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Dressage under the StarsWednesdays Wow the Crowd at Dressage under the Stars Dressage under the Stars Logo. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Client. It’s Everything Eventing This Week Wellington, FL – March 1, 2011 – Last week’s Dressage under the Stars was a crowd favorite, as four former dressage young riders competed to fantastic popular music in exciting dress. Riders last week were Mica Mabragana from Argentina, Kasi Barteau who did a rendition of the Lion King, winner of the evening Jocelyn Wylese, and Mary Lauthorio who made her horse into a rocket ship in honor of the final NASA spaceship launch. Neil Hirsh, owner of the Player’s Club which hosts the evening remarked “It was wonderful, last week really stepped it up a notch. Really well done!” Film Documentarian, Ron Davis served as the artistic judge for the evening, and commented, “Until now I thought Dressage is normally so serious. Last Wednesday was beautiful and fun!” This week PRO Derby Cross will present a special evening of Dressage under the Stars as it will showcase the talents of strictly Eventing riders. 2011 Dressage under the Stars Kicks Off Third Year Dressage under the Stars week one musical freestyle winner Chris Von Martels is joined by (l-r) Ted Rekal-Nuttall, Jane Savoie, Carole Grant, Tami Hoag, Rick Rockefeller-Silvia, and Juan Gonzalez. (Photo courtesy of JRPR) Chris Von Martels Wins Dressage under the Stars Week 1 Wellington, FL (February 6, 2011) – For the third year in a row, Dressage under the Stars, held patio-side at The Players Club Bar & Grille, is the place to be on Wednesday nights in Wellington. This year will bring another eight weeks of exciting rider and horse combinations competing for weekly prizes and an opportunity for riders to return the final week to perform in the grand finale. Attendees were again guaranteed an enchanting night of FEI level musical freestyles, fine dining, cocktails, and new this year a VIP champagne tent. Chris Von Martels stole the show with his winning performance on Don Darveen, a warmblood gelding by Donnerhall. Von Martels performed to music that included the Black Eyed Peas for a fun hip-hop combination musical freestyle. Don Darveen’s owner, Regina Sacha-Ujczo, drove all the way from Orlando to come see her horse perform. Von Martels’ prizes included a custom Quantum Saddle, presented by Quantum Limited’s North American Representative Ted Rekal-Nuttall, 500 dollars cash, and VIP passes to the table service sponsorship tent. All competitors received a rider care package from The Wellington Institute, an American Express Gift Card donated by Jill Hoag of Keyes Company and a bundle of organic carrots for their horses. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=13200 Dressage under the Stars Returns to Wellington Tonight to Kick Off Third Season Dressage under the Stars Logo. Photo Credit: Courtesy of the Client Wellington, FL – February 2, 2011 – Tonight marks the opening night for Dressage under the Stars, sponsored this evening by Quantum Saddle Ltd. Held at The world famous Players Club Bar & Grille, which is the premiere venue for International caliber competition, riders will allow their equine partners to shine under the stars. The high energy and hugely popular “musical freestyles” shall take place patio-side where an audience of over 400 will sip cocktails and dine both ring side and on the second story patio. Each Wednesday during the winter equestrian season in Palm Beach, the elegance of dressage is showcased under the magic of starlight. In only its third season, DRESSAGE UNDER THE STARS has become one of The Winter Equestrian calendar’s most anticipated events. Five horse and rider combinations perform weekly for cash prizes and the opportunity to return to for the eighth week’s Champion round where the winner takes away a grand prize consisting of lavish gifts and a very large check. This event consistently attracts the BEST international caliber riders in south Florida. American Miniature Horses Shine at Dressage under the Stars Finale The Wee Reds performed at the Players Club Dressage under the Stars finale in Wellington. (Photograph courtesy of Linda Kern, Caribbean Dreams Miniature Horses)
Wellington, FL – A four-in-hand team of perfectly matched American Miniature Horses put on a dazzling show at the finale of the Dressage under the Stars competition at the Players Club & Restaurant in Wellington, proving that big things do come in small packages. The Wee Reds, owned by Linda Kern of Caribbean Dreams Miniature Horses in Loxahatchee, Florida, and boasting 10 National Championship and Reserve Championship titles, were the opening act of the finale at the star-studded event. Combined Driver Chester Weber, the eight-time U.S. National Four-In-Hand Champion and a judge for the evening’s Dressage under the Stars finale, drove the award-winning Wee Reds in a cones course demonstration. Weber, who has driven the talented tiny team at two Wellington Holiday horse shows, also brought the judges in by carriage, much to the delight of the crowd. It’s No Longer a Mystery – Writer Tami Hoag Wins $10,000 Dressage under the Stars Finale at The Players Club Tami Hoag on Feliki (center) won the 2010 Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars Finale at the Players Club Bar & Restaurant in Wellington. Hoag won $10,000 worth of prizes, a $2,500 check from the Players Club and a custom made saddle from Custom Saddlery. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Roy)
Wellington, FL (March 23, 2010) – Tami Hoag consistently entertains fans with her spine-tingling mystery novels, and during the finale of the 2010 Top Shelf Dressage Under the Stars competition Hoag proved that she can also thrill the crowd and the judges while in the dressage ring. Hoag, a New York Times bestselling author and professional dressage rider, rode away the winner of the much-anticipated Dressage under the Stars finale held at the Players Club & Restaurant in Wellington, featuring over $10,000 in prizes. Hoag rode Feliki, her 23-year-old Grand Prix mare, to the victory, riding away with armfuls of prizes from generous sponsors, as well as a $2,500 check from the Players Club and a brand new dressage saddle from Custom Saddlery, valued at $3,600. “Feliki gave us a great performance and she certainly doesn’t act her age,” said Neil Hirsch, owner of the Players Club. Feliki was decked out in sparkles from head to toe. Her coat and her hooves were sparkly and she topped off her look with a gold curb rein. Hoag was ecstatic about the win. “It was awesome; I was so proud of Feliki”, exclaimed Hoag. “And the prizes were impressive. We just don’t have many dressage competitions that offer this level of prizes and it was so much fun,” added Hoag. Hoag braved coming out to compete as she was just recuperating from a flu. In addition, the weather had been cool and rainy in the afternoon, but Hoag wanted to compete. By 5 PM the night of the Finale the arena footing was perfect and Hoag said “game on”. It was a gamble that paid off handsomely for Hoag and Feliki put on show that will not soon be forgotten. Gypsy Vanner Horses Take Part in Dressage under the Stars at the Players Club Left to right: Dennis Thompson, Founder of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, Bo Lofvander, winner of the Breyer Gypsy Vanner Horse Model, Bill Ricci, owner of Esmeralda and Kuchi and President of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society, and Kuchi being ridden by Dressage under the Stars host Jenna Wyatt. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Roy)
Wellington, FL (March 18, 2010) – Each week at the Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars competition at the Player’s Club & Restaurant the dressage community is treated to world-class riders, judges and entertainment, including a recent demonstration by the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. Esmeralda and Kuchi, two Gypsy Vanners owned by Bill and Wendy Ricci of WR Ranch in Oxford, Florida, wowed the crowd with their beauty, color and grace. Esmeralda, who was born in England, was one of the first Gypsy Vanners imported to the United States. Esmeralda has a long list of accomplishments to her name, including being named the Number One Tandem Driving team in 2001 with her partner Jasmine. Esmeralda and Jasmine continued their winning ways last month, winning the Pair Championship at the Florida Carriage Festival. Esmeralda, the current centerfold in the March 2010 issue of Horse Illustrated, was driven at Dressage under the Stars by owner Bill Ricci, the current President of the Gypsy Vanner Horse Society. Heather Caudill, of Olympus Sport Horse, rode Kuchi, the first Gypsy Vanner born in America. Kuchi’s sire, The Gypsy King, was immortalized as the first Gypsy Vanner Horse Breyer model. Last year Kuchi, who currently competes at second level in dressage, followed in her sire’s hoof steps to become Breyer’s second Gypsy Vanner Horse model. Custom Saddlery to Donate Saddle to Winner of Dressage under the Stars Finale at The Players Club Neil Hirsch (right), owner of the Players Club Bar & Restaurant, and event host Jenna Wyatt (left) want to know who the winner of the custom saddle will be. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Roy)
Wellington, FL (March 15, 2010) – Custom Saddlery, whose famous dressage clients include Steffen Peters, Sue Blinks and Hilda Gurney, has announced they will donate a custom saddle to the winner of the finale at the Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars competition at the Players Club & Restaurant on March 17. The lucky winner will ride away with the saddle of their choice, as well as an assortment of amazing prizes, during the prestigious and star-studded event that has proven to be a who’s who of dressage stars and judges throughout the season. “Dressage under the Stars features many of our best dressage riders today, either riding or judging this spectacular event. We are excited to be part of it and look forward to awarding the finale winner with a saddle from Custom Saddlery,” said Cary Wallace, President of Custom Saddlery. “The winner will be able to pick the saddle of their choice and Custom will make it for them.” Wallace said Custom Saddlery is looking forward to supporting the dressage community as a large number of their clients spend the winters in Wellington. “We really want to support the people who have supported us over the years,” Wallace said. Olympic Dressage Rider Bent Jensen Entertains Crowd with Las Vegas-Style Performance to Win Dressage under the Stars Competition The 2010 Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars Series at the Players Club Bar & Restaurant in Wellington features performances by top dressage riders, including week six’s winner Olympic dressage rider Bent Jensen. The Olympian, wearing glasses and a wizard’s hat, gave an electrifying performance to win the star-studded, prize-filled evening. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Roy) Wellington, FL (March 9, 2010) – Olympic dressage rider Bent Jensen knows how to entertain a crowd, and he did just that with a Las Vegas-style performance that landed him in the winner’s circle at the Players Club & Restaurant’s most recent Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars competition. Jensen, wearing glasses and a wizard’s hat, turned in an outstanding passage tour set to electrifying music to win the evening’s competition on his 13-year-old Dutch gelding Liberty Light. “Bent gave us a performance to remember,” said Paul Griffo, Manager of the Players Club. “Bent was the overall winner of Dressage under the Stars two years ago on the same horse, and you could tell by his performance this time around that he’s in it to win. In addition to being a talented and accomplished dressage rider, Bent is also a showman and he certainly gave the audience a great show.” Griffo said the competition is heating up as Dressage under the Stars moves toward its finale on Wednesday, March 17th. “The winner of the finale will need help carrying home all of their prizes,” Griffo said. “Not only will they get a check for $2,500 from the Players Club, but they will also win a dressage saddle from Custom Saddlery. More than $10,000 in prizes will be given out the night of the finale. It is going to be an amazing evening and a great wrap-up to our weekly Wednesday night competition.” Canadian Dressage Team Rider Tom Dvorak Wins $1,000 at Midway Point of The Player’s Club Dressage under the Stars The 2010 Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars Series at the Players Club Bar & Restaurant in Wellington features performances by top dressage riders, including week four’s winner Canadian Dressage Team member Tom Dvorak. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Roy) Wellington, FL (February 22, 2010) – Canadian dressage rider Tom Dvorak, a member of the 2007 Canadian Pan Am team, wowed the crowd and judges during the fourth week of the star-studded Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars competition at the Player’s Club & Restaurant with a spot on passage tour, fluid pirouettes and hip music that had the audience on their feet and dancing along. Dvorak’s victory, during the midway point of the Dressage under the Stars series, came aboard Austin Walch’s Hanoverian stallion Viva’s Saliere W. “Tom really played to the crowd and had everyone up on their feet dancing,” said Neil Hirsch, owner of the Players Club. “Tom’s excellent ride and wonderful showmanship was certainly rewarded. The Player’s Club gave him $1,000 and he also won a 60-day supple of SUCCEED, a $100 gift certificate to SmarkPak and a gift bag to the Wellington Institute.” Wednesday nights at the Player’s Club has turned into a star-studded and celebrity-filled event, as Dressage under the Stars features celebrity judges, world-class riders and great prizes. This week’s celebrity judges included: Dressage Judge Toine Hoefs, from Holland, who received judging assistance from Grand Prix World Cup Champion Kathy Connelly; Mark Bellissimo, the Managing Partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners and CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions; and Los Angeles filmmaker David Syner, whose film credits include movies such as “The Bird Cage” to TV shows like “The Practice”. The media judge for the evening was Denise Fleishman from The Wellington Magazine. Tami Hoag Piaffes into the Winner’s Circle at Dressage under the Stars The 2010 Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars Series at the Players Club Bar & Restaurant in Wellington features performances by top dressage riders, including week three’s winner Tami Hoag, dressage rider and New York Times bestselling novelist. (Photo courtesy of Frederic Roy) Wellington, FL (February 11, 2010) – Thanks to a stunning piaffe and passage tour, along with an incredible line of one-tempis, Tami Hoag gave a bestselling ride that landed her in the winner’s circle during the third week of the star-studded Top Shelf Dressage under the Stars competition at the Player’s Club & Restaurant. Hoag, a professional dressage rider and author of 15 New York Times bestselling novels, rode her 23-year-old Grand Prix mare Feliki to unanimously win the competition. “Tami really wowed the crowd with a spectacular ride. While Tami is famous for her unforgettable suspense novels, her ride at Dressage under the Stars won’t be forgotten any time soon either, it was thrilling,” said Neil Hirsch, owner of the Players Club. “Each week during the Dressage under the Stars series we have had a star-studded line up of celebrity judges and riders and this week was no exception.” The celebrity judges included Olympic “O” Judge Volkar Mortiz and International dressage star Cesar Parra. Amy Bower Doucette, of the Palm Beach Post, served as the media judge, while Joseph Der, CEO of Der-Dau boots, served as the style judge. “Our judges throughout the series have included Olympic Gold Medalist Anky van Grunsven and her husband Sjef Janssen, the top dressage coach in the world, as well as reining USEF Equestrian of the Year and World Cup winner Steffen Peters,” Hirsch said. Read more> http://www.horsesinthesouth.com/article/article_detail.aspx?id=10258 |
