Teens, Amateurs & Pro Riders Joined Forces to Champion Step by Step Charity

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Hector Florentino pilots Stransky's Mission Ultimo to win $35,000 Welcome at Kentucky Horse Park. Photo by Ingrid Sabater

Grand Prix veteran Hector Florentino was the first member of “team” of international riders who champion the Step by Step Foundation (www.stepbystepfoundation.com) in competition to put in fault-free and fast rounds at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. The talented Dominican Rider piloted Stransky’s Mission Farm’s Ultimo to the blue ribbon and trophy in the $35,000 Welcome Open on day one of the two weeks of competitions at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky in the beginning of May.

“It’s great to come back to Kentucky and start off with a win,” said Florentino. “Last year, Ultimo and I put in 8 consecutive clean rounds in 4 grand prixs in Kentucky.   We placed 1st, 4th, 5th and 6th respectively.  Ultimo really likes this weather, this footing, the Kentucky Horse Park as an overall venue and horse show.   It would have been nice to have a little more sunshine the first week, but we will keep coming back to Kentucky.  For me, it is double the honor when I cannot only put in clean, fast rounds, but also represent Step by Step at the same time.   Every time we win, I know we are contributing to those kids with little or nothing, really making a difference in the life of someone who has nothing.”

There were riders of all ages representing the non-profit, including the lovely Venezuelan rider Daniela Stransky, who competed in both the Junior Jumper Highs and the Junior Jumper Lows.  “It was a great show, and my horses jumped terrific,” smiled the 15 year old, who has helped raise thousands of dollars and in-kind donations for Step by Step.  “It was raining so hard during one class I could hardly see the fences, but the footing was great despite the downfall.  None of my horses seemed bothered, and we I am really happy with the way they went both weeks.”

Jose Fernando Bonetti, another 15 year old who rides with Stransky’s Mission Farm, worked equally hard to follow in the footsteps of their trainer Hector Florentino.  The young rider who also hails from the DR put in fault-free rounds to win the Children’s Jumper Championship aboard Light during the first week, bringing back a few more blue ribbons to the barn.  “It is always great to be able to win,” smiled Bonetti.  “Training with Hector, and being able to help other kids through Step by Step, is really satisfying.  The first week I was able to Children’s Jumpers try to go for the win, and we did it!  It was great, then the second week I moved up into the Junior Jumpers, which was what I have been working towards. I knew we were making the next step to achieving our goals…”

Emanuel Andrade, who also helps raise awareness for the non-profit in the show ring, consistently put in clear, winning rounds at the Kentucky Spring Horse Shows. By the end of show, the 15 year old who trains with Angel Karolyi at Hollow Creek had received top honors for his talent in the saddle winning the Low Junior Championship title on Mikos, as well praise for his for helping to raise funds and awareness for the international non-profit.

“I couldn’t be happier with my horses or the riders who want to help us spread the word about Step by Step,” exclaimed charity founder Liliane Stransky as they packed their bags at the end of the two weeks of competitions.  “I feel very lucky to have so many competitors to help spread the word at all the horse shows.  It makes each competition feel more special.  My “team” of riders comes from all over the world, from Haiti and Venezuela, Texas and New York, the DR and Florida… Even though they ride with different trainers, in different divisions, and at different stables, they all want to help get the word out and make a difference…  Every horse show, every class, ever rider helps to make change for less fortunate people both here and in abroad.  I’m very proud of all of them and am looking forward to the next one!”

These riders, and many others from different stables and countries, will be competing year round to help raise awareness and funds for the Step by Step Foundation…. You can’t miss them, they will be sporting their custom made black riding jackets with chic Step by Step logos and putting in winning rounds at A-rated horse shows around the United States and internationally too!

For further information on the non-profit, please go to www.stepbystepfoundation.com.

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