Adequan Global Dressage Festival A Proving Ground For Olympians And Up-And-Coming Athletes

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) has grown steadily since its inception in 2012, developing into a world-class competition. Seventeen riders participating at the 2016 festival went on to represent their respective countries at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

With many success stories surrounding AGDF, the festival is sure to be a proving ground for upcoming championships, including the 2017 FEI World Cup Dressage Finals in Omaha, Neb., in late March.

The 2017 AGDF will take place once again at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium in Wellington, from Jan. 11 through March 26, 2017.

The circuit will be imperative for riders who want to gain scores for the World Cup finals, since the AGDF hosts four World Cup qualifying events. Starting in January, riders can also record qualifying scores for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games.

“We are proud to host such an important event for dressage riders from around the world,” said Thomas Baur, AGDF’s director of sport. “We see the performances increasing every year, but more than that, we see more and more great horses and riders entering the sport at the lower levels and enjoying dressage.”

For local spectators who want to enjoy dressage as well, everyone is welcome with free general admission. The special Friday Night Stars events, which happen every Friday during CDI events (with the exception of AGDF 8/Palm Beach Dressage Derby on Saturday, March 4), host the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class, where horses and riders compete to their own choreographed routine and music.

Friday Night Stars offers a fun evening of dressage and entertainment. Special musical acts, such a string quartet or the Yale a capella singing group, are sprinkled throughout dressage performances.

Visitors will get to see all four members of the U.S. Dressage Team, which recently won the bronze medal at the Olympics. Steffen Peters, Laura Graves, Allison Brock and Kasey Perry-Glass will compete for top honors at the 2017 AGDF.

Joining them is seven-time Olympian Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven of Sweden, as well as 2016 Olympians Belinda Trussell and Megan Lane of Canada, Yvonne Losos de Muniz of the Dominican Republic and Christian Zimmermann of Palestine.

Along with these 2016 Olympians are riders such as Christoph Koschel and Michael Klimke of Germany, along with other top riders from around the world.

Along with the four weeks of World Cup qualifying for CDI riders, there is the CDI 5* week that occurs Feb. 8-12, offering the highest-rated international competition in the world.

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby, a historic South Florida dressage competition, returns March 1-5 as the last FEI World Cup qualifier in North America before the finals.

On March 15-19 is the CDI 4*, and then countries will compete against each other during the finale week, March 22-26, at the CDIO 3*.

The FEI Nations Cup will welcome teams riding to see which country can claim top honors. Nations Cup competition has become hotly contested and a timely opportunity for countries from Central America and South America, as well as North America and Europe, to gain vital team experience and represent their home countries. It remains the only Nations Cup competition for dressage in the Western Hemisphere outside of championship events and is part of the FEI Nations Cup series.

The 2016 Paralympic Games were also hosted in Rio this summer, and thanks to two CPEDI 3* events at the AGDF, riders gained valuable experience in Florida before heading to South America.

Last year, the AGDF hosted U.S. Paralympic Team riders Roxanne Trunnell, Rebecca Hart, Margaret McIntosh and Angela Peavy, as well as Canadian Paralympians Ashley Gowanlock, Lauren Barwick and Robyn Andrews.

Para-dressage riders will return to AGDF in 2017 for two events, including a CPEDI 3* on Jan. 19-22 and on March 9-12.

“We are committed to making dressage special in the United States,” Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo said. “We want to showcase the sport and bring in new fans to appreciate the talent, strength and artistry of these athletes. We welcome everyone from South Florida to come and experience dressage.”

While international-level riders are the main attraction, the AGDF also hosts competitions for horses and riders of varying experience. The popular CDI and national competition for amateur riders will make its return for the 2017 circuit.

Classes for juniors, young riders, ponies and young horses are also offered and make the circuit one to which any rider can aspire.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Stadium is located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. To find out more about the 2017 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, and for a full schedule, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

New Flying Cow Polo Club Growing Strong In Wellington

By Deborah Welky

Veterinarian Dr. Richard “Doc” Fredericks of Cedar Croft Farm has been coming to Wellington since the 1980s, attending polo matches, practicing his own game and playing in and around the area as part of his Cedar Croft Polo Team. Last year, he decided to expand his reach with the creation of the Flying Cow Polo Club.

“He wanted to bring more friends and family down,” explained Robert Piacente, vice president of the club. “He wanted to get a club together, get his affiliation with the USPA and expand.”

Fredericks turned over his Rustic Ranches estate to the newly formed polo club, including its arena and practice area. Work is underway constructing a new barn.

“The snowbirds’ horses are beginning to be transported down from New York this month,” Piacente said. “The horses are kind of anxious. They’ve been playing all summer. So we have to give them some time to calm down and get settled in.”

More horses will continue to arrive until polo season kicks off, but Piacente is greatly anticipating the end of December, when the club holds its own first match. “Right after Christmas, we have a Santa Claus rally,” he explained. “It’s not an official public game. There’s no advertising, but we’ll have a small crowd for sure.”

Then things kick into high gear. Matches and tournaments will be played, lessons given, horses rented and stables full. Resident pros Cristian Vasquez and Horton Schwartz will be on hand to offer help and advice through hour-long private or group lessons and coached chukkers.

“We’re a rustic kind of club,” Piacente said. “We offer low-goal polo for the beginner, the weekend warrior and the fly-in. We attract some medium-goal players from other clubs as well. Although we keep a tent at IPC, we are more cowboy-oriented.”

Parking and grandstand seating are free for matches. VIP seating is $25 with food and wine included.

In 2017, the Flying Cow Polo Club will host its second Women’s Arena Polo Invitational — an event that was hugely popular in the club’s inaugural season.

This year, the club is introducing an umpires’ clinic and a youth polo program. Piacente is seeking sponsors for the youth program in order to keep tuition low.

“We teach kids ages 7 and up, with little or no riding experience, how to take care of horses, about the game of polo, teamwork and riding,” Piacente said. “We try to do this at little or no cost to the student.”

The club does not require membership to play, but expects to double its membership rosters within the next 12 months. Chukkers, riding, practice and stick-and-ball are free to members, who must also register with the United States Polo Association. Match fees are reasonable, and there’s a clubhouse with a pool.

For the Flying Cow Polo Club, plans for the future include deciding whether to designate a second house on the property as a guest house, or working with a polo travel company to offer it as a bed-and-breakfast.

Piacente projects strong growth, keeping with the club’s mission to bring the joys of polo to everyone.

To help sponsor the youth program, call (631) 897-9174. For more information about the club, visit www.flyingcowpc.com.

Imagination Leads The Way For Local Charities At 2017 GREAT CHARITY CHALLENGE

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

Heading into its eighth annual event, the Great Charity Challenge returns to Wellington during the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival on Saturday, Feb. 4 at 6 p.m. With fun and creative themes from super heroes to fairy tales, the event has brought thousands of people to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center to celebrate those who have dared to imagine a better community: the GCC sponsors, the riders donating their time and all those involved with the charitable organizations. To date, the event has distributed more than $9.2 million to hundreds of nonprofits in Palm Beach County.

Founded in 2010 by Equestrian Sport Productions CEO Mark Bellissimo and his daughter Paige, the Great Charity Challenge has seen the equestrian community take charitable giving to a new level. The event has impacted thousands of lives through its unique equestrian competition, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated directly to Palm Beach County charities.

While many organizations are supported and funded via the community, the GCC fills a true need to cover operating expenses; expenses that donors often shy away from supporting. A homeless shelter needs new windows. A food pantry needs a vehicle to reach hundreds of clients every week. An organization needs operating costs to help foster children. These are a few examples of the ways that the event enables Palm Beach County charities to better serve the community.

“As always, my daughter Paige and I, along with the many generous families and companies that contribute to this charitable evening, look forward to this great event each year,” Bellissimo said. “This eighth year marks a milestone; as of Feb. 4, 2017, we will have officially surpassed the $10 million donation mark. Our theme of ‘animated characters’ is a perfect fit to acknowledge those who imagine a better community. This event is truly the legacy of the Winter Equestrian Festival and the sponsors involved.”

Friends of Foster Children, an organization that provides services to foster and adoptive children in Palm Beach County, was one of the recipients from last year’s GCC.

“The winnings from the GCC will be used for operating costs to sustain our agency,” Chief Executive Officer Wendy Tippett said. “Operating costs are difficult to come by in the nonprofit arena, and the ability to utilize these dollars for those costs ensures that Friends of Foster Children will be in existence another year and able to provide continued services to the more than 1,700 children in foster care in Palm Beach County.”

The Homeless Coalition of Palm Beach County secured $75,000 through the 2016 GCC, which enabled them to provide permanent housing and end the homelessness of 33 families to date. “Last year we were able to help 107 families, and with this additional funding, we will be able to help even more this year,” Executive Director Marilyn Munoz said.

The George Snow Scholarship Fund, winner of the 2016 GCC, was recognized in 2015 as the National Scholarship Providers Association’s “Scholarship Provider of the Year.” The money received from the GCC went straight to work to benefit the scholarship fund, endowment fund, the young people served with financial assistance and an array of scholar support services designed to improve scholars’ college experience and maximize graduation rates.

“A major added benefit of the GCC’s contribution to the endowment was that it put our organization over a preset benchmark, which triggered an additional $100,000 contribution from one of our donors, who had created a challenge grant to benefit the Snow Education Endowment. This essentially meant a total benefit of $250,000,” President Tim Snow said.

A full list of charities that have benefitted from the Great Charity Challenge since its debut in 2010 can be found at www.greatcharitychallenge.com.

“We are very excited to have our very own event mascot join us this year; a mini horse that we rescued last fall named Starsky,” GCC co-founder Paige Bellissimo said. “We will be visiting some of the involved charitable organizations to raise awareness of the diverse groups the event impacts in the upcoming months. We are very grateful for our rider teams, sponsors and partners who support the effort.”

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

For the latest event information and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharity challenge.com and follow the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greatcharitychallenge.

GAME ON!

Exciting Season On Tap For 2017 At The International Polo Club Palm Beach

For many households during the Wellington winter season, the morning drill is the same: wake up, put on a pot of coffee and call the International Polo Club Palm Beach’s high-goal polo hotline to find out what is happening that day. Every Sunday, and often on weekdays — even on holidays — it’s game on at IPC. In 2017, IPC will host 17 weeks of the world’s most exciting polo, starting on New Year’s Day.

It is indeed a new year for polo in Wellington. IPC was purchased at the end of the 2016 high-goal polo season by a new partnership headed by Mark Bellissimo. Players and spectators alike will see an enhanced polo experience this season, with major improvements made to the fields. Special attention was given to upgrading the stadium field, where Sunday’s featured matches are held.

“We are confident that it will be an exciting season,” said Bellissimo, underscoring his commitment to preserving and advancing polo in Wellington. “We are going to ensure that polo at IPC continues long into the future.”

Bellissimo added that his partnership plans to make more significant investments into the polo venue after the 2017 season.

Spanning nearly 250 acres, IPC is the largest and most spectator-friendly polo facility in the United States. It attracts the megastars of polo, including the renowned Adolfo Cambiaso of Argentina, the top player in the world. Most years, IPC is the only place in the United States where fans can watch Cambiaso in action. He and other elite players pilot polo ponies at speeds that can reach 35 miles per hour across a sweeping field that dwarfs the size of a football field.

Polo matches at IPC are open to the public, with a wide range of seating options, including elegant grandstand viewing, field tailgating, bleachers and stadium seating overlooking the main field, known as Field 1.

Spectators hail from around the globe, including Europe, South America, South Africa and Canada. They find a welcoming environment that encourages spectator involvement. On Sundays, crowds pour from the grandstand and sidelines during halftime for the traditional “divot stomp,” when everyone is invited onto the field to step on tufts of turf unearthed by the horses’ hooves. It’s more for fun than necessity, since the fields are professionally groomed during in the game. At most Sunday divot stomps, spectators enjoy complimentary refreshments while they mingle with celebrities and see head-turning fashion.

Whether one prefers a low-key match on the backfields during the week or Sunday’s 3 p.m. featured stadium game, IPC offers options for all levels of polo enthusiasts. At weekday games, which are free to the public, spectators bring lunch or purchase food from vendors and watch from their tailgates. During the week and on some Saturdays, famous players watch from the sidelines, casually mingling with the public.

Created with players and spectators in mind, IPC includes eight state-of-the-art playing fields. They can accommodate multiple games simultaneously, ensuring that the action continues from the first to the last game of the day.

Unlike some equestrian sports, polo is not difficult to understand. Envision a hockey game on horseback, with four players on each team. One team wins; the other loses. The game is scored objectively — either the ball goes through the goal posts or it doesn’t. Expert commentary is broadcast field side at every match, and the announcer explains the action so spectators can fully understand and enjoy the game.

A special event traditionally held Valentine’s Day weekend is the 40-goal Polo for a Purpose charity match. The event raises money for the Polo Players Support Group, which provides financial and other assistance to seriously ill or injured players, grooms and other members of the polo community. This exhibition game features the pinnacle of polo in the United States and attracts legends of the sport, many of whom have held the sport’s highest rating of 10 goals.

The 2017 polo season will open with IPC’s series of 20-goal tournaments: the Herbie Pennell Cup (Dec. 28, 2016 through Jan. 1, 2017); the Joe Barry Cup (Jan. 4-22); the Ylvisaker Cup (Jan. 25 – Feb. 19) and the Iglehart Cup (Feb. 22 – March 4).

In keeping with tradition, IPC will then host the nation’s three most prestigious 26-goal polo tournaments: the United States Polo Association (USPA) C.V. Whitney Cup (Feb. 22 – March 5), the USPA Gold Cup (March 5-26) and the 113th U.S. Open Polo Championship (March 29 – April 23).

The 2017 season concludes with the 113th U.S. Open final on April 23, capping the most prestigious polo competition in the country. Last season’s final was a true nail-biter. Steve Van Andel’s Orchard Hill team won its first-ever U.S. Open. Orchard Hill will be back this year to defend the title.

IPC is located at 3667 120th Avenue South in Wellington. For tickets and additional information, visit www.international poloclub.com or call (561) 204-5687. The high-goal polo hotline, which is updated throughout the day in the case of field changes or rescheduled games, can be reached at (561) 282-5290.

Jim Brandon Equestrian Center Features Events For All Riding Levels

Just east of Florida’s Turnpike, located in Okeeheelee Park South, is a 111-acre world class equestrian showplace called the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, operated by the Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation Department.

There’s something for everyone, be it a seasoned competitor, a recreational rider or someone new to equestrian sports. The facility is a high-quality, competitive and affordable venue that offers a wide array of shows for all levels.

There are six rings and lighted arenas, a lunge ring, vendor areas and two barns with 128 matted stalls featuring water, electricity, sliding doors, permanent lights and a fire sprinkler system. There is also an area for temporary barns, covered manure receptacles, covered wash racks, a concession building, an announcer building, an air-conditioned show management office with desks and phones, wireless availability, three restroom buildings and plenty of parking for horse trailers.

Events include rated and unrated competitions. While the 2017 schedule has yet to be finalized, it is sure to include Western events, 4-H events and clinics, often including night and weekday events along with weekend activities. The facility is the permanent home of the Palm Beach County Mounted Posse, which stages monthly shows at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Additional shows last year included the NVHA Barrel Show, the Mark Wonderly Hunter/Jumper Show, the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, the College Preparatory Invitational Show and more.

The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is available for rent, along with two jump courses and three dressage arenas. There’s an open riding area available from dawn until 8 p.m. with two lighted arenas, wash racks, a shade pavilion and a picnic area available for general use. Trails are available from dawn until one hour before sunset. This area is available to the public for free 365 days a year.

The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located at 7500 Forest Hill Blvd., just east of Florida’s Turnpike. For more information, call (561) 966-7090.

Jump Into The Excitement At The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center During The Winter Equestrian Festival

Special events such as the Saturday Night Lights series at the Winter Equestrian Festival are what South Florida locals have come to know and enjoy at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Many may not know, however, that the facility is open for spectators to experience every Wednesday through Sunday during the winter circuit.

The 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival will welcome the world’s best horses and riders once again to the show grounds in Wellington from Wednesday, Jan. 11 through Sunday, April 2. Managed by Equestrian Sport Productions, the 12-week circuit hosts international, Olympic-level show jumping every week, along with divisions for every level of horse and rider, from walk trot to grand prix.

“Every year, we try to find ways to make the competitor and spectator experience better at PBIEC,” said Mark Bellissimo, CEO of Equestrian Sport Productions. “We expect to see more of the best show jumping competition in the world, and we want everyone in Palm Beach County and local areas to be able to enjoy their time here.”

WEF is the largest and longest-running circuit in equestrian sports, with riders from 33 countries and all 50 U.S. states represented. The 12-week series hosts the nation’s premier events for children, juniors, adults and amateurs, as well as for riders ages 2 to 70 in more than 70 unique divisions of competition taking place in 18 competition arenas, including the largest covered arena in the world. More than 6,500 horses will compete during the 12 weeks.

Saturday Night Lights takes place every week in the International Arena, the main competition ring at PBIEC. It is surrounded on two sides by general admission seating that is open and free to the public.

Along one side of the ring is the Special Events Pavilion, where suites are available for purchase by groups of up to 22 people. The suites offer the perfect way to enjoy the horse show with family and friends while partaking in a delicious buffet dinner and bar. Sipping wine or a cocktail in your private booth is an amazing way to enjoy the WEF experience.

Families are always welcome at PBIEC. Kids can come out anytime to see the horses, and on Saturday nights there is a kids’ fair, which features the iconic Venetian carousel, bounce houses, face painting, magicians, a petting zoo and more. A variety of food vendors, including pizza, tacos, kettle corn, crepes and more, are also available. Those making it a night out without kids can enjoy margaritas from Tito’s Tacos or beer at the Tiki Hut.

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

Shopping during the days or on Saturday nights is a great opportunity to find the perfect gift. The vendor boutiques offer fashions for men, women and children, jewelry, home design, fine art, photography, horseware and more. The showgrounds also offers the WEF Boutique, located on the South Bridge deck overlooking the International Arena, and in Vendor Village. There, visitors can find signature WEF clothing, posters or souvenirs.

The popular Lunch & Tour is available for groups that want to see behind the scenes at the world-renowned equestrian competition. Visit vendors, tour the stables and see the various venues that PBIEC has to offer, followed by a catered lunch with your group. The tour is both exciting and informative, and offers a chance to catch a glimpse of many of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games riders, who will be on the grounds practicing and competing.

Starting out the season with a bang will be the popular Battle of the Sexes competition. Even people who don’t know horse sports can cheer on the women versus the men in team competition on Saturday, Jan. 15. Be sure to wear pink or blue to show your support!

As the preeminent equestrian competition in the United States, WEF hosts four weeks of the highest-level shows in the world, called CSI 5* or “five-star” competitions. Only the best of the best qualify for 5* Saturday night grand prix classes, which will be held this year on Feb. 11, Feb. 25, March 11 and March 25. The prestigious $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* will be held on Saturday, March 25.

Those who want to cheer on the U.S. team will have their chance on Friday, March 3, when the FEI Nations Cup is staged. Teams of four riders from countries including Canada, Ireland, Mexico and Colombia will go up against the U.S. to see whose flag is raised as the victor.

The Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, an exciting pro-am show jumping event, will be held for the eighth year on Saturday, Feb. 4. The event has raised more than $9.2 million for more than 200 Palm Beach County charities over the past seven years, becoming the largest single-day net charitable event in the State of Florida. This year’s theme is “Animated Movies,” encouraging spectators to dress up and come cheer on teams and their favorite charities.

Equestrian Sport Productions has made significant upgrades this year to the footing in the competition arenas, including an improved drainage system and a complete installation of the newest technology in footing material.

“We want to ensure that this facility and its surrounding amenities continue to match the caliber of riders we host during the Winter Equestrian Festival season,” Bellissimo said.

Come join the fun and excitement at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center this season. To learn more, call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.pbiec.com.

ROLEX CENTRAL PARK HORSE SHOW

Third Annual NYC Event Draws A Crowd

The Rolex Central Park Horse Show hosted five days of multi-discipline equestrian sport in the heart of New York City from Sept. 21 through Sept. 25, with top competition and many remarkable moments.

Held in Central Park’s Wollman Rink, the third annual event featured four unique disciplines of U.S. Open equestrian competition, including Arabians, hunters, jumpers and dressage, as well as many popular exhibitions.

The week kicked off with the second annual Arabian U.S. Open, presented by Aljassimya Farm, on Wednesday evening and showcased the beauty, athleticism and diversity of the Arabian breed in both mounted and halter classes.

Thursday evening featured the $40,000 U.S. Open Canadian Pacific FEI Speed Class with a win for McLain Ward aboard HH Carlos Z, as well as the $50,000 Engel & Völkers Puissance, where Ward and Andrew Kocher tied for victory after they both cleared six feet, three inches but could not keep the jump up at six feet, nine inches.

Wellington’s own Jimmy Torano jumped to an exciting victory in the $216,000 U.S. Open FEI Grand Prix CSI 3*, presented by Rolex, on Friday night. Other jumper competition included Thursday’s $25,000 U.S. Open Hollow Creek Farm Under 25 FEI Grand Prix with a win for Daniel Coyle aboard Fortis Fortuna. Friday’s $5,000 Junior/Amateur 1.20m Jumper Speed Class saw a win for Alexandra Crown and Basic.

Irish Olympians Judy Reynolds and Vancouver K dominated dressage at the 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show, winning both Friday’s U.S. Open FEI Dressage Grand Prix CDI 4* and Saturday night’s $75,000 U.S. Open FEI Dressage Freestyle CDI 4*, each presented by Axel Johnson.

Hunter competition was also featured, with a win for Kelley Farmer aboard Nina Moore’s Kodachrome in the feature $50,000 Duchossois Cup, presented by the Gochman family. The $2,500 Junior/Amateur-Owner Hunter Classic saw a win for Mindy Coretz riding Eighteen Acres Farm’s Happy Hour, and the $1,000 Pony Hunter Classic was won by Zola Thompson riding Robin Greenwood’s Elegance.

Other festivities included a special freestyle demonstration from three-time British Olympic gold medalist Charlotte Dujardin and Valegro, appearances by Frederik the Great, known as “the World’s Most Handsome Horse,” and a ceremony honoring the U.S. Dressage Team Olympic bronze medalists, U.S. Show Jumping Team Olympic silver medalists and Phillip Dutton, Olympic individual bronze medalist. The show concluded with a free general admission family day with activities such as pony rides, face painting and a show hunter presentation.

Following the theme of promoting horses in New York City, International Equestrian Group made donations to six local charities in honor of the Rolex Central Park Horse Show. Charities included the Central Park Conservancy, the City Parks Foundation, GallopNYC, Mini Horse Heroes, the NYC Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Auxiliary Unit and the Police Athletic League.

The 2016 Rolex Central Park Horse Show was something that many equestrian fans, supporters and athletes will remember for years to come.

Visit www.centralparkhorseshow.com to learn more.

Supporting The Boys & Girls Club A Passion For Polo Star Nic Roldan

By Julie Unger

Polo star Nic Roldan is chairing the 35th annual Wellington Golf Tournament to benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club, which will take place at the Wanderers Club on Sunday, Nov. 13.

Originally scheduled for early in October, the event was rescheduled due to Hurricane Matthew. It will get underway with an 8:30 a.m. shotgun start, followed by a silent auction and an awards luncheon. In addition to special activities throughout the day, club members will give a special performance.

Roldan is joined by Honorary Chairman Ed Portman. Committee members include Todd Barron, Jim Bomar, Elliot Bonner, John Hornberger, Julie Kime, Ray Mooney and Mickey Smith.

“When Ray approached me to be the chair, I wasn’t going to say no, because I love what they do,” said Roldan, whose work with the local Boys & Girls Club goes far beyond just chairing the tournament.

Roldan grew up playing polo in Wellington and would often visit the Boys & Girls Club at its previous location amid the polo fields of southern Wellington.

“I’ve seen the Boys & Girls Club grow. I’ve seen what it does. Now I get to be a part of it, support it and help the kids who need it,” he said. “If I can use my name and my resources to help the Boys & Girls Club, I’m going to do it.”

Maria Curreri, marketing director for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, couldn’t be happier that Roldan is chairing this year’s event.

“We’re thrilled. Nic has been a big supporter of our organization for a number of years,” she said. “He has donated his time to visit the Wellington club and interact with the kids. He has been instrumental for our organization to network within the polo community.”

Roldan has attended numerous Boys & Girls Club events, such as the Wellington Dinner Dance, often inviting along his friends and colleagues, who also visit the club, particularly before Great Futures Polo Day, the club’s annual polo-themed fundraiser.

The golf tournament helps the club raise money to defray the costs of serving hundreds of local children. The membership fee per child is only $30, however, it costs approximately $1,500 per child for the programs offered at the club, emphasizing educational, recreational, health, social, vocational, leadership and character-building skills. The golf tournament is a crucial part of the fundraising efforts to support club programs.

When Roldan and other polo players visit the club, Curreri said, the children don’t see them as world-famous players. They see adults who care.

“What it means to the kids is that he cares. When he comes to the club and he spends time with the kids, he truly cares about the kids,” she said. “He spends time with them. He plays with them. He helps them with their homework. He’s a mentor for the kids.”

Visits are always a fun time for both the players and the children. At a recent visit, club members helped teach Roldan one of the dances they were learning.

“It means a lot to the kids when they have people like him who come in to show their support,” Curreri said. “To them, he is no different than any other adult who cares and donates their time and spends time to support them.”

Roldan said he enjoys visiting with the children, even if he hasn’t been able to spend as much time at the club as he’d like, due to his hectic schedule.

“We’ve done a couple of visits where we’ve gone and met the kids, played with them and entertained them. It’s fun. It’s a lot of fun,” he said.

Events such as the golf tournament are all about raising money for a good cause. Roldan said he does it for the club, rather than recognition.

“It supports and helps the underprivileged kids. They need it, and we have the resources to be able to help them,” he said, crediting sponsor and fellow polo aficionado Neil Hirsch for his ongoing support for the Boys & Girls Club.

For Roldan, it’s quite simple. He can help, so he does.

“It’s my hometown. It’s something that feels particularly close to me and close to my family and friends,” he said. “It’s home base… Anything I can do to help, I’m in full support.”

Wellington, he explained, is sort of like a bubble, where people don’t always see the children who need help. “We have the resources to help them,” he said.

He also enjoys taking part in the golf tournament itself.

“The last couple of years that I’ve played the golf tournament, it has been a huge success,” Roldan said. “It’s something fun, and it brings everyone out. We’re doing something for a good cause.”

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, or how to participate, call (561) 683-3287 or e-mail cgalenski@bgcpbc.org. To learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, visit www.bgcpbc.org or www.facebook.com/bgcpbc.

U.S. Paralympians Rebecca Hart And Angela Peavy Enjoy The Ride To Rio

By Annan Hepner

Before Rebecca Hart and Angela “Annie” Peavy trotted down centerline in Rio de Janeiro, their journey leading up to the Paralympic Games required years of commitment, training and determination.

Hart was born with familial spastic paraplegia, and Peavy suffered a stroke prior to birth that left her paralyzed on her left side. Both began riding horses at a young age, and they became determined to join the growing sport of para-equestrian dressage. While they worked to achieve near perfection in their eight minutes in the spotlight at the Deodoro Olympic Equestrian Centre, their support network played a vital role in their success leading up to the 2016 Rio Paralympic Games.

“2016 has been a special year, and the games in Rio have been the main highlight,” explained Hart, a three-time Paralympian. “A lot of time and effort was spent to qualify, and to have everything come to fruition and to reach our goals was very exciting for me.”

Hart and her horse Schroeter’s Romani, owned by Hart in conjunction with Margaret Duprey, Cherry Knoll Farm, Barbara Summer, and William and Sandy Kimmel, have had an exciting career together over the past two years with top finishes around the world. In January, at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Hart was the Grade II individual champion and team gold medalist at the CPEDI3*. The pair also traveled to Europe to gain more experience, and they placed first in the Grade II Individual Test at the CPEDI3* in Deauville, France.

Hart has had a standout career as a para-equestrian for the United States. She is a seven-time national champion and has represented the U.S. in two World Equestrian Games and three Paralympics. As an international competitor, Hart attributes her success to the strong support team made up of Cherry Knoll Farm’s Margaret Duprey and her trainer, Todd Flettrich, who are with her every step of the way.

“I have really developed as a rider working with Todd over the past two years, and he has been paramount in creating a training program for me,” Hart said. “Margaret has been to all of my qualifiers in Florida and was cheering me on at the games as well. It was so important for me to have them both in Rio, and I am forever grateful for their belief in me. It would not have been possible without them.”

Young rider Peavy has also enjoyed a successful year leading up to the Paralympic Games on her 14-year-old Hanoverian gelding Lancelot Warrior. She was the Grade III individual champion at the CPEDI3* in Wellington and earned top placings in France over the summer. She splits her time between Connecticut and Wellington, training for the past four years with Heather Blitz.

“Wellington has competitive shows and a large international-level atmosphere, which really helped us prepare for Rio,” Peavy explained. “When you live in Wellington, you have the opportunity to watch and meet top riders from around the world.”

Hart also enjoys being a Wellington resident after moving here more than a year ago. She spends her days working as a Starbucks barista before heading to the barn to train. She has focused on creating a solid partnership with her Danish Warmblood mare, as well as raising their expectations in the show ring.

As Team USA’s anchor rider and the team member with the most experience, Hart had significant pressure on her to lead the way. She began her Rio Paralympic Games with a fifth-place finish in the Grade ll Team Test with a score of 69.914 percent, and went on to place ninth in the individual championships with a score of 67.714 percent. Her combined score qualified her as the only U.S. para-equestrian to move on to the final freestyle day of competition. In the very contested Grade II division, Hart and Romani finished their freestyle in seventh place with a score of 67.650 percent.

“Though it was unfortunate that we didn’t leave Rio with the gold medal results we had dreamed of, I am very proud of Rebecca and Romani,” said Flettrich, a London Olympic U.S. dressage alternate and Hart’s trainer. “I wake up every day feeling honored that I have this team in my life. You have to love the journey together.”

Duprey has enjoyed her eight-year friendship with Hart, and she is inspired by Hart’s grit, drive to win and her tenacity to not let her disability hold her back.

“To watch Rebecca go down the centerline in Rio — it gave me chills,” Duprey said. “It was what we have all been working toward, and to watch her compete all three days was very exciting. Todd and I are part of the village that makes it successful. It’s always thrilling to represent your country, whether you are a rider, trainer or owner. It is an honor, even though it’s a lot of hard work to get there.”

Peavy enjoyed her Paralympic debut, and she rode Lancelot Warrior to a sixth-place finish with a 68.974 percent in the Grade III team test. In the individual championship, she earned an eighth-place finish on a score of 68.585 percent.

“It was a great first games for me, and it is an honor to represent my country,” Peavy said. “Becca [Hart] has competed in multiple Paralympics, and she was so supportive showing me the ropes. I felt confident going into the competition ring in Rio because we knew our job, and Lancelot is always focused on me. I had excitement nerves being there!”

After settling back into their routine in the United States, Hart and Peavy have been busy traveling across the country. They enjoyed touring the White House with their U.S. Paralympic teammates, meeting President Barack Obama and reminiscing on their experiences in Brazil with other Team USA Olympians. Hart has also visited college campuses and the Women’s Sports Foundation to give motivational speeches and promote her sport.

“The Paralympics in Rio was a wonderful experience with everyone on my team,” Hart said. “I am so thankful for the United States Equestrian Team Foundation, the United States Equestrian Federation and my groom Fernando Ortega for their dedication and hard work behind-the-scenes. They are an invaluable part of this sport!”