AfriKin Art Wellington: A Cultural Jewel For Black History Month

This Black History Month, the Village of Wellington will welcome an extraordinary cultural experience that brings global art, heritage and community into elegant focus. In partnership with the Village of Wellington, the AfriKin Foundation will present AfriKin Art Wellington, a landmark exhibition of African contemporary art taking place at the Wellington Community Center Grande Ballroom from Wednesday, Feb. 25 through Sunday, March 1.

AfriKin Art Wellington invites residents and visitors alike to step into a refined world of creativity, culture and connection. The exhibition opens with a VIP reception on Feb. 25, followed by public viewing from Feb. 26 through March 1, offering an immersive and elevated cultural destination during Black History Month and extending into Women’s History Month.

This year’s exhibition is aligned with the national theme “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” honoring 100 years of organized efforts to preserve, study and celebrate Black history. AfriKin Art Wellington carries this legacy forward through the language of contemporary art, presenting a curated selection of works by renowned and emerging artists from Africa and the global African diaspora.

Guests will experience a rich tapestry of artistic expression across painting, sculpture, photography, performance and digital media. The works explore themes of identity, migration, interconnectedness, regeneration and healing, offering both visual beauty and meaningful reflection. Each piece serves as a cultural narrative that honors ancestral memory while engaging the present moment with imagination and purpose.

AfriKin Art Wellington is not simply an exhibition. It is a cultural gathering space designed to inspire dialogue, discovery and shared experience. Visitors can expect an atmosphere that blends intellectual engagement with social energy, complemented by AfriKin Tapas, featuring curated African-inspired cuisine, an open bar during the VIP evening, and a vibrant community of artists, collectors, curators and cultural leaders.

For Wellington, a community celebrated for its sophistication, philanthropy and appreciation for excellence, AfriKin Art Wellington represents a natural cultural partnership. This unique exhibition offers residents an opportunity to engage with global creativity while supporting a mission rooted in education, wellness and social impact.

At the heart of this experience is the AfriKin Foundation, a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to using arts and cultural experiences of African origin to build bridges between personal creativity and the collective good of humanity. Through exhibitions, artist residencies, educational programming and international exchange, AfriKin nurtures artists, empowers communities and promotes sustainable cultural industries.

Every AfriKin event directly supports artists, educators and community initiatives. Donations fund artist grants, youth education, mental wellness outreach and cultural preservation programs. In this way, art becomes more than aesthetic. It becomes a vehicle for learning, healing and economic opportunity.

Black History Month offers a powerful moment to engage with these stories and invest in cultural legacy. AfriKin Art Wellington invites the Wellington community to participate not only as spectators, but as patrons of a living cultural movement that honors history while shaping the future.

In a time when authentic cultural experiences are increasingly valued, AfriKin Art Wellington stands as a signature event for those who seek depth, beauty and purpose in the arts. It is an invitation to explore African contemporary art in an elegant setting, to celebrate a century of Black history and to support a nonprofit mission that believes culture is essential to a thriving, compassionate world. The exhibition is not just an event on the calendar; it’s a cultural moment.

AfriKin is a nonprofit organization that serves as South Florida’s hub for contemporary African and diasporic art, scholarship and cultural innovation. Learn more at www.afrikin.org or follow them @afrikinnation.

Equestrian Laura Kraut Enters 2026 Season With An Eye On The Future

Story by Mike May and Fiona Slusarev

Longtime Wellington resident Laura Kraut is an accomplished show jumper who remains focused on getting better at her profession. Currently listed seventh in the world in the Longines FEI Rankings, Kraut’s resume of professional accomplishments is eye-opening and impressive.

For more than 30 years, Kraut has competed and succeeded at the highest levels of show jumping.

Kraut was named an alternate to the U.S. Olympic show-jumping team for the 1992 Summer Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain. Eight years later, in 2000, she made her Olympic debut in show jumping at the Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. And, in 2008, while riding Cedric, she won the team gold medal in show jumping at the Summer Olympic Games in China, when the show jumping competition was staged in Hong Kong.

Kraut returned to the Olympics in 2021 as a member of the U.S. show-jumping team that won the silver medal at the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, after an intense jump-off against Sweden. That year, she rode Baloutinue. Kraut’s Olympic experience, aboard Baloutinue continued in 2024 at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, when she was a member of the silver-medal winning show-jumping trio alongside McLain Ward and Karl Cook.

Speaking with Wellington The Magazine after her experiences in Tokyo, Kraut explained that Baloutinue has been an ideal partner in her show-jumping career. “He’s just one of the best horses I’ve ever had the privilege to ride,” Kraut said.

Kraut continued that Baloutinue has that ‘it’ factor which makes him the perfect partner.

“It’s intelligence, determination, health and stamina all wrapped up in one package,” she explained. “Without that horse, I would not have an Olympic medal. He contributed a great amount. I guide him and steer him and make sure he’s doing the right things, but, in the end, he’s the one who has to jump the jumps.”

Outside of the Olympic arena, Kraut has more than 100 Grand Prix wins and has represented the U.S. at the World Equestrian Games. Her two most successful experiences were in 2006, when she won a team silver medal at Aachen (Germany), and in 2018 when she won a team gold medal at Tryon (North Carolina). She also won gold in team jumping at the 2023 Pan American Games in Chile.

When she is not competing, Kraut and her longtime partner, British show jumper Nick Skelton, own and operate a successful training business.

Originally from South Carolina, the 60-year-old Kraut has been coming to Wellington since the 1970s. She was introduced to the equestrian lifestyle by her mother Carol, taking her first leadline class at age 3.

As the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival began, Kraut spoke on a panel of industry experts about her experiences through the years and the importance of WEF.

“I’ve probably been coming to WEF longer than anyone. I first rode here in 1978, so I’ve really seen the evolution of it,” she said. “It is crucial to us preparing and trying to have our horses up to the level that we need for international competition.”

Kraut believes that shows like WEF are why U.S. show jumping has flourished in recent years.

“The U.S. Equestrian Team has a fantastic record. I think we’ve won more medals in the last 20 years than any other country — and a lot of that is due to the fact that we can compete at this facility, under the best circumstances, with the best competition, great jumps, great course design, and now a lot of prize money, which is very helpful to us,” she said.

When it comes to prize money, that’s a key significance of the Rolex series, which includes a show in Wellington.

“I think the Rolex series has become one of the biggest series that we can jump,” Kraut said. “The prize money is incredible. The venues are all fantastic… Rolex is now probably the biggest, most important sponsor we have as far as individual jumping at this moment. And we’re very proud to have it here. I think we’re very excited to have the opportunity to jump it in our backyard.”

Kraut arrived at WEF this year with an eye on the competitive season ahead, such as the World Championships coming up.

“We also have the World Cup Finals in Fort Worth, Texas, at the beginning of April — so directly after this series of jumping,” Kraut said. “I’ve got my mare Bisquetta that I jumped last year here, and in the Rolex final. I will aim her for that again with the idea of the long-range plan at the World Championships. I’ve got another really lovely horse, Tres Bien, and I’m thinking to possibly aim him toward Fort Worth.”

Showing at WEF will be crucial for getting her horses ready for the long season ahead.

Even before arriving home to Wellington, Kraut capped 2025 with a December win aboard Bisquetta at the $750,000 CSI5* Coachella Cup Grand Prix in California, narrowly defeating McLain Ward and High Star Hero by a mere 0.03 seconds.

Time will tell how well Kraut performs in show jumping circles this winter in Wellington — but expect her to put her best effort forward each and every time she enters the ring.

Learn more about Laura Kraut at www.laurakraut.com.

Kessler: Exciting Season Underway At Wellington International

By Shannon Anastasio

The former CEO of three Fortune 500 companies, Murray Kessler took over leadership of the Wellington International showgrounds — home of the storied Winter Equestrian Festival — in late 2024, just before the 2025 festival began. Kessler is a 50-year resident of Wellington and the former president of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), former president of the North American Riders Group, father of 2012 London Olympic show jumper Reed Kessler and stepfather to dressage rider Bebe Davis. He has spent the past year meeting with stakeholders — equestrians, patrons, sponsors and more — while leading a series of improvements and expansions designed to enhance the showgrounds experience and further cement Wellington’s position in the equestrian world. Wellington The Magazine recently spoke with Kessler about WEF, the showgrounds and the future.

What are you most excited about regarding this year’s Winter Equestrian Festival?
The team worked incredibly hard during the summer and fall to prepare the Wellington International facilities for this to be the best Winter Equestrian Festival ever. We tried to leave no stone unturned, making infrastructure improvements, production improvements, increasing prize money and improving our hospitality facilities. We have many surprises in store this season.

What does this season hold for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival?Like WEF, many improvements were made to the Global Dressage Festival. This year’s festival includes marquee events like the Dressage Infusion, covered spectator stands, a new FEI Lounge, special musical performances and more. It is worth noting that members of the dressage community stepped up to help make this the best GDF ever. I’m thrilled to see the dressage community excited again.

What are some new additions to the showgrounds this year?
At GDF, the big improvements are covered spectator seating and significantly increased shade structures, as well as the FEI Lounge. At WEF, it is a long list. FEI stabling has been completely renovated, including artificial intelligence cameras to monitor horse behavior. Anything out of the ordinary, and the rider or trainer will be immediately notified by the camera itself. There’s also a new lounge in FEI for riders, trainers, owners and grooms. The International Club was renovated with new modern buffet lines, and the club itself was redecorated. A major push was done to eliminate mud and dust on the property. This included replacing all dusty or muddy areas and pathways with either footing (like that in the arenas), pavers, Equitan rubber or planted with grass. Landscaping was improved throughout. The kitchen was renovated. The stabling areas were resurfaced or surfaced for the first time. Drainage throughout the property was renovated and/or improved to eliminate flooding. I’ve had at least 100 people compliment me on the cleanliness of the property. My team and I really appreciate seeing that all of the hard work is having a positive impact on our customer experience. Another major area of improvement was with footing. The International Ring has brand-new footing, as do several other major rings. Every ring had footing added. I can’t believe how much my team accomplished. I’m so proud of them. I’m also thankful to our parent company, Wellington Lifestyle Partners, for their support. We couldn’t have done all of this without them.

Who are some of the new sponsors joining this year?
We have many new sponsors this year, highlighted by one new premier sponsor, Modon Holdings. This is a huge international lifestyle destinations company. They are sponsoring the hospitality VIP clubs at both WEF and GDF. They are also sponsoring one of the $500,000 5* Grand Prix events and the Dressage Nations Cup. We are proud to have them as a new sponsor. Other notable additions include GGT footing, Stefano Ricci luxury men’s clothing, Ritz-Carlton Residences West Palm Beach, LeMieux Equestrian, Sean Rush Atelier, Coastal Steel Structures, Defiant Whisky, Peregrin Private Client Services, the Wingrove Academy and many more.

There’s a major expansion of the showgrounds underway. How is progress going on that project? When is it slated for completion? “

If you drive by, you can see for yourself. Wellington Lifestyle Partners is making major progress on the expansion grounds. The new covered arena is complete, a world-class grass jumping field is complete and most of the competition rings are complete. Permanent barns begin construction in the next few weeks. While there is much left to do, our goal is to be open for the 2027 season, one year from now.

What should visitors look for when spending time at the Winter Equestrian Festival this year?
First and foremost, they should enjoy world-class competition. The best in the world will be once again competing at WEF. We expect seven of the top 10 riders in the world. Visitors will also enjoy great food, great shopping and great entertainment. Saturday Night Lights is not to be missed. Visitors will be not only entertained by top sport, they will also enjoy laser light shows, top disc jockeys from Miami and New York, and special theme nights like ABBA Night and Country Western Night.

How have you seen Wellington’s equestrian community change in recent years?
There was much uncertainty in the community, which created tremendous anxiety, anger and frustration. People have a lot invested here. I think the atmosphere is completely different now. People know my team and I are working hard for them, listening to them and have their best interest at heart. We care about our community. Not just the equestrian community. We care about the entire community! This is my 50th year in Wellington. It’s important that Wellington International remains the premier horse sports destination in the world, and we want everyone who lives here to be proud of that and embrace our success.

How do you describe the importance of WEF and horse sports to the overall community of Wellington?
Horse sports are what makes Wellington unique from almost any other community in the world. WEF is more than a horse show. It’s a lifestyle. I can’t think of another show in the world where people come to live for four or five months of the year. And let’s not forget the economic impact that WEF has on Palm Beach County. Last year, WEF generated $536 million in economic impact for Palm Beach County, making it the No. 1 sporting event in all of South Florida in terms of economic impact. And finally, WEF donates more than $2 million to local schools and charities each year through the Great Charity Challenge. That makes me proud. I hope it makes your readers proud, too!

How does the work going on at the showgrounds protect Wellington’s equestrian industry into the future?
Favorably! Once completed, Wellington International will have state-of-the-art facilities all on one contiguous site. My team will continue to enhance the fan and customer experience. Delighted customers continue to come back. I call it the virtuous circle. We invest in the experience, which attracts more competitors, fans and sponsors. That generates more revenue to invest to further enhance the experience, and so on and so on.

Wellington International is located at 3400 Equestrian Club Drive in Wellington. For more information, visit www.wellingtoninternational.com.

Riders Are Building And Expanding Foundations At Boutique Local Horse Show

By Holly Johnson

The Ridge at Wellington Groves is a show designed for the horse, and by default their riders. The Ridge offers customized offerings to benefit not just the day-to-day show schedules of its competitors, but also the long-term success of the sport.

Founded by U.S. Olympian Nona Garson and Grand Prix rider and trainer George D’Ambrosio, The Ridge’s roots span back decades to Garson’s early days riding in New Jersey. After she realized her Olympic dreams, she and D’Ambrosio began hosting the Turf Tour in 2012, a weekly series that toured the many manicured polo fields in Wellington, offering show jumping classes up to Grand Prix. As a great training ground for everything from young riders to Olympic athletes — including eventers, who loved getting their horses out for show jumping on the grass — the Turf Tour developed a strong following that began to grow beyond the limits of its white-fenced show arenas.

After their final years jumping on the turf at Polo West and Black Watch Farm, the show’s owners sold their smaller farm and purchased a 20-plus-acre farm between Southern and Okeechobee boulevards, just north of Wellington. With space to spread out and the basic framework for a horse show, they began upgrades that foreshadowed what the events would become: a show designed for horse and rider to grow and develop.

These upgrades included an oversized main arena and a second arena with the latest footing, lights and jump materials; wide driveways and long lanes for horse trailers to easily enter, park and exit; permanent high-end tent stabling; and multiple fenced pastures, wash racks, water access points and grazing areas.

But the real upgrade at The Ridge is the effort that has been placed on events since those first shows on the Turf Tour: making shows accessible, affordable and welcoming, while providing the atmosphere and feel of a world-class venue. The result is a unique experience for riders and horses, where a teenager may do their first 1.30M with an Olympian on a green horse.

One interaction that stands out as typical at The Ridge was a young trainer finishing their round when the next rider, an Olympian, asked them a question about the course. After answering, the young trainer rode away, saying, “Why is he asking me? He’s a gold-medal-winning Olympic rider,” but her smile spoke volumes about a level playing field that was more metaphorical than the perfectly leveled jumping arena.

In 2026, The Ridge has expanded its offerings to include not only USEF-rated show jumping, but also a series of bi-monthly schooling shows dubbed the Sunshine Tour, a college preparatory showcase for aspiring collegiate athletes to meet schools and ride at The Ridge. Also included is the latest in their charity efforts, a two-day breast cancer benefit charity horse show, complete with per-jump pledges, horses and riders decked out in pink and joker fences that when cleared double the donation.

“Our riders come for the convenience and the classes we offer but stay because we truly focus on horsemanship and simplicity in the experience,” Garson said. “We source the best judges, management, stewards, sponsors and course designers, including FEI and Olympic level, even for our .60M to 1.15M classes. We offer complimentary hospitality to all of our riders. Our schedules are flexible, without strict orders of go, so riders can plan around our events with consistency.”

As an Olympian herself, Garson knows exactly the challenges and obstacles that must be cleared by any horse and rider as they gallop toward the international level.

“We run multiple courses at most heights, so horse and rider pairs can show two to three times at a height, and even come back for an hors concours round, meaning ‘beyond the competition,’ so they can gain experience and confidence,” Garson said. “We’ve woven so many benefits into our shows to allow our competitors to really make the most of their time with us and their growth with their horses.”

As a USEF ‘r’ hunter and jumper course designer herself, Garson has been setting fences that give riders options to push their limits, gain back their or their horse’s confidence or just warm up before a big class.

In 2024, The Ridge’s weekly $15,000 1.40M Grand Prix and $5,000 1.30M Rising Star Classic hosted many riders who went on to jump at the Paris Olympics for the first time: Israel’s Ashlee Bond and Daniel Bluman and Venezuela’s Luis Larrazabal, as well as Olympic veteran riders like Ireland’s Cian O’Connor and Brazil’s Rodrigo Pessoa.

The Ridge’s horse-friendly approach has drawn many top riders from around the country during Wellington’s winter show season, but all the events have a touch of something special. Community impact has always been at the heart of the story. In 2026, in addition to supporting breast cancer research, The Ridge has contributed to local food drives and given a pro bono sponsorship to the Kids Cancer Foundation, a local nonprofit that supports families dealing with childhood cancer. You can spot their colorful, candy-cane-striped jump in The Ridge’s Grand Prix ring all this season.

Whether during the rated or unrated shows, small magic moments unfold daily at The Ridge. Adult amateurs take their first rounds with new mounts. A leadline rider gets their first round of applause. A young horse afraid of a faux wall fence at first clears it multiple times after the grounds crew drops the height just for the first attempt. An Olympian watches their son jump around a cross-rail course.

Recently, newly minted Olympian Daniel Bluman watched his son show at The Ridge. Grand Prix rider Mario Garcia has attended The Ridge multiple times in 2026, coaching his children in the .90M divisions as well as his students. This is what gives The Ridge the feel of family, horsemanship and growth, all wrapped up in a horse show.

The Ridge at Wellington Groves is located at 1815 E Road in Loxahatchee Groves. Visit www.ridgeshowjumping.com/the-ridge-at-wellington for more information.

2026 Season Kicks Off With Record Prize Money And Riders From All Levels

By Fiona Slusarev

Wellington International welcomed the 2026 season with a panel of industry leaders and top riders on Thursday, Jan. 8. The Winter Equestrian Festival and the Adequan Global Dressage Festival have seen a period of growth and improvement since Murray Kessler was appointed CEO in late 2024 when ownership of the showgrounds changed hands.

Kessler, a former United States Equestrian Federation president and CEO of three Fortune 500 companies, has been attracting the top riders across the world to compete in Wellington. One way he is doing this is by offering a record $16.55 million in prize money across all the competitions, including the $1 million Rolex Grand Prix.

The facilities see advances every year with Kessler’s long-term plan to complete the south showgrounds and continue with more seasonal updates for competitors and spectators alike. Competitors will appreciate the new footing in the International Arena, renovations to Pony Island with new bathrooms and upgrades in the Grand Hunter Ring. The FEI barns have been completely overhauled with new stalls and flooring.

Dressage fans will be excited for the newly covered stands at Global to protect them from the Florida rain and sun. Friday Night Stars now have new themes, and a masterclass with dressage legends was held during Week 3.

Top riders also come to Wellington International because of the variety of qualifying classes and experience the venue gives their horses. Laura Kraut, currently the seventh top rider in the world, four-time Olympian and U.S. team silver medalist, believes that competing at WEF is key to success for the U.S. Olympic Team and for her jumper horses at the highest level.

“I first rode here in 1978, so I really have seen the evolution of it, and I will tell you that it is crucial to us preparing and trying to have our horses up to the level we need for international competition,” Kraut said.

Liza Towell Boyd of Finally Farm, the 2025 winner of the USHJA World Champion Hunter Rider Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, considers WEF an important venue for hunter training, as well as competition at the highest level, with the array of hunter divisions and top hunter classes. The hunter spectacular, which returns to Wellington on Feb. 14, is the hunter rider’s World Cup, Boyd said.

“We have a lot of opportunities with the young hunters, to bring them up the pipeline, from the grass fields to the national derbies, the international derbies — I feel like we leave here with really well-trained, exposed horses,” Boyd said.

The Global Dressage Festival, under Director of Sport Thomas Baur, also offers multiple opportunities to qualify for dressage and para dressage FEI World Championships and the US Equestrian Open of Dressage.

Ben Ebeling, a rising dressage star and winner of the inaugural US Equestrian Open of Dressage Final, highlights Global’s Friday Night Stars as not only being a prestigious event as a competitor but also an amazing spectator experience.

“As a competitor, I’ve been lucky to show in some really incredible arenas. There’s nothing quite like being in a Friday Night Stars,” Ebeling explained. “Being at Friday Night Stars, for somebody who’s not into dressage or not into horse sports, I think allows people to connect to dressage on a different level than they would normally.”

But the most remarkable thing about hearing everyone speak is how they describe the community. To Kessler, WEF and AGDF are special because they offer a place for riders in every division. “We care about every discipline, whether it’s hunters, dressage, ponies or para [dressage],” Kessler said.

At WEF, classes range from Leadline to Grand Prix. The youngest riders exist alongside the most prestigious competitors, and they can return each year to rise through the ranks.

Children who compete on ponies can watch and learn from the best during Saturday Night Lights. Powerhouse riders like Lillie Keenan, Adrienne Sternlicht and Kessler’s own daughter, Reed Kessler, all started in short stirrup at WEF and achieved successful careers on the international level.

“Other horse shows are where champions meet, but at Wellington, it’s where champions are made,” Kessler said.

From children to seasoned pros and even older riders, everyone has a division at their level.

Boyd is another example of a Wellington success story, beginning her show career here as a child. For her, WEF is not just a competition, it is a home.

“I remember coming here as a kid… this is where I’ve grown up, and these are my best friends who live here,” Boyd said. “To be able to bring my family here, watch Saturday Night Lights, my kids go to school here, my dad is here. It’s just a real family environment.”

Equestrians don’t just return to WEF and Global for a few days out of the year to compete, they stay for the season. “People live here,” Kessler said. “They live here for four or five months a year, and it makes Wellington unique from any other equestrian location.”

Visit www.wellingtoninternational.com to learn more.

 

Girls Take It To The Wire To Win WEF’s Battle Of The Sexes

The opening Saturday Night Lights event of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival started off Jan. 3 with a redemption win for the girls team in the $75,000 Battle of the Sexes, presented by LeMieux, under the sparkling lights of Wellington International. In a tie-breaking match race between Jessica Mendoza and Luis Larrazabal, the girls emerged victorious, breaking a three-year win streak for the boys.

The team was led by captain Kelly Soleau with a roster that included Mia Bagnato, Alexis Bodo, Kyla Makhloghi, Samantha Mackenzie, Caroline Mawhinney, Jessica Mendoza and Kelly Taggart.

The runner-up squad consisted of team captain Charlie Jayne and veterans Christian Coyle, Daniel Geaney, Alex Granato, Luis Larrazabal, Tony Stormanns, Söhnke Theymann and Michael Tokaruk.

The event includes three phases. The first is a speed course where the riders are matched and compete one at a time over the course. The rider with the fastest time gains a point for their team. Following the first phase, the score showed a dead heat tied at four points.

In the second phase, each team had two relay groups, where a trio of riders faced a section of the course with five points up for grabs. Bagnato, Mendoza and Mawhinney led off with a win for the girls, but the boys answered with five more on the board. Coyle, Theymann and Tokaruk kept the score tied with only one round remaining.

The final phase was a match race where riders competed head-to-head at the same time over a course that mirrored itself in the ring. Three points for each race were on the line, and the round ended with both teams again tied. The fate of the evening was decided by the extra match race, where Mendoza bested Larrazzabal, who pulled three rails.

Show jumping fans saw horses and riders decked out in blue and pink as they cheered for their favorites. In front of a sold-out crowd, the final score was 24 to 21 in the girls’ favor.

“I’ve never seen the final round come down to the wire like that, but that made it even more fun,” Mendoza said. “Everyone comes together, and there’s a little bit of rivalry between the boys and the girls. This crowd is so fun, and it’s great for the horses to come out and have fun in a night class.”

Jayne is already making plans for a 2027 comeback for the boys. “It was tense but fun, and that playoff at the end coming down to that final round was really exciting,” he said.

Learn more about WEF 2026 at www.wellingtoninternational.com.

Wellington Saddles Up To Support Breast Cancer Research

Gallop into a night of pure entertainment, hoof-tapping music and family fun at the Challenge of the Americas (COTA) on Friday, March 6, when Wellington will come together to give breast cancer the boot.

It will be a spectacular evening of horses and music, all to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through its partner, Play for P.I.N.K.

General admission ticket holders will have an ideal vantage point in the grandstands, and tickets are available at the gate on the night of the event. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. at the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds at the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road in Wellington.

Grandstand guests can grab food and beverages available for purchase and enjoy pre-show entertainment.

VIP tickets, which are available at www.challengeoftheamericas.com, provide the same top-notch entertainment with the bonus of enjoying the festive Challenge Gala featuring dinner and dancing under the tent at the showgrounds.

Adorable mini-horses with their full-size jumping friends, an exhibition quadrille featuring 10 horse-and-rider combinations and more surprises will start the entertainment before the headline event, the musical Grand Prix Quadrille Team Challenge.

During team challenge, four Grand Prix teams of six dancing horses and their skilled riders will maneuver in precise patterns set to musical themes. Competitors pull out the stops with intricate choreography and colorful costumes to delight the crowd while raising funds for breast cancer research.

The beneficiary of the event, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K., is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world.

Play for P.I.N.K. is a grassroots organization committed to raising funds for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events.

Spread the word, gather your crew and hoof on over to the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds on March 6 and join in an exciting evening of dancing horses and family fun. Let’s come together to #ChallengeBreastCancer.

Learn more about the COTA event at

Wellington Saddles Up To Support Breast Cancer Research

Gallop into a night of pure entertainment, hoof-tapping music and family fun at the Challenge of the Americas (COTA) on Friday, March 6, when Wellington will come together to give breast cancer the boot.

It will be a spectacular evening of horses and music, all to benefit the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through its partner, Play for P.I.N.K.

General admission ticket holders will have an ideal vantage point in the grandstands, and tickets are available at the gate on the night of the event. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. at the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds at the corner of South Shore Blvd. and Pierson Road in Wellington.

Grandstand guests can grab food and beverages available for purchase and enjoy pre-show entertainment.

VIP tickets, which are available at www.challengeoftheamericas.com, provide the same top-notch entertainment with the bonus of enjoying the festive Challenge Gala featuring dinner and dancing under the tent at the showgrounds.

Adorable mini-horses with their full-size jumping friends, an exhibition quadrille featuring 10 horse-and-rider combinations and more surprises will start the entertainment before the headline event, the musical Grand Prix Quadrille Team Challenge.

During team challenge, four Grand Prix teams of six dancing horses and their skilled riders will maneuver in precise patterns set to musical themes. Competitors pull out the stops with intricate choreography and colorful costumes to delight the crowd while raising funds for breast cancer research.

The beneficiary of the event, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation through Play for P.I.N.K., is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world.

Play for P.I.N.K. is a grassroots organization committed to raising funds for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events.

Spread the word, gather your crew and hoof on over to the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds on March 6 and join in an exciting evening of dancing horses and family fun. Let’s come together to #ChallengeBreastCancer.

Learn more about the COTA event at www.challengeoftheamericas.com.

.

Charm Pop Party Offers A Fun Experience With New Location In Wellington

By Joshua Manning

Charm Pop Party, Palm Beach County’s original “charm bar” experience, had a banner year in 2025, catching a trending wave and turning it into a thriving business with locations in Jupiter and Wellington.

“What’s surprised me most is how meaningful this experience has become for families,” owner Stephanie Lewis said. “It started as a simple idea while planning my daughter’s birthday. I was just looking for something creative, inclusive and easy, inspired by the Taylor Swift bracelet-making trend. I never imagined it would grow into what it is today.”

Charm Pop Party opened its original store in Jupiter in March 2025 and joined the lineup in the Mall at Wellington Green in November.

“The Wellington location has introduced so many new families to what a charm bar actually is: a hands-on jewelry experience where you create something personal and meaningful,” Lewis explained. “Opening on Black Friday was kind of insane in the best possible way, and it really set the tone for how warmly the community embraced us from day one. Being in the mall has been especially fun because people are genuinely surprised and excited to see a woman-owned, non-franchise small business here.”

Charm Pop Party is an interactive jewelry experience where guests build their own charm bracelets and necklaces from hundreds of curated, themed charms. The stores specialize in walk-in charm building, as well as in-store charm parties.

“My vision for Wellington was to create the place all the girls want to be — somewhere they can hang out with friends, make jewelry, feel safe and express themselves through unique charms while just genuinely having fun,” Lewis said. “We’ve also loved offering permanent jewelry here, especially because it has become such a sweet mother-daughter bonding experience. Being able to welcome walk-ins at any time makes the space feel approachable and easy, and seeing those moments happen in real time has been incredibly special. Watching moms, daughters, teens and even grandmothers create together is a powerful reminder of why we started.”

The Jupiter store offers the same services, but with a slightly different feel.

“Our Jupiter location is more intimate and boutique — perfect for one-on-one visits and smaller gatherings — while the Wellington location is brighter and more energetic, designed for discovery, celebrations and larger groups,” Lewis explained. “Both locations offer custom charm jewelry and permanent jewelry, and we love that guests can walk in anytime without needing an appointment.”

While charm selections vary slightly between locations, Charm Pop Party carries its staple charms and chains at both.

“Wellington has been especially fun because we introduced Italian charm bracelets — some may remember them as ‘nomination bracelets’ — and as an elder millennial, I’m thrilled they’re cool again,” Lewis said. “In addition to custom experiences, we also offer ready-made jewelry and unique gift items you won’t find in traditional box stores.”

Charm Pop Party also offers mobile charm parties, which bring the charm bar experience to homes, schools and more for birthdays, fundraisers and community events.

“Our mobile charm parties are designed to be fun, relaxed and easy to host — for all ages,” Lewis said. “While they’re popular for kids’ birthdays, they’re just as loved for teen celebrations, bridal showers, bachelorettes, baby showers, and social or corporate events.”

The mobile parties bring the full charm bar experience to you.

“Our trained staff handles the jewelry assembly while guests choose charms and design pieces that reflect their personality or milestone. It becomes both the activity and the party favor, which hosts really appreciate,” Lewis said. “For groups who want a more hands-on experience, we also offer a workshop-style option. Booking is simple through our web site or directly with us, and each event is customized to fit the group, vibe and occasion.”

The company also partners with schools, PTOs, sports teams and nonprofits to host percentage nights, where a portion of sales is donated back to the organization. Lewis added that the company has been named a finalist for the 2026 Best of Palm Beach County Awards in two categories: Best Jewelry and Best Birthday Venue.

Lewis lives in Westlake with her husband Brennen and their children McKenna and Declan. Since they arrived, several family members and friends have moved to Westlake as well.

“Westlake is growing quickly, and while that kind of growth can feel a little overwhelming at times, it has also been really beautiful to witness,” Lewis said. “There are so many families here, and it truly feels like you never see a stranger.”

Lewis noted that her husband is a deputy with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, and their family has deep roots in the community, as the fourth-generation owners of the Okeechobee Steakhouse.

“Working behind the scenes in operations alongside my in-laws gave me a deeper appreciation for what it takes to build a business that becomes part of a community, like the Okeechobee Steakhouse,” she said. “That experience really shaped what I value most: exceptional service, genuine connection and creating experiences people remember long after they leave.”

Meanwhile, if you’re celebrating a birthday, be sure to stop by one of the two Charm Pop Party locations.

“In a fun, full-circle moment, while my family’s legacy is known for offering a free birthday steak, we now carry that spirit of celebration forward at Charm Pop Party with a free birthday bracelet,” Lewis said. “Everything we do is built around connection, joy and creating meaningful memories for families.”

Charm Pop Party’s Wellington location is in the Mall at Wellington Green on the lower level next to Aéropostale. The Jupiter location is at 129 Center Street, Suite 2, inside The Good Stuff. Learn more at www.charmpopparty.com.

Raise A Glass For The Show Pony, WEF’s New Signature Cocktail

All the world’s most celebrated sporting events have their defining drinks — the Mint Julep at the Kentucky Derby, the Honey Deuce at the U.S. Open. They are cocktails that become part of the lore, the experience and the sense of occasion.

In 2026, the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) debuts one of its own: the Show Pony, the event’s first-ever official signature cocktail, crafted exclusively in partnership with Chrome Horse Society Tequila.

Designed to embody the spirit of WEF — athleticism, sophistication and the unmistakable energy of Wellington’s winter circuit — the Show Pony marks a new chapter in the event’s evolution and its commitment to elevating the spectator experience.

“WEF is more than a competition — it’s a lifestyle, a community and a vibrant atmosphere unlike anything else in equestrian sport,” Wellington International CEO Murray Kessler said. “With the Show Pony, we’re giving spectators and riders a signature moment they can savor and share. It’s fresh, modern and made to become a part of the excitement that brings people back to Wellington year after year.”

Crafted with Chrome Horse Society’s triple-distilled tequila, the Show Pony is a refined, contemporary cocktail. Served in a limited-edition commemorative collectible cup created exclusively for the 2026 season, it’s poised to become a symbol of Wellington International’s winter circuit.

“WEF brings together the best riders, horses and fans from around the world. It deserves a signature drink that reflects that level of excellence,” said Jack Morgan, founder of Chrome Horse Society. “The Show Pony is bright, bold and celebratory — a perfect match for the festival’s energy.”

WEF spectators can enjoy the Show Pony throughout WEF 2026 at the Central Park Bar, the Modon International Club, the BrainJuice Tiki Hut and the many satellite bars around the showgrounds.

Chrome Horse is a luxury tequila crafted from 100 percent Blue Weber agave, triple-distilled for an exceptionally smooth and clean profile. Committed to sustainability and style, Chrome Horse combines modern design with traditional methods to create tequila that’s as unforgettable in taste as it is in presentation.

For more information, visit www.chromehorsesociety.com.

At Danny & Ron’s Rescue, Saving Dogs Is More Than A Goal, It’s A Promise

By Patrick Sherry

Thousands of dogs each year are euthanized or abused, but Danny & Ron’s Rescue is working to save as many of them from this as they can. At Danny & Ron’s, dogs live together as a family in a home where they are treated, fed and loved, no matter where they came from, as they await their forever homes.

Having recently reached the milestone of saving 15,000 dogs, Danny Robertshaw and Ron Danta have been on an over 20-year-long mission to create a haven for all dogs in need. With Wellington’s equestrian season in full swing, the two horse trainers and their team are back in Wellington to try to find homes for dogs.

“They promise every dog that they will always have a better life and a forever home,” said Lisa Davis Engel, who works in event marketing and media relations for the nonprofit.

Robertshaw and Danta started their rescue mission in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Gulf Coast and left many dogs stranded. Using horse trailers, they brought more than 600 dogs back to their horse farm and home in Camden, South Carolina. They converted their property into a shelter and eventually started adopting the dogs out to their many contacts in the equestrian community.

After saving hundreds of dogs within months, their work did not stop there. They then broadened their focus to help any homeless or abused dog. As soon as they join the pack, dogs are given everything from home-made food to medical care until they are ready for adoption.

The two call their home in Camden “The Doghouse,” where they live together with all the ones that they rescue. Robertshaw and Danta routinely go to shelters to pick up dogs that are about to be euthanized, have been abandoned or need a home. At any point, they have up to 150 dogs in The Doghouse, where they provide the ultimate safe haven where abused and neglected dogs can recover and learn to trust again, in a loving home.

“It’s not that they planned to have their whole house taken over by the dogs,” explained Kim Tudor, director of marketing for Danny & Ron’s Rescue. “It just evolved that way.”

Every year, Robertshaw and Danta return to Wellington during the equestrian season and bring dogs with them. They set up a booth at the Winter Equestrian Festival, which has become a popular fixture at the showgrounds. There, people can meet dogs that are ready for adoption.

Tudor explained that dog overpopulation is a major problem, and the rescue tries to address some of those issues.

“Most shelters cannot handle the influx of dogs that are coming in, and many end up euthanized,” Tudor said. “We are pulling those dogs out of that funnel, vetting them, training them and finding them good homes.”

Team members at the rescue prioritize ensuring that every dog will be cared for, even when they are adopted. People looking to adopt undergo a thorough application process involving references and verification to determine if they are a good fit. They also have to sign an agreement that specifies that they will return the dog to Danny & Ron’s if they need to give it up.

“We want to know where these dogs go,” Robertshaw said. “We made a promise to them, and we live by that promise: they will never end up in a shelter or a bad situation ever again.”

In 2018, filmmaker Ron Davis released a documentary on Danny & Ron’s Rescue, called Life in the Doghouse. For six months, camera crews recorded the inner workings of the organization and all the work they do to give dogs a better life. It touched on how thousands of dogs are euthanized each year, and many animals are kept in inhumane conditions, which contrasted with the selfless mission of the rescue to give hope to animals that have no voice.

The documentary was played at local theaters across the U.S and was offered to other local rescues to use for fundraising. It was later picked up by Netflix, which helped it reach a wider audience. The documentary received critical acclaim and put a larger spotlight on the rescue as a whole.

The rescue received thousands of calls, e-mails, requests for help and donations after the film went on the streaming platform.

“It really changed our entire lives, and forced us to redirect some of our energies into creating systems where we could help more people because we were just overwhelmed,” Tudor said.

Outside of rehabilitating dogs, Danny & Ron’s Rescue has multiple other outreach programs that help owners and animals in need. Team members, for example, created a disaster relief fund, which provides resources to dogs impacted by natural disasters. Recently, these efforts have gone toward providing aid in Texas during flood emergencies and even to help shelters impacted by the war in Ukraine.

There are also programs that give financial assistance to dogs experiencing life-threatening medical conditions. In Palm Beach County, Robertshaw and Danta have donated $20,000 over the last few years to Animeals on Wheels, which is an extension of Meals on Wheels of the Palm Beaches. The program helps aid seniors with pets by providing them with animal food and veterinary care.

“Danny and I were raised with compassion,” Danta said. “Not just for animals, but for people in need. We feel fortunate to be here not to take — but to give.”

On Sunday, Feb. 15, the organization will host its 17th annual Kids Lip Sync fundraiser, this year with a Grammy Awards theme. It will be held at Deeridge Farm in Wellington.

The fundraiser invites animal lovers to watch kids, mostly young equestrians, perform on stage, with all the proceeds going toward Danny & Ron’s Rescue. Tickets are available now for this historically sold-out event. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Visit www.dannyronsrescue.org/events to learn more.

Last year, two-time Grammy winner Gloria Gaynor closed out the Kids Lip Sync event, which had a groovy “Woofstock” theme.

“It was a great time. The kids were just wonderful, and they worked so hard on their routines and songs,” Gaynor said. “I’m as proud of them as if they were my own children. I am here because I love dogs, and I love Danny and Ron.”

Members of the rescue are now planning to partner with grant writers to secure additional funding for the nonprofit’s mission.

They’re also exploring the development of educational programs that teach children why dog rescue matters.

None of these efforts would have been possible without the drive and commitment of the rescue’s founders. Team members explained that they are proud to see how much the organization has grown and how many dogs they have been able to rescue.

“I have never worked with such a group of individuals more passionate and dedicated to dog rescue in my life,” Engel said. “I am always blown away with the board, the individuals who donate their time, the hours spent at the booth and the lives they’ve touched.”

Danny & Ron’s Rescue is completely donor-funded, fueled by a community of supporters who believe in the mission. Every contribution, large or small, helps save lives, bring comfort and create forever families.

To learn more about how you can help or to adopt a dog yourself, visit www.dannyronsrescue.org.