Master Saddler Kate Ballard Helps Riders Get The Perfect Fit

By Fiona Slusarev

For equestrians, no other piece of tack is quite as important as their saddle. It is vital that it fits both rider and horse to prevent injury and allow everyone to perform at their best. However, getting a correctly fitted saddle is a perennial issue for riders across all equestrian disciplines.

Kate Ballard of WestHill & Son Saddlery is one of only two master saddlers registered with Britain’s Society of Master Saddlers working in the United States, and she is the only woman in the country with traditional British qualifications to design and craft bespoke saddles by hand. Starting her training at age 15, she now makes custom tack at her Loxahatchee workshop.

“I’ve wanted to make saddles since I was 11 years old,” Ballard recalled. “I remember writing my French essays at school — they were all about saddle making.”

Ballard apprenticed with a master saddler in Suffolk, England, before training at Cordwainers Technical College in London for three more years. She not only studied saddle making but also learned the biomechanics of horse and rider, the muscular system and skeletal frame of the horse, bridle making, harness making and lorinery. Lorinery is considered a heritage craft in the United Kingdom and consists of making all the metal components used on the horse, including bits, buckles and stirrups.

Her studies at Cordwainers were followed by a four-year apprenticeship with master saddler and harness maker Geoff Dean, for a total of nine years of education. She was requested to create ceremonial saddlery for the King’s Troops, to be presented at the Royal Tournament, Earls Court, London by Princess Anne. Ballard was also chosen for the Prince of Wales Award for Rural Craft and invited to St. James’s Palace to receive the honor from then Prince Charles, now King Charles III.

Ballard came to the United States in 2002 after her highly successful career in England, into a void of professional saddlers. “America is starved for saddlers and saddle fitters. There isn’t anywhere in the United States where you can get the education that I was lucky enough to have,” Ballard said.

That education is what separates her from saddle fitter representatives from the big tack brands, who often only have a few weeks of training.

This is what keeps Ballard fitting three to six horses per day. With her experience in leather crafts, combined with her knowledge of horse and rider physiology, she is able to make truly custom tack to fit niche needs. She even dabbles outside the equestrian sphere with other leather items.

“I’ve done incredibly specific saddles for para-riders, each saddle completely unique to that horse and rider,” she said. “I’ve covered driving shafts in patent leather, made bonnet straps for old classic cars, gun holsters, leather boxes, all sorts of leather goods, and made-to-measure bridles.”

From consulting for the para-dressage Olympic team, to making completely bespoke bridles, Ballard is well versed. She also provides some clarity on the perpetual wool versus foam panel debate. Ballard is unquestioningly in favor of wool, which allows her to easily make adjustments as needed. It is not a question of if the horse changes, she said, it is a question of when the horse changes.

“The only reason foam panels exist is because, when saddles were produced years and years ago for the American market, there weren’t saddlers here to make frequent adjustments. That’s different now,” Ballard explained.

Foam panels mean that the customer has to ship the saddle back to the manufacturer and lose it for weeks at a time while it is completely redone to correct the fit. Ballard, however, can adjust wool flocking in an hour at the stables. Which is important, since saddle fit must be checked “twice a year minimum,” Ballard stressed. “It doesn’t matter if the horse is 3 or 33.”

Corrective padding can be another point of stress for the rider. If the saddle itself isn’t a perfect fit, how can it be corrected? With so many options — half-pads, riser pads, shims, new gel-pads and more — it’s hard to know what is actually going to help the horse. For Ballard, corrective pads are not a final answer:

“There is a time and place for pads; most are absolutely useless. If it’s needed, it’s not a long-term solution,” she said.

When investing in a saddle, riders might be tempted to put their fit above that of their horses. Perhaps a saddle is a perfect fit for you and within budget, but isn’t a complete match for your horse. However, Ballard said, the horse should come first. “The saddle has to fit the horse for maximum performance,” she explained.

While Ballard holds the horse’s fit paramount, she acknowledged that if the saddle is not fit to the rider, some issues, like imbalance, can transfer back to the horse. “The saddle is designed to put you in a certain place, and it can create chaos if it’s incorrect,” she said.

All equestrians know a horse that is “hard to fit.” Perhaps a little too high in the withers, wide at the shoulders or long in the back. Whatever the reason, Ballard hears this complaint all the time. She credits this issue, not to the confirmation of the individual horse, but to industry standards that haven’t kept up with changing sporthorse measurements.

“Over the last 7, 10 even 15 years, breeding has changed horses significantly, affecting back shape, so saddle design needs to evolve alongside those changes,” Ballard explained.

Ballard is also educating professionals in other equestrian fields on the very basics of saddlery. For experts in various horse care careers, such as veterinarians, chiropractors and bodyworkers, understanding and recognizing an incorrectly fit saddle can be a pivotal part in treating an issue.

“We all play a part in these horses’ lives, and if I can help other professionals, it’s ultimately better for the horse,” said Ballard, who offers a one-day class for these professionals, as well as a two-day class for aspiring saddlers. She is not teaching how to fit a saddle in a day, but rather providing insight into understanding the complete picture of the horse.

Even though Ballard has worked fitting saddles for more than 35 years, it seems the job hasn’t gotten old yet. Starting out as a child in pony club, then fox hunting, eventing and show jumping, and now a retiree from riding, she still holds a great deal of admiration for horses and riders.

“I love what I do. I’m addicted to it. I am so lucky to have had the education I had,” Ballard said. “One of the best feelings is seeing the horse and rider connect in harmony because the horse can move uninhibited and the rider can stay in balance.”

For more information about Kate Ballard and WestHill & Son Saddlery, visit www.westhillandson.com.

USET Foundation’s Aachen Benefit Gala Raises $1.2 Million

Story by Jennifer Ward/Jump Media  |  Photos by Luxeciné

The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation’s “Aachen” benefit gala raised nearly $1.2 million in support of U.S. equestrian sport ahead of the 2026 World Championships in Aachen, Germany.

Held on Friday, Jan. 16, at ROasis Riding Oasis in Wellington, the event brought together members of the equestrian and philanthropic communities for an evening dedicated to advancing and honoring U.S. excellence on horse sport’s greatest international stages.

Hosted by USET Foundation Trustee Rowan O’Riley, guests enjoyed a night of celebration that included an authentic German-themed cocktail hour, dinner, dancing and a highly anticipated live auction, with proceeds directly benefiting the USET Foundation’s mission to provide critical resources for US Equestrian’s High Performance Programs and U.S. equestrian athletes and horses.

The benefit’s live auction featured an exclusive lineup of sought-after experiences and one-of-a-kind items that garnered enthusiastic bids in support of U.S. equestrian teams. A standout moment was the bidding for a stay at the luxury Mexican retreat Casa de Casas, donated by the Casas family, which was sold twice, generating significant excitement among the attendees. A signed Fender guitar donated by Bruce Springsteen and Patti Scialfa also drew spirited bidding and added to the night’s celebratory momentum.

“Sustaining competitive excellence at the highest levels of equestrian sport requires hard work, unwavering commitment and meaningful resources,” USET Foundation Chairman, President & CEO Kristi Mitchem said. “Unlike many other countries, the United States does not receive government funding for equestrian sport. Our teams rely largely on support from the USET Foundation and our dedicated donors. We are tremendously grateful for the generosity shown at this year’s benefit, which raised nearly $1.2 million for the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen and U.S. equestrian programs.”

The USET Foundation’s prestigious annual awards were also presented during the gala. Akiko Yamazaki, a committed champion of the USET Foundation for almost two decades, was presented with the R. Bruce Duchossois Distinguished Trustee Award. She has served as a USET Foundation trustee since 2010 and was elected an officer of the board in 2019. She is also co-chair of the USET Foundation’s “Pathway to the Podium” campaign, helping to lead the foundation as the United States prepares to host the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Show jumping athlete and Wellington resident Lillie Keenan was awarded the Whitney Stone Cup. Presented annually, the Whitney Stone Cup acknowledges an active competitor whose consistent excellence in international competition and sportsmanlike conduct exemplify the USET Foundation’s highest ideals and traditions.

Eventing athlete Cassie Sanger received the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy, awarded annually to a junior or young rider in an Olympic discipline who exemplifies the U.S. Equestrian Team’s ideals of sportsmanship and horsemanship. Sanger, 21, had an impressive 2025 season, stepping up to the five-star level, where she enjoyed strong performances riding Redfield Fyre.

In addition to supporting the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, funds also support the USEF High Performance Programs and elite athletes and horses, including developing athletes through USEF High Performance Pathway initiatives and international programs that help identify, develop and prepare future team talent.

The USET Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of the U.S.’s elite and developing international equestrian athletes and horses in partnership with the USEF.

For more information, or to support the USET Foundation and U.S. equestrian athletes and horses, visit www.uset.org/donate.

Palm Beach Dramaworks Announces Exciting 2026-27 Season

By Sheryl Flatow

World premieres. Co-productions. A luminous, thought-provoking musical. An absurdist classic. A contemporary play that should be more widely known. These are the colors of Palm Beach Dramaworks’ exciting 2026-27 season, which features five disparate plays that together provide a microcosm of the company’s mission: a commitment to producing classic, contemporary and world premiere plays that entertain, enlighten, stimulate discussion and illuminate our shared humanity.

It is a mission guided by the spirit of the original regional theater movement, which was created as an alternative to the artistic restraints and commercial necessities of Broadway; by the desire to bring quality professional theater to communities throughout the country, nurture local talent, cultivate new audiences and become integral to the cultural fabric; by the opportunity to explore and experiment and develop new, thought-provoking and unconventional work, while also showcasing some of the great plays of the past.

Palm Beach Dramaworks’ 2026-27 season opens on Oct. 9 with the world premiere of Alejandro Rodriguez’s Alba, which is inspired by Federico García Lorca’s La Casa de Bernarda Alba and was part of the 2025 Perlberg Festival of New Plays. Alba is followed, on Dec. 9, with the second world premiere of the season, Jennifer Maisel’s Provenance (rights pending), which will be a co-production with the Asolo Repertory Theatre in Sarasota. This unique play, about the life of a painting, was initially seen by PBD audiences during the 2026 Perlberg Festival of New Plays. Next up, opening Feb. 12, is the romantic and deeply moving The Light in the Piazza, written by Craig Lucas (book) and Adam Guettel (music and lyrics). Winner of numerous Tony Awards, the musical will be a co-production with the Riverside Theatre in Vero Beach. Moving from the sublime to the absurd, Harold Pinter’s The Birthday Party, a classic comedy of menace, opens April 2. Closing out the season will be Richard Strand’s Ben Butler, which opens on May 21. This very funny comedy is inspired by an event in the life of a historical figure who will likely be unfamiliar to most audiences on the way in, but unforgettable on the way out.

“The 2026-27 season really does epitomize who we are, and is also an indicator of our continuing evolution,” Producing Artistic Director William Hayes said. “For some time now, we’ve been exploring the possibility of doing co-productions with other theater companies. We’ve done a few in the recent past, but we’ve come to believe that collaboration is the wave of the future — and not simply for the financial advantages. They will be the exception, not the rule, but when you work with other respected institutions, you learn from each other, discover new ideas and develop more resources. You make new connections, open new doors, build name recognition and expand your audience. We’re excited by the possibilities.”

Also featured is a special, limited-engagement event.

“Bringing in major talent to share their special gifts is another way of expanding our vision,” Hayes said, “which is one of the reasons we’re so delighted to be presenting internationally renowned artist Hershey Felder for a limited engagement.”

Felder, who has been called “a world-class singular artist” by American Theatre magazine, brings his newest and most personal show, The Piano & Me, to PBD on Oct. 30.

Seasonal subscriptions are on sale now. Although The Piano & Me will be performed shortly after the closing of Alba, it is not part of PBD’s subscription season. However, subscribers have the opportunity to add the show at an exclusive rate.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is a professional, nonprofit theater company founded in 2000 and located in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Each season, the award-winning company produces five shows and offers a wide variety of programs for students at the theater and in schools. Committed to fostering the future of theater, PBD has become a hub for playwrights in Florida and around the country to nurture their work through the Perlberg Festival of New Plays. PBD is a member of the Theatre Communications Group, the Florida Professional Theatre Association and the Cultural Council of Palm Beach County.

Evening performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Post-performance discussions follow Wednesday and Thursday matinees. There are a few differences in the schedule for Provenance due to the Christmas holiday. Check www.palmbeachdramaworks.org for dates.

Subscription packages are available for four or five plays. Most single tickets go on sale in July; tickets for The Light in the Piazza and Hershey Felder will go on sale separately. Individual tickets for all performances are $97, except for opening night of each production ($117) and previews ($77). Student tickets are available for $15 with a valid K-12 or university/college ID, and anyone under 40 pays $40 (no additional fees) with a photo ID. Tickets for educators and active military are half price with proper ID (other restrictions apply). Group rates are also available. All titles are subject to change.

Palm Beach Dramaworks is located at the Don & Ann Brown Theatre at 201 Clematis Street in the heart of downtown West Palm Beach. Tickets can be purchased through the box office, in person or by phone at (561) 514-4042, ext. 2, and online 24 hours a day at www.palmbeachdramaworks.org.

Saddle Up for Style, Sport and Philanthropy at Wellington’s Derby Party

By Shannon Anastasio

Wellington’s social season will once again reach a stylish crescendo this spring as community leaders, equestrian enthusiasts and philanthropists gather for one of the area’s most anticipated signature events — the annual Wellington Derby Party. Set for Saturday, May 2, this celebrated affair promises an unforgettable afternoon blending southern charm, world-class hospitality and meaningful community impact at the stunning Diamante Farms Dressage venue in Wellington.

Now firmly established as a hallmark fundraising tradition, the Derby Party captures the spirit and spectacle of America’s most iconic horse race while uniquely reflecting Wellington’s deep equestrian roots. Guests will step into an atmosphere inspired by classic Kentucky Derby elegance — where wide-brimmed hats, seersucker suits and vibrant spring fashion are not only encouraged but celebrated.

Few communities in the country embody equestrian excellence quite like Wellington, making the Derby Party a natural extension of the community’s identity. Hosted at the picturesque Diamante Farms Dressage facility, attendees will experience an environment that perfectly marries refined equestrian beauty with upscale sophistication. The venue’s expansive grounds and manicured surroundings provide an ideal backdrop for an event designed to feel both festive and elevated.

Doors open at 3 p.m., allowing guests time to mingle, explore and settle into the celebratory atmosphere before the excitement of race day festivities officially begin. From the moment guests arrive, the tone is set for an afternoon where sport, style and social connection intersect seamlessly.

At its heart, the Wellington Derby Party recreates the pageantry synonymous with Derby culture. Guests can expect the beloved traditions that make race day so memorable, like cheering for their favorite horses, enjoying signature mint juleps, and embracing the friendly competition and camaraderie that define the occasion.

Fashion plays a starring role. Attendees are encouraged to “crown the day with your fanciest hat,” transforming the event into a living showcase of creativity and personal style. From timeless Southern elegance to bold contemporary interpretations, the Derby Party has become known for its vibrant fashion moments and photo-worthy flair — all of which can be on display underneath the signature step and repeat banner.

Beyond the visual spectacle, the event offers immersive experiences designed to engage guests throughout the afternoon. The excitement builds alongside curated entertainment, social interaction and opportunities for attendees to connect with neighbors, business leaders and community supporters who share a passion for giving back.

No Derby Party would be complete without exceptional cuisine, and this year’s event promises another elevated culinary journey crafted by talented executive chefs. Guests will enjoy a thoughtfully prepared menu featuring refined dishes that complement the festive atmosphere while celebrating seasonal flavors.

Signature beverages — including the quintessential mint julep — will flow throughout the afternoon, enhancing the authentic Derby experience. Whether savoring gourmet offerings or raising a glass with friends, attendees will find that every detail has been carefully considered to create a luxurious yet welcoming environment.

The result is more than a party; it is an experience designed to delight all the senses while fostering meaningful community engagement.

While elegance and entertainment define the Derby Party’s ambiance, its true purpose lies in philanthropy. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Wellington Community Foundation, supporting initiatives that strengthen children, seniors and veterans right here in Wellington.

The foundation serves as a driving force behind impactful programs that enhance quality of life for neighbors in Wellington. From educational grants and youth initiatives to community outreach and charitable partnerships, funds raised during the Derby Party help sustain projects that make a tangible difference close to home.

Attendees are not simply guests but participants in a collective effort to invest in Wellington’s future. Each ticket purchased and sponsorship secured contributes to programs that uplift residents and foster long-term community success.

Part of what makes the Wellington Derby Party so special is its ability to unite diverse segments of the community under one shared mission. Business owners, equestrian professionals, civic leaders, families and longtime residents gather in a relaxed yet refined setting where networking feels natural and connections flourish organically.

The event’s welcoming spirit ensures that both first-time attendees and returning supporters feel equally at home. For many, the Wellington Derby Party marks not only a highlight of the social calendar but also a cherished annual tradition and a chance to reconnect with friends while supporting causes that matter deeply to Wellington residents.

Tickets for the 2026 Wellington Derby Party are available at $350 per person, which is all inclusive, start-to-finish. Sponsorship opportunities remain available for organizations and businesses wishing to align their brand with one of Wellington’s premier philanthropic events.

More information about sponsorships, or to buy your tickets, visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org.

Sponsors gain meaningful visibility while demonstrating commitment to community investment, making participation both socially rewarding and strategically valuable.

As anticipation builds, the annual Wellington Derby Party stands poised to deliver another resounding success, combining elegance, gastronomy, entertainment and generosity into one extraordinary afternoon. It is an event where every detail, from the fashion to the festivities, serves a greater purpose.

In Wellington, Derby Day is more than a celebration of horse racing tradition — it is a reminder of what can be achieved when a community gathers with shared enthusiasm and charitable intent.

On Saturday, May 2, guests will once again saddle up not only for racing and revelry, but for something far more meaningful: the opportunity to support the heart of their community — proving that, at the Wellington Derby Party, everyone truly is a winner.

Vinceremos Has Been Harnessing The Healing Power Of Horses For More Than Four Decades

 By Fiona Slusarev

From humble backyard roots, the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center has grown exponentially over the past 44 years. Located on 15 acres in Loxahatchee Groves, Vinceremos offers riding and equine-centered programs to children and adults with disabilities, people suffering from mental health conditions and veterans.

The vision of Vinceremos is to “unleash the power of equine therapy,” and that is exactly what this local nonprofit has done on a daily basis since 1982. As a premier accredited center, Vinceremos is subject to the strict administration, facility, program and safety standards of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International.

Ruth Menor founded Vinceremos after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in therapeutic recreation.

Growing up on a dairy farm in Michigan, Menor was always around horses. In fact, one of the first centers for therapeutic riding in the United States was in the area, and she started volunteering at an early age. Horses were a support for Menor when her father passed away and her family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio, and later to South Florida.

“It was something that always helped me make transitions in my life. I always joke about the ‘stable’ environment. I had my horse friends: the horses and the human friends that were always connected to the horses,” Menor recalled.

Vinceremos began in the backyard of a friend who saw value in Menor’s vision, and soon the organization outgrew the original location and leased a property in Lake Worth. In 1995, they raised enough money to buy the current property in Loxahatchee Groves.

“We are very fortunate that we are in the Wellington area, where we have so many people who have horses and understand the value of the horse-human interaction, so they immediately get the therapeutic benefits,” Menor explained.

CEO Susan Guinan joined Vinceremos almost 19 years ago when the organization had just two employees. From the original two programs, the adaptive riding and hippotherapy programs, the nonprofit has added equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted psychotherapy and the Freedom Reins program for veterans.

“Inspiration is outside my window every minute of every day,” Guinan said. “Whether that’s the inspiration that comes from watching children in the hippotherapy programs start to build strength, the inspiration that comes when parents see potential that may have been hidden by their [child’s] condition, or inspiration comes from donors who support the programs and see the benefits. There is inspiration behind every corner.”

Today, Vinceremos serves approximately 250 individuals each week. Adaptive riding empowers individuals with disabilities to improve their core strength, coordination and balance, while providing a sense of accomplishment and independence. Lessons are taught by PATH-certified therapeutic riding instructors with skilled volunteers to provide support.

“When you’re doing adaptive riding, you’re learning to ride a horse like anybody else is, but those professionals have a disability education [and] a huge toolbox of different adaptive equipment and adaptive skills in terms of working with individuals with disabilities,” Director of Operations Jessica Rhinelander explained.

Rhinelander, like Menor, grew up volunteering at a therapeutic riding program. She later went on to have a professional dressage career and coach Paralympic athletes. After leaving the horse world for three years and working in a corporate job, she returned to work at Vinceremos and has been a part of the team for nearly four years.

Hippotherapy, like adaptive riding, can help individuals with disabilities like cerebral palsy and autism. Hippotherapy differs from adaptive riding because of the additional therapist — physical, speech or occupational — that joins the therapeutic riding instructor to help the rider reach a therapeutic goal. The movement of the horse’s body mimics the motion of the human pelvis walking, which combined with a therapist’s guidance, helps riders with issues like a traumatic brain injury, stroke or spinal cord injury.

“We have individuals who have come to us and said, ‘Nothing else works: We’ve tried all these other therapies, and this is the only thing that works. And my child loves coming here.’ Everything is designed in a way that it’s a game or an interaction or empowering in some way,” Rhinelander said.

Equine-assisted learning also echoes these same principles. This is an unmounted program that teaches life skills to individuals through interaction with horses. Exceptional student education (ESE) students from Wellington and Palm Beach Central high schools regularly participate in equine-assisted learning and gain experience in teamwork, sequencing, life skills, communication and understanding body language.

“The feedback we get from teachers is, ‘Wow, I didn’t realize how engaged the students would be,’” Rhinelander said.

Students learn about self-care while they groom horses and understand measurements in the feed room as they measure out grain for the horses. Teachers find their students are often better able to self-regulate with this hands-on learning.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is another unmounted program, which uses the horse as a bridge for individuals to talk about their emotions under the guidance of a licensed mental health professional and an equine specialist. Freedom Reins is a similar program for veterans; a free 10-week program helps empower individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Equine-assisted psychotherapy is beneficial to children and adults who have experienced traumatic events, or for foster and adoptive families experiencing change. The mental health professional works with the equine specialist to develop lesson plans and activities that tackle the individual’s needs and ensure safety around the horse.

Something as simple as watching herd dynamics in a group of horses that are meeting for the first time can be an avenue to discuss bullying. “You can lead the conversation into one of their experiences, but talk about the horses,” Rhinelander explained.

All these therapies are only possible because of the network of devoted volunteers at Vinceremos, many of whom come to the facility with no prior horse experience. Care and consideration are even reflected in the construction of the facility and color-coding of horse supplies, so volunteers can learn as they go. “We are very much a volunteer-centric organization,” Guinan said.

Everyone is learning and growing at Vinceremos. Volunteers leave with horse-care knowledge and a better understanding of individuals with disabilities. “They’re getting to volunteer, but at the same time, they are being introduced to individuals with different abilities, and they start to look beyond the disability and see the human being,” Guinan said.

Many children and adults are able to come to Vinceremos on scholarships because of volunteers giving their time and donors covering horse care and facility costs. They are also now registered with Sunshine Health, so the facility can accept that insurance. “We firmly believe that no one should be turned away because of their inability to pay,” Rhinelander said.

Menor, Guinan and Rhinelander hope that the program will keep expanding, as it has over the last four decades. The search for patient and easygoing horses themselves to serve the needs of specific individuals is also ongoing. The horses have a 90-day trial and numerous activities to complete before committing to Vinceremos.

The 10-person board of directors also hopes to construct an additional facility to better serve the growing clientele base, adding to the existing 24-stall barn and 45,000-square-foot covered arena.

Vinceremos will host a Nashville Songwriters Night fundraiser on Sunday, March 8. Rhinelander was instrumental in creating this fundraiser with Dean Alexander, whose daughter rides in the hippotherapy program. As the second year of the event, supporters are welcomed into the Vinceremos covered arena and treated to dinner and an open bar. They have the opportunity to go into the barn and meet the horses firsthand before the two-hour songwriters’ performance featuring Dean Alexander, Marv Green and Terry McBride.

“What you feel at this event, and what the music makes you feel, is exactly what our clients feel when they come here,” Rhinelander said.

For information and tickets to the event, visit www.eventbrite.com and search for “Nashville Songwriters Night in Support of Vinceremos.”

Vinceremos is located at 13300 6th Court North in Loxahatchee Groves. For more information, call (561) 792-9900 or visit www.vinceremos.org.

March Is Wellington’s Season Of Momentum

In local government, momentum rarely happens by accident. It is built quietly over time, through planning, collaboration and countless small decisions made with care.

March carries a different kind of energy in Wellington. The days grow a little longer. Our parks and fields are full. The equestrian season is in full stride. Families are settling into the rhythm of school, sports and community events. There is movement everywhere you look — not rushed, not chaotic but purposeful. March is the month where momentum becomes visible.

In local government, momentum rarely happens by accident. It is built quietly over time, through planning, collaboration and countless small decisions made with care. By the time spring arrives, many of the initiatives we began discussing months ago are taking shape in ways residents can see and feel.

I was reminded of this recently while at Village Park. Parents lined the sidelines, volunteers coordinated schedules and our parks team had prepared the space before sunrise. To most, it may have looked like a simple Saturday morning. But what I saw was something deeper: a network of people, staff, coaches, families and neighbors, each playing a role in creating a moment that mattered to a child on the field. That is momentum. It is community in motion.

March is also a time when many residents return from winter travels, seasonal visitors reconnect with friends and long-time neighbors gather at events that have become traditions. Our community calendar reflects this vibrancy — cultural celebrations, athletic competitions, public meetings and neighborhood gatherings that remind us Wellington is not just a place we live; it is a place in which we participate.

Participation is what transforms a village into a community. When residents serve on advisory boards, volunteer at local events, support small businesses, or simply show up to listen and engage respectfully, they strengthen the fabric that holds us together. Government can provide infrastructure and services, but it is the people of Wellington who create its spirit.

That spirit of participation is especially important as we approach our local elections on Tuesday, March 10. Local government decisions shape our neighborhoods, public safety, parks, roads and the quality of life we experience every day. Voting in local elections is one of the most direct and meaningful ways that residents can help guide the future of our village. Regardless of perspective or position, civic engagement, whether through voting, attending candidate forums or learning more about the issues, reflects a shared commitment to Wellington’s continued success.

March also invites us to look forward. In this season of growth, we continue advancing projects designed to preserve the character of our neighborhoods, enhance public safety and invest responsibly in the future. Progress in a community like ours requires balance; honoring what makes Wellington special while thoughtfully preparing for the years ahead.

As your village manager, I often reflect on the responsibility we share in stewarding this momentum. It is easy to focus solely on what is next; the next project, the next meeting, the next event.

But it is equally important to pause and recognize the collective effort that makes progress possible. Every team member who answers a call, every resident who offers constructive input and every volunteer who gives their time contributes to the forward movement of our village.

If February is about connection, March is about action grounded in that connection. It is about taking the relationships we have built and channeling them into meaningful progress.

Thank you for continuing to show up, for your families, for your neighbors and for Wellington. It remains a privilege to serve this community and to witness, firsthand, the steady momentum we are building together.

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.