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Equestrians from all disciplines gathered on Friday, February 4, to enjoy the Equestrian Idol Musical Talent Show, presented by Tiffany & Co. Palm Beach Gardens. Six talented performers vied for the crown, but the top prize and 2011 Equestrian Idol title was awarded to Robert Orthwein. Equestrian Idol, co-chaired by Catherine Herman and Patricia Keenan, was the frst event to be held in the “new” Grande Pavilion at the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington, Florida.

Robert Orthwein is a three-goal polo player who competes at the International PoloClubPalmBeach and is based out of thePortMayacaPoloClub inOkeechobee, FL. TheOrthwein family has been playing polo for three generations and has been intimately involved in developing polo in south Florida. “I’ve ridden my whole life, and as a horseman I really wanted to help out the cause since EQUUS is such a great foundation,” Robert said. “They do incredible work for horses and the community all over the United States, so for me to rap and do something fun like this to help them out is great all the way around. Thanks to EQUUS for this opportunity and for all that they do for the horse community.”

Mason Phelps, Jr. emceed the 5th annual Idol event. The evening’s live auction featured a polo lesson with Kris Kampsen and Brandon Phillips, a dog training session with Companion Dogs and Philip Levine, a woman’s watch from Tiffany & Co, a man’s watch from Tiffany & Co, and fnally a beautiful diamond pendant also from Tiffany & Co.

Following a new format for 2011, three former Idol winners teamed up with this year’s contestants for some incredible collaborative performances. To kick off the show, Jenna Wyatt and 2010 Idol winner Brian Lookabill took the stage to perform the Rolling Stones, “Honky Tonk Women”, followed by 2008 Idol winner Ki-Juan Minors and Teaghan James for Lady Gaga’s, “Just Dance”. Taylor Blauweiss, the first Idol, was next, pairing with Susan Muench to sing Bonnie Tyler’s “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. Lookabill took the stage again, this time with Casey Hodges to sing Sugarland’s “Stand Up.” Ki-Juan Minors was up next with Robert Orthwein. The two got the crowd on their feet with their version of Jay-Z and Kanye West’s “Run This Town”. Taylor Blauweiss returned with Hilary Dobbs to sing Katy Perry’s “Waking Up in Vegas”. Three contestants moved to the finals, and were voted on via the audience’s live texting.

This year’s judges included the three former idol contestants, Taylor Blauweiss, Brian Lookabill and Ki-Juan Minors. Another new feature this year included one judge selected from the audience via raffle. Eleven-year-old Gabriella Duval won the “Join The Judges” raffle.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $1.5 million in grants have been awarded since the first awards in 2003. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. For more, visit www.equusfoundation.org.