FACES OF WEF

It’s jumper season in Wellington! From January through April, top show horses and their riders come from around the world to take part in the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Horse and rider pairs will soar over fences, navigating complicated sequences and making hairpin turns — all to the delight of the crowds. Riders known around the world will join up-and-comers, youngsters and adult amateurs in the ring to take part in a horse show series that offers something for every age and skill level. Just a handful of these great riders are featured here, in our special 2017 edition of Faces of WEF.

Venezuelan Show Jumping Star Emanuel Andrade Feels At Home In Show Ring

Back in Wellington for the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival, Venezuelan show jumper Emanuel Andrade has an impressive list of accomplishments for any rider. But when you factor in his age — he’s only 20 — his success in just a few short years is astounding. Just in 2016, Andrade racked up almost 100 top-10 finishes.

His love for horses, and show jumping, started at a young age.

“I was 5 years old, and I was always into the horses. I started in my country, Venezuela, with ponies, how everyone starts. I just kept going until now. It has been a long time,” Andrade said.

A few years after he began riding, his sister, Maria, took to the saddle. The rest of his family quickly followed suit.

“Everyone is into horses now,” Andrade said. “It wasn’t something from my family — it started with me.”

The 20-year-old has won enough ribbons and classes to put him in the same category as more seasoned, experienced riders — he qualified, and competed, at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

“It was a great experience,” he said. “I had already jumped everything, and I was only 19. I didn’t even realize it. I didn’t even think about it.”

Competing with the best riders and horses in the world, a moment that elite equestrians long for, was a dream come true. “It was very, very nice. It was an amazing experience for me. The place was beautiful,” he recalled. “It is different; it’s not like a normal game.”

While Andrade didn’t finish near the top of the show jumping field in Rio, he was the youngest jumper competing, and he still considers it a high honor. “No matter what your score is going to be, you just want to be there,” he said.

Andrade earned his spot in Rio by placing sixth at the Pan American Games in 2015.

“It was amazing,” he said, of qualifying. “I didn’t get a medal. I jumped off for a medal, and I got sixth place. That’s what got me the pass to go to the Olympics. The Pan Ams were probably more important for me, because if I didn’t do good there, I wouldn’t have gone to the Olympics.”

Andrade is humble about his Olympic experience, noting that he feels lucky to be able to be called an Olympian — a title no one can ever take away.

“Some people think it’s easy, and it’s just because I have a lot of horses that I got into the Olympics. But I feel that, you can give all of my horses to a lot of people, and the results won’t be the same,” he said. “It’s a lot about intuition… It’s not about just the horses, it’s about how hard you work. Be there every day and jump, jump, jump. I don’t have a kid’s life. I don’t have a 20-year-old’s life. I work really hard for what I want with my horses, which is good, because it’s paying back, and I’m happy.”

His hard work, dedication and tireless attitude got him to the Olympics, and his future goal is to return and do better. “I want to do it better next time, and next time better, and I want to go again,” he said. “I feel like that’s the goal — always try to do better.”

One of the secrets to his success, he said, is always competing. While he hopes to continue his education, for now, Andrade is focusing on his riding. He’s working hard and preparing for the future.

Andrade is looking forward to competing in the Great Charity Challenge at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, as well as the Winter Equestrian Festival itself.

Since competing at WEF, Andrade has enjoyed taking part in the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments. He also enjoys working with the Step by Step Foundation and its founder, Liliane Stransky.

“I started riding here seven years ago,” he said. “When I got here, I met the lady who is the founder of the organization, and she’s Venezuelan. She asked me to jump for her.”

Andrade donated his prize money to purchase toys for kids and has been doing it ever since. He helps purchase and deliver the toys, too. “It’s great. It’s super-special,” he said.

Many of the toys go to children at the Kids Cancer Foundation, as well as children benefiting from other foundations through the Great Charity Challenge. “I love that show,” he said.

At WEF last year, Andrade ran into a few difficulties and didn’t do as well as he had hoped. This year, he is going to do the best he can and enjoy the experience. “I’m not looking for anything specific,” he said. “I really want to have a nice time and enjoy the moment… I want to try to do the best I can. If I win, good. If not, I enjoy the moment, which is good.”

Working with the show’s organizers and his father, Andrade helped to have Hollow Creek Farm, his home base, sponsor WEF’s Under 25 Grand Prix Series, which takes place throughout the 12-week festival.

“I realize the vision that is also very important for young riders like me. First of all, WEF is very hard, competing against the best riders in the world,” he said. “These classes are kind of the same, for young people, and I feel like that is very important to get ready for the future.”

For young riders, being able to compete with one another gives them both the chance to go up against with their peers and also prepare to compete against those with more experience, he explained.

“Everyone is very good. It’s an amazing group of horses and an amazing group of riders,” Andrade said.

Riders are coming from all over the world to compete at WEF, and the Under 25 Grand Prix Series is open to riders of all nationalities. The classes have been sanctioned as CSI-U25 events by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI). The competition allows up-and-coming riders a chance at the spotlight that they might not otherwise have when competing against more seasoned riders.

On his journey toward becoming a seasoned rider, Andrade competes often, and every chance he gets.

“I feel like every time I go into the ring, no matter what, how difficult it has been going, it’s just very exciting for me. I love it. I love the feeling. It’s always the same,” he said.

Whether he is showing his horses, or showing for his first trainer, Andrea King, Andrade is focused on improvement.

“I’m always riding. I think that’s something that helps,” Andrade said. “This sport is really difficult, so you have to be there every day and try and try and try.”

Consistency, and practicing with different horses, keeps him on his toes and ready to tackle any class, he said.

In 2017, none of the major championships — the World Equestrian Games, the Pan American Games or the Olympics — are on the schedule, which means Andrade and other riders will be concentrating on enjoying what they do and preparing for the future.

Come 2018, the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina will be hosting the 2018 World Equestrian Games, and he has already rented a house nearby. He spent his summer traveling and competing, whether in Tryon, Kentucky or Calgary. But for now, he’s back in Wellington, competing at WEF.

“I can’t believe we’re here again,” he said.

The GREAT CHARITY CHALLENGE, Presented By Fidelity Investments, Highlights Season For Area Charities

What if you didn’t have to remain a child to dream of miracles? Once again, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will aim to raise more than $1.5 million, which will bring the event’s fundraising and distribution total to more than $10 million over eight years.

Heading into its eighth annual event, the Great Charity Challenge returns to Wellington during the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival circuit on Saturday, Feb. 4. With fun and creative themes over the years ranging from Super Heroes to Fairy Tales, the event has brought thousands of people to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington to celebrate those who have dared to imagine a better community: the sponsors of the Great Charity Challenge, the riders donating their time and horses, and all those involved with the charitable organizations.

To date, the event has distributed more than $9.2 million to more than 200 nonprofits in Palm Beach County. This year, the event has a goal of raising a minimum of $1.5 million to add to this incredible fundraising amount, thereby surpassing the $10 million milestone.

Founded in 2010 by Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the Great Charity Challenge has seen the equestrian community take charitable giving to a new level through the love of equestrian sport. The event has impacted thousands of lives through its unique equestrian competition, with 100 percent of its proceeds donated directly to Palm Beach County charities. Equestrian Sport Productions, the managing organization of the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and the International Polo Club Palm Beach, cover all costs associated with the Great Charity Challenge to ensure that all donations go straight to work.

“We are very excited to also welcome all the public schools in Wellington that evening,” Paige Bellissimo said. “Not only are their PTA/PTOs the only automatic entry in the event, their art departments will showcase their talents in the Animation Ringside Chalk Art Festival. Pairing young talent and philanthropy seemed like the perfect fit for this magical evening.”

With more than 300 applications received for the chance to participate in the 2017 event, 33 lucky charities have been drawn to date, and two wildcard spots will be randomly selected on the night of the event itself. Additional grants will be awarded that evening as well.

While most organizations are supported and funded via the community, the Great Charity Challenge fills a true need to cover operating expenses — expenses that many donors shy away from supporting.

With the initial plans of how the money won will affect these lucky organizations, it is safe to say that the 2017 Great Charity Challenge will have a lasting impact in Palm Beach County.

Grandma’s Place, an organization that provides shelter and loving care to children who have suffered abuse and/or neglect and have been removed from their homes by the Florida Department of Children & Families, is one of them. With growing needs, they are looking to expand support programs for children at the shelter and are also in the process of moving. Funding will assist the nonprofit in serving more children than in the past.

The Light House Café Ministries of the Glades served 54,000 meals last year. Money received from the Great Charity Challenge will assist the nonprofit with general funding and operating costs to ensure that it can continue serving its clients.

“This eighth year is a milestone for the GCC,” Bellissimo said. “As of Feb. 4, 2017, we will have officially surpassed the $10 million donation mark. Our theme of Animated Characters is a perfect fit to acknowledge those who imagine a better community. This event is truly the legacy of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the sponsors involved.”

This year’s event is sure to inspire adults and children alike, with riders dressed as their favorite animated characters, bringing beloved movies to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Costume awards will determine a bonus for the lucky charities.

Equestrian Sport Productions looks forward to a wonderful 2017 event. The competition will offer free general admission, free parking at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington and will be held Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m.

For the latest Great Charity Challenge event information, the full list of charities that have benefited from the event since its debut in 2010, and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com and follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greatcharitychallenge.

Jordan Naftal Brings Years Of Restaurant Expertise To Wellington National Golf Club

Story and Photos by Lenore Phillips

Wellington National Golf Club recently announced that well-known Wellington chef and businessman Jordan Naftal has signed on as director of food and beverage services at the club.

Naftal, formally of the acclaimed Jordan’s Bistro, has ambitious plans for Wellington National, including dynamic cuisine, plus putting the final touches on the Champions Bistro, which is scheduled to open over the next few months.

“I am thrilled and honored to be taking on the food and beverage operations of Wellington National. I am confident that we will do amazing things here,” Naftal said. “The potential for this striking space is limitless, and I am excited about continuing to serve many of our guests we know from past years at Jordan’s.”

Naftal made his way to Wellington with his family in 2013, where he opened an upscale steak house, Jordan’s Bistro, known for Florida-grown steaks and unique wines. The Naftals were a consistent presence at the front of their restaurant and developed a warm reputation in the community. After years of working independently, the Naftals decided it was time for a new venture and began exploring their options.

“Wellington is a seasonal town, which presents challenges to local businesses. We would go through 8 months of trying to break even, and then winter would come and we would catch up, and then start all over. That was a tortuous cycle,” Naftal explained. “We are passionate about what we do, and I think we did a great job, yet there just wasn’t enough support. When Doug Marty approached us about partnering with Wellington National, the timing was perfect.”

With the help of his team, including Executive Chef David Guilford and Sous Chef Enrique Noble, Naftal will manage the food and beverage operations at Wellington National, including operating both the Wine Bar and the Champions Bistro.

“The plan is to take the menu we currently offer in the Wine Bar and transfer that to the Champions Bistro,” Naftal said. “The Champions Bistro is going to be such a great experience, with its open kitchen floor plan and beautiful long bar overlooking the magnificent 18th hole. The atmosphere is going to be unlike anything else Wellington currently has to offer.”

Members who dine at Wellington National can look forward to an outstanding menu that will change frequently to ensure a varied and enjoyable eating experience. Naftal also uses locally sourced, fresh ingredients that contribute to the seasonal flavorings of his cuisine. In addition to the steaks Naftal is known for, the Champions Bistro menu will offer daily lunch specials and seasonal dinner entrées. As director of beverage services, Naftal will review and enhance the wine lists and add his own unique infused liquors.

“Among other things, we make our own vanilla and pineapple liquors to make drinks like a Hawaiian martini, which is a delicious cocktail,” he explained. “I also love to make a true Old Fashioned made from scratch.”

Wellington National will also offer full-service catering for member and non-member events on site. The open architectural design of the club is perfect for hosting medium to large charity fundraisers, weddings and events, as well as serving the country club members daily.

“Hosting events keeps it exciting. Each event is different, and it challenges our team to think creatively,” Naftal said. “Ideally, the events we host will help expose Wellington National to new people who are unfamiliar with the great amenities we offer. I am looking forward to doing everything from weddings to charity events to wine tastings or even a cigar tasting.”

Chip Smith and Doug Marty, the club’s founding partners, are excited that Naftal decided to joined the team.

“We are thrilled to be able to announce that Chef Jordan and his team have come on board at Wellington National,” they said. “He brings with him an unmatched reputation of excellence and professionalism, and we think he will establish our restaurants as stand-out dining venues in the Wellington community.”

Naftal isn’t wasting any time settling into his new position. “I see a lot of people who were regulars at Jordan’s, plus I am meeting new people here,” he said. “I have had an incredibly warm welcome here, and I am looking forward to continuing to do what I am passionate about, in this great space.”

Wellington National Golf Club is located at 400 Binks Forest Drive in Wellington. To learn more about membership opportunities, or about hosting an event, call (561) 333- 5731 or visit www.wellingtonnationalgolf club.com.

Winter In Wellington With Old Salem Farm

Story by Lindsay Brock • Photos by Jump Media

When snow flies in the Northeast, many show jumping barns begin a pilgrimage south. One of those barns, Old Salem Farm based in North Salem, N.Y., leaves winter behind each year and moves to the ideal training and competition conditions found in Wellington.

Led by top trainer Frank Madden and assistant trainer Stella Manship, Old Salem Farm brings riders of varying levels to Wellington each year to compete in the Winter Equestrian Festival and to enjoy a “winter in Wellington.”

While sunshine and palm trees are better for riding than a New York winter, and make for ideal working conditions for Madden, Old Salem Farm riders also view Wellington as a land of opportunity.

“WEF offers so much, from leadline all the way up to five-star grand prix and everything in between,” Madden said. “I feel that you can get six to nine months’ worth of training for horses and riders in a three-month span of time. When we are done, we come home with much more seasoned horses and riders.”

The Old Salem Farm team will be made up of riders competing in a broad span of divisions, including junior jumpers, equitation, adult jumpers and hunters, and high amateur jumpers, according to Madden.

“This year we have some new horse-and-rider combinations, and I am most looking forward to seeing how those work out,” said Madden, who also puts his judging expertise to use at WEF during the season.

One rider who will be piloting two new mounts, 16-year-old Klee Hellerman, will also be making her first-ever winter trip to the horse haven that is Wellington after having previously competed for the past two years in Ocala.

Hailing from New Haven, Conn., Hellerman has been riding at Old Salem Farm for nearly two years and splits her time in the saddle with her responsibilities as a junior at Cheshire Academy in Cheshire, Conn.

Catching a Wednesday afternoon flight each week with her textbooks and assignments in tow, Hellerman has devised a plan to stay on top of her studies while seeking success in the show ring. “It’s all about being organized and having constant contact with your teachers,” she said.

While this winter marks her first season in Wellington, Hellerman is looking forward to traveling with her fellow Old Salem Farm riders and trainers. “I love the organization and the community at Old Salem Farm,” she said. “I am excited about having one week of shows right after the other for three months. Both my horses are new, so it is an opportunity to get to know them and start being competitive with them in the equitation and junior jumper divisions.”

As Hellerman dips her toes into the Wellington community, Old Salem Farm rider Tegan Treacy, 20, of Needham, Mass., is returning to familiar territory. She joined Old Salem Farm while competing at WEF in 2013 and has called Wellington her winter home since her early teens as a junior rider. Treacy is a sophomore at Duke University in Durham, N.C., and has “winter in Wellington” down to a science.

“I try to be in Wellington for eight or nine weeks during the winter and fly down after my classes on Thursday, and return on Sunday afternoon or Monday morning,” she said. “One year I stayed at school for four weeks straight, and it was actually more difficult to be out of my travel routine. That schedule makes it easier for me to focus on school while I am in Durham and focus on the horses when I am in Wellington.”

Treacy is a regular top finisher in high and low amateur-owner jumper competition, but hopes to use the 2017 WEF season to move into the Under 25 ranks. The Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 Grand Prix Series was developed as a bridge to the international level of grand prix competition, allowing up-and-coming riders the opportunity to gain experience competing against their peers. “There are so many opportunities to show in Wellington,” Treacy said. “The circuit runs for 12 consecutive weeks and is very competitive with large classes, good footing and beautiful show grounds.”

At home just one hour north of New York City, Old Salem Farm is the site of its own renowned training program, as well as 26 weeks of horse shows from local and regional events to the highest level of international show jumping competition. But for three months, riders like Hellerman and Treacy, under the tutelage of trainers such as Madden and Manship, make up a small piece of Wellington’s booming horse show community that draws from all corners of North America and beyond during the winter months.

“There’s no better environment for competition or training, and we consider ourselves lucky to be able to call Wellington home during the winter,” Madden said. “Myself and my riders love our facilities at Old Salem Farm in New York, but if you have to escape the weather, Wellington is the place to be.”

Old Salem Farm is one of the top equestrian competition venues in North America, as rated by the North American Riders Group. Host of the FEI 2* and 3* Old Salem Farm Spring Horse Shows, the prestigious American Gold Cup CSI-W 4* and year-round competitions, the facility offers a state-of-the-art turf grand prix field, indoor riding arena and two all-weather footing rings.

For more information about Old Salem Farm, visit www.oldsalemfarm.net or call (914) 669-5610.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital Expands Surgical And Diagnostic Offerings In Wellington

By Sarah Harper

South Florida horse owners now have a new, innovative veterinary option right around the corner with the enhanced veterinary services offered by Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Wellington.

Rood & Riddle, founded in Lexington, Ky., is a world-renowned equine hospital known for highly advanced diagnostics and skilled veterinary experts who provide exceptional treatment for world-class show and race horses. The company recently expanded its veterinary services into Wellington by purchasing an equine hospital and adjacent property on South Shore Blvd.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital’s primary focus will be to offer referral support to local veterinarians. However, clients also have the opportunity to schedule elective surgeries, a wide range of diagnostic imaging services, as well as internal medicine, neurology and podiatry consultations.

The expertise provided by Rood & Riddle specialists, combined with cutting-edge diagnostic technology, will offer horse owners and veterinarians the ability to provide the highest level of health care for their equine patients.

“Rood & Riddle is pleased to expand its local practice and dedicated hospital presence in Florida. The world knows that the Village of Wellington is a major center for sport horse activities in North America,” Rood & Riddle CEO Bill Rood said. “Our mission has always been to provide the best care for our clients and patients wherever they are. The addition of this property allows our practice to better serve our many clients who compete in Florida every year, both in sport-horse activities and racing.”

In recent years, Florida has experienced an unmatched increase in the sport-horse disciplines while continuing to maintain a strong racehorse community. This growth trend solidified Rood & Riddle’s decision to establish a permanent Florida presence.

In addition to year-round surgical services, Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital also will provide a team of veterinarians offering expertise in areas such as sport horse health care, neurology and podiatry to provide outstanding service for its clients.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is working to update and upgrade the facility with a newly expanded surgical center, which includes an additional surgery suite, induction and recovery stall, transfer area, client viewing area and a treatment room. All the amenities of the new facility, including stalls, will be climate-controlled and continuously staffed. The new facility is on target to be completed during the early months of 2017. This renovation will provide an advanced level of diagnostic and surgical options for the South Florida equine community.

Veterinarian Dr. Jose Bras will lead the surgical team. Bras, originally from San Juan, Puerto Rico, completed his veterinary training at the Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, followed by an in-hospital internship at Rood & Riddle and then the completion of a surgical residency and master’s degree in biomedical science at Kansas State University. He joined the Rood & Riddle team as an associate in 2015, working in both the ambulatory and surgery departments.

“We are excited to debut the new hospital, which shows our commitment to the health, safety and welfare of horses in Florida,” Bras said. “I am looking forward to living in Wellington and becoming a part of the local community.”

Veterinarian Dr. Scott Pierce, a shareholder and 30-year veteran of Rood & Riddle, will oversee the Wellington facility, supported by not only Bras but also veterinary surgeon Dr. Jennifer Jordan, veterinarian Dr. Ashley Embly and his son, Dr. Riley Pierce, also a veterinarian. “We are thrilled to expand our services in Wellington on a year-round basis,” Pierce said. “Working with our global clients competing in Florida ensures our ability to keep their equine athletes at peak condition and is a win-win for everyone.”

Clients will also be able to schedule internal medicine and neurology consultations with Dr. Steve Reed, one of the foremost experts on equine neurology in the United States. He has authored or co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, and in 2008 was chosen to deliver the Frank J. Milne lecture at the annual meeting of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, a singular honor given to a leader in equine veterinary medicine.

Scheduled specialty services will also be available from veterinary podiatrists Dr. Scott Morrison and Dr. Raul Bras. Additionally, surgeon Dr. Rolf Embertson will occasionally visit to perform surgical procedures jointly with Bras. The entire experienced team of veterinarians and technicians are eager to bring Rood & Riddle’s world-class, reputable veterinary care to the competitive equestrian and racing communities in South Florida.

Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital is located at 5320 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information, call (561) 383-5437 or visit www.roodandriddle.com.

Celebrate Saturday Night Lights At The Winter Equestrian Festival

Every Saturday night at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, members of the local community are invited to attend the Saturday Night Lights events at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

The 12-week WEF circuit features top horses and riders from around the world competing five days a week at PBIEC, with the best of the best contesting the most challenging obstacles each Saturday night under the lights in the International Arena.

Complementing each week’s action-packed competition, Saturday Night Lights features live music, a variety of performers, shopping, dining and more. Every Saturday night through April 1, PBIEC is the place to be in Wellington.

Equestrian Sport Productions, the management company that produces the Winter Equestrian Festival, welcomes all Wellington-area residents to come and experience the nightlife and thrilling sport. Always family-friendly, Saturday Night Lights features a kids’ fair with a Venetian carousel, bounce houses, face painting, pony rides, magicians, a petting zoo and more.

Prior to the start of competition, each week features members of a different Wellington school showcasing their talents, from singing to dancing, as well as a performance of the national anthem. Wellington Councilwoman Tanya Siskind, who is just wrapping up six years as president of the Binks Forest Elementary School Parent-Teacher Association, enjoys how WEF has brought the community together through Saturday Night Lights.

“I think it has been fabulous to bring the children and their families out to the horse show,” Siskind said. “The Saturday night events really engage the schools and the whole community. I think there were a lot of people who had lived in Wellington their whole lives and never gone out to the showgrounds because they thought they had to be a rider or be involved in the sport.”

She thanked the horse show promoters for working to really engage the whole community. “We have this wonderful facility right in our back yard, and a lot of people started going out there more often,” Siskind noted. “[A Saturday night event] is a really great way for the schools to fundraise and showcase the students and their talents, and it is great for other people who attend these events regularly and are able to see how great the Wellington schools are and what they have to offer. I think it is a win-win event for everyone.”

In addition to her involvement through the school, Siskind’s daughter rides and shows at WEF and trains at the Palm Beach Riding Academy, which is based at PBIEC. They look forward to another successful WEF season.

Also part of the pre-competition fun and community involvement each Saturday night, local dog rescues are given the opportunity to set up at the entrance to the show grounds, where everyone can meet the adorable pups that they have up for adoption. The dogs and their handlers then parade around the arena for the entire crowd to see with hopes of finding those and other dogs their forever homes.

Another fantastic initiative designed to engage the Wellington community is this year’s new Animated Ringside Chalk Art Festival, honoring young talent and Palm Beach County philanthropy, on Saturday, Feb. 4, as part of the festivities for the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments. Each Wellington school will be provided with a 4-foot by 6-foot giant chalkboard, along with pastel chalk supplies. The theme of the night is “Animated Characters for Philanthropy.”

Students and their art teachers will have from 2 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 4 to bring their creations to life on the PBIEC grounds. Awards for Most Original, Most Inspiring, Best Representation of the Theme and Best Overall will be awarded that evening. Each school’s art department is guaranteed a minimum of a $1,000 donation for taking part in this initiative.

While Saturday nights at WEF offer lots of fun activities for children and their families, the nightlife is also not to be missed for guests 21 and over. Those making it a night out without kids can enjoy margaritas from Tito’s Tacos or beer and other cocktails at the Tiki Hut.

The Gallery Night Club at PBIEC also offers a stylish modern lounge that is open to the public every Saturday night with table seating and VIP bottle service available. The club features great DJs and dancing following every Saturday Night Lights competition.

Put Saturday Night Lights at WEF on your to-do list this winter. General admission is free, and parking is $20 per car. Find a full schedule and more information at www.pbiec.com.

The Torano Family: United By Horses And At Home In Wellington

By Lauren Fisher

The husband-and-wife team of Jimmy and Danielle Torano has been a staple of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the South Florida equestrian scene for decades.

Jimmy grew up in Miami, riding with his mother as a child and competing in the hunter/jumper ranks as a junior with top trainer Don Stewart. At the age of 18, he turned professional and began working as a rider and trainer at Palm Beach Polo & Country Club.

Several years later, Jimmy met Danielle Laurenzo when she came to train at the facility in her final junior year. Danielle started at a young age as well, riding with Leslie (Burr) Howard, before meeting Jimmy in 1990. While Jimmy was training Danielle, the pair also began dating. They became engaged in 1993 and married in 1995.

During this time, Jimmy decided to start his own business, and JET Show Stables found its home base at Danielle’s family farm in Fort Lauderdale. Jimmy and Danielle have since ridden at the Winter Equestrian Festival every season, making the commute from Fort Lauderdale for years, until recently moving to a new facility here in Wellington.

That makes the busy show days much easier, which is now a necessity as the couple also has two children who keep them constantly on the go.

In 2006, daughter Natalia was born, and in 2010, Jimmy Jr., or “JJ,” followed. Each child sat on the back of a pony before they could even walk, competing in the leadline division at WEF as babies, and developing an immediate love of the family sport. Now 10 years old, Natalia is showing this year in the Children’s Ponies, while JJ, at 6, hopes to move up to the Short Stirrup.

The Torano family lives right down the street from the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington’s Equestrian Club. This December, the Toranos celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary, and the couple heads into the 2017 show season with the whole family ready to compete.

“It is so convenient when everything is right here,” Danielle said of the kids growing up at WEF. “They look forward to going to the show, and even when they are not riding, they like being around and hanging out with their friends. This is a huge part of our life, and we are thankful that it is right near our home.”

The winter season is always a busy time for the family.

“I think it is busier than it has ever been in recent years,” Danielle said. “We always look forward to the WEF circuit. At one point we did not do customers; we just had sale horses, so that was a big deal to have horses ready at that time of the year so that people could look at them. Now we do both the sale horses and customers, so WEF is definitely a focal point of our year.”

Jimmy agreed.

“Now that we have a farm here in Wellington, showing at WEF is way more convenient. We are already bursting at the seams with horses. Every day we get calls. We have a lot of new clients and new horses,” he said. “I am riding some outside horses; Danielle and I are both doing the grand prix events; and now the kids are riding, so it is going to be a very busy winter for us. I have been helping the kids at home, and I try to come and watch them and be supportive when they are showing. It is fun having them ride; they seem to be enjoying it.”

A typical day for the Torano family in Wellington is always on the move. During the week, Jimmy is at the showgrounds Tuesday through Sunday, “pretty much sunrise to sunset,” Danielle said. The busy mom is in and out during the week. She rides in the morning and shows during the day, but always tries to be done in time to pick the kids up from school. She then spends the evenings running them around to different activities, and when Jimmy is done for the day, he joins in on the fun.

“The kids are involved in so many things, so they keep us on the move,” Danielle said. “My son plays baseball and basketball, and my daughter does ice skating and ballet, so they are pretty busy. I am the chauffeur. After 2 o’clock comes, I am in the car driving them around.”

On the weekends, it is all about the horse show. With their close home location, the kids are able to ride and then come and go during the days, but when they do not have other activities, the family is at the farm and showgrounds for the duration of Saturday and Sunday.

“Normally, we have around 25 horses in our stable, and they all alternate in and out to show, and then Jimmy has some outside customers that he helps,” Danielle explained. “Then he has a lot of catch rides this time of year in the hunters and jumpers. He has had days where he has ridden more than 20 horses in one day. Don’t ask me how — I couldn’t do it!”

The couple also has fun competing together in some of the same classes and enjoys the friendly competition and support.

“I actually prefer it now when we are both competing in a class,” Danielle said. “It feels like it takes the pressure off of one of us because we kind of have two shots. There have been a couple of times Jimmy hasn’t shown, and I hate it. Then all of the pressure is on me to win some money! We have been showing together for so long. It has definitely been a journey, but we much prefer to do it together.”

While any equestrian will tell you that horses take up most of their time, and any parent will say that kids do the same, Jimmy and Danielle still find time for themselves. Danielle took up tennis four years ago, and the couple enjoys playing every Monday. They also stay in shape with cardio workouts on Mondays and Tuesdays with some fellow equestrians.

During the summers, JET Show Stables is based in Mohrsville, Pa., and the horses are trucked up there in May to compete at the top Northeast venues. Danielle stays in Wellington until the school year is over for the kids, and they join Jimmy up north for the remainder of the season.

As an equestrian family, traveling is a major part of the lifestyle, but for at least part of the year, the Torano family get to stay home in Wellington. The Winter Equestrian Festival unites the family’s love of horses, with competition for every level at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.