Wellington Looks Forward To Top High-Goal Polo Action This Winter Season

Seventeen years ago, longtime Wellington resident and renowned polo player Hector Galindo was lining up at midfield ready to play in the inaugural game at the new International Polo Club Palm Beach stadium.

Then, Galindo was an 8-goaler and leader of Tommy Lee Jones’ San Saba team against Bob Daniels’ Pony Express foursome. Now, the 2016 Hall of Fame inductee plays and umpires year-round.

Then, Pony Express defeated San Saba 13-9 in that first stadium game before a large, boisterous crowd on that Sunday in early January.

Now, after almost eight months of uncertainty since being disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, another season of world-class polo is planning its return, but it is unknown if any fans will be allowed at the games.

The tournament schedules for both high-goal polo clubs in Wellington have been released, and several plans for having fans attend games are in place, depending on what the local government and health officials will allow.

“As we begin to re-open the International Polo Club Palm Beach, we look forward to seeing the sport of polo and special events return to the facility,” said Vaneli Bojkova, vice president of event operations for IPC. “We are working closely with county and local officials, as well as the United States Polo Association and the Palm Beach County Sports Commission to make sure that everyone on property has a peace of mind that we are doing everything we can to re-open safely.”

At IPC, a triumvirate of 22-goal tournaments celebrated as the Gauntlet of Polo is shaping up to be another riveting competition, featuring many of the world’s top players. Last year, 14 teams competed for the coveted trophies. Officials expect 8 to 10 teams this season.

In an interesting twist, the postponed 2020 USPA Gold Cup is scheduled to be concluded prior to the start of this year’s trio of tournaments. The semifinals — Pilot vs. La Indiana and Daily Racing Form vs. Las Monjitas — are set for Feb. 10, with the final on Sunday, Feb. 14, closing the chapter of a shortened 2020 season.

The UPSA’s U.S. Open, considered the most prestigious polo tournament in North America, did not get started last year and will not be rescheduled. It is the first time that it has not been contested since World War II. The U.S. Open was first played in 1904.

The 2021 Gauntlet begins in earnest with the C.V. Whitney Cup (Feb. 17 through March 7) followed by the USPA Gold Cup (March 10-28) and finishing with the U.S. Open (March 30 through April 18). The winners of the C.V. Whitney Cup and USPA Gold Cup will receive $125,000 each, while the U.S. Open champion will earn $250,000. If the same team wins all three tournaments, they will receive a $500,000 bonus.

Prior to the Gauntlet, IPC will host a series of 18-goal tournaments, beginning with the Joe Barry Memorial Cup (Jan. 3-17), followed by the Ylvisaker Cup (Jan. 20 through Feb. 7) and concluding with the single-elimination Iglehart Cup (Feb. 10-21).

The club is also hosting the U.S. Open Women’s Championship from March 10-20 with some of the top players in the world expected to participate.

In addition to the featured Sunday games at 3 p.m. at the stadium, there are numerous weekday games spread among the club’s several fields. While there is world-class polo on the immaculate fields, action off the field usually presents an equally impressive atmosphere.

There is the Mallet Grille for members and their guests that features a lavish Sunday brunch. The club also has 7,000 square feet of indoor event space, highlighted by the grand marquee pavilion adjacent to the stadium field. Normally, hundreds gather every week to enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch. The venue also hosts numerous private affairs, such as weddings and charity events. At this time, it is unknown whether the Sunday brunch will be available this season.

“We are hopeful that once all of our updated protocols and safety practices are implemented throughout the various departments, guests will feel confident to attend events at the facility, whether those are charity fundraisers, weddings, private gatherings or sports competitions,” Bojkova said. “IPC is committed to investing in resources and continued employee training to ensure a healthy and safe environment for all. While we understand some events and activities may look different for a while, we are excited to re-open and welcome guests back to our facility safely.”

IPC also has four tennis courts, where, in 2008, Rafael Nadal and David Nalbandian played an exclusive charity exhibition match for members only. Several polo players, including Adolfo Cambiaso, Facundo and Gonzalito Pieres, and Nic Roldan also showed off their skills on the courts with the two tennis stars.

To learn more about the International Polo Club, including season updates, visit www.internationalpoloclub.com.

Also this polo season in Wellington, the 26-goal World Polo League, which plays at various area clubs, is still in the planning stages for its third season that kicks off in early February.

“We’re looking forward to a great season of high-goal polo in 2021,” said WPL co-founder Melissa Ganzi of Wellington, owner of the Grand Champions Polo Club. “We’ll be continuing the safety protocols we followed at Aspen Valley over the summer, and we’ll adapt our policy regarding spectators as conditions allow. As always, we’ll adhere to recommendations by the CDC and local public health regulations. Despite any pandemic-related restrictions, we’ll welcome a full roster of top players from around the world and continue to play at the highest level in the U.S.”

The World Polo League offers the highest level of polo outside of Argentina. There were up to 10 teams in the various tournaments last season. The WPL was co-founded by Ganzi and Valiente Polo owner Bob Jornayvaz, whose idea for the league filled the void when 26-goal polo was about to be eliminated in the U.S.

Using the last two years as benchmark, among the polo superstars expected to compete include 10-goalers Juan Martin Nero (who missed most of last season with an injury) and Pablo MacDonough, along with 8-goaler Nic Roldan of Wellington.

The season begins with the All-Star Challenge (Feb. 5-21), beginning with a Draw Party in which team owners will randomly choose their players — reminiscent of choosing sides when in school or the neighborhood.

The season continues with the Founders Cup (Feb. 19 through March 7), the Palm Beach Open (March 3-21) and concludes with the Triple Crown of Polo (March 24 through April 17).

Featured games will be Saturday at 4 p.m., usually at Valiente, and Sunday at 4 p.m., usually at Grand Champions.

For more information, including weekday game times as well as tickets for the Sunday featured game, visit www.worldpolo.org. All games are open to the public.

As it has been for decades, IPC and the World Polo League will make sure that Wellington is the center of high-goal polo action during the winter season.

Plans And Preparations Underway For An Exciting
2021 Winter Equestrian Festival 

With the vast changes across the world in 2020, planning and preparing for the 2021 Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center has been a complicated and fluid process. Working closely with the Village of Wellington, Palm Beach County and State of Florida officials, with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and the national governing body for equestrian sport, U.S. Equestrian, Equestrian Sport Productions was able to start back with competition at the Equestrian Village show grounds in June after the COVID-19 pandemic caused the cancellation of the final two weeks of the 2020 WEF.

The 42nd Winter Equestrian Festival has expanded to include 13 weeks of competition starting on Jan. 6 and running through April 4 with world-renowned hunter, jumper and equitation competition.

Twelve of the 13 weeks will feature FEI-sanctioned competition, welcoming some of the most talented and highest-ranked show jumpers in the world.

As of late October, the management company for WEF, Equestrian Sport Productions, is following current guidelines that prohibit spectators at the show grounds. But while the local community won’t be allowed to view the shows in person, the impact of the equestrian industry on the local community will still be impressive.

“We at Equestrian Sport Productions have been working every day in order to provide safe competition for the competitors and our staff while also providing a way for those in the industry to continue making a living during this incredibly difficult time,” ESP President Michael Stone said. “We are certainly very cognizant of the serious and heartbreaking toll of the pandemic, and we have kept safety our number one priority as we held shows this summer and fall and planned for the 2021 winter season.”

In a 2018 economic impact study, it was shown that visitors to Wellington and Palm Beach County contribute to a “very positive economic stimulus” for the local community. Some of that impact includes filling 88.6 percent of Palm Beach County’s available hotel rooms, paying more than $6 million in state and local taxes, and spending an estimated $89 million on equine expenses in Palm Beach County.

With the growth in the past three years of WEF since the report, it can be expected that these numbers have only increased along with the influx of more competitors, their families and support staff at the horse show.

“WEF is the economic engine that powers Wellington,” said Michela Green, executive director of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses now, more than ever, need the bump in economy that our seasonal equestrians bring.”

Seasonal equestrian visitors are part of the fabric of Wellington.

“From a business perspective, the equestrian season brings national and international guests to our village who patronize our local businesses for a good part of the year,” Green said. “Our businesses have formed lasting relationships with them and rely on them each year as they call Wellington home for the season. From our medical to our retail community and everything in between, our seasonal guests make Wellington what it is today — unique and vibrant.”

Jose Gomez, owner of horse show sponsor Wellington Agricultural Services, not only provides a service to the horse show with livestock waste removal but is also a horse owner whose family competes at WEF.

“Horse shows have resumed since June of this year and since then, I have seen everyone making 100 percent effort to run a safe operation,” he said. “I feel comfortable knowing that ESP is very serious about protecting everyone by strictly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols. I am confident that WEF will run smoothly because ESP does not take shortcuts and is clearly committed to the best interests of everyone involved.”

Gomez recognizes the great influence that WEF has on the community.

“Wellington as we know it would not be here without the horse shows and polo,” he said. “We all work together to maintain our community by fulfilling our respective roles. WEF gives context to my business. Horse sports are a great passion, and that shapes lives, homes, lifestyles and businesses. WEF has a massive economic impact on the local area as well, making it a critical part of the community.”

The 2021 WEF will begin with a new week, WEF Premiere, on Jan. 6-10 with nationally rated competition. WEF weeks 1 (Jan. 13-17), 2 (Jan. 20-24), 3 (Jan. 27-31), 6 (Feb. 17-21) and 10 (March 17-21) will host CSI 3* competition. CSI 4* competitions will take place during WEF weeks 4 (Feb. 3-7) and 12 (March 31 – April 4). Week 8 (March 3-7) will once again welcome the international CSIO 4* and will host the historic Nations Cup, where teams of three or four riders represent their countries in a thrilling display of team sports. The beautiful grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village, a true horse and rider favorite, will see action this year during weeks 2, 4, 6 and 12.

The schedule is tentative and venue guidelines are subject to change. Be sure to check www.pbiec.com for the most recent venue updates and schedules.

The 2021 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will be held during the fourth week of the Winter Equestrian Festival. The GCC is a relay-style equestrian jumping competition with teams consisting of two junior/amateur riders combined with one Olympic or world-class rider. The 20-plus rider teams are randomly paired with charities that serve Palm Beach County.

The GCC has distributed more than $14.8 million to 256 local Palm Beach County charities and nonprofit organizations since its inception 11 years ago. The theme for 2021 will honor the everyday heroes who have stepped up and helped everyone through the worldwide pandemic.

Hunter competition will also take place throughout the 13-week span, including during WCHR week, a favorite among the hunter community, during WEF week 6 (Feb. 17-21). The season will continue to feature international and national hunter derby competitions, along with top equitation and hunter classes offered for children, juniors and adults of all levels.

The 2020 season is set to include four weeks of CSI 5* competition on WEF weeks 5 (Feb. 10-14), 7 (Feb. 24-28), 9 (March 10-14) and 11 (March 24-28). The $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5* will be held during WEF week 11 featuring the best riders of the season.

Despite these challenging times, WEF will still welcome thousands of horses competing throughout the winter circuit, and everyone looks forward to a safe and successful season.

Keep up with your favorite athletes and horses by watching all of the competition on the live stream, along with keeping track of results. Learn more at www.pbiec.com and by following WEF on Facebook and Instagram.

2021 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Ready To Welcome Top Competitors From Around The World

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2021, and while things will look different at Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, hundreds of the best dressage horses in the world will still come to Wellington to compete from Jan. 13 through April 4.

AGDF is the largest and longest-running dressage circuit in the world. There are 10 weeks of competition, with seven of those weeks offering international, FEI-level classes. While current health guidelines will not allow for spectators this season (as of late October), fans of dressage can watch the best of the best on the livestream.

“With all the changes that have happened in the past year, Equestrian Sport Productions has been working very hard to produce an event that will strive to keep everyone safe while still offering the same high level of competition and quality experience,” AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur said.

Two of the anticipated divisions at AGDF will feature young horses ready to make their names on the world stage. The $15,000 Lövsta Future Challenge/Young Horse Grand Prix series and the $10,000 Future Challenge/Young Horse Prix St. Georges series will return for another successful year. Due to last year’s cancellation of the final week of AGDF, both series will hold their 2020 finals during the 2021 circuit.

The $15,000 Lövsta Future Challenge/Young Horse Grand Prix series idea, originally set up by seven-time Swedish Olympic dressage rider Tinne Vilhelmson Silfvén and Louise Nathorst in Sweden as a talent development program, is for horses age eight to ten years old at the Grand Prix level.

“We want to give them a platform to develop, and with this series, help them take the step toward the highest Grand Prix level,” Vilhelmson Silfvén said. “We hope that the interest for educating and producing young Grand Prix horses will grow. Our goal is that this series will be successful so we can take it to an international level in the future.”

The $10,000 Summit Farm Future Challenge/Young Horse Prix St. Georges series has been popular for horses seven to nine years old.

“Trainers and riders can enter a horse in this series and get notoriety. In Europe, young horses get a lot of praise and press, with financial gain by showing young horses and developing them,” said U.S. Pan American Games gold medalist Sarah Lockman of Summit Farm. “To support that idea in the U.S. and give that incentive and reward meant a lot to us at Summit Farm.”

The 2021 AGDF lineup features three CDI-Ws, two CDI 4* weeks, a CDI 5*, as well as a CDIO 3* and CPEDI competition.

With the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic Games until the summer of 2021, AGDF will once again serve as preparation for horses and riders vying to represent their country in Tokyo next August.

One of those riders is Sabine Schut-Kery. Originally from Germany, Schut-Kery moved to the United States in 1998. She helped the U.S. team win the team gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto.

“I am continuing my quest to earn a spot on the team for the Tokyo Olympic Games,” she said. “To be in one place for an extended period of time [at AGDF] with so many team members, coaches, [everyone] looking out for you, helping you, cheering you on, is an important part of that journey.”

Competing at the AGDF is a crucial part of her schedule.

“It makes me a better rider to be competing with the best in the country in one place, and AGDF is it,” Schut-Kery said. “For me, the next step would be Europe. I do look at Florida as the focal point of dressage here in the United States, and I believe that it’s important to ride at that caliber. It makes me a better competitor, it makes my horses better and it makes the discipline better here in America. On top of that, it is a wonderful way to get more recognition for our sport. AGDF does a great job of bringing horses from all over the world into the public light.”

Schut-Kery appreciates the opportunity and all of the work that goes into a 12-week horse show circuit like AGDF.

“It’s very amazing to accomplish it all so successfully,” she said. “I go because it is so professional, the setup is wonderful and the show grounds are lovely. There are so many blood, sweat and tears moments in this sport. It’s important to me to be able to go somewhere where I don’t have to worry about injury because of footing or poor setup. I am extremely lucky that I have the opportunity to spend time learning and competing in Florida.”

The AGDF season begins on Jan. 13-17 with CDI-W competition. It is followed by the first CDI4* on Jan. 27-31 that runs concurrently with CPEDI classes, which is competition for para-dressage riders. AGDF 5 will once again offer CDI-W classes on Feb. 10-14. The highest caliber of international competition, CDI5*, will be at AGDF 7 on Feb. 24-28. The schedule is tentative and venue guidelines are subject to change. Be sure to check www.globaldressagefestival.com for the most recent venue updates and schedules.

The Palm Beach Dressage Derby features CDI-W classes during AGDF 9 on March 3-7. In AGDF 10, nations go head to head in the CDIO3* Nations Cup competition and the Florida International Youth Dressage Championships (FIYDC) will be featured.

FIYDC competition is for riders in the under-25, young rider, junior, children’s and pony divisions, offering them a chance to compete on a larger scale, with events throughout the week to increase camaraderie and sportsmanship. Young riders wishing to compete internationally are provided with an opportunity to showcase their talent at one of the largest dressage shows in the world.

Wrapping up the 2021 AGDF will be the final week of competition, a CDI4* on March 31 – April 4.

For more information about the 2020 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

COVID-19 Relief And Recovery Will Be A Key Focus Of The 2021 Great Charity Challenge

Founded by the father-daughter team of Mark and Paige Bellissimo in 2009, the Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, came forward as a way to increase funding to local nonprofits following the 2008 economic crisis, at a time when donations were scarce.

The impact of COVID-19 replicates the situation of 12 years ago. For local nonprofits, their staff and volunteers, the effects of the pandemic have been consequential as they have stepped up to meet their neighbors’ emerging needs, ranging from food insecurity, loss of income, access to basic needs, healthcare support and more.

While the logistics of putting on an event at this time are unclear, the GCC team shifted quickly from “can we even do this” to “how could we not do this?”

Through the support of the equestrian industry and the local community, the GCC has acted as a catalyst for charitable giving over the last 11 years, distributing $14.8 million to 256 Palm Beach County nonprofit organizations.

The 12th edition of the GCC will take place on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival, where fortunate selectees will have the chance to receive a share of a purse of more than $1 million. The winning team’s nonprofit will receive a minimum of $100,000, while all pre-selected participants are guaranteed a minimum grant of $15,000.

“Experts in all fields agree that the lasting effects of COVID-19 will be felt for months and years to come,” event co-founder Mark Bellissimo said. “Not holding this event in 2021 simply isn’t an option for our team at Equestrian Sport Productions and Wellington Equestrian Partners. We are going to make this happen!”

If you know of a deserving Palm Beach County-based charity or nonprofit, invite them to visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com for additional information regarding application requirements and the event’s unique selection process.

The application process for the 2021 GCC opened on Monday, Oct. 26 and will remain active through 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 15. At stake? A chance to win up to $100,000!

In addition to fund disbursements, the GCC’s 2020-2030 strategy involves capacity building, enabling and growing invaluable partnerships, as well as concentrating on amplifying the event’s impact.

Based on a community needs assessment with Palm Beach County, in partnership with local agencies and in direct response to the unique setting surrounding COVID-19, the 2021 edition is committed to shifting a majority of its funding priorities toward local nonprofits who are directly supporting and assisting the most vulnerable and affected populations in Palm Beach County.

With a strong focus on community empowerment, the exciting show jumping competition blends equestrian sports and philanthropy. The Great Charity Challenge raised and distributed $1.3 million to local agencies through its 2020 edition.

With grants ranging from $1,000 to $150,000, a cumulated 150,265 lives were impacted in Palm Beach County. The latest compiled fund use report can be found at https://bit.ly/3chfv1r.

“We hope that donors and sponsors from the equestrian industry and beyond will once again join forces to support so many worthwhile organizations,” event co-founder Paige Bellissimo said. “Equestrian Sport Productions’ generosity of covering all costs associated with the GCC means that 100 percent of the funds raised go straight to work in our local communities.”

For additional event information, including information about the application process and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.greatcharitychallenge.com. Find the GCC on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date with the latest news and happenings via @greatcharitychallenge.

M&R Equestrian’s New Program Fills  A Void In The Wellington Winter Circuit
Training Days

Between them, they boast three Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games appearances and eight appearances at the Pan American Games. International show jumpers Alberto Michan (Israel) and Juan Andrés Rodriguez (Guatemala) might be best known for their competitive exploits, but together, they’ve teamed up to bring greater attention to their training habits.

These two industry figures started M&R Equestrian Services in January 2020 and, along with it, “Training Days,” an initiative designed to offer riders of all levels an unprecedented opportunity to school over a full course of show-quality jumps, set by FEI course designers.

Every Tuesday, beginning Nov. 3 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, three arenas — two jumper rings and an arena with hunter courses — will be available and set at varying heights throughout the day to accommodate horses and riders of all ages and levels.

Each entry awards a horse and rider combination two minutes and 30 seconds in the arena, allowing them to jump as many fences or courses as they’d like in that time.

This concept provides the perfect horse show dress rehearsal. Once on course, participants face many of the tests they would meet in a show course, including heights and spreads set to spec, as well as colorful and eye-catching gates, planks and jump fillers.

“Training Days can benefit horsemen in so many ways,” Michan said. “They’re a great way to develop young horses and prepare them for the show ring; to create sales videos; to practice [horse show elements like] the open water; and to have a confidence-building experience at a top venue. It also creates an opportunity for trainers to scout multiple sales horses in a single location and in an atmosphere that’s as close as you can get to the show ring.”

With Michan and Rodriguez at the helm, participants can enjoy an experience designed from the rider’s perspective. The result is an event that models modern show jumping and meets current industry needs, with the success and development of both horse and rider at the forefront of every decision and detail.

“We are really looking forward to kicking off our second season of Training Days,” Michan said. “We began this journey last year, because we felt it filled a void in our industry, and the response we got was incredible. Some of the top names in our sport became regular participants. We hope even more riders — of all levels — will come take advantage of this unique opportunity.”

When it comes to the Training Days series, the phrase, “If you build it, they will come” resonates. There aren’t many “off” days in Wellington during the winter season, and on any given weekend, there are multiple show venues to choose from within a five-mile radius. But while prize lists are extensive, so too are the entry fees, with limited opportunities to get in productive training time.

Michan and Rodriguez recognized the need in the sporting community for affordable, productive training experiences that build horses up for a positive experience in the show ring.

When Training Days debuted, some of the industry’s biggest names came out in full force — from former world No. 1 Kent Farrington, to two-time Olympic gold medalist Beezie Madden, and several of Michan’s teammates on the Israel Equestrian Team, including Daniel Bluman and Ashlee Bond.

Jim Brandon, located just east of the Winter Equestrian Festival’s home at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, boasts the space and facilities that have and will continue to allow Training Days to grow.

The series is expanding to 24 weeks, and its third hunter arena is an addition from the program’s inaugural year.

The standout amenity, however, is its superior lighting. Training Days expands to its two-day schedule for 12 weeks beginning in January 2021, with Monday evenings featuring a one-of-a-kind opportunity to school under the lights. Before her victory in the CSI5* Douglas Elliman Real Estate Grand Prix at WEF in March, Bond could be found at Training Days with her winning mount Donatello, practicing the open water at night. Outside of WEF’s premier Grand Prix events at Saturday Night Lights, opportunities to jump a show course at night are scarce.

“We believe that our Training Days season is the perfect complement to the winter circuit in Wellington,” Rodriguez said. “There are virtually no opportunities to school a horse under the lights before going into the show ring for a major event like a Saturday night Grand Prix, but Jim Brandon affords us the ability to offer that and so much more. We are very excited to get underway with our season and build upon what we started last year.”

A variety of individualized sponsorship opportunities are available for the 2020-21 Training Days season. For more info., contact Liz Porath at lizporath@aol.com.

To learn more about M&R Equestrian’s Training Days, including updated weekly schedules and timing, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MREquestrianServices and Instagram @mrequestrianservices.

Carriage Hill Farms’ Unique Program  Has Something For Every Equestrian  All Levels

Nestled just outside of Wellington, Carriage Hill Farms is far from the typical equestrian program. Ranging from boutique competition barns to busy lesson programs, it is not often that one barn is able to accommodate everyone. However, Carriage Hill Farms has come to be known as a one-stop shop for South Florida equestrians, providing the rare opportunity for horse enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to gain valuable experience and receive world-class instruction.

Carriage Hill Farms was founded in 1979 by Jane Fennessy after she moved from Michigan to South Florida. Fennessy worked tirelessly from the beginning to build a brand and training program based on principles of ethics and passion, and the belief that there is a much greater lesson to be learned from equestrian sports than how to win. Through her meticulous process, Fennessy built Carriage Hill Farms from the ground up.

“I grew up taking riding lessons in Grosse Pointe, Michigan. I always knew I wanted to do something professionally with horses, so when I eventually got sick of the cold weather in Michigan, I packed up my van and moved to South Florida with $1,000 in my pocket. I lived in my van for a year until I could get on my feet,” recalled Fennessy, who is now the owner and head trainer at Carriage Hill Farms. “When I created Carriage Hill, my imagination was not strong enough to ever dream up what we have grown to be today. Amazingly, we have our lesson program, an Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA) team, high school and middle school Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) teams, and we show horses from the local level, all the way up to the international levels in Europe.”

Over the past 41 years, Fennessy has created an all-encompassing program that takes a team of nine strong professionals dedicated to the care and education of every horse and rider. Carriage Hill is a successful, multi-faceted business with a one-of-a-kind teaching program that caters to first-time riders all the way up to seasoned athletes at its home base, a 200-plus acre facility with four show-sized rings, a grass field, a dressage ring, a euro track and a hot walker, and a management team that lives on-site.

“No horse is too big or too small, or too good or too bad to be worked with, and the same goes for the riders,” Carriage Hill trainer Meredith Gallagher said. “Everybody is at their own level, and at Carriage Hill, we really work on improving that level, whatever it may be.”

Carriage Hill is the home of the Florida Atlantic University Equestrian Team, an IHSA team that competes against other universities throughout Florida and Georgia, and the Carriage Hill Farms IEA middle and high school teams, which provide a platform for students of all riding levels to have an opportunity to compete, regardless of horse ownership.

“We truly have a place for everyone here,” Carriage Hill trainer Andrea Howell explained. “From the beginner rider, which is usually around five years old and up, to the top international ranks, there is a little bit for everyone here. Whether you want to own, lease, show or even just ride once a week, Carriage Hill is here to facilitate that.”

Outside of the home base operations, Carriage Hill’s team can be seen at horse shows across the country and the globe. With more than 40 show horses in their care, the expansive competition team has a long list of accolades to its name from many of the most prestigious horse shows across the country, as well as many Longines Global Champions Tour stops around the world.

“What makes us unique is that we really do teach from the very first lunge line lesson, all the way up to Grand Prix and international jumping,” Fennessy said. “Not many farms have that scope to accommodate all of those levels, so we take a lot of pride in providing that in a place that is less than 20 miles from the Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.”

All together, the layers that make up Carriage Hill Farms are quite the undertaking for a single farm to handle. However, blended seamlessly together with the help of the dedicated staff, incredible horses and spectacular clients, Carriage Hill Farms is a family farm with a legacy that holds a special place in the hearts of so many equestrians in South Florida and beyond. No matter how big or small, there is room for all.

“Winston Churchill once said, ‘There is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse.’ And for me, there is nothing more true,” Fennessy said. “We all need our daily dose of horse, and I hope that no matter what that dose may look like for people, they are always welcome to find it here at Carriage Hill Farms.”

Learn more about Carriage Hill Farms at www.carriagehillfarms.com.

Life On 18 Wheels: The National Horse Carriers Association Helps The Horse World Move Safely
Safe Transport

Year-round residents of Wellington may not get the seasonal changes that many non-Floridians are used to. Here, fall is not ushered in by chilling temperatures and changing leaves, but rather by an increase in the sighting of the large horse trucks that begin to shuttle competition horses from all over the country down I-95 and Florida’s Turnpike to the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.” Conversely, spring has sprung when the horses are headed back in the directions from whence they came.

Many of the trucks that are a part of this bi-annual migration are members of the National Horse Carriers Association (NHCA). This organization is committed to making sure that horses are transported with safety, care and honest business practices. Although sometimes largely overlooked, these members and their staff are the unsung work horses of the equine industry and the wheels that make the Wellington horse world go round.

Although many things have changed in the equestrian industry, the shipping industry has remained the constant force for all of that progress.

Independent haulers from all across the country formed a loose network of trustworthy businesses with similar business practices. All are concerned with the safety of the animals first and foremost, but also best driving practices, best business practices and shared networking opportunities. This group of like-minded businesses eventually grew to form the NHCA. Formally founded in 1960, the mission of the NHCA has been to encourage and promote high standards in the horse transportation industry. Today, the organization has grown to 37 members throughout the United States and Canada who meet bi-annually and work together to keep the industry moving forward.

Many equestrians take for granted that their horses will get on trucks and get off them in good condition, ready for the next competition. However, many important factors must be taken into consideration when shipping horses, and the following are just a few to be aware of:

• Ensure that the carrier you choose is registered and insured: Make sure that the motor carrier you choose is registered with appropriate state authorities if the shipment is entirely within a state and with federal authorities if the shipment is interstate. All NHCA members are required to follow state and federal registration and insurance laws. All NHCA members also present customers or their agents with a bill of lading that clearly states important trip details.

• Choose a carrier with professional and knowledgeable staff: All NHCA members are also experienced horse people, which makes them especially capable of handling horses while on the road, but also makes for easy communication with the barn managers, trainers and horse owners.

• Know the transportation options that are best for your horse and its personal journey: There is no denying that a two-hour trip and a 24-hour trip on the highway have great differences. Anyone who has been in a car, even just trying to leave Florida, knows that comfort is key for making long journeys tolerable. Make sure that you choose the appropriate stall size for your horses and their journey. A single stall for one horse (and smaller horses), a double stall for a little more room (or for larger horses), or a box stall for the ultimate in free range of movement and overall comfort. Most of the long-distance haulers also have trucks that feature air-ride suspension for added comfort.

• Give them some space: This is one component of over-the-road hauling that private and commercial haulers have in common. Trailers have a much more difficult time stopping than regular cars. Sudden stops are also nearly impossible to achieve, and they can also cause severe destabilizing changes to the horses in the back. The best way to avoid these types of stops is to make sure that when you are passing or merging in front of a trailer, leave at least three car lengths between your car and the trailer. This general rule of thumb also goes for the back end of the trailer. If you can’t see a trailer’s mirrors, they can’t see you.

As in everything else with horses, there are many factors to consider when making a decision that is best for you and your program. Members of the NHCA are always available to speak to potential clients and help make the best decision for which company to use and the best means of transportation.

If you are interested in learning more about best practices of shipping horses, or to see if your carrier is a member of the NHCA, visit www.nationalhorsecarriers.com.

Blood, Sweat & High School: One Wellington Teen’s Determination To Be The Best Equitation Excellence

Equestrian sport is a total immersion endeavor. Early mornings, late nights, long days — a true passion for the horse usually is accompanied by a complete takeover of resources, from time and emotion to sanity and pocketbook. And this all or nothing mentality usually starts young, as it did for Wellington’s Xavier Gomez, a 16-year-old hunter jumper rider.

From his early years, Xavier was completely focused on horses, preferring toys, games, movies and more with an equestrian theme. Now a junior in high school and also pursuing a modeling career, his schedule still is all about horses, and this fall his determination to top the equitation divisions is what’s fueling the horsey hard work.

Equitation is a sport about the rider. Judges mark for position, fluidity, poise and effectiveness in the saddle over hunter and jumper style courses. The horse obviously adds to his rider’s flair by jumping with scope, accepting the aids, and moving with grace and precision. To attain a nationally successful level of equitation performance, many hours must be logged in the saddle.

Xavier’s routine reflects this level of dedication under the guidance of trainer Kobi Rhodes of Kobi’s Place Stables in Wellington. “We ride every morning, from Tuesday to Sunday,” he said. “Kobi places a lot of importance on quality flatwork, as well as over fences. If my horse or I am stiff in one direction, we do exercises to supple both of us so that we can jump and work together better.”

His full-time training schedule is beginning to pay some high dividends, as Xavier has had a number of wins and top placings in the summer equitation shows at the Global Dressage Festival showgrounds. These equitation wins propel him toward his current goal: the National Horse Show Equitation Finals.

The high school freshman is also enrolled in full-time classes in the afternoon, and of course, the global health crisis has complicated show and school schedules for everyone, from parents and teachers to kids and horse trainers. His father, Jose Gomez of Wellington Agricultural Services, said that feeding his son’s passion is worth every headache, late night and horse show.

“He truly loves what he does,” Jose said. “Finding a passion is so important, and Xavier’s lucky to have found his so young. I used to wonder why he only liked to play with horses when he was a toddler, why he insisted on riding any time we had the option. But it obviously wasn’t a phase, and he’s more into the horse game now than he ever has been.”

At home, Xavier splits his time between his mother’s and his father’s, who both live in Wellington. His younger brother, four-year-old Maximus, also seems to have been bit by the horse bug. The two regularly have rides together when Xavier isn’t perfecting his form over fences, and Max’s admiration of Xavier almost certainly means the family will have another equestrian in the show ring in a few years. In fact, Maximus has already won his fair share of leadline classes.

Stepping up from local equitation to the national championships is a big shift. The shows are bigger and more intense, the pressure is high, and hundreds of other young riders and the country’s top equitation horses are the competition.

Xavier’s equine partner Elios is an eight-year-old Holsteiner gelding owned by Michael Deitrich. Imported to the U.S. in the summer of 2019, Xavier and Elios spent the summer perfecting their chemistry here in Wellington before shipping out to Tryon and then Kentucky.

Xavier’s specific goal is the 3’6” Dover Hunt Seat Medal Final, as well as the Maclay Championship, two divisions that attract and groom some of the nation’s top young riders for success in the international show ring. Xavier and Elios won both the ASPCA Medal and Maclay at the ESP Summer III in late August, and they went on to win the Equitation Warm Up and finish 10th overall in the South East Regional Final during the ESP Florida State Fall & Region 3 ASPCA/NHSAA Maclay Championship show held Sept. 17-20 before heading to North Carolina for Octo-ber’s shows at the Tryon International Equestrian Center.

“Kentucky and the National Horse Show are our end goal for 2020,” Xavier said. “And then we start all over again with the Winter Equestrian Festival at home in January. Having that level of competition just a few miles from my barn is really amazing. It makes Wellington a very unique place to call home. It can be really challenging to ride, train, travel to shows and keep up with school work, but this is what I love to do, and being in the saddle every day makes it all worth it.”

Mexican Street-Style Concept PapiChulo Tacos Now Open Near Regal Cinemas  Tasty Tacos

Residents of the western communities can’t stop talking about the newest area hotspot, PapiChulo Tacos. Guests have been soaking up the fresh Florida fall breezes and playing oversized games on the spacious patio, raising an ice-cold margarita while greeting friends — from a safe social distance, of course — and nibbling on the freshest Mexican fare north of the border since the new restaurant’s mid-October opening.

Located at 1005 N. State Road 7, just south of Okeechobee Blvd. in the Regal Cinemas shopping center, the space pulses happily with a laid-back beach bar vibe — complete with sand brought in from the Atlantic Ocean. Locals won’t recognize the former Zaxby’s location, which is now a light and airy space with touches that’ll surprise you at every turn, such as the oversized piñata donkey.

October openings are old hat to the trio of childhood amigos behind the concept — Angelo Abbenante, Scott Frielich and Cleve Mash. The team has been churning out successful ventures for nearly three decades across South Florida. The impressive track record of a combined 25 successful local establishments include Abbenante with Lynora’s Italian Restaurants; Frielich with Dada, Kapow!, Dubliner, Howley’s and Lost Weekend; and Mash with Pawn Shop, Dirty Martini, Dr. Feelgood’s and Monkey Club, one of the longest-running nightclubs on Clematis Street. In 2018, they decided to combine their love of tacos, tequila and sandy beaches to create their flagship PapiChulo Tacos in Jupiter.

Dubbed “the best tacos ever” by diners, immediate favorites joining the taco lineup coming out of the kitchen are Smoked Brisket Nachos topped with refried beans, pickled red onions, jalapeño, queso fresco, cilantro, sour cream and scallions. The 10 different taco selections, priced from $3.50 to $5 each, feature options such as the Pescado with blackened or fried local-caught fish with slaw, pineapple pico de gallo, cilantro, avocado crema and radish, or the always popular Carne Asada with skirt steak, chimichurri, queso fresco, cilantro, sweet peppers, red cabbage, radish and scallions.

Don’t miss the Puerco taco filled with pork shoulder, red cabbage, jicama, sweet peppers, cilantro, scallions and aji amarillo. Larger appetites will love the Chicken Mole made with a roasted half chicken, Brussels sprouts, sweet peppers and mushrooms. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are also available.

The restaurant also serves fresh juices, top-notch tequila, handmade craft cocktails and house-made tortilla chips.

“We are excited to venture west and see what Wellington and Royal Palm Beach have to offer,” Abbenante said. “We love the vibe and are excited to get to know this community.”

The 3,200-square-foot, chef-driven Mexican street-style concept with culinary influences from Baja, California, and South, Central and Latin America is much roomier than its sister restaurant. You’ll feel comfortable with your choice of 150 seats split between indoor and outdoor areas. Life-sized games like corn hole, ring toss, ping pong and giant Jenga are set up for fun on artificial turf and give everyone a chance to spread their wings and have some fun.

PapiChulo Royal Palm Beach is open for brunch, lunch and dinner. You won’t want to miss the daily happy hour specials, Taco Tuesday or Margarita Monday.

For more information, visit www.papichulotacos.com, or follow PapiChulo Tacos Royal Palm Beach on social media for the latest updates.

Palm Beach Brides 2020: From Yes To The Dress! And Everything In Between

Wellington The Magazine’s annual Palm Beach Brides issue brings romance back to the forefront. There have been some twists and turns, but many couples have proclaimed, “Love is not canceled!”

This year, we take a look at some of the high fashion gowns that brides can choose from, as well as get some tips on wedding planning from expert Rosina DiBello.

We also take a look at what local venues have to offer when considering your big day, and take a trip down memory lane with Al and Lenyce Boyd as they celebrate 25 years of love in Always A Bride!