Gold Coast Dressage Association Turns 35 With
Noreen O’ Sullivan At The Helm

The Gold Coast Dressage Association turned 35 this year and kicked off its Coral Anniversary by cooking up an asado hosted at the Palm Beach Equine facility in Wellington.

The event also marked a milestone for longtime GCDA President and Show Manager Noreen O’Sullivan, who has not only seen the amazing transformation of the sport of dressage in the community, but has personally been a catalyst for the advancement of dressage in South Florida.

O’Sullivan has served as the GCDA president for more than a decade after pitching in at almost every position. Early on, she served as a volunteer, a runner (who literally runs the score sheets from the judges’ box to the scorer), a scribe (the person who puts the judges’ comments and scores on the test sheet), the scorer (who tallies the scores on the tests) and a competitor.

When O’Sullivan was sidelined from competing for a year after a car accident, she wanted to stay involved in dressage even though she couldn’t ride. “The club probably benefited from me being sidelined because I still wanted to be involved with the sport, and that spearheaded my movement into management,” she explained.

O’Sullivan served in many additional roles, including the newsletter editor, overseeing sponsorships and publications, show manager, then vice president and eventually president.

Her commitment to the sport has had a profound ripple effect in making Wellington known around the globe for world-class dressage. In fact, while spearheading the GCDA, and holding down her full-time job as a financial planner, O’Sullivan and her husband, John Flanagan, started Wellington Classic Dressage, a show management company that would work side-by-side with the GCDA to further the sport of dressage and attract more riders from around the world.

In her capacity as show manager for both GCDA and WCD, O’Sullivan hosted dressage shows at a number of Palm Beach facilities, including the Winter Equestrian Festival show grounds, Sunshine Meadows in Delray Beach, the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center, the White Fences Equestrian Center and the Horse Park at Equestrian Estates in Loxahatchee.

“Hosting shows in so many different venues was a big learning curve,” she explained. “When Stadium Jumping was sold to Equestrian Sport Productions, we moved to Jim Brandon. Back then, we hosted three to four shows a year.”

But the community craved dressage, and the demand for education and dressage competitions was increasing rapidly. Today, GCDA and WCD host as many as 16 shows and educational events a year, and Equestrian Sport Productions hosts an additional 11 dressage shows in the high season at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which O’Sullivan also had an influence on.

Back in 2013, Equestrian Sport Productions approached Wellington Classic Dressage with their vision for the Global Dressage Festival and negotiated to purchase several of WCD’s high season show dates to facilitate the startup of the Global Dressage Festival. “Equestrian Sport Productions saw the high level of interest in dressage, and I saw it as an opportunity to again further our sport,” O’Sullivan explained.

The result is that Wellington became a world-renowned mecca for dressage at the highest level, something that thrills O’Sullivan. “Wellington is known all over the world for dressage, and I take great pride in that. I have friends in the dressage community worldwide, and we all share a common thread — the love of our sport,” she explained.

But O’Sullivan is quick to note that the GCDA is much more than just dressage competitions. “We are about a sense of community and advancing the sport through education as well,” she said.

The GCDA’s track record in the education arena is equally as stellar. O’Sullivan beams when she talks about the many social and educational events that make the GCDA such a great organization for the sport.

“We host adult camps, unmounted events, symposiums and ride-a-test events throughout the year as well,” she explained, noting the recent Stephen Clarke symposium held Feb. 11-12. “FEI 5* Judge General Stephen Clarke is one of the most sought-after horsemen in the world.”

O’Sullivan is proud of her role in the GCDA and the organization’s contribution to dressage, but also thanks many other people who played key roles. “It takes a village. We have an outstanding GCDA board, and everyone brings new ideas and energy to the club,” she said.

This year, that board has worked together to launch the Gold Coast Dressage Education Scholarship Program for amateurs and professionals. Her goal is that the GCDA, despite the increasing level of talent, “never lose the sense of community and friendly welcoming atmosphere that has been the cornerstone of the GCDA for 35 years.”

So, what would O’Sullivan like to see for the future? “Quite honestly, I hope to live to see the perfect 10 score,” she said. “A test performed to score a 100 percent.”

And with the caliber of horses and judging in Wellington today, thanks to organizations like the Gold Coast Dressage Association, it might happen here.

The GCDA is committed to education and promoting good sportsmanship, along with high ethical and moral standards in horsemanship and equestrian sport. Its mission is to organize and operate educational activities while fostering local and national amateur dressage competition.

To learn more about the Gold Coast Dressage Association, or to become a member or sponsor, visit www.gcdafl.org.  

Focusing On Clients Is Key At The Keller Williams Luxury International Team

For the people who live, work and play in the many different sectors of Wellington’s vast and diversified equestrian industry, real estate agents with equestrian expertise are among the key professionals supporting the village’s horse community. After all, everybody needs a place to call home.

Keller Williams Wellington is the real estate agency that makes a point of targeting the equestrian industry with specific services catering to the housing needs and demands of polo players, show jumpers and dressage riders, as well as the individuals who own, feed, bathe, groom and exercise the horses, plus the people who organize, administer, sponsor, publicize, promote and chronicle the activities of Wellington’s world-renowned horse industry.

Keller Williams Wellington has established a special unit catering specifically to the equestrian community. It’s called the Keller Williams Luxury International Team, according to Keller Williams Broker Nancy Jennings.

The Keller Williams Luxury International Team includes Karen Allen, Adrienne Carruthers, Paula Castro, Jennifer Drahan, Sophie Ghedin, Hadar Goldberg, Bill and Jody Jorgensen, Marcia Lichtenwalner, Anna Niehaus, Maria Raspanti, Luis Rodriguez, Robert Ross, Heather Suarez and Nappy Tranter.

Jennings and her colleagues realize that any home-purchasing experience must be as rewarding as the excitement of winning a Sunday afternoon polo match, being victorious during Saturday Night Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center or perfecting your dressage freestyle at Friday Night Stars.

“We understand that buying or selling a home is more than just a transaction. It’s a life-changing experience,” said Jennings, a 34-year real estate veteran. “That’s why our team of highly seasoned real estate professionals is dedicated to providing exceptional, personalized service for all our clients.”

After more than three decades in the real estate business, Jennings’ passion for her profession continues to drive her to be the best that she can be. It is a feeling shared by the members of the Keller Williams Luxury International Team.

“My extensive experience as a professional equestrian is a huge asset to all my clients, equestrian and non-equestrian,” Realtor Jennifer Drahan said. “The work ethic, efficiency, attention to detail and time management that I learned growing up with horses has served me equally well in real estate. KW Luxury allows me to merge my two passions in life, real estate and horses.”

The team includes several bilingual members, comfortable working with an increasingly international clientele.

“As an agent with many European clients, especially from German-speaking countries, the Keller Williams Luxury Division is a great venue to reach the high-end market of my equestrian and European home and farm buyers,” Realtor Anna Niehaus explained. “KW Luxury Team members heavily network with each other, as we understand the needs of our clients best.”

Each member of the team shows up to work every day with a commitment to excellence and a positive attitude.

“As a luxury agent, it is my job to make real estate dreams come true,” Realtor Karen Allen said. “I strive to achieve the very best for my clients and treat each one with the same level of energy and professionalism. Being part of the luxury division has been a truly rewarding experience for me.”

Attention to detail is crucial in an industry as competitive as real estate.

“Whether working on a luxury residential, farm listing or a condo sale, I’m dedicated to providing an attentive, luxury level of service throughout the process,” Realtor Marcia Lichtenwalner said. “Personalized service is my dedicated business model. This commitment insures that I’m focused on local conditions to provide current competitive market knowledge, maintain a vast network of professional service providers who operate on the same level to assist my buyers and sellers throughout the real estate transaction, and to always conducting myself in a confidential and discreet manner on behalf of my clients to assure a positive outcome for all.”

Members of the team also bring decades of experience on the local real estate scene.

“With more than 20 years in real estate that transcends nearly every aspect of a transaction, I have developed a reputation in Palm Beach County as one of the most trusted service-oriented professionals for helping clients achieve their real estate aspirations,” Realtor Maria Raspanti explained.

Jennings said that her team’s top goal is to stay in touch with clients and to realize that every detail matters.

“We pledge to be in constant communication with our clients, keeping them fully informed throughout the entire buying or selling process,” she said. “We believe that if you’re not left with an amazing experience, we haven’t done our job. We don’t measure success through achievements or awards, but through the satisfaction of our clients.”

Focusing on client satisfaction makes sure that the Keller Williams Luxury International Team maintains a leadership position in the Wellington market.

“Our team of experts represents the best and brightest in the industry, and we’re always striving to lead the field in research, innovation and consumer education,” Jennings said. “Today’s buyers and sellers need a trusted resource that can guide them through the complex world of real estate. With our extensive knowledge and commitment to providing only the best and most timely information to our clients, we are your go-to source for real estate industry insight and advice.”

This expertise is why many clients return time and again to the agents of Keller Williams Wellington.

“We take great pride in the relationships we build and always work relentlessly on the clients’ behalf to help them achieve their real estate goals,” Jennings said. “Our philosophy is simple: clients come first.”

The Keller Williams Wellington office is located at 12008 South Shore Blvd., Suite 201. For additional information, visit www.kwwellington.com or call (561) 472-1236.

Keeping Focused The Key To Success For Wellington’s Ebeling Family

Before sitting down to a home-cooked meal of pasta Bolognese and green beans at Tierra Contenta, their comfortable Wellington farm, Amy and Jan Ebeling were on Facetime with their son, Ben.

The Ebelings are a well-known family in the dressage world. Jan was on the 2012 U.S. Olympic team in London, riding Rafalca, a mare co-owned by Ann Romney, wife of the 2012 presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He was also on the 2003 Pan American Games gold medal team and in four World Cup Finals. Their 19-year-old son, currently attending Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, is making some noise on his own, competing in Grand Prix classes in both dressage and jumping, a rare accomplishment.

Jan Ebeling continues to compete at a high level and hopes to qualify for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo aboard Indeed V. He trains and competes in Wellington during the week, and most weekends he is giving a clinic out of town.

Amy Ebeling is the CEO of Team Ebeling. She is a successful businesswoman managing their farms in Wellington and California, taking care of their clients as well as being a horse owner herself. She is also a terrific cook.

“We have a very busy life, and one of the biggest goals that I have with supporting my family is to make sure to stay in touch with our main objectives,” she explained. “There are lots of tasks that we do each day to help inch our way toward our individual goals, so helping to facilitate those things is a role of mine in helping these two guys.”

Ben Ebeling is a weekend competitor, flying down when he can, usually several weekends a month. He plans to pursue both disciplines while continuing his education where most of his mother’s Pittsburgh-based side of the family attended school.

“Dressage is technical; each step counts, and precision is extremely important,” said Ben, who has not outgrown his Star Wars fascination. “The feeling of being in harmony with your horse, asking them to perform movements that you yourself trained, is something truly special. Show jumping is similar to dressage in that it is very technical, but in a whole other way. I love jumping because of the rush, having to think on the fly while in a course of jumps, and, of course, the speed.”

His parents are not pushing him to decide between either discipline and marvel at the success he’s had in both, considering the fundamental difference in balance that creates quite a challenge for the rider.

“In the beginning, I wasn’t sure how Ben would cope with such a drastic difference, especially when the jumps got bigger,” said Jan, who turns 61 on Sept. 9. “Turns out it seems to have made him more agile in both dressage and jumping. I’m not sure how he pulls it off, but he seems to just do it. He rides a dressage horse, hops on his jumper, and gets right back on another dressage horse without any problem. So athletically, it has helped him for both disciplines. The biggest challenge seems to be to make it from the dressage show to the jumping competition on time.”

Many people have told Ben that he will have to choose one over the other at some point because it is too hard to transition between the mindsets of higher-level dressage and jumping. But he disagrees.

“One of the integral parts of my training that is different from other riders has been learning how to transition from discipline to discipline, even multiple times in a day,” explained Ben, who was also an amateur magician when he was younger. “Not many other riders have to deal with this aspect of the sport, but I’ve worked hard on it, and usually it only takes a few brief minutes of visualization to transition between calmness (dressage) and intensity (show jumping). I do not think I will ever choose one over the other; I love both sports so much. In my opinion, they balance me as a rider. I’ve certainly been extremely blessed with the opportunities that my family makes available to me, so I would like to always take advantage of both sports.”

Ben’s routine before a major competition includes eating a protein-filled breakfast cooked by his father. He also visualizes each movement for about 30 minutes, whether it’s a rollback turn in a jumping course or transitioning from piaffe to passage in dressage. And he always wears his yellow Pittsburgh Steelers bracelet for good luck.

“I think as long as riding is a hobby for him, it doesn’t really matter if he does both disciplines at the same time,” Jan said. “However, our sports have become so specialized that as a professional, you would have to choose one or the other. That, of course, would be his decision. I have a feeling that his true love is the jumpers.”

His mother also has some ideas for her son and his future. “Be happy, get good grades, do his best in school, experience a different life other than horses,” Amy said. “Find a passion and pour yourself into it. Achieve your goals with horses by taking tiny steps toward them, be realistic about the journey and getting there to avoid big letdowns, and love every moment of this amazing life with horses and cherish all that they give to us.”

If Ben chooses horses as a career, he certainly has the background to succeed, as riding and managing horses are second nature to him.

“He has seen his father and I work very hard from the ground up in the sport to the Olympics, and I hope that life lesson will take Ben many places,” Amy said. “Understanding the successes and the failures, learning along the way how to handle each of these in a very humble and gracious way, has been a lesson I have always tried to teach him. I hope that his father and I have been wonderful role models in working hard.”

When they are together, they relax by playing cards or Monopoly or Scrabble, and it’s gets very competitive.

“The biggest challenge is keeping everyone focused,” Amy said. “I am particularly focused, and it’s hard for me to relate to those who become unfocused; that’s my downfall.”

But it’s one of the keys to the success of her husband and son.

Palm Beach Equine Clinic Helps Keep The Horses Of Vinceremos In Top Form

The horses at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center perform miracles every day. Whether by carrying a person coping with a physical disability to a sense of independence, providing comfort to a soul suffering from emotional trauma or teaching a child beyond the confines of a classroom, the Vinceremos horses are heroes. But they aren’t the only ones wearing capes. A local group of dedicated and passionate equine veterinarians share in the magic.

The veterinarians of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic (PBEC), based in the heart of Wellington, have been caring for horses in South Florida for decades. Founded by Dr. Paul Wollenman in 1981, PBEC has grown to include a staff of 40 veterinarians, five boarded specialists and the most state-of-the-art facility in the country. Situated in the winter equestrian capital of the world, PBEC treats the top-performing show jumping, dressage, polo and racing athletes throughout the year.

In addition, the clinic is a saving grace for the horses of Vinceremos. The 23 specially selected horses stay true to the nonprofit’s mission of conquering disability and hardship in people of all ages. Founded in 1982, Vinceremos, based in Loxahatchee Groves, serves people from all stations in life with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities through the power of equine therapy. The treatments they offer include therapeutic riding and carriage driving, hippotherapy, equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted psychotherapy.

PBEC does its part by keeping the horses healthy and happy with pro-bono veterinary care.

“We have the people and, most importantly, the horses, of South Florida to thank for the success that PBEC has enjoyed over the years,” said Palm Beach Equine Clinic President Dr. Scott Swerdlin, who spearheaded the clinic’s involvement with Vinceremos in 2011. “It is our honor to give back to that community through our work with Vinceremos. The whole team is dedicated to each and every horse we treat, as well as to the riders who love them.”

While their commitment to the nonprofit is extensive, it’s not about the hours spent or the cost of time and supplies. Swerdlin and his team focus on a bigger goal; healing horses so they can heal people. “There’s no greater reward than seeing how the horses of Vinceremos benefit their riders,” he said. “You see the riders light up and how excited they are to be on those horses.”

Swerdlin is proud of the clinic’s work with Vinceremos. “I continually remind my team that it is a privilege to treat the caliber of horses we have in Wellington and that should compel us to give back to the community,” he said. “The response from Palm Beach Equine Clinic veterinarians has been overwhelming. The entire team has volunteered to be involved.”

From routine treatments and services such as vaccinations and health exams to emergency care, PBEC veterinarians are available to Vinceremos night and day. Last summer, such emergency care was called on, and one Vinceremos horse got a second chance at life thanks to a group of devoted veterinarians.

Vinceremos favorite Clark Kent — a sturdy black mount with an eye as kind as they come — suffered an injury to his right front leg. The laceration extended into his tendon sheath, which is a layer of membrane around a tendon on the back of the lower leg. What could have been a simple cut on the surface was much more serious.

Initially treated on-site at Vinceremos by Dr. Marilyn Connor, Clark Kent was then transported to PBEC for surgery to repair the injury. The case turned into a team effort and involved the work of surgeons Dr. Weston Davis and Dr. Michael Myhre, as well as Dr. Janet Greenfield.

After surgery and a recovery period at PBEC’s onsite equine hospital, Clark Kent returned to Vinceremos to recover and was back to his therapy work by fall, giving riders a sense of independence and confidence with his skill on the lunge line and his forward way of going.

“This treatment was no easy feat, but the veterinarians and staff of the Palm Beach Equine Clinic took a tragedy and turned it into a miracle. Clark Kent was surrounded by extraordinary veterinarians and technicians throughout his care,” Vinceremos Director of Development Susan Guinan said. “The diligence of this team makes miracles happen every day. We are so appreciative of Palm Beach Equine Clinic and their team of veterinarians. They give so much support to Vinceremos and the horses here. They keep them in top shape so we can impact our community in such a special way through equine therapy.”

For Connor, it’s cases like Clark Kent’s that convinced her to pursue veterinary medicine. Growing up around horses, she spent time volunteering with a therapeutic riding program before attending veterinary school at Texas A&M.

“It was a very rewarding experience to be able to give back to a cause that is important to me, and even more so now that I can do that in a different capacity as a veterinarian,” said Connor, who has worked at PBEC since 2017.

She can often be found checking on the horses of Vinceremos while on the job. “Being able to help horses as special as the ones at Vinceremos and the people who love them is what ultimately made me realize I wanted to be an equine veterinarian,” Connor said.

To find out more about the Palm Beach Equine Clinic, visit www.equineclinic.com or call (561) 793-1599.

Southeast Florida Honor Flight To Host Buck Off Challenge March 15 At Wellington National Golf Club

The Southeast Florida Honor Flight has its own band of brothers. Before the sun rises on April 24, more than 80 World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War veterans will board a jet at Palm Beach International Airport for a memorable flight to Washington, D.C., to visit several sites dedicated to their bravery, service and sacrifices.

The veterans, some of whom are in their 90s, are the heart and soul of the Southeast Florida Honor Flight. With a police escort, four motor coaches transport the veterans to the U.S. Air Force Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the World War II Memorial, the Korean War Memorial and the Vietnam War Memorial. They return home that same night to hundreds, if not thousands, of flag-waving, cheering family, friends and supporters to welcome them home at PBIA.

Pete Granata of Wellington served in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He went on an Honor Flight about a year ago. “It was a wonderful afternoon,” Granata said. “I met others from the area, and we still regularly keep in touch. For me, it was a way of saying, ‘Welcome home.’”

The Southeast Florida Honor Flight, a nonprofit organization, is hosting a major fundraiser in Wellington to help this worthy organization to continue to fly veterans for free on this day of honor.

The Buck Off Challenge, a mechanical bull-riding competition, will be held on Friday, March 15 at 6 p.m. at the Wellington National Golf Club (400 Binks Forest Drive, Wellington).

The competition consists of four-person teams with an entry fee of $100. Costumes are encouraged but not mandatory and usually receive extra points from the panel of celebrity judges. The top three highest scoring team will receive prizes. Several veterans are expected to attend the fundraiser.

“The veterans are treated like rock stars on their Honor Flight,” said Janet Hoose of Wellington, who has been on several Honor Flight trips as a guardian. “I’m honored and privileged to help honor these heroes. The Buck Off Challenge is a fun way to raise money to help our veterans.”

For Buck Off Challenge sponsorship information, contact Bobbi Rottman at (561) 436-1165 or e-mail bobbi@eqessolutions.com. Learn more about Southeast Florida Honor Flight at www.honorflightsefl.org.

FACES OF WEF

From January through April, the world’s top riders and their amazing horses return to Wellington to take part in the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The crowds will be on hand to watch the steady beat of hooves and the graceful movements as horse and rider head over jumps, aimed for the history books. Olympic-caliber riders will join up-and-comers, children, juniors and adult amateurs in the ring to take part in a horse show series that offers something for every age and skill level. Over the next few pages, you’ll get a glimpse at just a handful of the impressive riders competing this season in our annual Faces of WEF feature. Make plans to spend some time at the show grounds this season to learn more about why Wellington is known as the “winter equestrian capital of the world.

Lucy Deslauriers

Show jumping runs in the family for Lucy Deslauriers, daughter of Canadian Olympian Mario Deslauriers and Grand Prix rider Lisa Tarnopol Deslauriers. A rising show jumping star, she won the 2015 George Morris Excellence in Equitation Award at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. In 2016, Deslauriers was awarded the Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy by the United States Equestrian Team. The award is for young riders who exemplify both sportsmanship and horsemanship. She notched a huge win in 2017 during Week 8 of WEF in the 1.50-meter $100,000 Suncoast Jumper Classic CSIO4*. Of the field of 49, she had a fault-free finish to the top of the leaderboard. That year, she had victories riding her prized mount Hester in Wellington, Spruce Meadows, North Salem and more. In 2018, Deslauriers and Hester topped a 23-horse jump-off to win the $132,000 Equinimity WEF Challenge Cup CSI5* during Week 12 at WEF. She made her Nations Cup debut at the Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, British Columbia, helping the U.S. to a fourth-place finish, which secured the team a spot in the 2018 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain.

Georgina Bloomberg

Georgina Bloomberg is both a top equestrian and a philanthropist, putting her well-known name to work protecting animals and aiding equestrians in need. Daughter of Michael Bloomberg, she began riding at age six. She won the 2001 USET Talent Derby, won team gold at the North American Young Rider’s Championships in 2002 and individually in 2003, won the USET Maxine Beard Award in 2004 and made her debut at the FEI World Cup Final in 2005. In 2009, Bloomberg won the eighth round of the WEF Challenge Cup and won round one of the WEF Challenge Cup Series in 2010 before winning the Bluegrass Festival Grand Prix and placing top in 2012 and 2013 throughout Europe and America. More international success followed. She helped the U.S. claim the team bronze at the 2015 Pan American Games. After spending 2018 rebuilding her string of horses, she headed into 2019 with a barn full of talent. After top placings with Chameur 137 in fall World Cup qualifying classes, she’s sixth in the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Standings – North American Eastern Sub-League and aiming for the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden.