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

By Fiona Slusarev

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit www.wellingtoninternational.com to learn more.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wellington Saddles Up To Support Breast Cancer Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learn more about the COTA event at

Wellington Saddles Up To Support Breast Cancer Research

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Joshua Manning

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information, visit www.chromehorsesociety.com.

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

By Patrick Sherry

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Choosing Connection: Community Is Defined By Relationships

February is a good time to talk about belonging. A strong community is not just one where people live near each other, it is one where people feel seen, heard and valued.

February often arrives quietly. The holidays are behind us, the calendar has turned and the pace of everyday life resumes its familiar rhythm. Yet in Wellington, February is anything but ordinary. It is a month that invites us to pause, reflect and, most importantly, reconnect with one another.

At its heart, Wellington has always been a community defined not just by beautiful neighborhoods, strong schools, great parks or worldclass equestrian venues, but by relationships. The everyday moments: neighbors waving on morning walks, volunteers showing up early for events, residents speaking thoughtfully at public meetings, are what give our village its character. February reminds us that those connections don’t happen by accident; they are choices we make, day after day.

This month also brings moments of collective reflection and celebration. In Wellington, February is marked by opportunities to gather, remember and celebrate together, from community events that honor Black History Month to moments of joy as residents come together at one of several community events scheduled for this month.  It’s rewarding to watch neighbors who have never met before strike up conversations, share stories and leave with a sense that they are part of something larger than themselves. These observances are not simply dates on a calendar; they are living reminders that our community is richer, stronger and more resilient because of the diversity of experiences and perspectives within it.

Community connection also shows up in quieter ways. It’s in the public works team preparing our roads and parks before most of us are awake. It’s in first responders training together so they are ready on our most difficult days. It’s in team members across our organization who may never be in the spotlight, but whose work keeps Wellington running smoothly. Their commitment reflects a shared belief that service is, at its core, about people.

February is also a good time to talk about belonging. A strong community is not just one where people live near each other, it is one where people feel seen, heard and valued. That sense of belonging grows when we create spaces for conversation, when we disagree respectfully and when we remember that every resident’s story matters, even when it differs from our own.

As your village manager, I am continually inspired by the way our residents engage with us. February alone offers countless examples — families attending remembrance events, volunteers supporting youth and cultural programs, residents gathering for Black History Month observances, and many enjoying signature Wellington February traditions, like community cultural celebrations and winter season events like Brewfest and Bacon & Bourbon that bring neighbors together across our village.

Whether through attending events, serving on advisory boards, coaching youth sports or simply checking in on a neighbor, you help shape the culture of this place. Local government can set the table, but it is the community that brings it to life.

As we move through February and look ahead to the months to come, my hope, as a member of the Wellington team and as a fellow resident, is that we continue choosing connection. That means showing patience, offering grace and leaning into what unites us, even when conversations are hard or perspectives differ. In doing so, we honor not only the history of Wellington as we continue to celebrate our 30th Anniversary, but the future we are building together.

Thank you for the trust you place in your village and for the care you show this community every day. It is a privilege to serve Wellington alongside you.

Sports Psychology Consultant Mario Soto Works With Top Wellington Equestrians

By Sydney Durieux

For the past 17 years, leading sports psychology consultant Mario Soto has been helping top riders and trainers — many based in Wellington — reach their goals, both in the show ring and in life.

Soto, a professor of sport psychology and performance at California Baptist University, works with elite athletes and coaches in a variety of sports, from baseball and martial arts to water polo. But it is the equestrian world, especially in Wellington, that has turned to Soto to help maximize performance and give them a winning edge. These include top trainers and riders like Missy Clark, Steven Bluman, Tanner Korotkin, Maggie Jacobs, Matt Cyphert, Ali Sweetnam, Sam Walker, and Jimmy and Danielle Torano, to name a few.

Embracing Sports Psychology Consulting (SPC), which is designed to assist athletes to become better in their sport, takes a leap of faith, but Soto’s equestrian clients leap over fences, sometimes as high as 1.60 meters, regularly!

It was an unlikely beginning for someone with little experience in the saddle.

“I received a call from someone who had a few bad falls while riding. We met for lunch at a horse show, and a gentleman overheard us and came to introduce himself,” Soto recalled. “His name was Robert Ridland, who I later learned was the chef d’equipe for the U.S. show jumping team. He said he had someone he wanted me to meet. It was Olympic gold medalist Will Simpson. Will was my first equestrian client, and he was literally at the top of the sport. But he knew that he wanted to stay there. Athletes don’t have to have ‘issues’ to seek out a performance coach; they just need to want to continue to grow and get better.”

Bluman, a Grand Prix rider and trainer, recently started working with Soto.

“For someone to truly help equestrian athletes with their mindset, they need to understand our world from the inside,” explained Bluman, who is part of the family business at Bluman Equestrian in Wellington. “What stood out to me is that Mario has invested real time, effort and resources into learning the sport — our culture, our pressures and how our environment operates. Mario creates an environment where conversations feel natural, open and honest. That has allowed us to get into topics that are normally difficult to talk about, even this early in the process. I can already see how this openness will be beneficial as we continue working together.”

Mary Rose Canterbury, who trains at Bluman Equestrian, has been working with Soto for two years.

“I struggled with concentration and confidence, but working with Mario, I noticed almost immediately a change. A lot of times, one bad jump would cause me to lose focus, and my round would fall apart,” the 19-year-old amateur rider said. “The first time I jumped a 1.50-meter class, he was there. He helped me act like no one was watching, as if it was a regular class. This is such a mentally challenging sport, and Mario, who is patient, kind and understanding, helps so much with it.”

Every year, Clark, the owner and head trainer at North Run, and her husband and partner John Brennan, produce top riders who regularly take home blue ribbons at Wellington International. One of Clark and Brennan’s “tools” for success in the saddle is Soto, who works with many of North Run’s clients.

“I’ve always believed that working with a sports psychologist can give any athlete an advantage,” Clark explained. “Mario has been such a good fit for our riders, and we’re very grateful to have him as an important member of our North Run team. He has assisted in many ways, most notably by helping our riders to learn how to tune into their abilities to improve their focus and concentration, as well as how to handle pressure, mistakes and expectations. By sharing his insights with our riders, he has given them valuable tools to build confidence and maintain a strong mental focus when competing.

One of North Run’s clients who is excelling is 15-year-old JJ Torano, whose parents Jimmy and Danielle Torano own JET Show Stable in Wellington. The teen started working with Soto a year and a half ago and has been racking up prestigious wins in the equitation, hunters and jumpers.

“When I work with young riders, it is important to have the parents involved,” Soto explained. “Many top junior riders come from equestrian families, like JJ, whose parents are both winning Grand Prix riders and elite athletes themselves. They have a real understanding of the pressures of the sport, both physically and mentally, and know what it takes to keep moving forward. My goal is simple really, to always give the athlete — no matter their age or level — the tools they need to succeed, without getting in their own way.”

To learn more about Mario Soto and Sports Psychology Consulting, visit www.mariosoto.com.

JustWorld Gala Will Honor Angela Covert For Her Lifechanging Work

When Angela Covert first heard about JustWorld International in 2003, she was a young professional rider, balancing teaching, training and competing. Like many equestrians, she felt the pull to give back but couldn’t find the time. JustWorld offered a unique opportunity.

“I loved the idea of being able to do what I was already doing — traveling, competing, coaching — and, at the same time, give something meaningful to kids who needed it most,” Covert recalled. “[Founder] Jessica [Newman]’s vision from the start was different. She brought the equestrian community together in a way no one else had, giving us the chance to use our sport and our connections to make a real impact.”

Covert has been part of the JustWorld family ever since, working to help fracture the cycle of poverty. She was selected as one of this year’s Gala Honorees and will be recognized at the event on Jan. 22 at Belle Herbe Farm in Wellington. Other honorees include Wellington residents Kevin Babington, Laura Kraut and Juan Andres Rodriguez, as well as Herve Godignon, Eric Navet and Francie Steinwedell-Carvin.

JustWorld funds schools in Cambodia, Guatemala, Honduras, and a literacy project in Belle Glade, Florida. Covert’s first trip to Honduras with JustWorld, more than 20 years ago, was life changing.

She recalled seeing children scavenging scrap metal at a garbage dump to support their families instead of going to school. “It was overwhelming to see the reality these children lived in and to realize how far our support could go,” she said.

In Guatemala, she helped launch JustWorld’s first medical clinic. “Simple things like antibiotics or dressings could literally save lives,” Covert said. “We take those for granted.”

These experiences cemented her commitment.

“Until that first trip, I felt good about donating and being involved. But seeing it firsthand — seeing how our dollars translated into real change — was completely different. It opened my eyes,” Covert said. “What I’ve always told people is: If you ever wonder where the money is going, just go on a trip. It’s one thing to know you’re helping; it’s another to stand there, meet the kids, and see the impact with your own eyes. That experience changes you.”

Covert, who lives in Wellington with her husband, international course designer Guilherme Jorge, and their nine-year-old son Lucas, said that 22 years of work with JustWorld has given her a new perspective.

“As a 20-something, I was obsessed with my riding career and stuck in the bubble of the equestrian world,” she said. “JustWorld pulled me out of that bubble. It reminded me there’s a whole other world out there and that we can use our privilege to make it better.”

She’s excited and honored to be recognized at this year’s gala.

“I’m proud of everything that JustWorld has accomplished and proud to have been part of it since the beginning,” Covert said. “This recognition feels like the icing on the cake.”

To join JustWorld International at the Jan. 22 gala in Wellington, visit www.justworldinternational.org/gala.

Polito Pieres Brings His Star Power Back To Wellington This Season

Story By Mike May | Photos Courtesy USPA

American-born Argentine polo star Pablo “Polito” Pieres has always led a horse-centric lifestyle.

“I started riding horses when I was five or six, and I have been playing professional polo since I was 18, starting in 1997,” Pieres recalled. “I have been coming to Wellington every year since 2010.”

Pieres, currently ranked eighth in the World Polo Tour rankings, is like a first-class Argentine wine in that he only gets better with age.

His first year with a polo’s rare 10-goal handicap was 2015.

“I have been at a 9- or 10-goal handicap ever since,” said Pieres, currently listed as a 9-goaler in England and Argentina.

Pieres has had a constant presence on Wellington’s polo scene ever since his first arrival in the community.

Just last year, Pieres had an impressive series of polo performances in Wellington. In early 2025, Pieres, part of the well-known Pieres polo-playing family, was a member of Gillian Johnson’s Coca-Cola team, which made it to the U.S. Open semifinal, the USPA Gold Cup final and C.V. Whitney Cup final.

For some polo players, that would have been a career-defining season, but for Pieres, it’s just a sign that he remains one of the best players in the world and will be a force to be reckoned with on Wellington’s polo fields in 2026.

Needless to say, he is expected to have another stellar polo season this winter here in Wellington. Time will tell, but don’t bet against him.

Pieres’ background is interesting and not conventional, in that he has all the markings of a top Argentine player, but he is currently listed as the world’s top American player. While he grew up and trained in Argentina — where so many of the world’s great polo players are raised, trained, guided and taught — Pieres was born in the United States, specifically in the State of New York.

Like many great athletes, he was introduced to polo by his father, Paul Pieres. His cousins Facundo Pieres (currently ranked No. 5), Gonzalo Pieres Jr. (currently ranked No. 17) and Nicolas Pieres (currently ranked No. 29) also play in Wellington and at top polo events around the world.

Over time, Polito Pieres has played on winning teams in the British Open and the Queens Cup in the U.K., the Deauville Gold Cup in France, the Argentine Open, and the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup here in Wellington. In the few top polo events where he has not lifted the trophy, he has certainly made it as far as the final rounds.

Pieres played with Santa Rita Polo Farm in the 2022 Gauntlet of Polo and found success in 2020 with La Indiana in the USPA Gold Cup. More recently, Pieres triumphed in the 2022 Tortugas Open, and the 2021 Argentine Open, Hurlingham Open and Queen’s Cup. He also had a great season in 2024, winning the Tortugas Open, East Coast Open and the Queen’s Cup, and making it to the semifinals in the Argentine Open, Hurlingham Open, British Open, the USPA Gold Cup and the U.S. Open.

Pieres’ global travel and competition schedule keeps him on the move.

“From January to April, I’m in Wellington playing polo,” Pieres said. “After that, I return to Argentina for about two weeks. Then I go to London, where I compete in the Queen’s Cup and the Gold Cup during the summer. In August, I go to France and Spain for a few weeks. Then I usually travel to Malaysia for a short visit, where I have become good friends with the Crown Prince of Johor and his wife. They have around 200 horses, and we all play polo. I travel there about four times a year.”

When he’s not playing polo, Pieres likes to relax and unwind by going to the gym or playing golf. “I like to do things that have no risk of injury and are fun to do,” he said.

As he reflects on his career in the world of competitive polo, one of the experiences that truly helped shape his career was a two-month stint in Canada when he was a young teenager.

“When I was 14, I visited Canada to learn how to be a [horse] groomer. I admit that I was a lazy groomer,” Pieres recalled. “By taking care of horses and not being able to ride them, it gave me the hunger, energy and desire to ride the horses and play polo.”

To see a true master at his craft, keep an eye on Pieres during this year’s polo season as he works to win on the field in his horse-centric lifestyle in Wellington.