The Horse Stars Hall of Fame honors the contributions of amazing horses by sharing the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats. It was established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and their magical and powerful bond with people.
The USEF inducts the horses recognized annually as “Horses of Honor” for their stellar athletic performances. The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses who have had an inspirational impact on the public as companions, teachers, and healers.
The 2022 Horse Stars Hall of Fame inductees are Aupollo’s Midnight Marquee, Balou du Reventon, Big Shot, Elmer, Happy Thoughts, HS Daydream’s Heads Up, Suppenkasper, and TDO Blackburn Hop. For the first time, the inductees included Elmer, the mule, to share the story about how all equines – not just horses – are stars and have a great impact on people.
“On behalf of the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation, we wish to recognize the contributions of Jessica Lash in authoring the profiles of the 2022 inductees and to the many authors and photographers who have contributed over the years,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
“The Horse Stars Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to demonstrate the staying power of horses — as athletes, companions, teachers and healers — and their unique abilities to move us through a spectrum of experiences from thrill and exhilaration to pure joy. By sharing the stories of these amazing horses, we hope to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the impact of horses in our lives.”
The Horse Stars Hall of Fame honors the contributions of amazing horses by sharing the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats. It was established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and their magical and powerful bond with people.
The USEF inducts the horses recognized annually as “Horses of Honor” for their stellar athletic performances. The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses who have had an inspirational impact on the public as companions, teachers, and healers.
The 2021 Horse Stars Hall of Fame inductees are Dolton, FWF Undercover, Gazelle, Kiss Me Quick, Pritchard Hill, Sir Gus, Tango, and Vivaldi De Besilu.
“The Horse Stars Hall of Fame is a wonderful way to demonstrate the staying power of horses — as athletes, companions, teachers, and healers — and their unique abilities to move us through a spectrum of experiences from thrill and exhilaration to pure joy. By sharing the stories of these amazing horses, we hope to build a more informed and compassionate America that values the impact of horses in our lives,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
The Horse Stars Hall of Fame was established by the EQUUS Foundation and US Equestrian in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and the magical bond between horses and people.
The EQUUS Foundation inducts horses that have had a life-changing impact in public service or on the public’s perception of horses, have excelled or are excelling in the area of equine assisted activities and therapies, and/or have excelled or are excelling in their competitive or public service career after overcoming significant hardship. The United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) inducts its “Horses of Honor” selected by USEF annually.
Nomination Deadline – December 31, 2020 Click here to submit a nomination.
Nine horses will be inducted into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame for 2016 at the EQUUS Foundation’s fête cheval étoile on Friday, February 26 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.
The Hall of Fame, established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013, celebrates the extraordinary talent of horses and the magical bond between horses and people. The horses inducted by the USEF are the 2015 USEF International and National Horses of Honor. The horses inducted by the EQUUS Foundation have had a life-changing impact on people.
Guests attending the fête will be the first to applaud these amazing horses when the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats are revealed on the Horse Stars Hall of Fame website.
Join us on February 26th to honor our 2016 equine heroes! RSVP online here now!
Join us at 6pm in PBIEC’s International Club for cocktails, an auction and dinner followed by the tribute to the 2016 Horse Stars Hall of Fame Inductees and the 2nd annual Best Performance Team Invitational.
The EQUUS Foundation is the only national charitable foundation dedicated solely to ensuring the quality of life of horses and fostering the horse-human bond. 100% of event proceeds directly benefit horse welfare in the United States.
Don’t miss out on your chance to support the event of the season that gives back to horses! For more information, contact Shannon Coakley at shannon@equusfoundation.org or 203-259-1550.
About 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, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.
About USEF: Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) is dedicated to raising the level of access to and participation in equestrian sport at all levels by ensuring its continuing creativity, growth, and excellence. The USEF’s vision is to continue to lead equestrian sport in the United States while ensuring fairness, safety and enjoyment for an ever growing number of people. Learn more about the USEF at www.usef.org.
Photos courtesy of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.
Gainesville, FL (February 22, 2014) — Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses has received a national honor with the induction of therapy horse Magic into the United States Equestrian Federation and EQUUS Foundation Horse Stars Hall of Fame for 2015. Magic was inducted at the EQUUS Foundation’s Fete Coeval Etoile on Friday, February 20 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida. The Horse Stars Hall of Fame was established by the USEF and EQUUS Foundation to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and their magical and powerful bond with people.
Magic was honored as a humanitarian for having a life changing and inspirational impact on the public. From helping children and first responders at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT to child trafficking victims in Washington, D.C. and tornado survivors in Moore, OK, Magic brings her special love where it is needed most. She visits children’s hospitals across the country.
When Magic is not traveling she has a one of a kind partnership with the University of Florida Health Shands Rehab Hospital in Gainesville, Florida, an acute hospital for patients who have suffered strokes, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and burns. Magic works with occupational, speech and physical therapists as part of the treatment team. She has inspired patients in the therapy gym to reach out their arms for the first time and helped patients who are learning how to use adaptive equipment like walkers and wheelchairs. She even demonstrates rehab training stairs and ramps. Magic has worked with patients who have stood or walked for the very first time since their accidents or surgeries. Therapists have seen exceptional progress and motivation with patients teamed with the little horse.
Working indoors would be a challenge for any horse but Magic makes it look easy. She walks up and down stairs, rides in elevators, walks on unusual floor surfaces, carefully moves around hospital equipment, works in small rooms and handles unexpected sounds like ambulances, alarms and hospital helicopters… and yes she is house trained. Every hospital is different and when Magic enters a new hospital she does not get a practice run. She must be comfortable walking through the door and crowds of people with her trainer no matter what new sights and sounds she encounters on the way.
The inductees were featured in a video and photo gallery accompanied by stories of their achievements.
Owners of the honored horses arrived from around the country. Therapy horse Magic attended the ceremony and met with fans and guests indoors during dinner and events. She also played with Harry de Leyer, owner and trainer of the famous Snowman (Eighty Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse Who Inspired a Nation) after the ceremony. Both Magic and Snowman were inducted into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame. “I will never forget you, Magic,” Mr. de Leyer told the little horse.
Magic’s other honors include:
One of History’s 10 Most Courageous Animals – Time Magazine
Most Heroic Pet in America – AARP
A Reader’s Digest/Americantowns Power of One Hero
One of the 10 Most Heroic Animals of 2010 – Newsweek/The Daily Beast
2014 Winner of the E. T. York Distinguished Service Award
A children’s park in Greece named after Magic and dedicated by former Prime Minister of Greece, Kostas Karamanlis
One of Seven Most Notable Animal Heroes in the World – UK’s The Daily Mirror 2014
Featured in 125 True Stories of Amazing Pets – National Geographic Kids 2014
Featured in her own book, The Power of Magic – DT Publishing Group/New York, 2014
Magic and Gentle Carousel partner Hamlet immortalized with their own 2014 Breyer Portrait Horse Models.
Staff Sergeant Reckless. Photo courtesy of United States Marine Corps.
WESTPORT, CT – May 20, 2014 – In keeping with the spirit of Memorial Day, as it pays tribute to United States men and women who have died serving their country in the military and expresses gratitude to all servicemen and women, two military horses, Staff Sergeant Reckless (1949-1968) and Klinger (2000- ), are likewise garnering accolades. Both noted for exemplary service in the United States armed forces, they have been honored by the horse world as members of the Horse Stars Hall of Fame, a joint program of the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF).
Reckless, a Korean pony who stood 11 hands one inch, and Klinger, a Morgan-Percheron cross that towers above all his human associates at a height of 17 hands, are a contrast not only of size, but of time and place, their years of military service separated by more than half a century and thousands of miles.
Both horses have inspired writers to tell their stories. In 2004, Betsy Beard, devastated when her son, Army Specialist Bradley Beard, was killed in action in Iraq, came to TAPS and began channeling her grief into writing, subsequently becoming the editor of TAPS Magazine. She later researched the TAPS mascot and wrote a fictional children’s book, Klinger, a Story of Honor and Hope, for the organization. Published in 2010, the book is given to children in the TAPS program, along with a stuffed horse modeled after Klinger.
Now Janet Barrett’s new book, They Called Her Reckless — A True Story of War, Love and One Extraordinary Horse, is making Marines proud and winning a host of new fans for this real-life warhorse. The first full-length biography of the amazing Staff Sergeant Reckless, it tells of the powerful bond between her and her fellow Marines and what it achieved.
Staff Sergeant Reckless (1949-1968)
Beginning in October 1952, Reckless was a valued presence to the members of the Marine Fifth Regiment fighting the Korean War, who acquired the Jeju pony to haul ammunition to the front lines. Specifically charged with transporting the heavy shells to the 75mm recoilless rifles, she did that and so much more: packing ammo beyond what anyone thought possible, saving lives, raising spirits, and winning the love and respect of all who knew her.
Quickly becoming the revered warhorse of the regiment, the courageous Reckless, the Marines were fond of saying, was the only horse that came out of the war with fame and a name. Given the rank of private first class soon after she came to the Marines, she rose through the ranks, finally promoted to staff sergeant before being retired in 1960 at Camp Pendleton, CA. A statue of her was dedicated at the National Museum of the Marine Corps, in Virginia in 2013, and this past March she joined Klinger as only the second military member of the Horse Stars Hall of Fame. Read More…
Photo courtesy of Patti Gross/TAPS
Klinger (2000- )
At age 13, Klinger, the oft-described gentle giant, is still a working member of the U.S. Army’s Third Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) Caisson Platoon. In ten years of service, his various ceremonial duties have included being part of the team that pulled the caisson in more than 5,000 full-honor military funerals at Arlington National Cemetery.
The kind, steady Klinger also provides another type of comfort, helping young children to cope with the death of a loved one in the armed forces. As the unofficial mascot of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), a national nonprofit veterans service organization, Klinger is often on hand for TAPS events, where his gentleness is evident as he obligingly lowers his head for even the littlest child to pet his muzzle.
This past year, the Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) recognized Klinger for his induction into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame with a special ceremony at center ring on Military Night. WIHS also honored Klinger with a special award to be presented annually at WIHS in his name. The Klinger Perpetual Award for Honor and Service presented by Ariat International and EQUUS Foundation will recognize a horse, individual or organization each year that best demonstrates the values of honor and service as embodied by Klinger. Read More…
Inducted into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame as humanitarian horses, the category overseen by the EQUUS Foundation, Klinger and Reckless show the diversity of what horses can accomplish. Though the role of a warhorse has virtually disappeared from combat, the work Klinger does with the Army and TAPS goes on. While the public generally knows more about sport horses, and many of the finest are selected by USEF for membership in the Hall of Fame, the EQUUS Foundation focuses on promoting the other avenues open to horses.
“They are incredible animals,” says Lynn Coakley, the foundation’s president, “and we want people to understand just how much value they have beyond the role of sport horse, exciting as that can be.” In fact, she adds, “Many horses can go on to other careers after they leave the riding ring,” noting the growing field of therapeutic riding. Through its Equine Welfare Network, the EQUUS Foundation works with over 800 equine organizations, among them therapeutic riding centers and rescue organizations, providing financial support, or working with volunteers and staff to improve the delivery of services.
Partnering with USEF to create the Horse Stars Hall of Fame, Coakley believes, is a simple and direct way to let people know the scope of what horses can do.
Visit the Horse Stars Hall of Fame HERE to learn more about all the inductees.
About 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, enabling the therapeutic use of horses for those in need, fostering the horse-human bond, and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. 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.
About USEF: Established in 1917, the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), www.usef.org, is dedicated to uniting the equestrian community, honoring achievement, and serving as guardians of equestrian sport. The USEF promotes the safety and welfare of horses and riders while encouraging interest, participation and excellence at every competitive level and for all breed and discipline affiliates within the Federation family equally. The USEF is the only national organization dedicated to the promotion of the equestrian sport, fair competition and equine welfare regardless of breed or discipline.
WESTPORT, CT – March 21, 2014 – Spectators and visitors ringside at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida, generally enjoy some of the world’s best show jumping, but on Sunday, March 16, 2014, they enjoyed a different form of Olympic-level equestrian sport: vaulting.
Guests at the EQUUS Foundation’s Fete Cheval Etoile enjoyed cocktails, dinner, dancing and an exhibition from the American Vaulting Association all in celebration and support of the amazing animal that is the horse.
Fete Cheval Etoile is hosted annually by the EQUUS Foundation, recognizing the positive impact that horses can have on everyday lives. Since its inception, the EQUUS Foundation has awarded nearly $2.5 million in grants to charities across America that are improving the lives of horses, promoting the use of horses to enrich lives and educating the public about the horse’s unique abilities to empower, teach and heal.
The Fete Cheval Etoile, co-chaired by Jenny Belknap Kees, EQUUS Foundation Chairman, and Chrystine Tauber, USEF President, welcomed ten new inductees into the Horse Stars Hall of Fame, established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and inducts both star competitive and humanitarian animals.
The ten new inductees joining the inaugural 62 horses inducted in 2013 include equine athletes A Ruf Gal, Bizkit, Brunello, CH Callaway’s Annabel Allison, Sam and Simon and equine humanitarians Lucky To Be A Larkin, Mr Wise Guy +//, Skipper and Staff Sergeant Reckless.
Visit the Horse Stars Hall of Fame HERE to learn more about all the inductees.
Upon arrival at PBIEC’s Gallery and Wellington Club, guests indulged in cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres while learning more about each of the new inductees through photos, video segments and short written biographies. Attendees mingled and took their chances on the Ariat International-sponsored games, Pin the Shamrock on the Pony and Wild Card Raffle. Lucky winners won a gift card toward any Ariat item up to $1,000, Ariat hats and water bottles.
Following the cocktail hour, guests dined in the Wellington Club before turning their attention to the International Arena for the vaulting exhibition. Brian Lookabill kicked off the evening’s entertainment with a moving musical tribute to the 2014 Horse Stars Hall of Fame inductees.
The incredible vaulting exhibition by the American Vaulting Association Friendship Team, whose strong, agile and talented members ranged in age from 15 to 31, followed Brian’s performance. The vaulters dazzled the crowd as they leaped on and off the 18+ hand Belgian mounts and displayed acrobatics that most would find extraordinarily difficult on the ground, let alone on the back of a large, cantering animal.
“We were thrilled to have the American Vaulting Association Friendship Team perform at the Fete Cheval Etoile and we owe special thanks to Scott Donovan of his overall coordination, the vaulters, Trey Lasater, Gabe Aniello, Caroline Shubert, Kalyn Geisler, Stephanie Harris, Alex Schaubhut, Francesca Foley, and Malu Foley, the horses, Cody and Samson, the lungers, Melanie Schaubhut and Kimberly Pritchett, and Coach Greta Shryock,” said Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.
What’s even more amazing is that vaulting is a therapeutic activity for people with special needs. The Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center in Loxahatchee, one of the Foundation’s grant recipients, housed the vaulting horses and provided its facility for the team to rehearse before the Sunday evening exhibition.
Following the vaulting demonstration, revelers moved inside The Gallery to dance and start their Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The vaulters joined the party and quickly showed everyone up on the dance floor with their impressive dance moves and lifts.
From the vaulting to the post-party, the event would not have been possible without the support of generous sponsors, including corporate partners Animal Planet, Ariat International and Nestle Waters North America along with Gold Medal Sponsors Dan & Ellen Crown & the Crown Family, R. Bruce Duchossois, Becky & David Gochman, Stephanie & John Ingram, Caryl Philips & Frank Zeiss, and Split Rock Farm & Bobbie Braun.
Silver Medal Sponsors for the event included Jenny Belknap Kees & Tim Kees, Marylou D’Addario Kennedy & Sean Kennedy, Fairfield Equine Associates, Patricia J. Keenan & Lawrence D’Addario, Kathryn L. Quirk, Esq. & Dr. Denise Quirk and Wrenwood Farms.
Fete Cheval Etoile Bronze Medal Sponsors were Dr. & Mrs. Vincent J. Abbatiello, Jane Forbes Clark, Equestrian Sport Productions, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Garber, Gregory W. Gingery, Halo Capital LLC, Dr. & Mrs. Steven Herman, Sydney Keith, Caroline Moran, Elizabeth & Clifford Press and the Reid Family.
The EQUUS Foundation is also deeply grateful to its auction and gift sponsors: Dr. & Mrs. Vincent J. Abbatiello, Laura Alman, Ariat International, Badgley Mischka, Barbara’s Visions, The Bentz Family, Beval Saddlery Ltd., Biba NY, Connie Bostic, Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Clinique, Companion Dogs Ltd., Violeta Cromer, Steve Daiagi, Equestrian Sport Productions LLC, Escue Polo – Shahmir Quraeshi, GHURKA, Hampton Classic Horse Show, Hunt Ltd., JODS, Elena Lusenti Photography, Jennifer H. Lyne, Rollin McGrail, Dr. Jean M. Oberg, Karen Owens, Parlanti, Tacie Saltanstall, Susan B. Schoellkopf & Jennifer Alfano, Liz Segill, Signature Spurs, Southern States Cooperative, StallWatch, Debbie Stephens, Stephens Designs, The Styleliner, SummerTies, Jim Torano, and Turner & Co.
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.
Cirque Vertigo. Photos courtesy of Phelps Media Group.
WESPORT, CT – March 13, 2013 – Stars of the equestrian world gathered for the EQUUS Foundation’s Fete Cheval Etoile on Friday night, March 8, 2013, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) in Wellington, Florida. The event featured the premiere of the Horse Stars Hall of Fame, a joint effort of the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) to celebrate the extraordinary talent of the horses and the powerful bond between horses and people.
“We are, of course, indebted to all our sponsors and donors, including the presenting sponsors, Dr. Betsee Parker – Huntland, Spy Coast Farm, and the Crown Family,” said Lynn Coakley, President of the EQUUS Foundation who also served as the emcee. “However, the Event Co-Chairs, Ellen Crown, Jenny Belknap Kees and Elizabeth Press, were the inspiration for this amazing evening of non-stop entertainment.”
Guests were the first to see the new website (www.horsestarshalloffame.org) created as the virtual home of the Hall of Fame. A photo gallery and biographies of the 62 horses in the first class of inductees were on display in PBIEC’s Gallery. The Hall of Fame recognizes horses in two categories: those with extraordinary athletic accomplishments and those who have gone above and beyond in serving the public and having a life-changing impact on individuals with special needs.
Jenny Belknap Kees, EQUUS Foundation Chair, and Chrystine Tauber, USEF President, were on hand to launch the Hall of Fame. In welcoming the audience, Coakley said, “Since the beginning of civilization, horses have been vital to human survival. Although their role has changed, they continue to steal our hearts and imagination.”
“For most of our event guests, it is the horse’s talent as an athlete that has bonded them with these gentle giants,” Coakley continued. “However, for many people with special needs, horses are amazing humanitarians – providing comfort, confidence and pure joy. The Horse Stars Hall of Fame tells the stories of their extraordinary achievements.”
Over $225,000 was raised at the Fete Cheval Etoile to support the worthy mission of the EQUUS Foundation, which 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.
“Equestrian Sport Productions under the leadership of Katharine and Mark Bellissimo and the coordination of Vaneli Bojkova made sure our event was a success.”
“It took a lot of patience, adaptability, professionalism and generosity to make this event possible,” said Coakley.
Left: Ki-Juan Minors with Cirque Vertigo troupe in background. Right: Artist Josee Nadeau.
Ki-Juan Minors, a talented equestrian and singer/songwriter and the winner of the EQUUS Foundation’s Equestrian Idol competition in 2008, enchanted guests with a song to honor the Hall of Fame inductees while world renowned artist Josee Nadeau created an original live painting, inspired by the music. “Lynn tries to keep the Idol winners involved in EQUUS Foundation events,” Minors said. “For this event, she called me up and said, ‘Ki, we want to do something completely different. See if you can come up with a song that would be a fitting tribute for the horses being inducted into the Hall of Fame.'”
“The sound of Minors’ beautiful voice really made my hand flow,” said Nadeau, whose Equestrian theme paintings are on display for sale at The Gallery at the Winter Equestrian Festival until March 31. “His voice was magic; it was like feathers. Every stroke that went on the canvas was the right one.” Nadeau recently painted live on stage to the full 95 piece Salt Lake Symphony Orchestra, something that has never been done in the World before. Her combination of Art and Music started after George Harrison sang to her in 2000 at the private home of Guy Lalibertē, the founder of Cirque du Soleil.
As the guests enjoyed cocktails, made bids on silent auction items and perused the photos in the PBIEC Gallery, guests were treated to juggling and balancing acts by Cirque Vertigo. Members of two legendary circus families, the Wallendas and the Arestovs, came together to create the troupe. Later in the evening, the show continued as guests dined in the Wellington Club. Heart-stopping balancing feats and thrilling acrobatics, including a suspenseful mother-daughter aerial act, kept guests on the edge of their seats.
The successful live auction, featuring energetic auctioneer Field Ladd, included the sale of Nadeau’s live painting and a VIP table at the Alltech National Horse Show. Professional polo players Brandon Phillips and Kris Kampsen donated a group polo lesson. “This is a great cause,” Phillips said. “You have to give back at some point, and they do a lot of great things, so it’s my pleasure to do what I can.”
Guests also had the opportunity to bid on a meet-and-greet with Laura Kraut and her Grand Prix show jumper, Cedric, including a course walk alongside Kraut. “I feel very strongly about the EQUUS Foundation and I want to do whatever I can to help their cause,” Kraut said. “Cedric loves to meet new people, so it’s a great opportunity.” “The event was beautiful,” she added. “I think they’ve done an unbelievable job. It was a five-star party, and we had a great time.”
Dr. Vincent Abbatiello, along with his wife, Jill, who served on the event committee, said, “The Fete just established itself as the premier event of the season. We had a great crowd, great people and great entertainment. But more importantly, we raised a sizable amount of money to make a better life for horses and a better life for the people that horses touch.”
Susan Alcala, Ariat International Vice President of Partnership Marketing, expressed her appreciation for the Foundation’s work. “We’re thrilled and proud to be a corporate partner of the EQUUS Foundation,” she said. “Equine welfare is very important to us, so we look for opportunities to do everything we can to be involved. It was a terrific event with great turnout – they did a beautiful job.”
The event was made possible by its generous sponsors, including Presenting Sponsors Dr. Betsee Parker – Huntland, Spy Coast Farm and The Crown Family; Platinum Sponsors Split Rock Farm and Visse Wedell; Gold Medal Sponsors Mike & Mary Carpenter, R. Bruce Duchossois, Equestrian Sport Productions, Becky & David Gochman, Dr. Jen & Bruce Hlavacek, Stephanie & John Ingram, Louisburg Farm, Sara & Rick Mershad, Elizabeth & Clifford Press, and PJ & Suhail Rizvi.
Silver Medal Sponsors for Fete Cheval Etoile were Jane Forbes Clark, The Carlson Family, Marylou D’Addario Kennedy & Sean Kennedy, Patricia Keenan & Lawrence D’Addario, and Mr. & Mrs. Walter T. Kees. Bronze Medal Sponsors included Dobbs Show Jumping, Fairfield Equine Associates, Dr. & Mrs. Kenneth Garber, Gregory W. Gingery, Dr. & Mrs. Steven Herman, Sydney Keith, Kim Prince & Snowbrook, P. F. Farm, Quiet Corner Farm, Jennifer & Eric Ross, Juliet & Sam Reid, William & Shirley Reilich, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Springsteen, The Toffolon Family, and Wrenwood Farms.
The EQUUS Foundation is also indebted to its auction and gift sponsors, which were as follows: Dr. & Mrs. Vincent Abbatiello, Alltech National Horse Show, Ariat International, Steven Axelrod, Handyman, Baden Wellness Centers, Inc., Badgley Mischka, Barbara’s Visions, Beval Saddlery Ltd., Bradford Renaissance Portraits, Shelli Breidenbach, Changing Reins, Christine Rose Photography, Clinique, Tina Duryea, Stephen Filarsky, GiGi New York, Hampton Classic Horse Show, Hunt Ltd., JODS, Kris Kampsen & Brandon Phillips, Laura Kraut, Modern Styles For Life, Morgan Terry, Josee Nadeau, Parlanti USA, Inc., Mike Snider, Skiffingtons LLC, Turner & Co. and Viking Yachts.
For additional information, visit the EQUUS Foundation website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at telephone (203) 259-1550 or by email to equus@equusfoundation.org.
Please click here to see more photos from the event.
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.
About The Horse Stars Hall of Fame
The Horse Stars Hall of Fame was established by the EQUUS Foundation and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) in 2013 to celebrate the extraordinary talent of horses and the magical bond between horses and people; honor the contributions of amazing horses, share the stories of their athletic and humanitarian feats and build a more informed and compassionate America that values the impact of horses in our lives.
The 62 horses inducted into the Hall of Fame include Adams Fire, Aequus+//, Afires Heir, Authentic, Betsy, Brentina, Cefnoakpark Bouncer, CH Callaway’s Copyright, CH Courageous Lord, CH Our Charming Lady, CH Sprinkles, CH The Daily Lottery, Champagne, Cocoa, Coral Reef Via Volo, Courage to Lead, Dante FQ, Erin’s Glencara, Esteban, Flexible, Floriano, Free Willy, Germ, Go Sasquatch Go (AQHA), Goldie, Goodie, Gunners Special Nite, Head of the Class, Heza Jackrabbit, Hidden Creek’s Jones, Jamaica, Jersey Boy, Kleng, Klinger, Kripton-Seni II, Liberty, Lone Star, Lucky Vaquero Legacy, Manoir de Carneville, Mister Nicadual, Mrs. Butterworth, Murphy, Neville Bardos, NTEC Richter Scale, Pennfield, Perfect Chance, Pharoah’s Fire, Ravel, Sangree Marshall, Sapphire, Selwood Park Deneuve, Sjoerd, Starr Llight, Sugar Babe, Suncie Skyra Ray, Theodore O’Connor, Tiziano, Tumbleweed, Valentino, Weltino’s Magic, Winsome Adante, and WR Sonaskada+//.
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.
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.
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.