Olympic trainer Pierre Jolicoeur (right) presented junior rider Marissa Damone, of West Palm Beach, Florida, with her own PJ Saddle as the first recipient of the “PJ Saddles Junior Rider Sponsorship Program.” Marissa received a brand new PJ Saddle and sponsorship by Pierre for the 2013 show year for her good horsemanship, sportsmanship and unwavering commitment to equestrian sport. Marissa rides with Sean Jones at the Palm Beach Riding Academy in Wellington.
Step by Step Foundation’s tireless president Liliane Stransky put together a grand Toy Drive during the Christmas holidays. Acting as her “elves” were supporters of all ages from the equestrian community, including Hector Florentino and his 10-year-old son Victor Bastet, Maria Fernanda Maceda and junior champions Daniela Stransky and Emanuel Andrade. Step by Step delivered toys to tiny tots at local charities including Harmony House YMCA and Lord’s House inWellington, Big Mama inBrowardCounty, Iglesia Apostolica inMiami and Children’s Home Society of Florida. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.stepbystepfoundation.com.
The 18th Annual Caron & Hanley Treatment Family Luncheon will be held February 10th at Noon at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington. The family picnic will include a world-class horse jumping competition, lunch, animal encounters, a magic show and silent auctions. The Caron and Hanley Treatment Center is the charitable beneficiary with Chairmen Don and Lisa Thomas; Honorary Chairmen Ric and Dorothy Bradshaw; Honorary Child Chairmen Jack Thomas and Noah LoFaso. Ticket Price: $195 per adult (18 and over); $50 per child (7-17 years of age); Children under 6 are free. Family Table: $500 Contact: Kelly Colamarino at 561.841.1048, kcolamarino@hanleycenter.org or www.hanleycenter.org.
It seems that things are getting sorted out in the brouhaha between Melissa Lovasco, President and CEO of The Jumper Classic and David Birdsall, owner of Silver Oak Equestrian Center in New Hampshire, site of The Jumper Classic for the last five years. A Superior Court in New Hampshire directed Melissa to post $20,000 on account until the matter is fully resolved at which time the funds will be used to pay the amount owed to Silver Oak by The Jumper Classic. Additionally, the USEF granted Silver Oak the dates for a recognized horse show, August 7-11. David Birdsall will be President and CEO of the new event and Dr. Jeff Papows will be Honorary Chairman, a position he held with The Jumper Classic for 14 years. “We are thrilled and honored that the USEF has recognized our commitment to put on a first-class event and to present the sport of show jumping in the best possible manner,” David said. “Our plan is to utilize the outstanding features of our facility and top prize money to attract the nation’s best horses and riders and to add exciting entertainment attractions that will bring large audiences. We are committed to making this event a showcase for our sport in every regard.” The horse show will benefit the Children’s Wish Foundation International and all classes will be USEF recognized.
Lainie Wimberly’s famous Dutch Warmblood show hunter, Nobleman, passed away in November. Among numerous other wins, he won the 2002 American Hunter/Jumper Foundation (AHJF) Legacy Cup pro division.
Artisan Farms is pleased to announce they have purchased two new mounts for 2008 Olympic Show Jumping Champion Eric Lamaze ofSchomberg,Ontario,Canada. Eric competes Artisan Farms’ Coriana van Klapscheut and now he takes the reins of Rosana du Park, a 2005 bay Selle Francais mare (Kannan x Quinine de Livoye) and Big Smile, a 2006 grey Westphalian mare (Cartano x Hors de la Loi II). Eric took a short break following the CSIO5* Spruce Meadows “Masters” tournament in September; but returned to competition at the 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival.
Rubbing elbows with the crème de la crème is nothing new for equestrienne and jewelry designer Diane Griswold Johnston. After her front row appearance at the House of A-K-R-I-S- Spring/Summer 2013 Collection defile de mode in Paris recently, Diane dropped by Althorp in Northamptonshire, England to lunch with none other than Charles, 9th Earl Spencer. Yes, that Earl Spencer, the younger brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, and yes, that Althorp, the 550-acre Spencer family estate, built in 1508, where the Earl and the Princess grew up, now home to the Diana Memorial. And rumor has it that this was not the first time Diane has rendezvoused with the Earl at Althorp. Pray tell – is she designing a pair of one-of-a-kind, crest-embossed cufflinks for his lordship, as she did for HRH Prince Charles? Stay tuned. On her return to Boston, Diane attended a special event honoring her good friend, the late MFH Don Little, who passed away last season after a fall in the Grand Prix field. The event was sponsored by the Boston Park Rangers Mounted Unit, a privately funded equine organization which was near and dear to Don’s heart. In memory of Don, Diane donated to the Mounted Unit a specially crafted necklace with an imbroglio pendant of one of the Unit’s beloved horses. This season, Diane will once again be showcasing her jewelry designs with VanderMoore.
The United States Hunter Jumper Association is pleased to announce their newly elected Officers and Directors. Bill Moroney was re-elected as President. Other officers elected included: Mary Babick, Vice President of Hunter Discipline; David Distler, Vice President of Jumper Discipline; Larry Langer, Secretary; and Dianne Johnson, Treasurer.
Has rapper Vanilla Ice become a horse enthusiast? First he was spotted at the International Cup Tournament at the Grand Champions Polo Club inWellington – and now he has been spotted watching show jumping at thePalm BeachInternationalEquestrianCenter. All we can say is “Horse Horse Baby.”
Does your barn or organization have news, tidbits or announcements you would like to share in the Ingate column, dedicated to hunter, jumper foxhunting and eventing news. It can be something as fun as a wedding announcement, new horse purchased, upcoming clinics or exciting wins. Send to editor@sidelinesnews.com.
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