Equestrian journalist Diana De Rosa, has been doing well with the acting side of her life and was recently cast as the lead in a spec video contest for a General Motors (Chevy) Super Bowl commercial. The commercial is called “Rock Me” by filmmaker Elena Shpak. Diana’s role was that of a domino playing retiree who was transformed into a high powered cougar with fox appeal (played by male lead George Schramm) once she stepped into her Chevy. She has appeared as the mother of the cook on an internet show called Convicted and in the Press Club of Long Island annual skit. She’s also been on Royal Pains, Law & Order, and 30 Rock among others. De Rosa is also presently involved with The Actor’s Project in New York City. For eight years Diana worked with the late actor Christopher Reeve until his passing in October of 2004
Catching up: Have you heard Mason Phelps’ radio show, every Thursday evening from 5:00 to 6:00, broadcast on internet radio – w4cy.com. Mason is always charming and knows tons of interesting people, so tune in and catch up…
Have you seen that new ad from Der-Dau? Wow! We’re not sure what makes their new “Dream Boot” so special; but the ad sure is something to talk about!
Tracy Freels arrived inWellington December 7th at her usual home away from home, Border Fox Farm, just around the corner from her mom’s Harkaway Farm south. She showed up with 17 horses and ponies; some old faces and several new prospects that look very promising. Her sister, Sara Fitzgerald, is returning for another season at the Beval Tack store, right on the showgrounds. She loves being in the middle of all the excitement and can usually find a way to cheer for her sister in the show ring. She has had another litter of fabulous Jack Russell puppies, which may or may not all be sold by the time she arrives.
Hallie McEvoy has added another fun equestrian business to her portfolio (Racing Dreams, LLC and McEvoy Media Services). Jonesville Antiques & Collectibles opens in February when she returns from herFlorida vacation and cruise. The store inJonesville,Vermont, will carry many equine-related antiques, jewelry and artwork.
Hugh Kincannon of Kentucky Horse Shows, LLC, was recognized at the United States Hunter Jumper Association’s Evening of Equestrians Awards Dinner. Hugh received the President’s Distinguished Service Award for his management of USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals, the USEF Pony Finals and the Alltech National Horse Show, 128th Edition.
The home of Peggy and Jeremy Jacobs was filled with guests December 15 when a reception honored their special gift to the Wellington Art Society, three photographs representing the natural beauty ofWellington and showcased other photographic images included in Peggy’s personal collection.
The Cleveland Foundation honored Billie Howland Steffee at their biannual Frederick Harris Goff & Legacy Societies Leadership recognition event. Billie was awarded the Frederick Harris Goff Philanthropic Leadership award for her dedication to the community and belief in the power of philanthropy.
New baby department: Our own Gigi Harris is now a grandmother, having welcomed Brendan Riley Bell on December 2, who weighed in at 8.1 oz. His parents are Don and Sheila Bell fromFayetteville,North Carolina.
Bumps and Bruises: Aikenite and Oak Manor Saddlery proprietor Tracey Murray spent some time in the ER after a yearling clocked her in the head last week. A bit concussed and raccoon eyes but all’s well.
Michael McCormick also spent some time in the ER with a broken collarbone; but trust he’ll be back in the saddle for his trek fromPennsylvania to Aiken for Hunt Week with Whiskey Road Foxhounds.
Horses: Elm Rock Partners LLC recently acquired the seven year old Oldenburg stallion Royce from Ljubov Kochetova of Russia. The talented young mount has already had great success at the grand prix level and will now be ridden by Olympian Margie Engle and trained by Susie Humes and Ken Smith.
Horse Show News: The Brandywine Valley Summer Series horse shows were named the Pennsylvania Horse Show Association’s “Horse Show of the Year” in 2011. The Brandywine Valley Summer Series is scheduled for June 28-July 2, 2012 and July 4-July 8, 2012. Additional highlights will include the $10,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby on Sunday, July 1, 2012 and week two’s designation as a WCHR Member Event.
Following an amazingly successful debut this year, the second edition of the Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Kentucky, is set for October 31 through November 4, 2012. The show will once again be held at the Alltech Arena at the Kentucky Horse Park. May we say that “Gracie Street Garden” rocked every night after the evening session just like the Pennsylvania Hotel used to inNew York? Bruce even took the floor to dance late one evening, much to the astonishment of the local non-horsey set, DJ included!
Kim Tudor did an incredible job taking The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s horse show sponsorship to the next level. She and her assistant Liz Campbell (a Canadian who makes the trek to show at WEF) entertained benefactors and their guests with incredible grace.
While on the subject of indoor horse shows: The Alltech National Horse Show was very well done. AND Washington International was quite the success as well. Particularly impressive is their web and media savvy. They also do a great job making the exhibitors comfortable and made a smart move with the addition of the new Fidelity Club for VIPs closer to the action.
The North American Riders Group welcomed Mark Samuel to their Board of Directors. Mark came by horses naturally as his family owns the famous Sam-Son Farms inCanada. Sam-Son has owned many top winning thoroughbred race horses and show jumpers. One of the most notable was the great show jumping horse, Canadian Club, a member ofCanada’s gold medal team at the 1968 Olympic Games. As a rider, Mark has representedCanada on several occasions including the 2003 Pan American Games and was a member of the 2002 Wellington Nations Cup silver medal winning team aboard hismountDarios V.
The 2012 HITS Desert Circuit in Thermal, California will kick off six weeks of world-class equestrian show jumping that will feature a brand new collection of jump equipment from world-class designer Olaf Petersen, Sr. His work is highly regarded all over the world for his intricate course designs.
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