Incredible Talent From Around The World Competing This Season At Adequan Global Dressage Festival

Top Riders

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival, located at Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, started the 2020 season off with a bang, welcoming top horse-and-rider combinations from around the world to the iconic venue in the heart of Wellington’s equestrian community.

As one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines, dressage has become a staple of the horse show circuit in South Florida from January through March. The AGDF has steadily grown into one of the most competitive proving grounds in North America, as established combinations and rising stars showcase their talents across the 10-week international circuit.

The Friday Night Stars series has become one of the most popular competition evenings in Wellington during the winter, hosting FEI Grand Prix Freestyle competition under the lights at Equestrian Village. Beginning at 7 p.m., Friday Night Stars offers spectators the opportunity to watch some of the world’s top combinations compete their choreographed routines to musical variations of all genres. General admission is free to the public each Friday evening, and parking is $10 per car.

The 2020 AGDF season began Thursday, Jan. 9 with the first FEI World Cup Qualifier (CDI-W) of 2020, which saw Team Canada’s Jill Irving and Degas 12 set the tone for the season with a stunning performance under the lights. AGDF 1 also launched the inaugural Lövsta Future Challenge Series, which offers young horses a unique opportunity to grow, excel and showcase their talents in the $15,000 Lövsta Future Challenge/Young Horse Grand Prix series and the $10,000 Summit Farm Future Challenge/Young Horse Prix St. Georges series. Both series will have qualifiers throughout the AGDF, with the final to be held during the 12th and final week of the 2020 AGDF.

“We anticipate the 2020 AGDF season to be especially competitive this year for the riders and their horses, as we’re seeing many combinations return to the competition ring in anticipation of the Olympics in Tokyo,” said Thomas Baur, director of sport at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “Each year, we’ve seen tremendous growth in the popularity of the circuit, and the projections are showing a continued increase in participation, which is very exciting for our management team. We are looking forward to welcoming more spectators and attendees to experience the talents of these incredible riders.”

The first week of the circuit hosted CPEDI 3* competition, which served as one of two international competition weeks for para-equestrian riders. These spectacular athletes compete across five different grade categories, based upon the degree of their physical disabilities. Para-equestrian athletes complete pre-designed tests, the same as able-bodied riders, which range in difficulty based on the grade of competition. Team USA had a very successful para-equestrian showing at the World Equestrian Games, medaling for the first time in program history, as Rebecca Hart captured a bronze medal individually. The second CPEDI 3* week of the 2020 season took place during AGDF 3 held Jan. 22-26.

The third week of the circuit welcomed the popular US PRE-sponsored week of CDI-W classes at the venue for international competitors, pushing the main stretch of the internationally sanctioned competition. The week honored the presence and popularity of the Spanish-bred horse within the dressage community in the United States and around the world.

National-level competition took centerstage during AGDF 6 (Feb. 14-16), before the start of the highly anticipated CDI 5* held during AGDF 7 (Feb. 19-23), the highest and most prestigious designation of competition offered during the 2020 season. The CDI 5* entertained audiences throughout the week as some of the world’s most renowned dressage athletes showcased their talents at the highest levels of the sport.

The season continued forward with AGDF 8 (Feb. 26 through March 1), welcoming the historic Palm Beach Dressage Derby, a staple of the South Florida dressage scene for nearly four decades. The week featured CDI-W competition and included the final round of the entertaining Palm Beach Dressage Derby competition during the midway point of the Friday Night Stars Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W.

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby is a highlight for spectators, as four top-level riders compete against each other on horses they’ve never ridden before in a knockout-style format. Riders who receive the highest scores will advance to the final round, taking place under the lights in an electric atmosphere at Equestrian Village during the Grand Prix Freestyle, where the 2020 winner will be crowned. 

CDI competition continues with AGDF 10 (March 11-15) as the FEI Nations Cup CDIO 3*, presented by Stillpoint Farm, begins. Serving as the only non-championship CDIO 3* in the western hemisphere, this competition is one of the pinnacle weeks of AGDF competition. Riders represent their countries on teams of three or four and compete for top honors in one of North America’s premier competitions. 

AGDF 11 (March 20-22) will welcome star Isabell Werth back to host her second clinic at the venue on Friday, March 20. The clinic will feature different horse-and-rider combinations, who will receive personal and engaging feedback and instruction from Werth, the most decorated equestrian Olympian of our time. The clinic will be one of the major highlights of the week, and also the season at Equestrian Village.

The AGDF is set to conclude with AGDF 12 (March 25-29) with the final international competition of the season, the CDI-W, presented by Douglas Elliman Real Estate. The CDI-W provides riders with their final opportunity to take to the international arena in 2020. AGDF 12 will mark the final Friday Night Stars FEI Grand Prix Freestyle of the season on Friday, March 27.

Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center is located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. To learn more about the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and to view a full weekly and daily schedule of competition, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Dedicated Supporters Spur Growth Of Dressage
Circuit In Wellington

AGDF Sponsors

Since the inception of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, the venue has seen riders, trainers and spectators flock from around the world to the winter heartbeat of the international dressage circuit.

As one of the only outdoor circuits available to riders in the world from January through March, the AGDF is enticing not only for riders, but an array of sponsors who continue to ensure its success.

The sport of dressage has a loyal and dedicated following, paralleling the passion of sponsors who are motivated to see the sport continue on its upward trajectory of popularity in the United States and around the world. Sponsors have been a driving factor in the rapid expansion of the circuit. Their presence and support have created a safe haven for both amateurs and professionals to perfect their skills at PBIEC’s Equestrian Village during the dressage season.

“The growth of the AGDF circuit over the past several years has been tremendous, and that is very much in part to our sponsorship portfolio and their engagement of our vision for dressage in Wellington,” said Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, the company that manages the dressage circuit. “Without these sponsors, it would be impossible to create the atmosphere we have for our competitors, and we are incredibly thankful for their continued support.”

The AGDF was founded by a fervent group of dressage enthusiasts, who approached Mark Bellissimo, the CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions and the managing partner of Wellington Equestrian Partners, with the idea of creating a legacy for the sport in the heart of Wellington, alongside its sister discipline of show jumping.

Bellissimo, eager to continue expanding the equestrian footprint in Wellington and create an environment for all riders to compete and succeed, immediately began planning and consulting. The result is the massive AGDF circuit, which is now the largest dressage circuit, distributing more prize money than any other competition in the world and sporting the envious backdrop of palm trees and sunshine.

The AGDF thanks the following sponsors for their continued support of the circuit:

Founding Sponsors — Ashley Holzer & Dr. Diane Fellows, Bethany Peslar of Everglades Dressage, Betsy Juliano and Havensafe Farm, Carol and Rebecca Cohen of Two Swans Farm LLC, Janne Rumbough and MTICA Farm, Mike and Roz Collins, Suhail and P.J. Rizvi and Peacock Ridge, and Tim and Susie Dutta and the Dutta Corp.

Major Sponsors — Blue Horse, CaptiveOne Advisors, Douglas Elliman Real Estate, Fair Sky Farm, Fritz Kundrun giving to Brooke USA, Harmony Sporthorses, Helgstrand Dressage, Lövtsa, Mission Control, Palm Beach Equine Clinic, Premier Equestrian, Rolex, Summit Farm and Wellington Agricultural Services.

Corporate Sponsors — AA, Carolina Arena Equipment, Dever Golf Cars, Discover Dressage, Everglades Farm Equipment, Gold Coast Feed & Nutrition, Horseboxes USA, Horse of Course, Horseware Ireland, Iron Spring Farm, Keyes Art Gallery, Realtor Matt Johnson, N2 Saddlery, Nutrena, Omega Alpha, Oxy-Gen, ProElite, Restylane, Show Chic, SP Rhodes Equestrian Identity, the Wanderers Club, Triple Crown Custom by Horseware, Triple Crown Nutrition, Vita Flex and Wellington Regional Medical Center.

Visit www.globaldressagefestival.com for more information about the Adequan Global Dressage Festival and to learn more about AGDF sponsorships.

Growing Double H Farm Finds Success And Stability In Wellington

Unstoppable Team

For Quentin Judge and Cayce Harrison, the unstoppable husband-and-wife duo behind the international training, breeding and sales operation Double H Farm, expanding their operation from their Ridgefield, Connecticut, base to include Wellington was a no-brainer. In the last decade, Wellington has offered Judge and Harrison a place to find stability to balance in both their thriving business and growing family.

Harrison’s family started Double H Farm as a private training facility to support her passion for the sport when she was still a junior and, as her competitive career took off, Double H Farm followed suit, expanding its offerings to eventually welcome clients, introduce breeding and compete at the highest level of the sport.

Since the stable’s origins, Double H Farm has become a force to be reckoned with on the world stage, developing elite competition horses that have supported riders such as McLain Ward (United States), Darragh Kerins (Ireland) and Rodrigo Pessoa (Brazil), each of whom have held top spots in the world rankings. 

As an up-and-coming professional rider, Judge joined the Double H Farm team in 2008, later marrying Harrison in 2011 on the picturesque Grand Prix field of their Connecticut farm. The pair have worked hand-in-hand ever since, splitting business tasks to fit each other’s strengths. While Judge serves as the head trainer, Harrison takes on the role of the director to handle all things behind the scenes. The partnership has proven exceedingly fruitful, as is evident based on the walls of Double H Farm’s Wellington property, which are lined with accolades and memorabilia to commemorate the team’s considerable success.

“I think the growth that we have seen in Wellington over the last decade has been incredible, and we have grown with Wellington in that sense,” Harrison said. “Wellington, just as a network itself, has been super helpful for our business. Everyone is here during the winter season, and if you are going to compete, sell horses or produce horses during that time, this is the place you need to be.”

Judge agreed, echoing Harrison’s sentiment.

“Because Wellington is where we are the majority of the year, it serves as a good training ground for our younger horses,” he said. “We travel so much in the summer that if we try to train at home and then leave for a show, I sometimes feel like we are taking two steps forward and one step back. Here, you have the best of both. It has been really great for our young horses especially, because we can build them up slowly and thoughtfully here.”

Wellington has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of Double H Farm. Although the village was originally more of a stopover for competitors, it has grown to represent more and more long-term equestrian residents, including the Double H Farm team. Though they and many equestrian peers spend significant amounts of time on the road, home zip codes have increasingly changed as many have committed to Wellington as a home base of operations.

More than just an ideal base for operational and logistics reasons, Wellington has become a mecca of memories for many equestrians, including the members of Double H Farm.

“We had one of my dad’s favorite horses and a barn favorite called Night Train, and he won a big World Cup Grand Prix here in 2010 with Rodrigo [Pessoa]. McLain [Ward] and Sapphire were second in that same Grand Prix, and they were really at their peak at that point. They went last in the jump-off, which was a real nail biter, so it was an exciting win for us,” Harrison recalled. “That was an incredibly fun win for us. Our whole family was in town, which was rare, and they all went out for the prize-giving ceremony. It was one of those nights that just worked out perfectly.”

The other half of the power duo, one of Judge’s favorite memories came at the very onset of his career in Wellington.

“For me, it was my first win in the International Ring in Florida against real competition. I will never forget, Eric Lamaze was second, and it was a huge win for me,” he said. “It is something I will forever remember because it was my first step onto the bigger stage. I showed myself I had the effectiveness to win in Wellington, so, hopefully, I could do it somewhere else, too.”

Aside from being able to grow their training and sales business, Judge and Harrison most enjoy the fact that Wellington provides them with a place to grow their family.

“This horse industry is great, but it can get crazy. Being able to have a home base for a period of time for our son, who is now 3 years old, and our newborn daughter, is really important to us,” Judge said. “We are starting to appreciate more down time, so it’s nice to have that somewhere we can consistently call home.”

With Wellington as their home, the Judge-Harrison family and Double H Farm are finding success in and out of the ring. While their location cannot be credited with all of their achievements, it surely plays a pivotal role in a family and business that have made a name for themselves locally and globally.

To learn more, follow Double H Farm on Facebook and Instagram.

Wellington Is The Ideal Location For Equestrian Entrepreneur Elizabeth Ehrlich

Equine Elixirs

The Wellington area is a hotspot for entrepreneurs, and for Elizabeth Ehrlich, it has been the perfect location to help her business thrive. Since launching her equine supplements company Equine Elixirs in 2016, she has become a familiar face in the area and is often seen at local horse show grounds, chatting with clients who rely on her products to keep their horses happy and healthy.

A key component to Ehrlich’s success is her widely traveled customer base, who flock to Wellington each year.

“The exciting thing about the equestrian community in Wellington is that because it is so close-knit and there are so many people who come down here for an extended period during the winter, you have this unique opportunity to meet lots of people who live in other parts of the country or the world, who are then spending three months together talking about everything that they’re experiencing down here,” Ehrlich said. “So, when I meet somebody at the show and they learn about something they think has really helped their horse, they’re very eager to share it.”

Ehrlich’s foray into entrepreneurship was an unexpected journey. Though she had long dreamed of relocating to Florida from the Northeast, she didn’t get the chance until 2012, when she left her position at a law firm in Manhattan to move to the Wellington area with her husband. While settling into her work at a new firm, Ehrlich finally had time to get back into riding, something the lifelong equestrian had put on hold during her busy career. Little did she know that her new horse, Bella, would ultimately change her life.

Not long after purchasing Bella, Ehrlich discovered the mare was battling gastric ulcers, a common problem in many horses. She worked with her veterinarian to treat the issue, but she also wanted to come up with a long-term solution to prevent the ulcers from returning.

Ehrlich researched equine gastric health supplements available on the market, but she wasn’t satisfied. The cost of monthly maintenance products was expensive, and their lengthy list of ingredients, many of which included unknown chemicals, was a turnoff. So, she decided to try and create her own product instead.

One of the first problems Ehrlich tackled was cost. “I thought, if you’re going to do this properly as a monthly maintenance product, the price can really add up,” she said. “Many products can be anywhere between $70 and $130 a month for one particular body system supplement, like a gastric support supplement.”

She sought to edit the ingredients and simplify the formula.

“I wondered if it could be simplified, and if so, what type of foods would have the vitamin, mineral or amino acid content to satisfy the requirements,” Ehrlich said. “That’s what triggered the questions on my end, and that’s how we ended up with the ingredients that we used.”

And for Ehrlich, the quality and effectiveness of the all-natural ingredients was of paramount importance. Word spread, and other riders and trainers in the area discovered first-hand how well their horses responded to Ehrlich’s product, which she named Ulceraser.

What began as a project to find a solution for Bella’s gastric health issues soon became a full-time gig. Eventually, Ehrlich quit her job to concentrate on her new business. Since then, she has created products each year, including Positude, an all-natural supplement that supports hormonal balance and even temperament, and Tidbits, healthy treats that support digestion for ulcer-prone horses. She is launching two more this spring: Calmakazi, a daily forage-based blend for nervous system support, and Immunox, a forage blend that helps support a horse’s immune system.

Though competition is fierce in the equestrian supplement market, customers say Equine Elixirs’ service sets it apart.

“It’s not just answering phone calls and e-mails, but it’s being available to consult about many aspects of a horse’s health and training program,” Ehrlich said. “We’re not a company whose web site you’ll go to and order a product, have it delivered and never hear from again. We are regularly asked to come to somebody’s barn or meet them at a show. They want to introduce us to a horse, tell us a little bit about the horse’s background, and some of the issues that they’re having. We’ll talk about some of the products that could be beneficial for that particular horse. Then there’s a lot of follow-up afterward to see how the horse is responding.”

Over the years, Ehrlich has stayed true to her mission of keeping her products affordable without compromising quality. “I have always worked on keeping the prices at the most fair and reasonable cost, so customers are comfortable knowing that these products really are designed as monthly maintenance supplements,” she said.

Thanks to Bella and the supportive Wellington area, Ehrlich has carved out a perfect niche for her company in this equestrian mecca.

Learn more about Elizabeth Ehrlich’s company at www.equineelixirs.com.

Dressage Rider Rebecca Hart Doesn’t Let Her Disability Define Who She Is

True Champion

Rebecca Hart was born with a progressive genetic disease that causes her muscles to waste away, stiffness and paralysis in the legs, and nerve pain — but this disability hasn’t stopped her from becoming an elite dressage Paralympian.

Hart, who has hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP), has competed in Wellington and around the world, including three Paralympics and four World Equestrian Games. The 2018 WEG in Tryon, North Carolina, was one of her most memorable.

“It was a historic moment for me to be able to get the first WEG medal for the United States, and to be able to do that on home turf with my dad watching made it even more special,” the 35-year-old Hart said. “It was the first major event that he had been able to attend. We had a running joke that if I got a medal, he got to keep it as payment for all my lessons as a kid. Winning bronze and silver medals at the 2018 WEG is something I will never forget. My dad let me keep the medals. He’s a good guy. I have them in a shadow box in my house.”

Hart speaks candidly about her disability and works hard every day to keep herself in shape.

“The functionality of my body will continue to deteriorate. I feel it most in my balance, coordination and leg strength,” said Hart, who grew up in Pittsburgh and graduated from Penn State in 2009. “But through being active and maintaining my fitness by riding and working in the gym, I have been able to compensate and adapt, to a point, as the HSP progresses. Unfortunately, there isn’t anything that you can take to keep it from progressing. I use a cane if I am standing at an event or party. It allows me to balance and be able to focus on the people I am with rather than having to focus on not falling down.”

In addition to her 2018 success at WEG, Hart also qualified for the U.S. Paralympic team in 2008, 2012 and 2016. She wants to make it four in a row with the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

She is a strategic competitor, according to Rowan O’Riley, who owns Hart’s top two horses and is a Grand Prix dressage competitor herself. O’Riley had been attending para-dressage shows to watch a friend compete when she became aware of Hart’s skill as an athlete and competitor. She soon agreed to sponsor Hart.

“When Becca is training, she considers her competition in the world rankings and the environments in which she expects to compete,” O’Riley said. “She takes into account weather, travel, type of stadium, time of day, all the things that might affect her performance, and then designs her training program to bring her horses to their peak performance under those conditions. When something doesn’t go as planned, she comes to me the next day with an action plan to address whatever the problem is. If her ride was affected when her horse spooked at the flowers in the arena, then Becca will ride for the next month outdoors and at various arenas with all different kinds of planters, bushes and flowers until the horse is no longer sensitive about the flowers. She is very practical and action oriented. She is a problem-solver.”

Hart and O’Riley have formed a plan for 2020, which is focused on qualifying for Tokyo.

Hart will participate in two classes at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington and use the rest of the winter season to compete in the national classes to prepare for the final observation and selection of the U.S. team in June at Tryon.

Hart’s top horse is El Corona Texel (Tex), an 11-year-old Dutch warmblood gelding that she and O’Riley found in Holland three years ago.

“We had been looking at horses in Europe and saw several nice horses, but had not yet found the ‘one,’” Hart recalled. “It can be challenging to find the right para-horse, as there are many qualities and attributes that you are looking for.”

Hart was looking at horse videos and saw one of Tex on YouTube and loved his athleticism and movement. He was about an hour away from where they were staying, so they set up an appointment to look at him.

“He did not immediately understand all of my cues, which are different from traditional, able-bodied cues, but he always gave me some sort of answer,” Hart said. “Tex’s willingness to try and his attempt to understand what I was asking for, in addition to his looks and movement, made me feel confident that a partnership with this horse could work.”

Hart believes that the AGDF in Wellington is an important cog because of its incredible schedule that gives everyone a lot of exposure with minimal travel stress on the horses.

“Global prepared me for other events by giving me access to an international stadium with the highest level of judges, without always having to go to Europe,” Hart said. “We can get the horses used to having atmosphere and audiences with the facilities at Global. It is an incredible resource.”

Hart’s typical day isn’t for the faint-hearted. She normally gets up at 3:30 a.m. and heads to work at the Starbucks store at the corner of Wellington Trace and Forest Hill Blvd. Starbucks is one of her sponsors. “I usually open the store at 4:30 a.m., and I’m there until about 10:30 a.m.,” said Hart, who works there five days a week. “After Starbucks, I go and work with my horses. The schedule with them depends on if we are showing that week or not. After I am done riding, I usually go to the gym and work with my trainer Matt Otero. I am a strong believer that we have to work on ourselves as athletes, just as much as we work on our horses. I am also [four-time Olympic bronze medalist] Robert Dover’s assistant and work with him in relation to his company Robert Squared. It’s a full day, but I love it.”

Hart became a year-round Wellington resident four years ago and has immersed herself in what the area has to offer.

“When I do get a moment to take a break, I love to go to the ocean,” said Hart, who is also planning to look into the Tiger Sharks, a sled hockey team based in Lake Worth. “I find [the beach] very peaceful and relaxing. I like to go early and grab breakfast at the Dune Deck and then spend some time at the beach. I also love to go to the Kravis Center for a show or concert when I can.”

Hart also speaks on behalf of the HSP Foundation. “I try and get people to realize that HSP is only one small part of who they are,” Hart said. “It can hit people in different ways, but for me it hits mainly from the mid-back down. You do not have to let your disability or condition, whatever it is, define or control who you are or what you do in this life.”

Spoken like a true champion.

Learn more about Rebecca Hart at www.rebeccahartequestrian.com.

Mother-Daughter Team Diane Creech And Vanessa Creech-Terauds Enjoy Wintering In Wellington

Dressage Duo

Vanessa Creech-Terauds was learning to ride almost before she could walk. She had a good teacher in her mother, Diane Creech, an elite professional dressage competitor.

Some 15 years later, they are still training and riding together, busy competing during the winter months at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington.

In the last week of December, they left their home on a small private farm in Caistor Centre, Ontario, that they share with three dogs, two mini horses, one broodmare, two youngsters and Vanessa’s very first competition mare, who is now 19 years old, to spend four months together in Wellington.

“My mother and I have a very open and honest relationship, which is very important, since we do spend a lot of time together,” said Vanessa, who turned 20 years old on Feb. 7. “We believe this helps us as both riders and family. By being able to discuss everything, whether horses or personal life, we can come up with strategies and solutions together. We will always support and respect each other and know that we can count on one another.”

Diane’s plans for this season are focused on qualifying for the Canadian Olympic team while also guiding Vanessa’s journey in the Under 25 classes. Both ride horses owned by Leatherdale Farms.

“This year is a very exciting year for many riders, trainers and owners as it is an Olympic qualifying year,” explained Diane, who was a reserve team member for the London Olympics in 2012. “I have also entered myself into that ‘race,’ and with the incredible support from Mrs. Louise Leatherdale and my family, I will try to prepare and present the best I can.”

Vanessa is approaching the Olympic level, working her way through the ranks with numerous top three finishes at prestigious Under 25 events in Wellington and around the world.

“My goals for the season are to show in the U25 Nations Cup in March and go for the Orion Cup back home in Canada,” Vanessa said.

The prestigious Orion Cup is presented to a rider age 16 to 25 with the highest average of three scores in U25 Grand Prix events. Creech-Terauds received the Orion Cup in 2018.

On a typical day of training, Diane is the first to ride her three horses in the morning, and then Vanessa rides her four horses while under the tutelage of her mother.

“Naturally, every horse has their respective strengths and weaknesses, so we decide day to day what would be best to focus on,” Vanessa said. “Once the riding is done, I help finish up the rest of the barn chores and make sure all the horses end the day content and comfortable.”

“Working our horses to become fit, elastic and happy athletes dictates our whole day,” Diane added.

Being in Wellington for the entire winter season is almost like attending college.

“It is an incredible environment filled with learning opportunities for you and your horse,” Vanessa said. “By being surrounded by some of the best riders, you hold yourself to a higher standard and constantly strive to be better. Everyone has their own style of riding, and it is so interesting and educational to take bits and pieces from what you see and hear and be able to encompass it into your own riding. You constantly get the itch to try out new things and develop your horse to a whole new level.”

No matter what they see and learn, they still have to execute in the ring, keeping themselves in harmony with the horses.

“Besides having great horsemanship, Vanessa also has the gift of great showmanship,” Diane said. “She can make riding through a problem look so easy, that even the horse believes that there is actually no problem, and over time the issue disappears. She can make horses believe they can do it, even if they haven’t done it before, and before you know it, they can. Sometimes riders overthink, which can create a loss of confidence. She can create that pretend confidence until it becomes real confidence. I have seen this happen with a few horses now during training sessions, and it creates a much happier horse, being allowed to keep their own individuality.”

Neither rider is superstitious, preferring to rely on years of training and experience as the key to success.

“I believe that luck is when hard work meets opportunity,” Diane explained. “On the days leading up to competitions, I make sure I do all my homework to the dot, so I can go into my class not having to rely on luck. I want to make sure that my horse and myself feel comfortable and prepared. Whatever happens after that is life and will either end up a great learning experience or a great moment you can celebrate with people close to you. Either way, it is a win.”

For Vanessa, it is more of following a routine instead of having a special pair of socks or a lucky bracelet.

“I find braiding to be a very calming time and allows me a couple of minutes to breathe and run through the test in my head,” Vanessa said. “Once I am on the horse, my nerves go away, as I am focused on the horse and our partnership. In the end, I know whatever happens, happens, and I rely on the trust built with my horse rather than on a lucky item.”

Although there isn’t a lot of free time after training and competing, the pair enjoy being in Wellington, where they can also watch high-goal polo and international show jumping competitions.

“However, we do love our sushi and will take any chance we get to go out and eat until our stomachs ache,” Vanessa said.

Vanessa added that she learns from her mother on a daily basis, both riding-wise and personally.

“She is a one-of-a-kind problem-solver and won’t give up until a new plan is in place,” Vanessa said. “However, the advice that always sticks with me is ‘learn to laugh at yourself.’ While I am sometimes still learning to master this piece of advice, I believe it is so important to remember. Everyone has embarrassing moments or a bad ride, but the important thing to remember is to not take yourself so seriously in those times. If you are constantly hard on yourself, you can take the whole enjoyment out of the sport. Learning to laugh when you’re having a bad day can be a total lifesaver.”

Sherry Chesler Of SherAl Farm Specializes In A Variety Of Holistic Equine Therapy Disciplines

Horse Sense

Sherry Chesler of SherAl Farm is a registered, FEI-permitted equine therapist. She provides Bowen therapy, muscle massage, osteopathy and holistic equine therapy.

The multi-disciplines that Chesler works in are all interrelated for her, as she draws upon all of them from beginning to end.

In steps, Chesler begins with finding out what the horse eats and the additives and why it is their diet. Noting any previous injuries and known problems, she finds out their age, dental records and when any maintenance was done. She determines their “job,” and listens to knowledgeable staff to learn all she can about the horse. Then she takes them for a walk. This allows Chesler to assess step, walking and circling.

“I wipe the entire horse with a small towel to introduce myself while visually noticing anything that could be an issue, including mouth, tongue and color,” Chesler explained. “Then, using my hands and a dynamic warm-up prior to measuring ranges of motion and flexibilities, they are completely looked over from nose to toes, including their tail and appearance of manure.”

The client benefits with a horse that is more comfortable, and the owner will become more knowledgeable about why, as Chesler provides an extensive educational report of the day with each session.

Originally from Ohio, Chesler loved animals growing up and began doing odd jobs to earn money while being around horses.

“I loved all animals, but especially horses and dogs. I’d earn money washing cars, mowing lawns, bathing dogs, anything an eager child could do who was anxious to earn enough for bus fare to a riding stable,” Chesler recalled.

At age 16, Chesler’s mother passed away. Shortly thereafter, the teenager, who had acquired a work permit two years earlier, completed secondary school and made her way to South Florida to rent a room from a distant relative.

“My life became work, school and horses, with me always hoping for more horses,” Chesler said. “Luckily, a retired racetrack Thoroughbred came my way, and we learned slowly together at a stable.”

Alan Chesler, who was to be her future husband, also came her way.

“Hailing from Toronto, Canada, he was more horse crazy than I,” she recalled.

That was four decades ago, and Chelser has been active in the local horse community ever since.

“Throughout the last 45 years, we have seen the equine community in the Village of Wellington grow exponentially,” Chesler said. “It is very difficult for an outsider to understand the equine foothold here unless they have truly experienced it.”

Beginning the show barn SherAl Farm in 1980, daughter Frankie became the rider/trainer. It was easy for Chesler to see the physical and emotional stress of being a competitive show horse.

“All animals suffer anxiety, and horses are no different. Stepping into this world was almost a no-brainer for me,” said Chesler, who has also been a learning disability specialist for many years.

By the mid-1990s, the Chesler family was making semi-annual commutes between a rental and later a residence in Wellington and a Canadian farm they had purchased in Toronto. “For the next 25 years, we worked in both countries by e-mail, telephone and physical trips. Last year, they decided to sell the farm and remain in Wellington year-round.

Competing as an amateur rider before her children were born, Chelser was mostly taught by her husband before stepping back to raise a family. She remains married to Alan Chesler, who also has strong Wellington ties.

“He is president and co-owner of Bob’s Barricades Inc., still very gainfully employed, not competing, and enjoys golf and our horses,” Chesler said. “We still have show horses with our favorite, Stanley Stone, who will retire with us, and new sale horses for development. I keep them feeling tip-top.”

The farm is also home to rescued dogs, mini horses, a cow, a donkey, horses and sheep, as well as waterfowl and poultry all on automatic waterers/feeders.

“It emits the most welcoming sounds daily, and geese are incredible watchdogs,” Chesler noted. “Those welcoming warm bodies are my hobbies and labor of love.”

Having been in the industry for 40-plus years, Chesler knows a horse is more comfortable after the therapy she offers.

“Each session is geared to produce a horse that is more supple, straighter, with stepping and tracking more in line, and is more rideable. If a standard modality has not achieved my desired result, I put on my thinking cap and find another,” she said. “When a situation occurs where a different specialist should be required, I am the first to explain why. Ego is never an issue. It is only about the horse.”

Chesler thanks potential clients for their interest in her services and believes that her clients become assured that the best effort will always be put forth and that she will be totally honest in all respects.

She loves her work and aims to continue it as long as she is able. “On occasion, I have been asked when I will actually retire, and I always answer, ‘Five minutes before I die,’” Chesler said.

Sherry Chesler can be reached at s.martinlds@gmail.com or (561) 676-0266. Learn more at www.sheralfarm.com.

Artist Weatherly Stroh Fuses Her Love Of Horses With Her Passion For Painting

Equestrian Artist

One glance at Weatherly Stroh and it’s easy to see she has the look of a lifelong equestrian. Yet her successful hunter-jumper career is only the beginning of Stroh’s story as a prolific artist based in Wellington.

Born and raised in Michigan, Stroh grew up on a farm, riding competitively and traveling the country to become nationally ranked in the hunters. Her family tree is dotted with several well-known artists and sculptors, but Stroh only dabbled in art until about 10 years ago when she made it her sole career. “You don’t think of horses opening doors, but they really did for me,” Stroh said.

Stroh studied art but hadn’t thought of making it a career until she joined it with her love of horses. “Even when I was teaching elementary students, horses were always present, and my art kept pulling at me. I suppose looking back, it’s obvious that I would return to art, but in my 20s, I had no idea,” Stroh recalled.

When she came back to her art in earnest, Stroh focused on her lifelong companions, hunter-jumpers in the sport she knew so well. Stroh’s paintings of horses reflect her deep understanding from a perspective few artists possess — that as a partner and teammate. Stroh leveraged her relationships to build an impressive portfolio of commissions, which have included some well-known names.

With a foot in the door and experience under her belt, Stroh broadened her work to include more modern depictions, landscapes and other animals.

“For me, art is about pushing myself,” she said. “I am always trying to grow as an artist, to improve, to try new subjects and new techniques.”

One constant in life is nature. From growing up in the country to traveling for horses and now traveling for personal enjoyment, nature refuels her. “I have to be outside,” Stroh said. “Hiking in the mountains, riding horses, playing tennis, walking on the beach and interacting with animals are all must-haves for me.”

Stroh’s work clearly reflects her love of the natural world. Her paintings range from the mountains of Colorado to the fields of her Michigan home to the hills of Tuscany where she spent six weeks last summer. “I went to Italy to fall in love again with plein air painting,” Stroh said. “I got to be out in the middle of these beautiful vistas, capturing them on canvas. The experience motivated me to once again push myself as an artist.”

Inspired also by Florida’s unique flora and fauna, Stroh has created a series of orchid paintings, as well as birds native to South Florida. Her cloud and seascape paintings of this area demonstrate her love of nature in her own backyard.

Stroh made Wellington her home and feels connected to the community beyond horses. Her studio in West Palm Beach is part of a collective that Stroh said provides both support and motivation to evolve. “Artists need artists to push each other and stay open to what’s possible,” Stroh said. “I really enjoy the artist community in this area.”

In addition, Stroh has become a supporter of local animal charities, giving a portion of her proceeds to rescue organizations. In December, Stroh created an event where she sold a dozen paintings with the intent of donating a percentage of sale price to the Palm Beach Shelter Dog Project. Her studio assistant, Gus, is a senior dog with health issues that Stroh adopted in October from Palm Beach County Animal Care & Control, where she also volunteers. Stroh also supports Danny & Ron’s Rescue.

“Community is important to me,” Stroh said. “I believe that by shopping locally and supporting those organizations that are doing good in our backyard, we improve the community as a whole.”

Stroh again plans to travel this year for her own personal enjoyment, as well as inspiration. “Travel will always be a part of my life as an artist,” she said. “Life experiences fuel my soul and my art. It may sound corny, but it’s true!”

Stroh is not currently showing horses but doesn’t rule it out down the road. For now, she is focused on expanding her art, pushing herself in new ways — just so long as nature is in the picture.

To view more of Weatherly Stroh’s art, visit www.weatherlystroh.com and join her newsletter to learn about events in the area.

Faces of WEF

The Winter Equestrian Festival is back in action at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Once again, riders have come to Wellington from all corners of the globe to compete at the longest horse show series in the world with more prize money than ever on the line. Horse and rider pairs will soar over fences, navigate complicated sequences and make hairpin turns — all to the delight of the crowd. While WEF attracts the world’s top riders, it’s not all about jumping at its highest levels. WEF is home to riders of all ages and abilities, from Short Stirrup all the way up to Grand Prix. While junior and amateur riders aim to get crucial show experience, the world’s top riders have returned to Wellington with an eye on this year’s 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. As we do each year, Wellington The Magazine once again presents our annual Faces of WEF section, offering a glimpse at just a handful of the amazing riders competing this season at the Winter Equestrian Festival.

Jordan Allen

A native of Michigan, up-and-coming rider Jordan Allen took her first lesson at a local barn as a birthday present when she was 7 years old. Allen began taking one lesson a week with a trainer until she sustained an injury at age 8. After healing, Allen’s love for horses won out and she returned to riding, moving from ‘C’ rated shows to the ‘A’ circuit with her horse Avedon. Trainer Kim Carey recognized both Allen’s talent and desire to reach the highest levels of the sport, introducing her in 2015 to Ken and Emily Smith of Ashland Farms, where she is currently a working student. When not studying at the University of South Carolina, she trains at Ashland’s Lexington, Kentucky, base during the summer and calls Wellington home during the winter season. She has found success at WEF, finishing third in last year’s $100,000 WCHR Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular with the 7-year-old Swedish Warmblood gelding Kind Of Blue.