Peter Pletcher competing in the reining competition last year. Photo: Tom Tracy.
Reining Competition, Trick Riders, Music, Cocktails and More at Equestrian Aid Foundation’s Fourth Annual Fundraiser
WELLINGTON, FL (December 19, 2013) – The Equestrian Aid Foundation will host the fourth annual winter Who Reins Supreme? on Friday, January 31, 2014 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach. The Old West themed event will feature a unique reining competition, cocktail hour, trick riders, awards ceremony, live and silent auctions and more.
The highlight of Who Reins Supreme? will be a reining competition between two teams, each comprised of a compilation of hunters, jumpers, and dressage riders. The competitors will include Ashley Holzer, Nick Dello Joio, Peter Pletcher, and Nicole Shahinian Simpson. World Equestrian Games individual Gold Medalist Tom McCutcheon and Tim McQuay, one of the all-time leaders in the sport of reining, will captain each team, coaching the competitors and representing their teams in the competition.
The past two presidents of the Equestrian Aid Foundation, Robert Dover and Mason Phelps, Jr., will be honored along with the current president, R. Scot Evans, for their dedication to the equine community and role in providing care and support for those in need.
“I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in a position that allows me to give back to those who make equestrian sports possible and share my passion for these remarkable animals,” said Evans. “I truly believe that the Equestrian Aid Foundation provides an invaluable service, and I am proud to be a part of their great work.”
Proceeds from the evening will benefit EAF programs that financially assist equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries. Tickets and tables can be purchased at equestrianaidfoundation.org.
About the Equestrian Aid Foundation: For 17 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has delivered financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries throughout their time of need. Funding for medical, rehabilitation and essential expenses – such as food and housing – enables recipients to cope through crisis and get back on their feet. The EAF is dedicated to helping people from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages. The EAF is a 501 (c) 3 organization. Learn more at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or @ride4hope.
Sarit Schneider
Account Manager
Sirota Public Relations
261 Madison Avenue, 9th Fl.
New York, NY 10016
O: 917.525.4372
C: 917.783.2334
“Race for Grace” Dinner Supports Race Track Ministry
March 8, 2013 – Louisville, KY – Ray Lewis, Jr., a two-time Super Bowl champion linebacker with the Baltimore Ravens, will be the guest speaker at “Race for Grace,” the annual Derby-time fundraising dinner for the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy. The event is set for Monday, April 29, at 6 p.m., in Millionaire’s Row at Churchill Downs.
The legendary Lewis announced his retirement from football following the Ravens’ victory over the San Francisco 49ers in this year’s Super Bowl. The win capped a long string of professional football achievements for Lewis that includes being named multiple times as NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Most Valuable Player, and Associated Press All-Pro.
Lewis’ life has also consisted of overcoming high-profile difficulties off the football field. He will be sharing testimony at the dinner about his redemption through his Christian faith.
Lewis is the founder of “Ray Lewis 52 Foundation”, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing assistance to disadvantaged youth. His commitment to his faith has been featured in two cover stories of Sports Illustrated magazine.
Also appearing at the dinner will be Hall of Fame jockey Pat Day, who won the 1992 Kentucky Derby winner aboard Lil E. Tee, as well as other horse racing notables. Jackie Hays, who is well-known for her career as news anchor on WAVE TV, will be the event’s emcee.
The evening will also include musical entertainment and a live and silent auction of unusual horse racing memorabilia, sports tickets, and other items of interest. Dress is business casual.
Tickets are $200 per person, and tables for eight are $2,000 for guaranteed seating arrangement. Various levels of sponsorship are also available and impact the level of services that the non-profit ministry is able to provide to track workers.
For more information about the ministry at Kentucky racetracks, please go to www.kychaplaincy.org. For ticket reservations, email us at info@kychaplaincy.org or call Christ Chapel at (502) 636-4476.
About Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy – KRTC is an interdenominational Christian ministry serving workers at Kentucky’s race tracks and horse training centers. For more info about the ministry, go to ww.kychaplaincy.org, and for even more up-to-date news, “LIKE” Kentucky Race Trace Chaplaincy on Facebook.
NEWS FOR MEMBERS OF THE “WOMEN’S HORSE INDUSTRY NETWORK”:
WHIN member Kate Richards Wilt is developing an exciting on-line auction program that will introduce the Race for Grace event and its mission and offers significant exposure via hyper-links for participating auction donors.
The on-line auction will be launched for bidding in early April via BiddingforGood.com and will target more than 350,000 upscale auction shoppers interested in the mission of the Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy and the sport of horse racing. It will feature “unique experiences” relating to the Derby and Oaks, Turfway Park and Ellis Park, as well as event tickets, hotel rooms, VIP tours and gifts and services that enhance the value of the package.
Mason Phelps practices his Pas de Deux sporting his custom Samshield helmet.
Wellington, FL – March 3, 2013 – The makers of Samshield Helmets have graciously agreed to sponsor The Challenge of the Americas and donated custom, top-of-the-line riding helmets to Olympic athletes Debbie McDonald and Mason Phelps for their comeback Pas de Deux performance for The Challenge.
McDonald and Phelps will celebrate their return to the ring sporting Samshield Helmets in a dressage freestyle exhibition at the March 9 event at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center to help raise funds for breast cancer research at The Challenge of the Americas.
Samshield Helmets pair customized styling with high-tech functionality, making Samshield the helmet of choice for many international riders. Now ASTM/SEI approved and available for purchase in the U.S., Samshield is delighted to offer American professional and amateur riders the ultimate in fit, safety and style.
“Samshield is the result of a mix between the pro and amateur rider’s needs, the young designer’s creative energy and the engineer’s technical vision,” explained Julien Lecomte of Samshield USA. “Samshield’s philosophy is to always propose advanced products in terms of active and passive security, comfort, hygiene, material and finish quality as well as customization.”
“I am proud to support Debbie and Mason by providing helmets, but even more important is the reason for the event − raising awareness and funds for breast cancer research,” Lecomte continued. “This will surely be a night to remember.”
The Challenge of the Americas returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser, held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe competing in team quadrilles to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
The evening will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres followed by opening ceremonies. McDonald and Phelps will come out of retirement for their special Pas de Deux wearing their Samshield Helmets then reining cow horse champions Rick Steed and his brother Trevor will perform a reining exhibition. After their exhibition, the Canadian mother/daughter team of Evi Strasser and Tanya Strasser-Shostak will present another Pas de Deux. Then, the quadrille team challenge will pit teams of top dressage riders against each other as they perform intricate freestyle patterns to wow the crowd. After an award presentation, the Challenge Gala featuring dinner and dancing will cap off the event.
Both McDonald and Phelps came out of retirement to help raise funds for breast cancer research. “It was a collaborative effort to challenge each other to get back in front of the public and it is all for a good cause,” Phelps said. “Debbie and I are thrilled to be helping raise money for breast cancer and we couldn’t have done it in such a big way without the help of so many generous sponsors and helpers.”
Top names are behind the duo, including Carl Hester, who is helping choreograph the freestyle, Terry Ciotto Gallo, who is donating the musical compilation for the disco-themed ride, Stoddard Oliver, who is tailoring the costumes, Suzanne E. Mott Dansby of Dancing Horse Farm and Jennifer Benoit of Seahorse Stables of Wellington, who are lending horses for McDonald and Phelps to ride, and Samshield.
The blinged-out McDonald and Phelps will sport white tailcoats with red satin lining and collar and red buttons, blue bowties and cummerbunds, and blue breeches along with their Samshield custom helmets.
Samshield melds innovation, elegance and distinctiveness to provide advanced products in terms of active and passive security, comfort, hygiene, material and finish quality as well as customization for the modern rider. Riders like McClain Ward, Kent Farrington, Ally Wolf, Ashley Holzer, Heather Blitz and Adrienne Lyle, Debbie McDonald’s protégé, all choose Samshield helmets. Samshield’s donation of custom helmets to dressage Olympian McDonald and eventing Olympian Mason Phelps provides the duo ultimate protection combined with stylish good looks to make their Pas de Deux even more unforgettable.
McDonald is also pleased to be a part of the event. “After losing my mother and sister to breast cancer, the cause is near and dear to me,” McDonald said. “If we can entertain and sell a few more seats, it is all for a good cause.”
To purchase tickets to see McDonald and Phelps Pas de Deux as well as the top international dressage riders competing in dressage freestyle quadrilles and other exhibitions, contact Mary Ross at (561) 433-0988 or via email at Anglot@aol.com.
The Challenge of The Americas (COTA), presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.
When:
Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m. Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m. Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m. Award Presentation
7:45 p.m. The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing
Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage
Ticket Information:
Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945 Anglot@aol.com
Ticket prices:
VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron $6,500 per table
Silver Patron $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron $2,000 per table
VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing) $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar) $100 per person
General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.
WELLINGTON, Fla. (Feb. 26, 2013) – The fifth annual Equestrian Aid Foundation “Inspection Reception” Fundraiser will be held Thursday, Feb. 28, 5-8 pm at the Palm Beach Dressage Derby in Loxahatchee, Fla. The highlight of the evening will be the live bidding for a breeding to World and Olympic Champion Sandro Hit.
In 2010, 2011 and 2012, he won the USEF/Performance Horse Registry Leading Sire Award as best dressage sire in the USA. The influence of Sandro Hit is of epochal significance to dressage breeding worldwide. Thoroughbred-typed, modern, harmonious, strongly moving and gifted with a fascinating charisma, Sandro Hit’s progeny conquered the market and made his sire a line-founding stallion of modernity. His breeding record shines through unprecedented superlatives: Auction highlights from foals to riding horses, more than 180 licensed stallions including Champion Stallions, championship candidates, Grand Prix winner up to Olympians.
To register to bid by phone or text, please contact skursar@gmail.com, mary@horsesdaily.com or call 704.650.1604 to arrange a bidder’s assistant. Only those present to bid or those registered to bid offsite will be eligible to win this exciting opportunity.
Guests will enjoy dinner and drinks at the beautiful show grounds at the Horse Park at Equestrian Estates immediately following the FEI Jog. Auction items will be on display during the afternoon at the IHS Palm Beach Derby gathering place, “The Beer Garden,” to bid on items or make donations.
“We have a great selection of auction items we all use and need, and this year we are excited and honored to have a breeding to Sandro Hit, donated the breeding manager from Schockemöhle Stallion service station at Performance Horse Sales International, Germany,” said Mary Phelps, Equestrian Aid Foundation co-chairman to the board of governors and organizer of this annual event. “Our one-of-a-kind celebrity items, including a Super Bowl football signed by Baltimore Ravens Quarterback Joe Flacco, rock star signed items, as well as an array of product baskets and unique riding opportunities with Robert Dover, Katherine Bateson-Chandler, Jan Eberling and Courtney King-Dye. See our Dressage Daily.com website for more information on the auction items.”
For more than 17 years, the Equestrian Aid Foundation has provided financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries throughout their time of need. Funding for medical, rehabilitation and essential expenses – such as food and housing – enables recipients to cope through crisis and get back on their feet. The EAF is dedicated to helping people from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages. Learn more at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org, www.facebook.com/EAF.Ride4Hope or @ride4hope.
Ocala, FL (February 22, 2012) – Decorated combined driver Chester Weber will donate a package for Two Days of Training at the United States Equestrian Team’s “Salute to Driving” Fundraiser. The benefit is designed to raise funds for the discipline of driving, and Weber invites the winner to bring their own horses to enjoy two days of training at his prestigious Ocala training facility, Live Oak Stud.
The Third Annual Salute to Driving fundraising event will take place March 1-3 in Windsor, South Carolina. Each year, the event has raised money for the country’s High Performance Driving programs for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. The weekend will feature a beautiful dinner and auction on Saturday evening, multiple driving clinics with some of the world’s top trainers, and a combined driving competition for Preliminary to Advanced level drivers on Sunday. Also included in the weekend are dressage clinics with Michael Freund and Sterling Graburn, harnessing demonstrations, carriage exhibits, a Driving Blind Cones activity with golf carts, and a mini-quadrille. The Salute to Driving fundraiser will be hosted by Chateau Log and Courage to Lead Farms in South Carolina.
“I am really looking forward to once again supporting the Salute to Driving weekend. Last year I donated two days of training, and it was very well received. I believe the USET is a very worthy cause and the money raised during this weekend will go toward sending the US driving athletes to international competitions,” Weber said.
Weber is known for his prowess in the discipline of combined driving, and has many wins and accolades to his name. He and his team of KWPN geldings took Individual Silver and helped propel the US team to a Bronze medal at the 2012 World Driving Championships in Riesenbeck, Germany. Known for his trademark record-breaking scores in the dressage phase, Weber was dubbed “Mr. Dressage” by the foreign media when he competed overseas during the summers of 2011 and 2012; he recently scored a 37.94 in the dressage at the 2013 CAI Little Everglades and set a new World Record with FEI Test 11. Weber also has many international wins under his belt and has won the USEF National Four-in-Hand Combined Driving Championship a record 9 times.
Not content to simply win championships, Weber has built a reputation for giving back to his sport throughout the years. By donating unique items and opportunities, Weber increases awareness and gives Combined Driving a good name. Bonnie Jenkins, the executive director of the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, said, “It’s really nice when our world class drivers give back and continue to help their discipline.”
For more information on Weber and his combined driving team, visit their website at www.chesterweber.com. For more information on the Salute to Driving weekend, contact Beverly Lesher at 717 554 1241 or nanabrl@aol.com.
For more information contact:
Johnny Robb – JRPR, Inc.
561-753-4608 jrpr@mac.com
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2013 – Reined cow horse champions Rick Steed and his brother Trevor will perform a dueling reined cow horse exhibition at The Challenge of the Americas, Saturday, March 9 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center where the two will try to outdo each other with spins, stops and slides.
The Challenge of the Americas Presented by SSG Gloves returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe competing in team quadrilles to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
Rick Steed has been involved in the horse industry as a trainer, mentor, showman and clinician for more than 20 years and is pleased to help The Challenge. “I believe in supporting charities and giving back to the community as No. 1,” he said. “No. 2 is in our quest to become horsemen; we exhibit the special relationship between horse and rider.”
His career diversity ranges from winning World and National championships to working with the BLM teaching adopters and wild mustangs to donating his time to 4-H clubs. Since 2006, he has won nine World and Reserve Championships in reined cow horse, a World Championship in reining freestyle and a Reserve World Championship in reining freestyle.
Trevor Steed won his first Reserve World Championship in Reined Cow Horse in 2012.
Rick Steed and Smarty
Rick Steed pioneered a program he calls “Simplifying Horsemanship” in which he teaches that there are three guideable body parts on a horse: the nose, the shoulders and the hips. “There’s nothing you can’t do on a horse, even at a high level, if you can guide those body parts,” he said.
Steed believes that in true horsemanship, the horse always comes first. He added that anyone interested in learning about Simplifying Horsemanship is welcome to come to his ranch to check it out. “The first lesson is always free,” he said.
He has also built a blueprint for reined cow horse events he calls Show By Appointment (SBA) Reined Cow Horse Company, with the goal of making horse shows fun, fair and affordable for all competitors. SBA offers exhibitors the opportunity to make an appointment to show their horses on the day of the scheduled show at a time they choose, given availability. Steed emphasized fairness in judging and a relaxed atmosphere are part of the events.
For more information about Rick Steed and Simplifying Horsemanship, log onto www.steedtraining.net.
The Challenge of The Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.
When:
Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m. Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m. Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m. Award Presentation
7:45 p.m. The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing
Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage
Ticket Information:
Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945 Anglot@aol.com
Ticket prices:
VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron $6,500 per table
Silver Patron $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron $2,000 per table
VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing) $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar) $100 per person
General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.
Wellington, FL – February 18, 2013 – The international quadrille team sponsored by The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch plans to give their competitors a run for their money at The Challenge of the Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves on Saturday, March 9.
Team International The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch has been practicing an intricate quadrille for The Challenge and its 11th anniversary return as a one-of-a-kind affair highlighting the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe riding in team quadrilles to Play for P.I.N.K. to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
Team International is comprised of dressage stars Todd Flettrich, Catherine Haddad-Staller, Susanne Hamilton, Nancy Later, Sharon McCusker and Cherri Reiber. The coaches for the team are Ruth Hogan-Poulsen and Erin Swaney.
Josh Parker, one of the principals of The Seley Parker Group, said it’s their seventh year to sponsor the event. “The Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch is extremely proud to once again support the International Team and The Challenge of the Americas,” he said. “Raising awareness and helping find a cure for such a terrible disease should be one of everyone’s top priorities.”
Susanne Hamilton
Susanne Hamilton, a United States Dressage Federation (USDF) Gold Medalist and one of the team riders, said she went to her first Challenge of the Americas six years ago with her friend, Ingrid Lind, who lost her fight with breast cancer three years later.
“This is close to my heart,” she said. “I’d like to dedicate my ride to someone this year who’s fighting hard. She’s in Britain and she’s a Grade II para-rider who is dying from this,” she continued with a hitch in her voice. “Her name is Gwenllian Hughes. I want to dedicate this to her.”
Quadrille rider Sharon McCusker, a USEF long listed FEI Grand Prix competitor and trainer, also believes in the cause. “I’m delighted to be involved with this benefit,” she said. “Almost all of us have lost somebody who has been affected by breast cancer.”
One of the Team International coaches, Ruth Hogan-Poulsen, who creates freestyles for every level of dressage rider, said she is happy and honored to be a part of The Challenge of the Americas. “It’s impressive and shows the importance of the cause when six professionals and two choreographers take time from their schedules at least once a week to show their dedication to COTA,” she said. “As a choreographer and music editor, it’s a fun challenge to create for both riders and spectators alike.”
The other coach and choreographer, Erin Swaney, an FEI rider and trainer, said she started helping with The Challenge in response to COTA organizer Mary Ross’ request.
“I always went to The Challenge and one year Mary needed somebody to coach one of the teams and she asked me to do it,” she said. “I had watched it for years and I always thought of things that would look different and amazing for the spectators.”
She said that since she has been one of the coaches for the quadrilles, she strives to make the choreography fresh and jots down ideas for the freestyle throughout the year, paying special attention to visual excitement from every angle for the audience.
“It’s funny because every year the riders think it’s crazy and they say they can’t do it but in the end, everyone is surprised,” she laughed. “Last year the team was so cute. I gave them the pattern and they gave me THAT look, but in the end it all came together. This year it’s a whole new team and they have a really great dynamic. When we walked the pattern the first time it was hilarious but it all seems to work out in the end. I like how the whole thing unfolds and how each person comes together for the team.”
Todd Flettrich leads the way during team practice
Aside from the serious theme of fundraising for breast cancer research, fun is a central theme to all the riders on the team.
“I did it once before and it was a really fun experience,” Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Todd Flettrich said. “Everybody gets together to ride and it’s for a good cause. I enjoy the sense of camaraderie when we are all for the same team. It’s great because it’s for the cause and not for yourself.”
Catherine Haddad-Staller, a two-time Grand Prix winner in the U.S. and a USDF Gold Medalist, agreed. “I think it’s a worthy cause and I am quite excited to be a part of the international team,” she said.
Cherri Reiber, an FEI trainer and competitor, added she is also involved with the quadrille to support the cause. “We’re having a ball,” she said. “It’s really been fun.”
This is Nancy Later’s first year to participate as a rider in the quadrille and she said she is helping support organizer Mary Ross in her effort to fund breast cancer research. Later is a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist.
Nancy Later
“I think Mary’s done a great job for years and we love going to watch and I always wanted to be part of a team so it’s very exciting,” she said. “We’re a newbie team. So far we are having a great time. We can be partners instead of competitors so it’s really fun. It’s important that we remember to thank our sponsor, Merrill Lynch, too.”
Parker from the Seley Parker Group of Merrill Lynch added, “This event, with all of its equestrian pageantry, is always a blast and raises considerable funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.”
The Challenge of The Americas (COTA) presented by SSG Gloves, known throughout the equestrian world for its spectacular performances on horseback, returns for its 11th anniversary to continue its fight against breast cancer. This annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair that highlights the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top equestrian competitors in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
Sharon McCusker
There are few, if any, places throughout the world where an audience can delight in the performances of such a large and distinguished group of riders and their magnificent equine partners. The Challenge of The Americas’ teams of international riders compete in quadrilles to world-class music and choreography in an effort to raise money to help find a cure for breast cancer. Proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K.
When:
Saturday, March 9, 2013
5:30 p.m. Cocktails and hors d’Oeuvres
6:15 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
6:25 p.m. Reining Freestyles and Pas de Deux
6:45 p.m. Quadrille Team Challenge
7:30 p.m. Award Presentation
7:45 p.m. The Challenge Gala: Dinner and Dancing
Sponsors:
Back on Track Products
Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc.
International Polo Club Palm Beach
MatchnRide.com
Merrill Lynch, The Seley Parker Group
Purina Mills
Red Barn Feed & Supply
Samshield
SSG Gloves
Steed Training
Tackeria
United States Dressage Federation
Wellington Classic Dressage
Ticket Information:
Mary Ross
8067 Montserrat Place
Wellington, FL 33414
(561) 433-0988
(561) 251-7945 Anglot@aol.com
Ticket prices:
VIP Tables of 8:
Gold Patron $6,500 per table
Silver Patron $4,500 per table
Bronze Patron $2,000 per table
VIP Individual Seating:
Competition and Gala (includes dinner and dancing) $250 per person
Competition (includes hors d’oeuvres and cash bar) $100 per person
General Admission seating $20 per person at the gate
Children 12 and under admitted free (General Admission)
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge) is a grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds to fight breast cancer, by creating and promoting awareness of breast cancer through sporting and lifestyle events including men’s and women’s golf tournaments, tennis, swimming, card games, equestrian events, and shopping benefits. Our commitment is to contribute 100% of all funds raised to our beneficiary, The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. In 2012, PFP donated $4 million to BCRF for a cumulative total of $29.75 million. For more information about PFP, visit playforpink.org.
A Trail Ride Fundraiser to benefit the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation
Here’s your opportunity to explore the Kentucky Horse Park with your own horse! On March 13 & 14, the Kentucky Horse Park Foundation is hosting a two-day trail ride prior to the opening of The Road to the Horse (a three-day event matching some of the country’s best horse trainers and clinicians against one another, being held for the first time at the park this March).
Wellington, FL – February 13, 2013 – Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock, Inc., a livestock insurance company, has partnered with The Challenge of the Americas to help raise funds for breast cancer research.
The Challenge of the Americas returns for its 11th anniversary on Saturday, March 9 to continue its fight against breast cancer. Held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, this annual fundraiser is a one-of-a-kind affair highlighting the equestrian sport of dressage. Competing riders include the “Who’s Who” of top dressage riders in the United States, Canada, Latin America and Europe riding in team quadrilles.
Tom Cunningham of Cunningham & Cunningham Livestock insurance said the company has been a sponsor of the event from the beginning. “We’ve been doing this forever,” he said. “It’s a great cause and I enjoy watching the horses.”
Wellington, FL – February 12, 2013 – The Wellington Preservation Coalition was a silver sponsor of the Equestrian Aid Foundation’s “Who Reins Supreme?” event that took place Feb. 1, 2013, at the Jim Brandon Center just east of Wellington. Coalition Executive Director Tom Wenham, along with his wife, Regis, attended the event and shared the work of the Coalition in preserving Wellington.
“It was a great opportunity to watch several different equestrian activities and to talk with the crowds at the Jim Brandon Center,” Wenham said.
“Who Reins Supreme?” is the Foundation’s leading fundraiser. The Foundation provides assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries. Guests attending “Who Reins Supreme?” were treated to a spectacular night that included world-class dressage, show jumping, hunter and polo teams. In addition, Brandon Perdue and Gena Day thrilled the crowd with their trick riding exhibit.
