Cruise and McKenzie McManaman won The $2,500 USHJA Outreach Child/Adult 2’6″ Hunter Derby. Photo copyright Christina Jones.

Wellington, FL – July 15, 2014 – The Palm Beach Riding Academy held its premiere Tropical Show on June 22, 2014. The Festivities kicked off on Saturday, June 21, as Florida riders, trainers and equine enthusiasts flocked to The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds in Wellington. Tropical Show Series will be hosting its second show, in a new two-day format this upcoming weekend July 19-20.

Like clockwork in the Sunshine State, midway through schooling on Saturday, dark clouds rolled in and the skies burst with a torrential rain, but the Tropical Show participants were completely unaffected by the storm in the Van Kampen covered arena. The skies cleared just in time for the Tropical Exhibitors’ Party, sponsored by the Tackeria. Exhibitors, trainers, sponsors and family members enjoyed socializing over a delicious Island-themed sit-down dinner catered by White Horse Catering. The ambience of the evening was joyous and light, with kids participating in hula hoop contests and games in the fields while adults chatted & looked on, tropical drinks in hand, with the magnificent Florida sunset as a backdrop.

“I wanted to create something very special exclusively for the year-round horse enthusiasts of South Florida. The goal was to keep the costs extremely affordable and to provide an exemplary introduction to horse showing for grassroots participants in a very laid back, pressure-free and enjoyable atmosphere,” explained Sean Jones of the Palm Beach Riding Academy.

The response to the new series was incredible! The single-day show saw unprecedented numbers on Sunday, providing quality competition for all participants under the cool shade of the covered ring. The 284 trips ran as smoothly as the sounds of the Caribbean music being piped softly in the background throughout the day. Show staff was efficient, friendly and accommodating, setting the tone for the entire day. Riders and trainers from all different barns came together, demonstrating great sportsmanship as they clapped for and encouraged one another. The courses were inviting yet challenging, with the jumps beautifully set amongst palm trees and flowers. Horses and ponies were rewarded for a job well done with complimentary Hibiscus mints handed out at the in-gate. Riders, too, were rewarded with phenomenal prizes for both winners and participants alike, thanks to the generous support of class/division sponsors!

The $2,500 USHJA Outreach Child/Adult 2’6″ Hunter Derby sponsored by The Tackeria was the highlight class, drawing horses & riders from all across the state. Cruise and McKenzie McManaman topped the field of 20 participants, earning the highest overall score from the combined two-round class.

Don’t miss the next event in the Tropical Show Series on July 19-20! For more information, please visit www.TropicalShowSeries.com, email info@TropicalShowSeries.com or call (561) 758-1664. Check out the Tropical Show Series Facebook page for show updates, photos & more fun!

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
info@jenniferwoodmedia.com
803.240.7488
jenniferwoodmedia.com