Tag Archives: American Equestrians Got Talent

Dressage Coach and Ballroom Dancer Jane Savoie to Compete during AEGT Week IX

Jane Savoie and Clifton Sepulveda. Photo by Phelps Media Group.

Wellington, Fla. – March 6, 2017 – American Equestrians Got Talent (AEGT) Week IX, sponsored by On Course Consignment, is scheduled for Wednesday, March 8, at 6 p.m. at the Grande Ballroom at 12150 Forest Hill Boulevard, directly behind the town hall. Week IX will include a number of dance performances, including ballroom, ballet, tap and precision dance teams.

Jane Savoie has been a member of the United States Dressage Team and competed internationally. She was the reserve rider for the Bronze medal winning Olympic Dressage Team in Barcelona, Spain and has won nine Horse of the Year awards and three National Freestyle Championships. Savoie was the 1996 and 2004 dressage coach for the Canadian Eventing Team at the Atlanta and Athens Games. She also coached several top dressage and eventing riders in their preparations for the 2000 Games and helped rider Susan Blinks secure a bronze medal for the U.S. Dressage Team. Savoie is also a best-selling author.

Ballroom dancing and dressage have similarities. Both pursuits require athleticism and precision Savoie began ballroom dancing five years ago and now competes. She says that each dance has a particular character and that it is like acting. “Waltz is very dreamy, and foxtrot is kind of cheeky, and rhumba is very sexy and sensual,” she said. “Every dance has a character, so you not only have to connect with your partner but you have to connect with the audience while showing the character of the dance with your attitude and your face.”

The AEGT audience will get a treat as Savoie and her partner and other dance acts vie for a spot at the AEGT Finale scheduled for March 19 at the Global Dressage stadium. That talented contestant will earn the grand prize of $10,000. Robert Dover, chef d’equipe of the U.S. Dressage Team, created AEGT as a way to raise funds for U.S. Equestrian High Performance Programs. AEGT showcases the talents of anyone associated with the equestrian community in South Florida and raises much-needed funds for the international equestrian disciplines. This will be the final AEGT audition event and all the finalists will be announced, including Dover’s two wild card picks.

“This night of dance will make your heart feel good and your toes start tapping,” Dover said.

For AEGT Week IX, sponsored by On Course Consignment, the celebrity judges include Ben Schultz, Sherry Tautiva, Chris and Rob Desino and P. J. Rizvi.

Ben Schultz is a principal dancer with the Martha Graham Dance Company, the world’s most important contemporary dance company. Martha Graham and her company forever altered the scope of the art form and inspired generations of choreographers. Schultz joined the Company in 2009 and dances leading roles including King Hades in Clytemnestra and Jason in Cave of the Heart. He premiered Martha Graham’s work in Russia performing Errand into the Maze with prima ballerina Diana Vishneva. Earlier dance credits include the Tony Award® winning Blast, the Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Ensemble, and Hannah Kahn Contemporary Dance. Schultz has served as faculty and resident choreographer for the Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities. Schultz recently starred in the world premiere of AXE, a work created by Mats Ek for the Company.

Sherry Tautiva is a ballroom dancer, coach and choreographer. Tautiva won a number of dance competitions, including the Eastern United States, the Middle United States, and the California Star Ball Championships and the title of Ohio Star Ball Champion (of PBS television’s Championship Ballroom Series). She reached the finals of both the USBC (US Open to the World Dancesport Championships) and La Classique du Quebec (Canadian Open Championships). Culminating her career, she won the title of North American Latin Dance Champion. She also performed as lead dancer for Kenny Vance Videos shown on MTV.

Tautiva coached and choreographed for Olympic and World Figure Skaters, including the National Champions of France, Poland, Russia and the United States, to name a few. Many of her dance students have gone on to perform on Broadway, TV and to compete and teach all over the world.

Chris and Rob Desino are real estate professionals and founders of Ocala Horse Properties and Wellington Equestrian Realty. They competed in the hunters and rowing during their youth and were U.S. National Rowing champions and members of the U.S. National Rowing Team. They owned a successful chain of restaurants in New York and later pursued their passion of riding and horse property real estate in Florida. The Desino twins compete in the jumpers and are notable sponsors of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and other shows around the country.

P. J. Rizvi is a Grand Prix dressage rider and AEGT’s honorary chair.

For tickets to the AEGT Finale, go to AEGTFinale.com or contact Patty Scott at (917) 318-0425 or pjscott@mac.com.

Contestants contact Robert Dover at Rdover2@aol.com for your moment in the spotlight.

Grammy Award-Winning Singer Steven Battey to Perform at AEGT Week I

Steven Battey, left, and Carlos Battey. Photo courtesy of Jackie Boyz.

Wellington, FL – Jan. 8, 2017 – American Equestrians Got Talent (AEGT) kicks off Week I, sponsored by Diamante Farms, on Jan.11 at 6 p.m. at the new Wellington Community Center.  The brainchild of Robert Dover, chef d’equipe of the U.S. Dressage Team, AEGT funds USEF High Performance Programs by showcasing the talents of anyone associated with the equestrian community in South Florida and raising much-needed funds for the sport. AEGT audition events are held for nine weeks during the winter equestrian season in Wellington, culminating in Finale to name America’s Most Talented Equestrian March 19.

Week I, sponsored by Diamante Farms, includes an incredible lineup of celebrity judges and performers. Steven Battey from the Grammy Award-winning duo of Jackie Boyz will judge and perform. Originally from Savannah, Georgia, Steven and brother Carlos Battey are the duo that make up Jackie Boyz, named in memory of their mother.

Jackie Boyz have collaborated in the studio with the likes of mega-stars Madonna, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Amy Weber, Sean Kingston, Cee-Lo, Jennifer Hudson, Ciara, Diggy Simmons, Charice, Jay Sean, Jennifer Lopez, Big Time Rush, Shontelle, and Mann, among others. They co-wrote the platinum selling single “Eenie Meenie” performed by Justin Bieber and Sean Kingston and Madonna’s 2009 single “Revolver”.

In 2011, the duo won their first Grammy at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards for their contribution to the David Guetta One Love Club Mix of Madonna’s “Revolver”. The song won for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical. Jackie Boyz were also nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album for Justin Bieber’s My World 2.0. In 2009 they were nominated in the Best Rap Song category for their work on Flo Rida’s “Sugar” featuring Wynter Gordon. Jackie Boyz have been responsible for or contributed to over 15 million records in sales, four number one albums and four top ten singles.

“We are so excited to have Steven perform,” Robert Dover said. “Jackie Boyz are a major creative force in music today. This is going to be a treat for everyone!”

In addition to Battey, the 2016 AEGT Finale winner, American Idol top 40 contestant, and always a crowd pleaser, David Oliver Willis, will perform. Willis bridges the genres of alternative, soul and folk.

The judges panel includes Battey, Grand Prix dressage competitor and AEGT Honorary Chair P. J. Rizvi, Week I sponsor Terri Kane of Diamante Farms and Athens Olympic Games team bronze medalist and FEI World Cup Dressage champion Debbie McDonald.

To purchase tickets, contact: Patty Scott at (917) 318-0425 or pjscott@mac.com.

Contact:
Robert Dover
Rdover2@aol.com
(561) 758-6186

David Oliver Willis Wowed Judges & Audience Members Alike at AEGT Season Finale

AEGT Finale Winner, David Oliver Willis.

Wellington, Fla. – March 31, 2015 – After nine weeks of intense competition, the top 12 finalists battled it out on the stage last Sunday night at the 2016 American Equestrians Got Talent Finale, a fundraiser to support the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. Ultimately, it was gifted musician David Oliver Willis who took home the title of America’s Most Talented Equestrian and a $10,000 grand prize courtesy of Robert Ross PA of Keller Williams Luxury Real Estate.

Representing the sport of Dressage, David Oliver Willis made his first impression on the Wellington audience during the fourth week of auditions held at the White Horse Fashion Cuisine, where he blew spectators away with his original song and rendition of Sam Cooke’s ‘A Change Is Gonna Come,’ securing his spot in the finale.

Originally from Mount Dora, Florida, Willis shared his path to the stage, beginning as a child. “I’ve been singing since I was a little kid in church, where my mom was a minister for years and my dad was a deacon. Sometime after high school I started taking it more seriously and playing some acoustic gigs,” he commented.

As a three-time American Idol participant, Willis admitted this wasn’t his first time in the limelight. “I made it to the top 20 guys category on season 12,” he said.

Following his big win at the finale among 12 fierce talents, Willis divulged, “I decided to stay true to what I felt, what music I like the most, and who I am as an artist – I think that helped me win this competition in particular. The exposure here at AEGT is great and I’ve met so many incredible people. After this I am going to go in the studio and get my full album completed!”

In addition to his cash prize, AEGT Judge and USET supporter, Mark Bellissimo, offered Willis the opportunity to perform at his Central Park horse show in September. Last year, this same offer garnered 2015 second place finalist, Ki-Juan Minors, a record label deal with P. Diddy.

The American Equestrians Got Talent 2016 season raised close to $200,000 for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation. The donation from Juan Gando of the White Horse Fashion Cuisine totaled $31,100 from the weekly auditions. The silent auction that featured the Roadtrips trip to the Rio Olympics, as well as other impressive items, also raised vital funds to support high performance programs. Without the generosity of the sponsors, judges, donors, auction buyers, volunteers, and guests, the event would not have been such a resounding success. Thank you to Robert Dover for his support and dedication to American Equestrians Got Talent!

“What an amazing night of American Equestrians Got Talent finale!” Dover said. “I truly appreciate all our sponsors, donors, judges, contestants and volunteers, and my husband, Robert Ross, more than you can know! Thank you to Annie Cizadlo and everyone at the USET, USEF and Phelps Media Group for making the entire AEGT season a success again this year. Thank you Wellington for coming out and supporting AEGT 2016 and our high performance athletes and their programs. Go Team USA!”

13-year-old vocalist Kayden Mueller-Janssen of Wellington, Florida took home second place at Sunday night’s finale winning $7,500 sponsored by Kasey Perry and Family. Regarding her whirlwind experience, she shared, “I am so happy. My dad came all the way from Europe to see me perform. He will also be coming with me to LA to support my acting and singing. Even if I didn’t win, I am still proud of myself because it is such an experience. I love singing, and to be honest I wouldn’t know what to do without it.”

2016 third place finisher and second time AEGT finale performer, Robert Gallardo, wowed the judges with his seemingly gravity-defying dance moves. The talented dancer won $5,000 sponsored by Pat Stemple and Roundabout Stables LLC. Gallardo was pleased with his third place finish and looks forward to returning to the stage next year to showcase his self-taught talents.

Rounding out the top four was groom and vocalist, Teaghan James. She received $2,500. James was encouraged to compete by recording artist, Ki-Juan Minors, with whom she performs with regularly.

Minors returned to the AEGT stage prior to Sunday’s finale as an opener, and announced his album will be hopefully be available later this year.

Other openers included the Charlie Tota Band, AEGT 2015 Winner Brian Lookabill, and Felippe Biatti, an American Idol competitor and opener for One Direction.

The atmosphere of the night was electric. The culmination of an impressive list of unique auction items, delicious food provided by White Horse Catering seven esteemed guest judges and a beautiful venue, made this event a smash hit.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The Fourth AEGT Audition Is on Wednesday

George Morris is a Week 4 Judge.

American Equestrians Got Talent has its third audition of the season on Wednesday, Feb. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at the White Horse Fashion Cuisine and it is open to the public! Plan to arrive around 6:30 p.m. to ensure efficient food service before the show begins.

American Equestrians Got Talent is excited to announce this week’s judges:
George Morris, legendary horseman and former chef d’equipe of the US Show Jumping Team
Debbie McDonald, an Olympic dressage medalist
Doda di Miranda, Brazilian Olympic show jumper
Jane Forbes Clark, supporter of horses and riders at the Olympic level and former president of the USET Foundation

Congratulations to Week 3 Winner Kayden Mueller-Janssen!

“The experience is just amazing for me because this is what I want to do when I’m older,” Kayden Mueller-Janssen said. “I want to be a singer, an actor, a dancer maybe. It was at a dinner party when we figured out that I could actually sing. That’s when all of this started!”

Kayden is a 13-year-old rider from Loxahatchee, Florida who sang ‘Hallelujah’ and ‘House of the Rising Sun’ to win the Week 3 Auditions.

Mueller-JanssenAre you interested in voting for Kayden Mueller-Janssen? 25% of the Finale Scoring for each contestant consists of fundraising by tax-deductible donations to the USET Foundation. The total money raised as well as unique votes count towards a contestant’s final score.

If you want to donate to support Kayden’s score for the Finale, text her keyword AEGT6 to the number 71777. You will receive a link which will allow you to put in a credit card number to donate funds in any amount.

Each week’s audition and the Finale will be live streamed on The Chronicle of the Horse, which is brought to you by Equestrian Sports Productions, LLC.

Every week the winner is chosen by audience applause and receives $1,000 prize money.

Didn’t win? Come back the following week and try again!

For auditions, please email rdover2@aol.com to sign up.

American Equestrians Got Talent’s Weekly Auditions Move to White Horse Fashion Cuisine

Roberto Gallardo break dancing at AEGT.

Wellington, FL – December 18, 2015 – American Equestrians Got Talent, an entertaining fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Programs that showcases equestrians’ non-horsey talents, is excited to announce that all weekly auditions during the 2016 season have been moved to White Horse Fashion Cuisine at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Every audition is free and open to the public, but seating is limited.

For reservations, please call White Horse Fashion Cuisine (561-847-4549). Tables can be reserved for audience members who wish to purchase dinner and/or drinks, while standing room in the back will be provided for audience members who wish to drop by.

The first audition is Wednesday, January 13. Sign up now by emailing Robert Dover at Rdover2@aol.com! Auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and supporters of all disciplines. Auditions will be held at White Horse Fashion Cuisine for nine weeks, with $1,000 in prize money being offered to each week’s winner. There is no cost to attend auditions.

On March 20, the top performers from each week will each take center stage in the international arena at the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival and give their all in hopes of walking away with the title of America’s Most Talented Equestrian and the grand prize, valued at no less than $10,000.

Spearheaded by U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover, American Equestrians Got Talent will serve as a fundraiser to benefit the USEF Development Programs which identify and develop talented horses and athletes that will help deliver medals at future Olympic, Paralympic and World Equestrian Games. It is a great way to support Team USA – be sure to come out and cheer on your favorite performer! After putting on a successful event last year, Dover is excited for American Equestrians Got Talent to take it to the next level in 2016.

Follow American Equestrians Got Talent on their newly-launched Facebook page.

American Equestrians Got Talent Fast Facts

American Equestrians Got Talent, a fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Programs through the USET Foundation, returns to Wellington, Florida for its second year in 2016. Contestants participate in weekly auditions to earn their place in the season finale. Celebrity judges at each audition will critique the performances, and the audience’s applause will determine who moves forward to the finale and who goes back to the barn.

Auditions

When: 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13; Wednesday, Jan. 20; Tuesday, Jan. 26; Wednesday, Feb. 3; Wednesday, Feb. 10; Wednesday, Feb. 17; Wednesday, Feb. 24; Tuesday, March 1; and Wednesday, March 9

Where: The White Horse Fashion Cuisine, 3401 Equestrian Club Road, Wellington, Florida

Prize: $1,000 will be awarded to the top performer at each audition.

Participants: Auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and others involved in any discipline. Please sign up in advance by contacting Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com), who will set up practice times and work with contestants the day and night of the auditions. Walk-ins may be accepted as time permits.

Season Finale

When: March 20, 2016

Where: The Stadium at PBIEC (Global Dressage Festival show grounds), 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, Florida

Prize: The winner, who will be named America’s Most Talented Equestrian, will receive a grand prize of $10,000 sponsored by Robert Dover, chef d’equipe of the U.S. Dressage Team, and Robert Ross, P.A., luxury equestrian realtor for Keller Williams.

Contacts:

Sponsorship: Sara Ike (908-234-1251 or sara.ike@uset.org) or Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com)
Audition Sign-ups: Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com)
Table Reservations: The White Horse Fashion Cuisine (561-333-1150)
Media: Phelps Media Group Ariel Weisman (561-753-3389 or aw@phelpsmediagroup.com)

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

“American Equestrians Got Talent” Kicks Off in January for Wellington’s Winter Season

2014 AEGT competitor Laura Ashley Killian puts on a fire baton twirling show.

Wellington, FL – December 8, 2015 – Mark your calendar and make your plans now for the highlight of the winter social calendar in Wellington, Florida. American Equestrians Got Talent will kick off in January 2016 for its second year and promises to be a hit, drawing together equestrians from across the disciplines to showcase their non-horsey talents and compete for a grand prize.

Spearheaded by U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover, American Equestrians Got Talent will serve as a fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance programs through the USET Foundation. It is a great way to support Team USA so make sure to come out and cheer on your favorite performer! After putting on a successful event last year, Dover is planning to take it to the next level in 2016.

This year American Equestrians Got Talent will be hosted each week in The Gallery at the Winter Equestrian Festival, and auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and others involved in any discipline. Auditions will be held each week for nine weeks with free admission to attend, and the weekly winners will receive $1,000 in prize money. On March 20, the top performers will each take center stage in the international arena at the Global Dressage Festival and give their all in hopes of walking away with the title of America’s Most Talented Equestrian and the grand prize, valued at no less than $10,000.

Follow American Equestrians Got Talent on their newly-launched Facebook page.

American Equestrians Got Talent Fast Facts

American Equestrians Got Talent, a fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Programs through the USET Foundation, returns to Wellington, Florida for its second year in 2016. Contestants participate in weekly auditions to earn their place in the season finale. Celebrity judges at each audition will critique the performances, and the audience’s applause will determine who moves forward to the finale and who goes back to the barn.

Auditions

When: 7:30 to 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 13; Wednesday, Jan. 20; Tuesday, Jan. 26; Wednesday, Feb. 3; Wednesday, Feb. 10; Wednesday, Feb. 17; Wednesday, Feb. 24; Tuesday, March 1; and Wednesday, March 9

Where: The Gallery at WEF, 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, Florida

Prize: $1,000 will be awarded to the top performer at each audition.

Participants: Auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and others involved in any discipline. Please sign up in advance by contacting Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com), who will set up practice times and work with contestants the day and night of the auditions. Walk-ins may be accepted as time permits.

Season Finale

When: March 20, 2016

Where: The Stadium at PBIEC (Global Dressage Festival show grounds), 13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, Florida

Prize: The winner, who will be named America’s Most Talented Equestrian, will receive a grand prize of $10,000 sponsored by Robert Dover, chef d’equipe of the U.S. Dressage Team, and Robert Ross, P.A., luxury equestrian realtor for Keller Williams.

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Brian Lookabill Lights Up American Equestrians Got Talent Finale

Brian Lookabill with Josh Young. Photo by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Wellington, FL – March 17, 2015 – The international arena at the Global Dressage Festival facility in Wellington, Florida, usually host to top-class dressage horses and riders, showcased a different kind of talent on Sunday night. A spectacular stage replaced judges’ boxes and dressage letters, and 13 finalists selected through a series of auditions showed off their diverse talents at the American Equestrians Got Talent (AEGT) Finale. After two very competitive rounds, singer Brian Lookabill came away with the AEGT victory.

The finalists, all of whom are part of the equestrian community, put on acts ranging from dancing and singing to fire baton twirling and stand-up comedy for an appreciative audience watching from the VIP tent and bleachers as well as from all over the country via the Chronicle of the Horse live stream.

Both attendees of the event and those watching on the live stream could make an impact on the outcome by voting on their smartphones, making donations to the United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation for each vote. Funds raised at the event, along with the $35,000 raised by The Grille Fashion Cuisine at the nine auditions leading up to the Finale, support USEF High Performance Programs through the USET Foundation.

The event is dedicated to supporting dressage but has a wider influence as well: 10 percent of funds is split between all of the other FEI disciplines, and 10 percent goes to show jumping since the winner, Lookabill, was competing on behalf of that sport.

After the first round, featuring performances from all of the contestants, the top four returned for a final round to determine the winner. Six judges – Mark Bellissimo, Carmine Gialanella, Tami Hoag, P. J. Rizvi, Leslie Streeter and Chrystine Tauber – were on hand to critique the performances, and their selections counted for 50 percent of the result in both rounds. The other 50 percent was determined by audience voting.

Lookabill, Taylor Hughes, Teaghan James and Ki-Juan Minors were the front-runners after the first round and squared off against each other in the second round. All four qualified for the Finale as solo singers, and while they made various use of back-up singers, dancers or instrumentalists, the focus was on their vocal skill and power.

Several of them opted to show off their range by choosing two very different songs as their first and second numbers. Lookabill started things off with an upbeat rendition of Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk” and then brought guitarist Josh Young into the mix for a stripped-down performance of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.”

“I thought that it would be smart to show some different facets of my ability,” Lookabill said. “The first song was to get the audience up and into it and have fun, and then I wanted to do a song that is timeless yet still very popular. I could put a twist on it as a man doing it because it’s a woman’s song with a lot of range.

“I’d like to salute Robert Dover, Sara Ike of the USET Foundation, and Annie Cizadlo, who did a fantastic job of getting everything organized,” he added. “Thank you to everyone for their support, including my son Cole, who called to cheer me on several times during the night. And a special thanks to Rock Star Dry Cleaners in Wellington for going out of their way to help me on the day of the show.”

Lookabill took home the $5,000 top prize sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams, clinching the win over Minors in a tight race. Minors earned the $2,500 second prize courtesy of Visse Wedell, and On Course Consignment sponsored the $1,000 third prize, which James won. The fourth place prize of $500, sponsored by Oded Shimoni Dressage, went to Hughes.

A live auction was held between the performances and featured several incredible items: luxury trips offering up-close experiences at the 2015 Central Park Horse Show in New York City, Pan American Games in Toronto and FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Germany; a four-day cruise to the Bahamas on a 115′ yacht; a head-to-toe outfit for horse and rider including an exclusive Hèrmes coat and Custom Saddlery saddle; and a day with each of the Team USA dressage coaches.

“I am completely thrilled with the event last night,” said Robert Dover, Chef d’Equipe of the U.S. dressage team and organizer of AEGT. “I am so appreciative to everyone: all of the sponsors, the volunteers, the people who came out to support the event and those who watched it live at Chronicle of the Horse online. I’m really excited about the large amount of money raised for the USET Foundation and our athletes and programs.”

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
mab@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Watch Live Stream of American Equestrians Got Talent and Vote for Your Favorite Contestant

Performers at the AEGT Finale include stand-up comedian Catherine Haddad Staller, fire baton twirler Laura Ashley Killian and singer Kayden Muller-Janssen. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.

Wellington, FL – March 15, 2015 – Tune in this evening to watch the American Equestrians Got Talent (AEGT) live stream, hosted by the Chronicle of the Horse! The live stream and pre-show start at 6:30 p.m. and the competition gets underway at 7 p.m., featuring the 13 performers who made the cut for the AEGT Finale.

Acts range from singing and dancing to fire baton twirling and stand-up comedy. The top four following Round I will return for Round II to determine America’s Most Talented Equestrian.

Popular vote counts for 50 percent of the result in both rounds, and the remaining 50 percent is determined by the panel of celebrity judges, who will critique each performance. The judges are Mark Bellissimo, Carmine Gialanella, Tami Hoag, P. J. Rizvi, Leslie Streeter and Chrystine Tauber.

Vote for your favorite performer via your smartphone and help support USEF High Performance Programs through the USET Foundation. Each vote costs $5.00, and voting is unlimited.

To vote, send a text to the number 41444 with the contestant’s unique keyword (listed below) in the message box. Keywords are not case sensitive. You will be sent a link to the contestant’s profile. Fill out the information, including your vote/donation amount, and then scroll to the bottom and hit “Donate”.

The winner of the Finale will receive the $5,000 top prize sponsored by Robert Ross, P.A., Luxury Equestrian Realtor for Keller Williams. Second place will receive $2,500 courtesy of Visse Wedell, and On Course Consignment is sponsoring a $1,000 prize for third place. The fourth place prize of $500 is sponsored by Oded Shimoni Dressage.

Lineup for the AEGT Finale
1. Jenna Wyatt and Bent Jensen – JENNAW
2. Teaghan James – TEAGHAN
3. Brian Lookabill – BRIANL
4. Kayden Muller-Janssen – KAYDEN
5. Andre Lussier – ANDRE
6. The Grand Prix Girls – GPGIRLS
7. Ki-Juan Minors – KIJUAN
8. Ayden Uhlir – AYDEN
9. Taylor Hughes – TAYLORH
10. Jane Savoie and Clifton Sepulveda – JANES
11. Catherine Haddad Staller – CATHERINE
12. Laura Ashley Killian – LAURA
13. Roberto Gallardo – ROBERTOG

AEGT Evening Schedule
6:00 p.m. – VIP cocktails and elegant buffet dinner
6:30 p.m. – Live music by Nicky Greed
7:00 p.m. – Show begins and livestream starts! Round I
8:30 p.m. – Live auction
9:00 p.m. – Round II
9:45 p.m. – Announce America’s Most Talented Equestrian

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
mab@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

One-of-a-Kind Live Auction Items Offered at American Equestrians Got Talent Finale

Central Park Horse Show. Photo by Kit Houghton.

Wellington, FL – March 11, 2015 – The American Equestrians Got Talent Finale on Sunday, March 15, at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds will feature a dazzling array of live auction items alongside the spectacular lineup of performers. Each of the five packages offered in the live auction is available only at this event. Proceeds benefit USEF High Performance Programs through the USET Foundation. Click here to purchase tables and tickets for the Finale.

The auction items are as follows:

2015 Central Park Package

The 2015 Central Park Horse Show in New York City takes place on Sept. 17-20. This package includes two VIP tickets to watch the best of Show Jumping and Dressage in a truly unique venue, right in the heart of New York City. Hob-nob with “The Donald” and experience the greatest city in the world while staying across the street at an apartment overlooking Central Park. Add to that a three hour cruise around Manhattan Harbor for up to four guests while being served champagne and hors d’oeuvres and being serenaded by the amazing voice of Ki-Juan Minors. This will be a trip you never forget!

Donors: Equestrian Sport Productions, Diane Fellows, Eliane Cordia van Reesema and Robert Dover
Value: $25,000

Toronto 2015 Pan American Games Package

The Toronto 2015 Pan American Games package includes two tickets for either the Dressage or Jumping weeks and a room at the rider hotel. Behind the scenes commentary from the USEF Director of Sport Programs, Will Connell, will make this a trip that only could be experienced by Team riders and their owners, but now you can have it for yourselves! Dressage week: July 11-14; Jumping week: July 21-25

Donor: United States Equestrian Federation
Value: $20,000

Dress for Success with a New Hermès Coat and Custom Saddle

You and your horse will be dressed for success from head to toe, complimented by a gorgeous new Hermès Jumping or Dressage coat exclusively worn by Team USA riders. A “Steffen’s Advantage” custom saddle will be made just for your horse by Custom Saddlery. This package includes custom Konig boots, custom helmet, Pikeur breeches and show shirt, stock tie, pocket square, Roeckl gloves, Otto Schumacher belt and spurs and straps.

Donors: The Horse of Course, Custom Saddlery and Hèrmes
Value: $25,000

2015 Verden Adventure

Your 2015 Verden Adventure begins with two round trip Business/First Class tickets from the U.S. to Germany. You and a friend will attend the FEI World Dressage Championships for Young Horses, Aug. 5-9, 2015, in Verden, Germany. Your accommodation will be at a luxury hotel including two VIP seats for the entire event, including the Finals. Get a behind-the-scenes look and commentary from the U.S. Young Horse Coach.

Donors: Michael Davis, Scott Hassler
Value: $20,000

Spend a Day with Each of the Team USA Dressage Coaches

You can spend a whole day with each of the U.S. Dressage coaches, including Youth Coaches George Williams and Charlotte Bredahl, Developing Coach Debbie McDonald, and U.S. Chef d’Equipe and Technical Advisor Robert Dover. These world class professionals will be yours for one day for whatever you would like. They can train you and your horses and clients, clean your barn and cars or just spend a great day of talking and dining with you and your friends.

Donors: Charlotte Bredahl, Robert Dover, Debbie McDonald and George Williams
Value: Priceless

AEGT Evening Schedule
6:00 p.m. – VIP cocktails and elegant buffet dinner
6:30 p.m. – Live music by Nicky Greed
7:00 p.m. – Show begins! Round I
8:30 p.m. – Live auction
9:00 p.m. – Round II
9:45 p.m. – Announce America’s Most Talented Equestrian

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Mary Adelaide Brakenridge
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
mab@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

“American Equestrians Got Talent” to Debut during Wellington Winter Season

Michael Barisone puts his dancing skills to the test at the 2014 Prancing with the Stars fundraising event in Wellington. Photo by Meg McGuire.

Wellington, FL – December 16, 2014 – Mark your calendar and make your plans now for the new highlight of the winter social calendar in Wellington, Florida. American Equestrians Got Talent will make its debut in 2015 and promises to be a hit, drawing together equestrians from across the disciplines to showcase their non-horsey talents and compete for a grand prize.

Spearheaded by U.S. Dressage Team Chef d’Equipe Robert Dover, American Equestrians Got Talent will serve as the third annual East Coast fundraiser to benefit USEF High Performance Dressage programs through the USET Foundation. After putting on successful events in 2013 and 2014, Dover is planning to take it to the next level in 2015.

“This fundraiser is well underway to becoming our best event yet,” Dover said.

The Grille Fashion Cuisine, centrally located in Wellington, will host auditions every Wednesday evening from Jan. 7 through March 4. Held from 7:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., the auditions are open to the entire equestrian community, including riders, grooms and others involved in any discipline from dressage and hunter/jumpers to polo and Western. Come out to The Grille to audition or simply to watch and cheer for the contestants.

PSdressage.com is sponsoring weekly prizes of $500 to be awarded to the top performer at each of the nine auditions. A pair of celebrity judges will be on hand each evening to critique the performances, and the audience’s applause will determine who moves forward to the final and who goes back to the barn.

The most popular contestants from the auditions will square off in the final competition, to be held March 15 at the Global Dressage Festival show grounds. They will each take center stage in the international arena and give their all in hopes of walking away with the title of America’s Most Talented Equestrian and the grand prize, valued at no less than $5,000.

Along with the East Coast event, a West Coast fundraiser will be held in California. The proceeds from both fundraisers will go to the USET Foundation to support USEF’s High Performance Dressage programs. If an equestrian from one of the other FEI disciplines wins the grand prize at the East Coast event, 10 percent of the proceeds from the final event will be directed to that discipline’s High Performance program.

Sponsors, led by Kim and Fred Boyer, Equestrian Sport Productions, Tuny and David Page, and PSdressage.com, are already coming forward to support this exciting event. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please contact Sara Ike (908-234-1251 or sara.ike@uset.org) or Robert Dover (Rdover2@aol.com).

The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigators’ highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

Contact: Rebecca Walton
USET Foundation
phone 561.753.3389 fax 561.753.3386
rjw@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com