2020 Winter Equestrian Festival Highlights World Class Competition At PBIEC

With the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival on the horizon, Equestrian Sport Productions is ready to welcome the 41st annual show series to the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

Notably the longest-running equestrian sport circuit in the world, WEF 2020 will feature 12 weeks of world-renowned hunter, jumper and equitation competition. The festival will begin on Wednesday, Jan. 8 and continue through Sunday, March 29.

“This will be an outstanding winter season,” said Michael Stone, president of Equestrian Sport Productions, which produces WEF and manages the PBIEC show grounds. “With the 2020 Olympic Games on the horizon, we are once again welcoming athletes from around the globe to the WEF stage. This circuit will surely be a great opportunity for them to test their skills with the best of the best.”

WEF 2020 is preparing to host 11 weeks of FEI-sanctioned competition out of 12 total weeks of competition, which is the highest caliber of show jumping in the sport. Many world-ranked and established athletes participate each year, making WEF, and Wellington, a hub for the most talented equestrians in the world.

“The circuit is always a valuable one. It’s a good start to the year to have our students and all of our horses together,” explained two-time Olympic team gold medalist and longtime WEF competitor Beezie Madden. “My horses are going to have a nice vacation in the fall, and then we will get them started up in Florida again. We have a nice farm [in Wellington] that belongs to [Abigail] Wexner, and it’s always a great place to be and to train.”

The return of WEF also means the return of the popular Saturday Night Lights series, which is free and open to the public. The events offer a cornucopia of entertainment for the entire family, including face painting, live music, food, carousel rides, a petting zoo, pony rides and more. Each Saturday night features the highlight class of the week, regularly including Olympians and the stars of show jumping.

The season begins with national level competition for hunters, jumpers and equitation riders. The crowd-favorite Battle of the Sexes competition returns on Saturday, Jan. 11, pitting a team of male riders and a team of female riders against one another. After completing several variations of jumping relays and competitions, one team will reign supreme.

WEF 2 (Jan. 15-19) features a CSI 2* competition, while WEF weeks 3 (Jan. 22-26), 6 (Feb. 12-16) and 10 (March 11-15) will host CSI 3* competition. CSI 4* competition will take place during WEF weeks 4 (Jan. 29 – Feb. 2) and 11 (March 18-22). Week 8 (Feb. 26 – March 1) will once again welcome the lively CSIO 4*, and Saturday night will host the historic Nations Cup, where teams of three or four riders represent their countries in a thrilling display of athletics that entertain the masses. The impeccable grass Derby Field at Equestrian Village, a horse and rider favorite, will see action this year during weeks 4, 6, 9 and 11.

The 2020 Great Charity Challenge, presented by Fidelity Investments, will be held during the fourth week of the Winter Equestrian Festival on Saturday, Feb. 1. 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 34 rider teams are randomly paired with 34 charities that serve Palm Beach County. The GCC has distributed more than $13.5 million to 240 local Palm Beach charities and nonprofit organizations since its inception a decade ago.

Hunter competition will also take place throughout the 12-week span, and welcomes back WCHR week, a favorite among the hunter community, during WEF 6 (Feb. 12-16). The season will continue to feature international 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. The CSI 5* Grand Prix competitions will be hosted on Feb. 8, Feb. 22, March 7 and March 28. Riders will go head-to-head in the two-round format, concluding with an invigorating jump-off against the clock to determine the ultimate winner.

Originally incorporated during the 2017 season, each CSI 5* competition will also have a CSI 2* competition running parallel, and the grand finale, the $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*, will be held during WEF 12, wrapping the circuit up with the most anticipated class of the season.

The festival will see thousands of horses competing throughout the winter circuit, and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center looks forward to welcoming competitors back for an exciting winter season.

“Each year, we see the numbers flourish, welcoming new competitors, strengthening the circuit and solidifying the Winter Equestrian Festival as one of the most prestigious competitions in the world,” Stone said.

More schedule announcements for the 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival will be released soon. For more information, visit www.pbiec.com.

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center 2020 Winter Equestrian Festival Highlights

WEF 1 “AA” — January 8-12

Saturday Night Lights – $75,000 “Battle of the Sexes”

Sunday – $75,000 Grand Prix

 

WEF 2 CSI 2* “AA” — January 15-19

Saturday Night Lights – $72,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*

Sunday – $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix, $36,000 1.50m Jumper Classic

 

WEF 3 CSI 3* “AA” — January 22-26

Saturday Night Lights – $134,000 Grand Prix CSI 3*

 

WEF 4 CSI 4* “AA” — January 29 – February 2

Friday Night Stars – $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix Team Event 

(AGDF Show Grounds, Global Arena)

Saturday – $209,000 Grand Prix CSI 4* (AGDF Stadium, Derby Field)

Saturday Night Lights – 11th annual Great Charity Challenge, 

presented by Fidelity Investments (WEF Show Grounds, International Arena)

 

WEF 5 CSI 5* and CSI 2* “AA” — February 5-9

Saturday Night Lights – $391,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*

Sunday – $72,000 1.50m Jumper Classic and $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*

 

WEF 6 World Champion Hunter Rider Week

CSI 3* “AA” — February 12-16

Friday Night Stars – $134,000 Grand Prix CSI 3* (AGDF Show Grounds, Global Arena)

Saturday – $36,000 1.50m Jumper Classic (AGDF Show Grounds, Derby Field)

Saturday Night Lights – $100,000 USHJA/WCHR Peter Wetherill

Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular (WEF Show Grounds, International Arena)

Sunday – $25,000 Under 25 Grand Prix and $25,000 National Grand Prix

(AGDF Show Grounds, Derby Field)

 

WEF 7 CSI 5* and CSI 2* “AA” Five Star Week — February 19-23

Saturday Night Lights – $391,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*

Sunday – $72,000 1.50M Jumper Classic and $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*

WEF 8 CSIO 4* “AA” Nations Cup Week — February 26 – March 1

Thursday Evening – WEF Sport Horse Auction (AGDF Show Grounds, Global Arena)

Friday Evening – $36,000 Under 25 Grand Prix Semifinal

Saturday Night Lights – $150,000 Nations Cup CSIO 4*

Sunday – $209,000 Grand Prix CSIO 4*

 

WEF 9 CSI 5* and CSI 2* “AA” — March 4-8

Friday – Pony Hunter Derby (AGDF Show Grounds, Derby Field)

Saturday Night Lights – $391,000 Grand Prix CSI 5*

Sunday – $72,000 1.50M Jumper Classic and $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2*

 

WEF 10 CSI 3* “AA” — March 11-15

Saturday Night Lights – $134,000 Grand Prix CSI 3*

 

WEF 11 CSI 4* “AA” — March 18-22

Friday – Developing Jumper Classics (WEF Show Grounds, International Arena)

Saturday – $209,000 Grand Prix CSI 4* (AGDF Show Grounds, Derby Field)

Saturday Night Lights – $134,000 1.50m Jumper Classic Series Final

(WEF Show Grounds, International Arena)

Sunday – $50,000 Under 25 Grand Prix Final (AGDF Show Grounds, Derby Field)

 

WEF 12 Rolex CSI 5* and CSI 2* “AA” — March 25-29

Saturday – $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (AGDF Show Grounds, Derby Field)

Saturday Night Lights – $500,000 Rolex Grand Prix CSI 5*

Sunday – $50,000 Grand Prix CSI 2* and $50,000 National Grand Prix

(WEF Show Grounds, International Arena)

 

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center Main Grounds

3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL 33414

 

Equestrian Village at PBIEC (AGDF Show Grounds)

13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414

 

For more information, call (561) 793-JUMP or visit www.pbiec.com.

WEF general admission free, parking $20/car Saturday nights.

AGDF 2020 Welcomes Star-Studded Lineup To Equestrian Village

With the winter season rapidly approaching, fans and competitors are marking their calendars for the ninth annual Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF), returning to Equestrian Village at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington from Jan. 8 through March 29, 2020.

As the largest and longest-running dressage circuit in the world, the AGDF welcomes equestrians from all over the globe to compete across a 10-week schedule of events, offering international and national level showing opportunities for dressage professionals and amateurs alike.

“We are delighted to welcome dressage enthusiasts back for another year of top competition,” AGDF Director of Sport Thomas Baur said. “This season is imperative, as it delivers opportunities for competitors seeking out World Cup qualification, as well as Olympic and Paralympic preparation. This year, the CDI 5* serves as a mandatory outing for the U.S. Dressage riders striving for team placement; a group of Japanese competitors will make the journey to work toward Tokyo 2020; and a CDI-W has been added into the last week of competition as a final opportunity for riders contending for FEI World Cup Finals. The 2020 AGDF will also strategically host two CPEDIs in January, as a way to accommodate athletes looking to achieve scores before Paralympic qualification ends.”

The AGDF season serves as a strong competition scene for riders seeking to gain more experience with their mounts, Baur explained, and 2019 Pan American Games team silver medalist Jennifer Baumert credited the show for allowing her to do just that in years past.

“AGDF is one of my favorite horse shows,” Baumert said. “As a true pinnacle of dressage in the United States, the people, the atmosphere, the international flair all make it an incredible place to bring your horses to prepare them.”

She is enthusiastic regarding how much the sport of dressage has grown in recent years, with Wellington at the forefront.

“I think it’s incredibly beneficial to have this circuit,” Baumert said. “It has really put the U.S. on that international stage. The fact that we can attract so many riders from other nations is a major accomplishment and a big deal for our sport.”

The incoming lineup features four CDI-Ws, one CDI 4* and CDI 5*, as well as a CDIO 3* and two CPEDI competitions. The invigorating Friday Night Stars series will return as a season staple, highlighting the iconic FEI Grand Prix Freestyle, and national classes will run parallel to international competition throughout all 10 weeks.

The inaugural Lövsta Future Challenge for Young Grand Prix Horses (8- to 10-year-olds) will kick off this year, serving as the next step for horses returning after 2019’s Prix St. Georges Future Challenge, and eDressage will also make its debut in the national and CPEDI arenas this year.

The 2020 season kicks off Jan. 8-12, featuring the first of four CDI-W competitions, as well as the first CPEDI 3* and national show of the season. AGDF 3 will follow (Jan. 22-26) with the same schedule, welcoming CDI-W, CPEDI 3* and national competitors to the arenas at Equestrian Village.

The circuit resumes for AGDF 5 (Feb. 5-9) and will host its third CDI-W of the year, as well as continued national events in the rings adjoining the Global Arena. AGDF 6 (Feb. 12-16) hosts national competition.

AGDF 7 (Feb. 19-23) promises a star-studded spectacular, as competitors from all over the globe go head-to-head competing at the highest caliber in the CDI 5*. The CDI 4* and national levels promise another competitive week during AGDF 8 (Feb. 26 – March 1).

The popular Challenge of the Americas takes center stage for AGDF 9 (March 4-8), and international competition resumes on March 11 with AGDF 10, a national show, and the CDIO3*. Week 11 (March 18-22) welcomes more national competitors to PBIEC.

The finale of the AGDF season will feature the final CDI-W of the 2020 season, and the last chance for riders to achieve qualification for the FEI Dressage World Cup Final, which will be held in conjunction with the Jumping World Cup Final in Las Vegas in April.

“We are grateful to have been on this journey from its inception,” said Allyn Mann, director of strategic partnerships at American Regent Animal Health (formerly Luitpold Pharmaceuticals), makers of Adequan i.m. (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan), the title sponsor of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “It is nice to see that AGDF continues to attract a varied audience of riders and horses, giving everyone the chance to ride down the center line. We wish everyone continued success.”

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s Equestrian Village site is located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information about the 2020 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival 2020 event Highlights

January 8-12 — AGDF 1

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W

Saturday Night Under the Lights –

Para-Dressage CPEDI3* Freestyle

 

January 22-26 — AGDF 3

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W

Saturday Night Under the Lights –

Para-Dressage CPEDI3* Freestyle

 

February 5-9 — AGDF 5

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W

 

February 12-16 — AGDF 6

National Show

 

February 19-23 — AGDF 7

FIVE STAR WEEK

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 5*

 

February 26 – March 1 — AGDF 8

PALM BEACH DRESSAGE DERBY

2020 Florida International Youth Dressage Championships

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDI 4*

March 4-8 — AGDF 9

National Show

Friday Night Stars – Challenge of the Americas

 

March 11-15 — AGDF 10

NATIONS CUP WEEK

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDIO3*

Sunday Night – American Equestrians Got Talent

 

March 18-22 — AGDF 11

National Show

 

March 25-29 — AGDF 12

Friday Night Stars – Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W

 

The AGDF Show Grounds are located at Equestrian Village at PBIEC

13500 South Shore Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414

AGDF general admission is free.

Parking is $10/car on Friday nights.

 

For more information, call (561) 793-JUMP 

visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

Jumping Star Beezie Madden Has Big Goals For The 2020 Season

Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden is an icon in the world of equestrian sports. Her accomplishments include being an Olympic gold medalist, the first woman to cross the $1 million mark in earnings for show jumping and the only four-time USEF Equestrian of the Year.

Competitions take her and husband John Madden to horse shows around the world. During the winter season, that puts her here in Wellington. She welcomes the chance to spend time in the “Winter Equestrian Capital of the World.”

“I think we do travel so much, that the time we spend is Wellington is the most time we spend anywhere during the year,” Madden said. “While we don’t have a house there, it’s a little like being home. My parents live there year-round now, so I get to spend some time with them.”

After medaling in the 2004 (gold), 2008 (gold and bronze) and 2016 (silver) Olympic Games, Madden’s top goal for the upcoming season will be securing her spot on Team USA for the 2020 games in Tokyo.

“With it being an Olympic year, that’s our biggest goal,” she said. “We don’t know what the observation events are exactly yet, but I aim to have two or three horses that have the opportunity to compete in those events. I’m pretty close to qualifying for the World Cup Finals too, so I’d like to finish that off, so I have that option to compete.”

Each country has its own criteria for selecting Olympians to compete, and while Madden feels confident that she’ll be able to make the U.S. short list, she is careful not to make assumptions about her placement on the team. Just because she won medals in the past is no guarantee of future success. After all, America is home to many of the world’s top riders.

“We have a complicated system. The final short list of about 10 riders is based on their performance in observation events,” she said. “I have to prove myself in good form in the spring, but we don’t know which ones are observation events yet.”

She also enjoys participating in the Nations Cup events and thrives on the classical competitions even more so than special-themed events.

“Any Saturday night Grand Prix is always good to see,” she said. “I think spectators love the Great Charity Challenge and the Battle of the Sexes — they seem to pour in for that. However, I prefer the classical Nations Cup competitions.”

This year, Madden is competing with both seasoned horses and some that perhaps her fans have not seen compete yet.

“I have Garant this year. He is an eight-year-old just starting to do Grand Prix,” she said. “He’s already done two this year, but he hasn’t done one in Florida. Maybe he will make his first five-star debut in Wellington.”

Other horses Madden expects to bring down to Florida this year include her winning horse Breitling LS, who has seen great success in Wellington at the Winter Equestrian Festival, the Longines World Cup Qualifier and the Palm Beach Masters Series. She is also bringing seasoned horses Darry Lou, Coach and Chic Hin D Hyrencourt.

Reflecting on her career of accomplishments, winning team events remains a source of personal pride. Whether it is an Olympic team or the world championships, medaling with a team gives her a great feeling. Three of her four Olympic medals have been in team jumping.

That being said, her individual achievements are stunning, such as her performance in the 2018 World Cup Finals in Paris with Breitling.

“I didn’t go in there as a heavy favorite. It was one of those weeks where everything went really well. I won the first day. I won the second day. I had a rail to spare going into the final round,” she said. “I went in leading and went on to win the last day. Everything went so smoothly.”

The success Madden has seen comes only with dedication and hard work. Her days start early and often run long into the night during competitions.

“We’re morning people anyway, but the day starts at dawn. We’re getting on the first horse in the morning at 6:30 a.m., and it’s long hours, especially on show days,” Madden said. “On a non-show day, we try to get everything wrapped up by 2 p.m. or so, but it’s riding, teaching and sometimes meetings to organize for the next week or month.”

Training in Wellington is particularly nice, because Madden’s horse owner Abigail Wexner owns a farm in Grand Prix Village.

“We are lucky. Mrs. Wexner’s farm has 24 stalls — which is room for our horses — and it’s pretty close,” Madden said. “We can walk to the competition rings from there.”

Madden, with her many years of experience, shared some words of wisdom for young or new riders.

“In general, I think it’s really important to ride, but to also be able to teach — that is how I found my owners and sponsors,” she said. “Always remember this, we don’t really have a private world anymore. Anything you do or put out there, you are going to be judged by people. You always want to make a good impression on maybe future employers, future owners or future clients.”

While her fans already know about Madden’s 18 Nations Cup wins, eight World Cup Qualifier wins and being the first woman to win the prestigious King George Gold Cup at Hickstead, there may be some things they don’t know about Madden. Her favorite color, perhaps?

“My favorite color is blue,” she said. “The blue of a first-place ribbon.”

Visit www.johnmaddensales.com to learn more about show jumping star Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden.

A LONG TRADITION OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith Steps Up To Support ‘A Salute To Our Heroes’ Event

The law firm of Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith has not only decided to continue its support for the Wellington Community Foundation, but it is now the exclusive Diamond Sponsor of the foundation’s Red, White & Blue Jeans “A Salute to Our Heroes” event on Friday, Nov. 8 at the Wellington National Golf Club.

“The law firm has been a sponsor every year of the Red, White & Blue Jeans event, and we just wanted to increase our support this year,” partner Mickey Smith said. “We, as a firm, have many shared values with the Wellington Community Foundation. We are also community based, like the foundation.”

A true icon in the legal field, the firm has operated in Palm Beach County for 92 years, and the sponsorship of such community-minded events is an important part of what makes LLLS unique.

The Red, White & Blue Jeans “A Salute to Our Heroes” event is also unique. The option to dress-down for a fundraiser is a rare occurrence, and Smith’s team always looks forward to the opportunity to relax and have a little fun.

“We all just enjoy being able to go to an event where you can wear blue jeans. We do sponsor a tremendous amount of activities and organizations, we do get out into the community, but this is the only dinner dance that I’ve ever been to that combines patriotic and casual themes,” Smith said. “I know it’s sometimes nice to get dressed up, but it’s awfully nice on a Friday night, after a long week, to be both relaxed in terms of attire and atmosphere. It’s nice to serve the community without a briefcase.”

The Wellington Community Foundation’s work focuses on helping the most vulnerable and deserving in the community, and Smith feels that mission dovetails with that of his firm.

“We represent people who have been seriously injured or lost a loved one in an accident, and we know both the importance of providing assistance when people are in need and the satisfaction that comes with doing it,” he said.

While the foundation’s programs include helping seniors, children and veterans, the types of programs vary. One of these Smith finds especially moving is the Wellington High School riding program.

“The program is in association with the Village of Wellington and WHS, where kids are sent to Vinceremos for riding therapy. It is incredible,” Smith said. “To see children who in some cases can’t even walk, and then they are put on a horse. After a tour we took one time, I remember on the way back saying we all came here with a lot of problems but left with no problems at all.”

The Diamond Sponsorship includes several premium placement dinner tables, giving the firm quite a few tickets that will reach beyond its own members.

“My partner Joe Landy and his wife have been to every Red, White & Blue Jeans event. We had multiple tables last year, and really, the remainder of our guests will be folks who live here in the community,” Smith said. “We are using it as a way to invite people who may not be familiar with the foundation.”

Support for the Wellington Community Foundation’s work is something LLLS expects to continue in the future.

“Our sponsorship is mostly motivated by the goodness of the organization. We enjoy having a good time, but you couldn’t have an event like this if it didn’t stand for Wellington,” Smith said. “I think this event is a success in that it honors veterans and first responders while raising money to be used right here in the community — and that appeals to us a firm.”

Smith is proud to continue the tradition of support for the Red, White & Blue Jeans event, and he is also extremely proud of the team he works with every day.

“Our firm is a collection of incredibly skilled lawyers who have made their reputation by helping people. We get a vast number of clients through word of mouth and referrals,” Smith said. “That speaks directly to the quality and moral fiber of the firm. People come to us when they are in need and vulnerable, and I believe our reputation is unparalleled.”

To learn more about Lesser, Lesser, Landy & Smith, call (561) 655-2028 or visit www.lesserlawfirm.com.

The celebration will take place on Friday, Nov. 8 from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club, located at 400 Binks Forest Drive.

The evening will include speakers and “A Salute to Our Heroes” in addition to food and music. Attendees will get the chance to honor those who have worked to make a difference in the community. Tickets to the event are $85 per person, with table sponsorships and event sponsorship opportunities still available.

Along with LLLS, Wellington Regional Medical Center and Thomas & Regis Wenham have supported the event as Ruby and Sapphire Sponsors, respectively. Table Sponsors include Jim & Paula Sackett, Dr. & Mrs. Gordon Johnson, Palm Beach Urology Associates, Medicare Maggie, Barry & Phyllis Manning, Barron & Kogan CPAs, First Bank of the Palm Beaches and Dr. Humberto J. Caldera.

For more information about the event, or to RSVP, call the Wellington Community Foundation at (561) 333-9843 or visit www.wellingtoncommunityfoundation.org. 

 

Wellington’s Marie Vonderheyden A Portrait of Courage

In February 2015, Wellington resident Marie Vonderheyden — then age 24 — was an athletic, accomplished and aspiring equestrian rider. She was very experienced around horses, as she had been competing in equestrian events since she was eight years old. As an 18-year-old in 2008, she became a French gold medalist in three-day eventing, showing off her skills in dressage, show jumping and cross-country riding. In short, she was a rising star.

But on Feb. 20, 2015, her life took a different path when Vonderheyden fell off a horse she was riding. Her unprotected head hit the ground, and she was knocked unconscious and left with a severe traumatic brain injury

Over the last four years, Marie has been working diligently to get her life back on track. While she may not ever fully recover from her injuries, she’s making progress on a daily basis and rebuilding her life as a para-dressage athlete.

And now, Marie’s efforts to rebuild a normal life have earned her some global recognition, as she is one of four international finalists for the Fédération Equestre Internationale Against All Odds Award.

The FEI Against All Odds Award goes to a person who has pursued his or her equestrian ambitions despite a physical handicap or extremely difficult personal circumstances.

This year’s other three finalists are Tobias Thorning Jorgensen, Eric Lamaze and Zhenqiang Li. The winner of the FEI Against All Odds Award will be honored and recognized on Nov. 19 in Moscow, Russia.

“Being a finalist for this award honors Marie’s fight to get well,” noted her mother, Cecile Vonderheyden.

The life-changing event in 2015, which altered the direction of Marie’s life, still remains a mystery because there were no eyewitnesses to the incident.

On that fateful day, Marie was riding one of her horses along a bridle path near Grand Prix Village in Wellington. It was a regular daily event in her life, but it appears something unusual happened, which spooked her horse, causing Marie to fall off the horse and hit her head. Unfortunately, she was not wearing a helmet.

While the horse fell to the ground as well, it didn’t fall on Marie. As the horse was getting back on its feet, a passing motorist saw Marie’s unconscious body on the ground. Fortunately, that passerby called 911, and within minutes, Marie was on her way to St. Mary’s Medical Center via helicopter.

According to Cecile, her daughter was in a coma for two months. For a while, she was completely paralyzed on her right side. Doctors said that the odds of Marie walking again were slim. She had to be taught how to do basic things in life, such as swallowing, naming the letters of the alphabet and identifying different colors. She also had to rebuild muscle memory and overcome severe pain and muscle spasms.

For the next two years, Marie suffered from a lack of overall awareness. And she has also had many balance and coordination issues.

Yet in one area, Marie proved the doctors wrong. She is now walking again, albeit slowly. At home, she can do basic things such as push a vacuum cleaner, cook in the kitchen and do laundry. In the stables, she’s strong enough to groom her horse.

Before the accident, Marie — who holds dual American and French citizenship — was fluent in both French and English. Her ability to speak English fluently didn’t return until earlier this year.

Clearly, the key to Marie’s recovery has been hard work, perseverance and her internal fighting spirit.

Marie and her family have spent most of the last four years in Atlanta where she took part in rehab sessions at the Shepherd Center, which specializes in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation. The sessions have been crucial to Marie’s healing.

“Marie has had lots of physical therapy, swimming pool therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy and riding therapy,” Cecile said. “This has been a slow process. Marie recovers every day. She sets small goals and then meets them.”

While Marie is no longer at the Shepherd Center, she is busy with four workouts a week, which includes Pilates training and exercises that focus on improving coordination and balance. Marie is also riding five or six days a week.

The accident took place in February 2015, and Marie was back on a horse in February 2016. However, her first competition in the para-dressage category was not until February 2019.

Moving forward, Marie feels that the biggest key to her recuperation is actually spending more time riding. “I was happy to start riding a horse again,” Marie said. “I am never nervous. I love horses.”

Marie’s mother agrees that horses are playing a major therapeutic role in her daughter’s recovery. “Horses are part of her life,” Cecile said. “She’s happy when she’s around horses.”

Marie’s current long-term goal is to compete in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. 

As a result of Marie’s injury, her family has established Marie VDH Inc., a nonprofit foundation, in order to help young people who’ve sustained traumatic brain injuries or who suffer from any brain-related disease overcome their fate and find a reason to carry on. The foundation was established earlier this year.

As you would expect, Marie VDH Inc. is helping Marie Vonderheyden herself achieve this through sport and therapeutic riding. But the goal is to also assist other riders in the future who will need this kind of help and financial assistance.

It’s worth noting that Marie’s horse is a reflection of the international nature of the equestrian community. Her main horse is a 16-year-old Oldenburg, which was born in Germany, but has an English-sounding name (London Swing), yet goes by the nickname, Louis, named after French King Louis XIV.

To support para-dressage rider Marie Vonderheyden and learn more about her journey, visit www.marievdhparadressage.com or find her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/vonderheyden.marie.

Gladiator Polo Returning To IPC In Wellington This Season

Gladiator Polo originated in Wellington as a way to expand the reach of equestrian sports to fans of action-packed events like hockey or football. It combines elements of both field polo and arena polo, and in just over two years has garnered both a national and international following.

To the delight of fans, the sport is returning this winter to the International Polo Club Palm Beach in Wellington.

Contrary to traditional equestrian competitions, where audience participation is encouraged only before and after a rider competes, Gladiator Polo is fueled by a rowdy crowd. Spectators are encouraged to cheer on their favorite team throughout the entire match.

There are two teams of three players pitted against each other in a small, enclosed arena, giving spectators an up close and personal look at the action. Another unique feature of Gladiator Polo is the distinctive team uniforms that both the horses and riders wear — from the players’ helmets all the way down to the horses’ leg wraps — making it easy for spectators to follow the game and cheer on their team.

The game consists of six chukkers each lasting five minutes, so the game is slightly shorter than a polo match on a regulation grass field. Riders change horses at the end of each chukker, but Gladiator Polo does not require the large number of horses to play that outdoor/grass polo demands. Many players use horses twice, alternating horses each chukker.

Another main difference between indoor and outdoor polo is the game ball. For Gladiator Polo, the ball is similar to a mini soccer ball, so it is larger than the small, hard plastic ball used outdoors. Proper technique is definitely important for indoor polo, because the arena game is played on a sand mixture with the ball bouncing on the uneven surface and off the arena walls regularly.

Look for Gladiator Polo to return to the IPC Arena in 2020. For more information, visit www.gladiatorpolo.com.

Team Welles How Andrew and Alex Built A Business in Wellington

“Power couple,” “dynamic duo” “supercouple” — however you choose to describe them, international show jumper Andrew Welles and his wife, amateur rider Alexandra Welles, fit the bill. The pair have long been familiar in the show jumping world, specifically at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, both as fierce competitors themselves, in addition to operating Team Welles, one of the fastest-growing training operations.

Andrew and Alex Welles are at an exciting time in their life, with the birth of their baby girl, a new farm being constructed in Wellington, a string of talented horses, students and more. This duo is one to watch as the 2020 Wellington equestrian season approaches.

Alex, originally from New York’s Long Island, began spending her winters in Wellington at age 13. Moving up through the equitation ranks and into the jumper ring, now with Andrew as her trainer, she quickly became a force to be reckoned with in the amateur divisions.

Today, with her longtime equine partner XM, she is a consistent top-placing competitor in the Low Amateur-Owner division across the country.

Additionally, Andrew and Alex welcomed their first child in April 2019, Anderson Reese Welles, keeping the pair busy outside of the show arena as well. A regular at horse shows such as the Hampton Classic and the American Gold Cup with the team, Anderson is already an integral part of Team Welles.

Growing up riding in Minnesota, Andrew often felt isolated from the sport, not fully grasping the scope of show jumping and the opportunities available that WEF has to offer. However, soon after attending a clinic with trainer Frank Madden, Andrew learned of all the opportunities available and was determined to go all-in with his riding career and work his way up to the top of the sport.

“During my freshman year of high school, I came down for a weekend,” Andrew said of his first visit to Wellington. “I went back home, and my school worked it out for me to be able to come down for the entire Winter Equestrian Festival for my sophomore and junior years. From that point on, I have been all-in with the horses.”

Over the years, he became more involved in the sport from a training perspective. While continually growing himself, the now 31-year-old also began to share his expertise with his students, kickstarting his first business, Andrew Welles LLC.

The business was a huge success, with Andrew riding and competing a string of impressive competition horses, largely owned by the Itasca Group LLC, on Nations Cup teams and 5* Grand Prix classes while also producing young horses, in addition to helping train and instruct his students as they worked toward their goals in the sport.

Recently, Andrew made the decision to rebrand the business under the name Team Welles.

“Now, there is such a great group of people around me, with Eric Glynn working with me as a trainer and the other people in the operation who have helped us expand and take things to this level,” Andrew said. “It is not just about me anymore; it is about the whole team. I think that is how we look at it from a training standpoint. For both the horses and the riders, it is a team effort. We want to bring that mindset down to our mission statement, and I think the name is a great place to start.”

Despite the pair’s busy competition schedule throughout the year, traveling across North America with their string of performance horses and their students, Andrew and Alex are proud to call Wellington home, both for their family and their business.

“For us, Wellington has become home over the years. We spend so much time here between the pre-circuit, WEF and post-circuit, that for us, it made the most sense, in addition to loving it here, to base our business here,” Alex explained. “We had always wanted to have a farm in Wellington, so when the opportunity presented itself, we were right on it. No matter where we are all year long, everyone wants to be in Wellington, so it just made sense to make the jump.”

After purchasing their farm in Palm Beach Point East, Andrew and Alex have taken great care and attention to detail to develop the facility into one of the top training operations, for both horses and students. With improvements such as a new arena with high-quality Wordley Martin footing, a jumping field with full drainage and a new 24-stall barn that is under construction, the farm will host the highest quality facilities available in Wellington.

“It is going to be the training base for our operations, so I am trying to make it the best quality all the way around,” Andrew said. “We have some really nice up-and-coming horses, some really nice Grand Prix horses and having a facility that is top-notch gives us the best ability to prepare for big competitions in Wellington. We are doing a lot of the extra additions to the training routine, like a round pen, a walker, a treadmill and a spa for the horses — things that will really make a difference in their performance.”

Andrew has high goals for himself and his business. With the 2020 Longines FEI World Cup Finals in Las Vegas approaching, he has his sights set on qualifying with one of his upper-level horses. While Andrew has experienced horses in his string, like Brindis Bogibo and Primo Troy, he is also looking forward to continuing to develop his younger horses, such as Chanel 479 and Idol H&H throughout the season.

“In addition, from a training standpoint, which is a very important part of what we do at Team Welles, we would really like to help our students excel in the U25 series at WEF, which I think is such a fantastic series that takes place,” Andrew added.

Wellington has afforded Andrew and Alex Welles the opportunities to excel to the top of the sport, create a successful training business and put down roots to start a family. Team Welles looks forward to a successful 2020 winter equestrian season in Wellington with a team mentality that has paved the way for a successful business.

Visit www.teamwelles.com for more information.

Palm Beach Brides 2019 Tell Us Your Wedding Story!

Through the pages of our annual Palm Beach Brides issue, we share with readers the unique stories of four local couples as they made their journey down the aisle on one of the most exciting days of their lives. Each shares their highlight of the day and personal, touching events that made their wedding special. We will also share the latest in bridal gown fashion and hear from local wedding photographers Stacey and Brandon Poirier of Poirier Wedding Photography on some important items to consider when choosing how to capture your wedding day.

Palm Beach Brides 2019  – Credits

Special Thanks To Bacio Bacio Bridal Boutique  Lenyce Boyd www.baciobacio.com and all of the industry professionals who helped to make our annual Palm Beach Brides issue an amazing success!

Special Thanks To All Of Our Wedding Couples for sharing their love story with us!

Jessica & Sahir  

Kayli & Charlie

Kimberly & David

Caitlin & Andrew

VENUES 

 

The International Polo Club Palm Beach

www.internationalpoloclub.com

(561) 204-5687

 

The Wanderers Club

www.wanderersclubwellington.com

(561) 795-3501

 

The Wellington National Golf Club

www.wellingtonnationalgolfclub.com

(561) 333-5731 

 

The Wellington Community Center

www.wellingtonfl.gov

(561) 753-2484

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

Captured Photography

www.capturedbyjen.com

 

Emily Madelyn Photo

www.emilymadelyn.com

 

Gina Marie Photography

www.ginamariesullo.com  

 

J Millon Photography

www.joannamillon.com

 

Kenneth Smith Photography

www.kennethsmithphotos.com

 

Poirier Wedding Photography

www.poirierweddingphotography.com

 

Scribbled Moments Photography

www.scribbledmomentsphotography.com

 

Be sure to view the digital issue online at WWW.WELLINGTONTHEMAGAZINE.COM

 

YOU CAN ALSO DOWNLOAD OUR PALM BEACH BRIDES 2019 CHECKLIST

TO HELP YOU PLAN YOUR SPECIAL DAY

That One Special Dress, For That One Special Day

Since there are so many wedding dresses to choose from, it is nearly impossible to know which style is right for you. Wellington’s own Bacio Bacio Bridal Boutique gave us a grand tour of their warm and inviting showroom. Featured here and on the next several pages are some of the latest styles from the boutique adorning brides this season.

The team at Bacio Bacio is ready to help you when choosing that “just-right-for-me” gown. How do you know what your bridal style is? Ask yourself! Perhaps its Vintage, a style that encompasses an era gone by and mixes it with a modern vibe. Classic offers timeless elegance with a personal touch, while a Modern Minimalist approach is all about clean lines and simplicity. For those with a Sexy Glam edge, you can find a stunning, sparkling style with utmost attention to detail. Nothing is wrong with that, since you are the center of attention on your wedding day!

For those brides leaning toward a tiara for the day, you may try on some of the many princess-style Fairytale dresses. Many of our Wellington brides may kick up their heels with an interest in the Rustic Chic look, which ties romantic and neutral colors together with a feminine touch of lace and soft silhouettes.

Whatever your style, just be sure to make it your own. With the right choice of style and comfort, you’ll be communicating your own personal sense of style. It is your day, wear it beautifully!

This gown is by designer Eddy K and has a V-neck, fit and flare silhouette, crepe gown with a dramatic low back, a hint of lace at the hem and a full-lace train.

Bridal Gown | Bacio Bacio Bridal Boutique

Designer | Eddy K

Florals | Nat Kovolis

Venue and Styling | Elizabeth Ave Station

Bridal Accessories | Champagne and Grit

Model | Summer Marchsteiner

Photography | Emily Madelyn Photo

Hair | Fiorella Castro Hair

Makeup | Emily Rivera Artistry