native of Argentina and career as an exotic animal caregiver at the country’s largest zoo, Casares expanded his photographic talents to include all species of creature, from human and equine to possum and crocodile. He has photographed animals from nearly every phylum, class, and order in the animal kingdom. With Casares Fine Art Photography appearing across the globe and garnering international acclaim, his images have captured the imagination of audiences at major media outlets and international art shows.

But despite his passion for the horses and traditional commissioned work, Casares’ portrait style images of nature’s rarest and most common species are the artist’s true accomplishment and calling card, along with his trademark style devoid of background distractions and illuminated to detail each whisker, feather, or scale. Casares captures an essence with each image that underscores his own passion and vision as a photographer and conservationist. As a former keeper for the Buenos Aires Zoo, Casares was witness to the beauty, ferocity, and fragility of the animal kingdom firsthand. During the evolution of his photographic career, he began to visit wildlife rescues to document the plight of their patients. Realizing his images could generate support and awareness for those injured and recuperating commonplace species, as well as those who are in danger of extinction, Casares embarked on a mission to unite his talent for photography with his passion for conservation. BROKEN was the result.

Combining Casares’ distinctive artistic style and the plight of rescued animals, BROKEN is the final product of 3 years’ worth of photography, the resilience of each animal, and the selfless efforts of their rescuers. In the oversized fine art book, the saga of each animal is told beside their stunning and emotionally evocative images with the goal of bringing awareness to their struggle and rehabilitation. An ever-growing endeavor, Casares intends to expand the Broken: Rescued Wildlife Fine Art Project to multiple countries and continents to maximize awareness and resources for endangered wildlife.

For more information on Casares Fine Art Photography or BROKEN, visit www.RamonCasares.net.

Media contact:
PR and Marketing
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+1 954 205 7992

Community/Charity, Publications/Media

Ken Berkley & Scott Stewart Team Up with Filmmaker Ron Davis to Tackle Opioid Crisis

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Wellington, Fla. – April 3, 2019 – Ken Berkley & Scott Stewart of River’s Edge Farm are executive producers of a new documentary with HARRY & SNOWMAN and LIFE IN THE DOGHOUSE filmmaker, Ron Davis. The film, TO SERVE & PROTECT, will chronicle a paradigm shift in efforts by law enforcement through the Police Assisted Addiction Recovery Initiative (PAARI) to combat the national opioid epidemic in their local communities.

“We were inspired by what PAARI is doing so we decided that this program needed national attention,” said Berkley.  Filmmaker Ron Davis had just completed LIFE IN THE DOGHOUSE, about equestrians Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta. “I was eager to sign on to this project,” said Davis. “This film will be about a solution to the growing opioid epidemic.”

Berkley, Stewart, and Davis intend to raise $1 million through tax-deductible donations to produce the film. “This is a crisis that has touched everyone in some way and incarceration is not working. Treatment is the only answer,” said Stewart.

The producing team is hopeful that people will not only donate, but can interest friends, family, and organizations to contribute.

Watch the Trailer Here.

For more information on the film: SERVE & PROTECT

To make an online donation: DONATION

To contact producers: info@docutainmentfilms.com