Category Archives: Benefits

Georgina Bloomberg and Beth Behrs to Host Shopping with Ruchi NY to Benefit EQUUS Foundation

Georgina Bloomberg.

March 7-11: Virtual Shopping with EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar Beth Behrs
March 15: In Person Shopping in Palm Beach with EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar Georgina Bloomberg

The EQUUS Foundation is thrilled to be partnering with Ruchi New York for a charity shopping event featuring the elegant and timeless jewelry designed by New York designer Ruchi Kotahwala.

Hosted by EQUUStar and renown world class equestrian, Georgina Bloomberg, and co-hosted virtually from California by newest EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar and horse welfare advocate, actress Beth Behrs, this event will give horse lovers and lovers of fine jewelry a chance to shop both in person and virtually.

For those in the Palm Beach area, the event will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021, from 2pm to 7pm at the White Elephant Hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. Please RSVP in advance at https://ruchinewyork.com/pages/ruchi-equus.

Beth’s fans and all horse welfare advocates across the country who are not able to join us for the Palm Beach event are welcome to shop from March 7 through March 11 24/7 using this special code, EQUUS15, here, which will offer not only a 15% discount on lovely and timeless jewelry, but also ensure that 10% of all proceeds go to the EQUUS Foundation to offer a lifeline to America’s at-risk horses.

“We are proud to partner with the EQUUS Foundation and support the extraordinary work they do to protect these incredible animals,” said Ruchi. Ruchi’s passion for gemstones and jewelry began as a young girl growing up in Mumbai, India where colorful and lively jewels are part of everyday life and celebrations. She transformed her passion into a business with her husband, a fifth-generation gemstone authority from Jaipur. Ruchi’s access to some of the world’s most remarkable and exotic stones laid the foundation for the Ruchi New York collection launched in 2018.

To learn more about the EQUUS Foundation and their mission, please visit www.equusfoundation.org.

Clip-a-Thon to Benefit EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund for Industry Professionals

Wellington, Fla. — Oct. 23, 2020 — Freelance groom Tim Gaskell and lifelong equestrian and marketing professional Kayla Wright are back in action for a second round of their wildly successful Clip-a-Thon, and this time, they’re bringing friends.

When the COVID-related industry shutdown wreaked financial havoc for many equestrian professionals last spring, the duo planned and executed a 24-hour, live-streamed clipping marathon to raise money for their struggling colleagues. The result of their effort was a $10,000 donation to EAF’s COVID Emergency Relief Fund for industry professionals.

With COVID cases appearing to be on the rise again, Gaskell is uneasy about what the coming months might hold for grooms, braiders, horse show staff, and other workers — many of who are just tenuously back on their feet after the initial shutdown. “I’m not confident about what’s going to happen this winter,” said Gaskell while driving a load of horses to Kentucky last month. “Let’s do a second Clip-a-Thon so there’s money for COVID relief in case people need it.”

That Clip-a-Thon begins on Monday, Oct. 26. Like the first event, it will be live-streamed on Facebook via The Clip-a-Thon’s event page. Gaskell will be joined by an enthusiastic lineup of guest clippers from all over the country, all of whom will be donating their proceeds to EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund. “I love to support EAF because their mission allows professionals of all types to survive all sorts of setbacks,” said trainer Katie Wild, who will be clipping from southeastern Pennsylvania on Monday. “Whether it is COVID, cancer, a bad fall — the little things like groceries and gas that can be taken for granted are a necessity for others!”

How to Get Involved

  • Visit the live feed between 8 a.m. on Monday and 8 p.m. Tuesday to show your support for Tim, Kayla, and the clippers — and most importantly, our industry’s workers. Learn more about the Clip-a-Thon’s prizes and drawings, and make a donation while you’re there!
  • Sponsor an hour of the Clip-a-Thon. Join a growing list of dedicated individuals and businesses like Shapley’s and On Course Consignment who are standing in solidarity with equestrian professionals during this difficult time. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Tim Gaskell.
  • Donate a clip job to EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund! Do you have a hairy horse? Contact Kayla Wright if you’d like to clip on the live stream. Or just share a picture to the Clip-a-Thon’s Facebook page when you’ve finished clipping. Proceeds can be donated to the Clip-a-Thon or directly to the Equestrian Aid Foundation.
  • Make a donation in honor of your braider, groom, clipper, shipper — that dedicated worker (or workers) who makes your horse world go ’round. We’ll be sure they get special mention on the Clip-a-Thon’s live feed.

About EAF’s COVID Emergency Fund

In March of 2020, the Equestrian Aid Foundation opened its Disaster Relief Fund to assist equestrian professionals and industry service providers in unexpected financial crisis as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The fund remains open to help workers who continue to struggle as a direct result of COVID-related cancellations and disruptions within the industry. To date, 274 grants have been issued.

For more information, please visit EquestrianAidFoundation.org.

Lexington Bourbon Society to Host Zoom Derby Event to Benefit Old Friends

Silver Charm, 1997.

The Kentucky Derby has been postponed, but we still get to celebrate the First Saturday in May. Our friends at the Lexington Bourbon Society are hosting a Zoom Party to celebrate Derby Day and also to help Old Friends and our 200+ retired horses, including 1997 Kentucky Derby-Preakness champion Silver Charm.

There are 50 spaces left to join this event. For every ticket sold, $10 will be donated to Old Friends.  Here are all the details:

What:
Pop-up Derby-In-Place Zoom Party

When:
Saturday, May 2nd 3-6 PM EST (Zoom portion 4:30-6)

Where:
The comfort of your own home

How:
$10 donation paid directly to Old Friends via eventbrite, with your confirmation email from the donation containing your unique Zoom login credentials.
(tickets: derby-in-place.eventbrite.com)

Who:
The first 50 people to complete their donation and receive their login details.

Why:
To support the wonderful work of the fine folks at Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm.

The Lexington Bourbon Society has teamed up with Michter’s Distillery, ubercapper.com, and Lexington’s Wine+market to bring fans a fantastic solution to the 146th Kentucky Derby being moved from the First Saturday in May to Saturday, September 5.

Saturday, May 2nd, NBC Sports will present a virtual Kentucky Derby at Home Party, which includes “The First Saturday In May: American Pharoah’s Run to the Triple Crown”, a look back at American Pharoah’s 2015 Derby win en route to his historic Triple Crown, and “The Kentucky Derby: Triple Crown Showdown”, a socially distant, computer-simulated edition of the Run for the Roses that pits all 13 Triple Crown winners against each other. (full details:  kentuckyderby.com/party)

While you have this broadcast on the television, we will host a zoom.us gathering starting at 4:30 that will include Michter’s schwag giveaways, Derby hat/fascinator/outfit contest, interactive Mint Julep demonstration and recipe, drawing for a private tour for two at Old Friends with Board President Michael Blowen, some fun “wagering”, and live handicapping of the Triple Crown Showdown by syndicated Thoroughbred handicapper Elis Starr (@Ubercapper) and more!

We will post a Zoom tutorial with dos and don’ts to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for all attending in the comments.

For more information, visit www.oldfriendsequine.org.

Robb Report’s Horsepower Gala Honors Frank McCourt, Georgina Bloomberg, and Jessica Springsteen

Left to right: Penske Media vice chairman Gerry Byrne, Penske Media board member Sophie Stenbeck, Georgina Bloomberg, Robb Report managing director David Arnold, Kelly Klein, Monica McCourt, Frank McCourt, and Robb Report editor in chief Paul Croughton.

The gala benefited the EQUUS Foundation’s vital work to stop equine abuse

Robb Report, the world’s leading authority on luxury lifestyle, held its inaugural Horsepower Gala on Sunday, December 8, at the Boca Raton Resort & Club, a Waldorf Astoria resort. The EQUUS Foundation, America’s foremost equine-welfare organization, was chosen by the prestigious publication as its charitable partner to raise funds and to increase awareness of horse abuse, neglect, and slaughter.

The power and magic of horses were the inspirations of the invitation-only event, which honored three champions of equine protection: Frank McCourt, Georgina Bloomberg, and Jessica Springsteen. More than 150 guests gathered with Robb Report and the EQUUS Foundation to celebrate the majesty of horses and all they bring to our lives and to honor the three special individuals who embody passion for horses and equestrian sport.

Frank McCourt received the Horsepower Leadership Award for his commitment to safeguarding the protection and dignity of America’s horses and was introduced by his wife, Monica McCourt.

Mr. and Mrs. McCourt are enthusiastic supporters of equestrian sports and own several amateur and competitive horses as well as the Miami Celtics, a world-class show-jumping team that competes in the Global Champions League.

Georgina Bloomberg received a Horsepower Rider of the Year Award and was introduced by Valerie Angeli, vice president of engagement at the EQUUS Foundation.

Jessica Springsteen received a Horsepower Rider of the Year Award and was introduced by Sophie Stenbeck, a gala co-chair, equine advocate, and Penske Media board member.

Bloomberg and Springsteen were recognized for their tireless work on behalf of the EQUUS Foundation and the protection of America’s horses throughout their lives. Both are leading competitive show-jumping athletes who have supported the EQUUS Foundation since its earliest days, motivating fellow equestrians and horse advocates to become horse protectors.

“We are thrilled and privileged to be part of this stunning and meaningful evening for those who ride, work with, care about and care for horses and to celebrate the accomplishments of our honorees — Frank, Georgina, and Jessie. Each is a champion of the equestrian sport and equine protection,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation president.

“The EQUUS Foundation is committed to not only increasing adoptions of at-risk horses and providing a safe haven for aged horses, but also increasing opportunities for all people to engage and partner with horses in new, innovative ways.”

“Horses bring joy to old and young alike. Evenings like this help us ensure a safe and sustainable environment for horses now and in the future.”

About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

Palm Beach Young Elite Auction to Benefit Babington Recovery

Proceeds from a horse will be auctioned to benefit the Babington Family

There will be an exciting new auction that will debut during the CSIO4* Nations Cup week at Palm Beach Masters in Wellington, Florida and a special effort to support Kevin Babington as he continues to recover from the catastrophic fall he sustained in 2019.

The Palm Beach Auction will present 16 elite young jumpers for sale via live auction on February 13th at 7pm in the VIP tent at Deeridge Farm. The 16 horses are the result of a selection process that involved a wide search across Europe and the involvement of the sport’s best breeders, trainers, and selectors.

Kevin Babington’s journey to recover from life-changing injury became a touch point upon which the entire equestrian industry rallied around because Kevin himself is a sportsman who is held in the highest esteem both for his show jumping accomplishments and for his unselfish manner and help delivered to so very many of us. The Palm Beach Auction gratefully accepted his assistance in the selection process, and to give back, a 17th horse will be auctioned off on February 13th, with 100% of the sale proceeds going directly to Kevin and his family to help offset the costs of his recovery.

A stunning three-year-old Balou du Rouet x Clinton gelding named “Balou Son” was donated by friends of Kevin to be auctioned as the first horse of The Palm Beach Auction. All are invited to attend the auction on February 13th, and the official Presentation of horses on February 2nd, directly following the Longines FEI World Cup Jumping qualifier at Palm Beach Masters.

Register at www.thepalmbeachauction.com.

Instagram @thepalmbeachauction

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Thepalmbeachaution/

BioStar US Sponsored Quadrille Team to Perform Exhibition at Challenge of the Americas

Tigger Montague coaching Lisa Lewis and Allison Kavey of the BioStar US Quadrille Team.

Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 20, 2020 – BioStar US, maker of top quality whole food supplements for horses and dogs, is excited to announce its very own Quadrille Team set to compete in this year’s Challenge of the Americas (COTA) in Wellington, Florida. For 16 years, Challenge of the Americas has been bringing the equestrian community together to fight against breast cancer in one fun, competitive event and gala to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play for P.I.N.K.

“BioStar believes in supporting causes and organizations who seek to unite us, not divide us,” said Tigger Montague, founder of BioStar US. “The Challenge of the Americas is important both for its mission of funding breast cancer research and also for its ability to bring all of us in the equine community together.”

The renowned event features a musical Grand Prix Quadrille Dressage Team Challenge with the teams vying for the judges’ top marks of their choreographed routine. This year, BioStar’s team coached by Montague includes riders Lauren Chumley, Becky Cowden, Lisa Lewis, Sarah Schmitt, and BioStar sponsored riders Allison Kavey, Jim Koford (technical advisor and rider), and reserve rider Liz Austin. The team will dance to a musical routine, choreographed by Montague, in coordinating costumes to compete for the top honors of the night, bringing awareness and support to the event’s beneficiaries. The team’s practices are now underway as they prepare for the event, hoping to claim the first place prize for the second year in a row.

Set to take place Friday, March 6, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the Challenge will also host a gala immediately following the evening’s competition that will include a gourmet dinner and an awards presentation for the top teams. Carrying on the festivities long after the show is complete, the gala will give guests, riders, and judges the opportunity to mingle and raise more funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play for P.I.N.K.

Be sure to secure your tickets to the season’s most exciting charitable event and support Team BioStar US in the Quadrille competition.

To learn more about the 2020 Challenge of the Americas, please click here.

Double H Farm and Quentin Judge Host Clinic for a Cause to Benefit JDRF

Photo: Elaine Wessel/ Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, Fla. – Jan. 8, 2020 – Double H Farm opened its Wellington facility to the local community on Friday, Jan. 3, to host a clinic to benefit JDRF, the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. Taught by Double H Farm’s head trainer Quentin Judge, the clinic featured various horse-and-rider pairs, each of whom were able to benefit from the international athlete’s experience while also contributing to the cause thanks to their participation. Additionally, proceeds from a raffle and silent auction were also donated to further add to the day’s generosity. The organizers of the day and Double H Farm’s close friends and vets, Dr. Leah Patipa and Dr. Axel Beccar Varela, orchestrated the day to support an organization that is close to their heart as their son was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes one year ago at only three years old.

“My son was diagnosed almost one year ago, January 22, 2019, with type 1 diabetes,” Dr. Patipa explained. “Obviously my area of connection is in the horse world, but I wanted to figure out what I could do on my own to try and raise money towards research for a cure. Money shouldn’t be an inhibiting factor in having access to new technology. Two or three months ago, I called Quentin and asked him what he thought about doing a clinic to raise money for JDRF, and he said, ‘That’s a great idea, let’s do it.'”

Founded in 1970, JDRF is a non-profit organization focused on gaining funding for type 1 diabetes research in an effort to help eradicate the disease. This funding allows JDRF to not only conduct research, but also help advocate for government advancement for their research and new therapies. To date, JDRF has funded more than $2 billion in research projects. With these efforts, JDRF is working to help improve the lives of people living with type 1 diabetes, with a mission centered on finding a way to cure, prevent and treat the disease and its complications. By accelerating life-changing breakthroughs to cure, prevent and treat type 1 diabetes and its complications, JDRF is improving lives today and tomorrow.

Dr. Patipa added, “I was very impressed with the event and we raised a ton of money in just a few hours. Everyone thought that Quentin was an amazing clinician and I received compliment after compliment. All of the vendors donated a percentage of their proceeds to JDRF as well, and we also hosted an online auction. We want to make it an annual event and make it even better next year! I cannot thank everyone enough that came together in support of the clinic, especially Quentin and Cayce. My son is only four years old, and I hope that in his lifetime they have some advancements that make his life as normal as possible.”

Judge’s clinic was divided into two different sessions based on height preferences. The morning session jumped .90m-1.0m in height, while the afternoon session jumped 1.10m-1.20m in height. For both groups, Judge catered to each horse and rider’s individual needs. Concepts like connecting with the horse for better control as well as the importance of straightness and rhythm were emphasized to each pair. With a keen eye for each horse-and-rider pair’s personal strength and weaknesses, Judge was able to provide useful advice and feedback to each rider to help better their skill sets. Emphasizing that the mastery of foundations is key to success, Judge implemented cavaletti, trot pole, and crossrail exercises before advancing to jump courses that challenged the participants to incorporate everything they had practiced.

“I have to thank everyone that contributed to our successful clinic, whether they rode, audited, or worked it. The day was a huge success and we had such a great time for a wonderful cause,” commented Judge. “JDRF is an organization that means a lot to my family, so we were proud to be able to help raise funds in our own way to further their mission and support their important work. I hope that the riders gained a lot from their experience and I looked forward to seeing each of them continue to progress in their abilities!”

For more information about JDRF, visit www.jdrf.org.

Horses Helping Horses Does It Again

ARREDONDO DRESSAGE SOCIETY
Presents the 10th Annual Horses Helping Horses

A day to benefit the HORSE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Saturday, March 16, 2019
Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, Newberry, Florida
In the Covered Arena

Join us and some of the regions most talented dressage instructors as they donate their time and skills to perform a benefit clinic for Horse Protection (HPAF). The Arredondo Dressage Society Website lists the clinicians, ride times, and instructions for bidding on the clinics (arredondodressage.org).

The day is a day all about horses, and a day to raise awareness about equine rescues and sanctuaries and the lifesaving work they do year-round to care for the at-risk horses in their communities who have often been abused or neglected. Horses are majestic, loving animals, and we hope our local and loyal supporters will come out so that we can continue our lifesaving efforts for years to come.

To support this cause, Arredondo Dressage Society will sponsor events throughout the day. The clinics offer riders and spectators a chance to see actual dressage training and work. In addition, there will be lunchtime demos including vaulting, reining, and dressage. There will also be a used tack sale and raffles throughout the day.

Arredondo has an online auction on its website which will be finalized at the 5:00 Wine and Cheese Reception, with a live auction and bidding. Horse Protection staff will showcase some of the rescued animals and they will be on hand to answer questions and to educate the public about the work being done on behalf of the equines of Florida.

Come for a fun day and support this most worthy cause!

HORSE PROTECTION ASSOCIATION OF FLORIDA
Horse Protection Association of Florida (HPAF) is located on 140 acres in Micanopy where herds of upwards of 60 rescued horses are cared for. These horses have been abused, abandoned, or neglected and have been seized, surrendered, or otherwise rescued by Morgan Silver and her team. The horses usually arrive at HPAF in an emancipated condition and they are typically weak and scared. Some have never known a kind human touch, but under the loving care of Morgan and the women and men who work at the farm, the horses are given the care they need. They receive veterinary care, farriers work on their feet, their diets are customized for their needs, and each horse is handled and worked with until they recognize that these humans are there to help.

Each horse has its own stall and is trained to walk into its stall each morning and night for feeding. Each horse is Parelli trained with a rope halter and rope so that they are used to handling and develop ground manners. Each horse is groomed on a daily basis before being turned out to pasture.

The HPAF website (hpaf.org) shows some of the work being done at the farm, and shows the horses that are ready for adoption. Once a horse is sound and properly trained, it will be ready to be adopted. Of course, there are some that will remain at HPAF as their forever home. Right now, there are 4 distinct herd groupings. The mares with an occasional senior or quiet gelding are kept in one barn and pasture. The geldings have another barn and pasture. There is also a senior barn and pasture, and finally, there is the mums and babies barn. We have 4 new babies this year, and just recently, the mums have been taken to a new farm and the babies have been weaned. After a few days of protesting, the babies have all settled down and happily romp around in their own pasture.

Contact:
Heather Stalker, stalkhj@peds.ufl.edu, (352) 231-0670

Chesapeake International Draft Horse Show to Benefit EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation is pleased to announce that it will be a beneficiary of the inaugural Chesapeake International Draft Horse Show, on February 8-10 in Wellington, Florida. Hosted by Victoria McCullough, the show will be held at Crab Orchard Farm, generously donated by Frank and Monica McCourt. Entry is free to the public, with proceeds benefiting the EQUUS Foundation and the Young Singers of the Palm Beaches.

“The EQUUS Foundation is honored and thrilled to have been chosen as a beneficiary of the inaugural Chesapeake International Draft Horse Show by renowned equine advocate, Victoria McCullough. Victoria is not only a lifelong, expert horsewoman, and now owner of world champion competition Clydesdales, but there is no one more committed to the welfare and rescue of America’s horses,” says EQUUS Foundation VP of Engagement, Valerie Angeli.

“It is our hope that this show will inspire and amaze those who are unfamiliar with these giant and powerful, yet gentle and versatile draft horses. As Victoria says, they are not only beautiful, they are surprisingly quiet, grateful, stoic, and easy to sustain. Often overlooked for adoption because of their massive size, they give their might and their heart in sport and also as pleasure, trail and driving horses, companions, and therapy horses. As the only charity in the US focused 100 percent on protecting America’s horses and fostering the horse-human bond, we are excited to have the opportunity to raise awareness of these very special animals through the Chesapeake International Draft Horse Show.”

About EQUUS Foundation: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, the only national animal welfare charity in the United States 100% dedicated to protecting America’s horses and strengthening the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

National Horse Show Announces 2018 NHS Bluegrass Charity Benefit Initiative

Photo: Emily Moffitt and Hilfiger Van De Olmenhoeve.

Lexington, KY – Aug. 17, 2018 – The National Horse Show is excited to announce the 2018 NHS Bluegrass Charity Benefit on Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 3. Presented by Goshen Hill and Meralex Farm, the inaugural event will host local charities and their participants in Alltech arena at the Kentucky National Horse Park, for a chance to win a cash bonus to support their cause.

In order to participate, 501(c)3 organizations will submit an application and receive a unique ticket code to share with their supporters. This code will give attendees complimentary NHS tickets for either Friday or Saturday night. Through these specific ticket codes, those in attendance can be counted, and the charity with the most supporters in attendance will win the cash bonus. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three charities with the strongest attendance, with $5,000 awarded to first place, $3,500 to second place, and $1,500 to third.

Friday evening’s event will begin at 7pm with the inaugural $50,000 National Horse Show Hunter Classic. Additionally, the charities in attendance on Friday night will be entered to win an additional cash bonus through an Athlete’s draw, where top hunter riders will draw the names of the charities in attendance. Charities that are chosen by the top three placing riders shall receive an additional bonus: First place will receive a $2,500 bonus, second will receive a $1,000 bonus, and third will receive a $500 bonus.

Starting at 7:00pm on Saturday, the charities will be cheering on competitors in the $250,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup™ Lexington.

Winning charities will be announced following each class.

The National Horse Show has a long history of working closely with local charities to help raise money and awareness at the event, including the Grayson Jockey Club and UK Markey Cancer Research Center. If you are interested in applying, you can fill out an application here. The application should include the name of the charity, its website, its 501(c)3 certificate and Tax ID Number, Contact person name, email, and phone number. Charities wishing to get involved must register by October 15.

To learn more about the National Horse Show, click here.