Tag Archives: EQUUS Foundation

Ki-Juan Minors to Perform a Tribute at EQUUS Foundation “Fete Cheval Etoile”

WESTPORT, CT – February 18, 2013 – Ki-Juan Minors wowed the judges and the energetic crowd of horse lovers at the EQUUS Foundation Equestrian Idol in 2009 and walked away with the grand prize and the title.

Minors will be back on Friday evening, March 8, 2013, to perform at the Fete Cheval Etoile at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida. Born and raised on the Island of Bermuda, Minors is a Professional Equestrian and Singer/Songwriter based in Wellington, Florida. He will perform a tribute to celebrate the unveiling of the new EQUUS Foundation/United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Horse Stars Hall of Fame.

The Fete Cheval Etoile promises to be an unforgettable non-stop evening of entertainment and honors – the Oscars for horses with cocktails in “The Gallery” and dinner in the Wellington Club.

When guests arrive at 6:30 p.m., they will be the first to view the photo gallery of the 62 amazing horses that have been selected for induction into the Hall of Fame.

Guests will sure to be impressed with the “cirque des etoiles” performance, a sensational show by Cirque Vertigo. Following the show, Minors will join the UKI Productions DJ to spur guests onto the dance floor with his awesome musical talent.

“When it comes to horses vs. music,” Minors said, “whichever brings fame to me first is the one I will use to help the other – they both go hand in hand.” “He’s got so much talent,” commented Coakley. “It’s hard to predict which will come first, but surely fame will come to Ki.”

R.s.v.p. at www.equusfoundation.org/fete.

“We are so grateful to our Honorary Committee and the many event sponsors who are attending and supporting this ‘first ever’ event,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

“We are equally thrilled that some of the owners of our inductees will be joining the celebration, a number of whom will be travelling from across the United States and represent different disciplines and breeds encompassing the equestrian sport, and different sectors of the equine therapy community. For some, it will be their first visit to the Winter Equestrian Festival,” said Coakley.

To attend, visit www.equusfoundation.org/fete or contact Lynn Coakley at equus@equusfoundation.org or (203) 259-1550.

Fete Cheval Etoile Fast Facts

Date/Time:
Friday, March 8, 2013, 6:30 p.m.

Location:
The Gallery/Wellington Club, Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, 3400 Equestrian Club Road, Wellington, Florida 33414

Co-Chairs:
Jenny Belknap Kees, Ellen Crown & Elizabeth Press

Honorary Committee:
Jenny Belknap Kees & Tim Kees, Katharine & Mark Bellisimo, Bobbie Braun, Flavia Callari, Carolyn & Tim Carlson, Mary & Mike Carpenter, Jane Forbes Clark, Ellen & Dan Crown, Gregory W. Gingery, Becky & David Gochman, Catherine & Steven Herman, Stephanie & John Ingram, Elizabeth Johnson, Patricia Keenan & Lawrence D’Addario, Marylou D’Addario & Sean Kennedy, Lisa & Robert Lourie, Victoria Lowell, Julie & Rick Mitchell, Caroline Moran, Celene & Marc Oken, Angela & Chris Paradysz, Dr. Betsee Parker, Elizabeth & Clifford Press, Kathryn L. Quirk & Denise P. Quirk, Juliet & Sam Reid, Jennifer & Eric Ross, Clea & Kurt Soderlund, Joan & John Toffolon, Visse Wedell & Thomas Schweizer.

Reservations:
Tables of six start at $2,500. A limited number of individual seats will be available at $250 per person on request. Visit www.equusfoundation.org/fete.

PRESENTING SPONSORS
Dr. Betsee Parker – Huntland, Spy Coast Farm, The Crown Family

PLATINUM SPONSORS
Split Rock Farm, Visse Wedell

GOLD MEDAL SPONSORS
Mary & Michael Carpenter, Equestrian Sport Productions, Becky & David Gochman, Bruce Hlavacek & Dr. Jen Hlavacek, Stephanie & John Ingram, Louisburg Farm, Mr. & Mrs. Clifford Press

SILVER MEDAL SPONSORS
Jane Forbes Clark, The Carlson Family, Marylou D’Addario Kennedy & Sean Kennedy, Patricia Keenan & Lawrence D’Addario, Mr. & Mrs. Walter T. Kees

BRONZE MEDAL SPONSORS
Fairfield Equine Associates, Gregory W. Gingery, Sydney Keith, P.F. Farm, Quiet Corner Farm, Jennifer & Eric Ross, Juliet & Sam Reid, William & Shirley Reilich, The Toffolon Family, Wrenwood Farms

CORPORATE PARTNERS
Animal Planet, Ariat International, Nestle Waters North America

Contact: Lynn Coakley at equus@equusfoundation.org, (203) 259-1550, or visit www.equusfoundation.org/fete for information on sponsorships, auction donations, and table reservations.

About The EQUUS Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, also known as Horse Charities of America, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, advancing the use of horses to enrich the lives of people in need and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. What started as a local effort is now a nationwide campaign on behalf of horses. The Foundation accomplishes its mission by providing financial support to horse-related charities across the United States; connecting a network of equine organizations to equine enthusiasts; providing scholarships to reward volunteer service on behalf of horses, and conducting information outreach to educate the public about 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: equus@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.

Media Contact: Mason Phelps
Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
phone 561.753.3389  fax 561.753.3386
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com

Introducing the New “Fete Cheval Etoile” & the Dazzling Cirque Vertigo Troupe

WESTPORT, CT – February 1, 2013 – This year’s event, Fete Cheval Etoile, to benefit the EQUUS Foundation, on Friday evening, March 8, 2013, is promising to be the hit of the social scene at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida.

Co-chairs Jenny Belknap Kees, Ellen Crown and Elizabeth Press have arranged a star-studded evening to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and the magical and powerful bond between horses and people – thanks to presenting sponsors, Dr. Betsee Parker – Huntland, Spy Coast Farm, and the Crown Family.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. in PBIEC’s “newest and coolest” setting with cocktails followed by a luscious dinner buffet and dancing to the music of UKI Productions. Guests arriving at PBIEC’s very own “Central Park” will be greeted by the “Atmosphericals”, performers who will be circulating through the crowd and setting the mood for the evening’s festivities.

But that’s not all.

Continue reading Introducing the New “Fete Cheval Etoile” & the Dazzling Cirque Vertigo Troupe

Mark Fitch and Richard Tully Named 2012 USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipients

Left to Right: John Long, Dr. Mark Fitch, Dr. Richard Tully, and Lynn Coakley. Photo courtesy of Phelps Media Group

WESTPORT, CT – January 21, 2013 – Dr. Mark Fitch and Dr. Richard Tully were named the 2012 recipients of the EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award at the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) Pegasus Awards Dinner on Saturday, January 19, 2013, during the Federation’s Annual Meeting in Louisville, Kentucky.

The USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award is a celebration of the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equestrian world. From improving the health and welfare of the horse to promoting and expanding the general public’s appreciation and respect of the diverse roles of horses, the recipient of this award has devoted considerable personal time to making the lives and quality of life of our equine partners paramount.

“A record number of nominations were received this year, but two rose to the top”, said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President, who with John Long, USEF CEO, presented the award to Dr. Fitch and Dr. Tully.

Continue reading Mark Fitch and Richard Tully Named 2012 USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipients

Suzy Stafford Guides Two of Her Equine Partners to the Horse Stars Hall of Fame

Suzy Stafford with Courage To Lead. Credit: Linda Gallo

Chester County, PA – Gold medalist Suzy Stafford made history in 2005 when she won the first Individual Gold medal at the World Pony Driving Championships for the United States. She has continued to medal at the World Championships in 2007, 2009 and most recently in 2011.

Suzy first graced the International stage driving Cefnoakpark Bouncer, a Welsh Cob owned by the Humphrey family.  Suzy hit American soil with the first Individual Gold medal in Combined Driving for the United States. “It is such an honor for the USEF and Equus to acknowledge such a talented and special pony,” Stafford says.

“It is surreal to have one equine partner recognized in this way, but when you have two ponies in the Hall of Fame, I was speechless!” Stafford replies.

Courage To Lead, a Morgan mare owned by Beverly Lesher, is now retired from competition after taking the driving World by storm with undefeated seasons and an Individual Bronze Medal on her resume. “I had a long competition relationship with this mare and we went through many up and downs together; she will always be ‘my Golden girl’,” Stafford said with a smile.

Continue reading Suzy Stafford Guides Two of Her Equine Partners to the Horse Stars Hall of Fame

EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowships Awarded at the AAEP Convention

Left to Right: Dr. Richard Mitchell, EQUUS Foundation Board member, Dr. Allen E. Page, Dr. Wayne McIlwraith, AAEP Foundation Chairman, Dr. Michelle C. Coleman, and Dr. John Mitchell, 2012 AAEP President.

WESTPORT, CT – December 12, 2012 – The EQUUS Foundation and the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) Foundation jointly established the EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowship program in 2011 to emphasize the importance of equine research, to reward researchers for their contributions, and to meet the increasing need to train future equine veterinary researchers.

Two equine researchers were presented with the 2012 EQUUS Foundation Research Fellows for their work to advance veterinary knowledge during the American Association of Equine Practitioners’ 58th Annual Convention. Texas A&M University master of science candidate Michelle C. Coleman, DVM, DACVIM, and University of Kentucky Gluck Equine Research Center doctoral candidate Allen E. Page, DVM, each received a $5,000 fellow to support their endeavors in equine research during the Frank J. Milne State-of-the-Art Lecture.

“Ensuring the well-being of horses is our core mission. We applaud the commitment, hard work, and contributions of equine researchers. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to sponsor this important work,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

Continue reading EQUUS Foundation Research Fellowships Awarded at the AAEP Convention

Horse Stars Hall of Fame Established by EQUUS Foundation and USEF

WESTPORT, CT – December 10, 2012 – The EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) are pleased to announce the establishment of the Horse Stars Hall of Fame to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and the magical and powerful bond between horses and people. The joint program will honor the contributions of amazing horses that have excelled in sport and in careers serving the public, feature the incredible stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats, and help build a more informed and compassionate America that values the compelling impact of horses in the lives of millions of people every day.

The USEF Horse of the Year (HOTY) awards program is one of the oldest nationally recognized multi-breed awards programs in the country. Starting in 2005, one horse has been selected as the year’s overall champion by the USEF membership from among a small slate of nominees. All of the nominees have been stellar, accomplished athletes. The “Athlete Horse Stars” in the Horse Stars Hall of Fame will include the USEF overall champion and also the slate of nominees each year since the inception of the program.

Continue reading Horse Stars Hall of Fame Established by EQUUS Foundation and USEF

$5,000 Grant to Be Awarded to USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipient

Nominations Deadline November 9, 2012

WESTPORT, CT – November 2, 2012 – The nominations deadline for the USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award is November 9, 2012. The award will be presented at the Pegasus Awards Dinner during the United States Equestrian Federation’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 19, 2012. The recipient of the Humanitarian Award will receive a $5,000 grant from The EQUUS Foundation to be awarded to the equestrian or horse-related charity of his or her choice.

The EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award was jointly established by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the The EQUUS Foundation in 2009 to celebrate the humanitarian achievements made by a member of the equine community. Specifically, the goal of this humanitarian honor is to spotlight and exalt the selfless dedication one individual or a group of individuals has made, whether on a regional or national scale.

Continue reading $5,000 Grant to Be Awarded to USEF/EQUUS Foundation Humanitarian Award Recipient

EQUUS Foundation Joins UHC and Teams Up with R.O.A.R. Campaign

Washington, DC – September 13, 2012 – The Unwanted Horse Coalition [UHC] welcomes its newest member, The EQUUS Foundation.

The EQUUS Foundation is a 501c3 national charitable foundation that is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal.

The Foundation provides financial support through grants to horse related charities across the United States, operating a network of equine organizations and equine enthusiasts providing scholarships to reward volunteer service on behalf of horses, and conducting information outreach to educate the public about horses.

Continue reading EQUUS Foundation Joins UHC and Teams Up with R.O.A.R. Campaign

The EQUUS Foundation ROARs with Social Media – Share the Link and Give Horses a Voice!

WESTPORT, CT – September 17, 2012 – Forty-four days remain until Animal Planet’s R.O.A.R (Reach Out. Act. Respond) matching campaign will come to a close. As the newest member of the matching campaign, the EQUUS Foundation is working diligently with Animal Planet to get Helping Horses Heal People’s name and mission out there to help raise money throughout the eight-week campaign.

Let’s put Horses at the top of the R.O.A.R leader board by sharing our campaign via Facebook.

Currently, the EQUUS Foundation is leading the way with social media for September, already accumulating over 191 shares. With your help, the EQUUS Foundation can earn the additional monthly $2,500 bonus for having the most shares and giving the loudest R.O.A.R.

That means $5,000 and all it takes is a click of a button to give back to these gentle giants!

Continue reading The EQUUS Foundation ROARs with Social Media – Share the Link and Give Horses a Voice!

Animal Planet’s ROAR Campaign Selects EQUUS Foundation to Help Horses Have Loudest ROAR!

WESTPORT, CT – September 7, 2012 – The EQUUS Foundation is the newest member of Animal Planet’s non-profit initiative, R.O.A.R, which stands for Reach Out. Act. Respond, and one of only seven charities selected to participate in the R.O.A.R Matching Campaign.

From September 1 through October 31 only, Animal Planet will provide each participating partner with money based on the donations that they receive in association with the R.O.A.R. eight-week Matching Campaign.

ROAR Now! There’s only seven weeks to go!

Click Here to Give Any Amount You Can Spare!

Let’s show Animal Planet how important horses are and put Horses at the top of the ROAR Leader Board!

Continue reading Animal Planet’s ROAR Campaign Selects EQUUS Foundation to Help Horses Have Loudest ROAR!