2019 Adequan Global Dressage Festival Welcomes The World Back To Equestrian Village

The 2019 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is poised for the return of one of the most competitive and highly sought-after dressage circuits in the world, beginning Jan. 9, 2019 and continuing through March 31, 2019, at the Equestrian Village site at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington.

This winter circuit will provide substantial opportunities for top riders seeking qualifying scores for the 2019 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, as well as for the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. The season will feature four qualifying events for the discipline of dressage.

“We have another bustling competition season ahead of us, and we are incredibly excited to welcome some of the top dressage athletes of the world back to AGDF,” said Thomas Baur, director of sport for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “This year, we will see riders from all over coming to Wellington to prepare for the 2019 Pan American Games, as well as the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.”

The season will continue to implement the Large Tour and Small Tour class updates that were initiated during the 2018 season, which allow riders to compete multiple horses in different classes and help the continuation of class growth throughout the season.

Formatting split the Large Tour into two separate Grand Prix divisions. One division qualifies for the Grand Prix Freestyle and the other qualifies for the Grand Prix Special. By dividing them into separate classes, the organizers then have the ability to run more Grand Prix rides, which will accommodate more horse and rider combinations.

Week 1 competition at the 2019 AGDF will begin Thursday, Jan. 9 and continue through Sunday, Jan. 13, with the first CDI-W of the season. The international competition commences with the first of seven FEI CDIs hosted during the 12-week season, which includes the Lloyd Landkamer Memorial CDI-W serving as a season-opening tribute to longtime AGDF Manager Lloyd Landkamer, who passed away in 2015.

The first CPEDI 3* competition will follow during AGDF Week 2 (January 17-20), offering para-equestrian athletes another opportunity to earn valuable qualifications for the remainder of the year. AGDF Week 3 will host another CDI-W from January 23-27.

Competition continues on Thursday, Feb. 6, with the season’s only CDI 5* during AGDF Week 5, featuring many of the world’s top competitors in the circuit’s largest and most prestigious international week. AGDF Week 6 (February 15-16) will host national level competition, while AGDF Week 7 (February 20-24) will welcome another CDI-W.

A historic staple of the season commences with the start of AGDF Week 8 (February 27 – March 3) with the Palm Beach Derby CDI-W, one of the longest-running dressage competitions in South Florida.

More recently, a traditional Dressage Derby competition was added to the week’s competition schedule and features four Large Tour riders competing against each other on unfamiliar Small Tour-trained horses in a knockout-style competition, while judge’s commentary is announced following each ride.

AGDF Week 9 (March 7-10) will hold another CPEDI, while AGDF Week 10 offers the only non-championships CDIO 3* in the western hemisphere. The week features top riders competing for their country’s colors in hopes of earning team points toward the overall FEI Nations’ Cup Series.

AGDF Week 11 (March 23-24) will host another national competition, before the final week of the AGDF season, which welcomes the FEI CDI 4* (March 26-31). Typically, the CDIO 3* concludes the AGDF season, but this season, the CDI 4* will close competition for the season at the venue.

The 2019 AGDF season features four CDI-Ws, a CDI 4* and a CDI 5*, as well as a CDIO 3* and two CPEDI competitions. Local spectators are welcomed and encouraged to come out and enjoy world-renowned competition, as the show is always open to the public with free general admission.

The weekly Friday Night Stars evenings take place every Friday during international CDI events and showcase the FEI Grand Prix Freestyle class, where combinations ride to choreographed musical routines.

A musical freestyle is a personally choreographed dressage test accompanied by music specifically composed for each competing duo, which begins as they make their way down centerline. Not only are the rides compelling, but they are also exciting to watch and exemplify the deep communication between horse and rider in the discipline of dressage.

Friday Night Stars is free and open to the public and features the top dressage riders in the world, competing under the lights at Equestrian Village. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., and the class begins at 8 p.m.

The Palm Beach International Equestrian Center’s Equestrian Village site is located at 13500 South Shore Blvd. in Wellington. For more information about the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, call (561) 793-5867 or visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

 

Adequan Global Dressage Festival 2019 Weekly Schedule

AGDF 1

CDI-W & National Show

January 9-13

 

AGDF 2

CPEDI 3*

January 17-20

 

AGDF 3

CDI-W & National Show

January 23-27

 

AGDF 5

CDI 5* & National Show

February 6-10

 

AGDF 6

National Show

February 15-16

 

AGDF 7

CDI-W & National Show

February 20-24

 

AGDF 8

Palm Beach Derby

CDI-W & National Show

February 27 – March 3

 

AGDF 9

CPEDI 3* & National Show

March 7-10

 

AGDF 10

CDIO 3* & National Show

March 13 – 17

 

AGDF 11

National Show

March 23 – 24

 

AGDF 12

CDI 4* & National Show

March 26 – 31

 

THE STADIUM AT THE PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL

EQUESTRIAN CENTER

13500 South Shore Blvd.

Wellington, FL 33414

www.globaldressagefestival.com

The Power of Positivity Eleanor Brimmer Embraces Life As A Para-Equestrian

While Eleanor “Ellie” Brimmer grew up like many other girls with a passion for horses, her situation is unique. She has cerebral palsy, yet Brimmer refuses to let physical challenges hold her back and instead finds ways to rise to the challenge of equestrian competition.

Brimmer grew up in Minnesota but now calls Wellington her full-time home after making a permanent move here in 2015. “Minnesota is a nice place to be from — beautiful country, but brutal winters,” she said.

Those tough winters made life, and riding, much more difficult for her physically, but you’ll never hear Brimmer complaining. After all, riding horses is in her blood.

“My grandpa immigrated from Ireland and was a master of foxhounds,” she explained. “My mother rode shows, too. She competed on the Winter Equestrian Festival circuit.”

Keeping with her heritage, Brimmer competed as a hunter/jumper equestrian in college. She found herself limited in fence height due to balance issues, but she was determined to find ways to keep her passion for horse competition moving forward.

“Dressage is a way to keep four on the floor,” Brimmer laughed.

When asked her favorite exercises in dressage, she explained that it’s more than just a step or movement that she enjoys.

“My test is walk and trot,” she said. “But I love that feeling when you can execute really well and have total control. It’s addictive.”

Working on musical freestyle programs is also appealing, as she contributes a great deal to the choreography and musical choices. In October, Brimmer and her Hanoverian mare, Argentinia — lovingly called “Jenny” — were invited to perform a musical freestyle program for the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International Conference for riding instructors.

Brimmer’s para-equestrian career is impressive. She was long-listed for the 2012 Paralympic Games and has brought home several accolades, most recently the Triple Crown Excellence Award.

Recently, Brimmer was reclassified and moved into Grade III for competitions, and she feels this is a more appropriate level, paving the way for a run at the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.

“I’m really happy to have the opportunity to get in front of international judges,” she said. “There are no para-riders in Minnesota, and it is more meaningful to compete against others directly.”

Living in Wellington contributes greatly to her ability to train and pursue a career in the equestrian field. Not only are there more competitions nearby, but she has found wonderful resources and support in the local community.

Coach and trainer Andrea Woodard loves the attitude and focus that Brimmer brings to the ring. “I see her determination, and it makes me proud to be a part of her journey,” Woodard said.

Brimmer is only the second para-equestrian rider that Woodard had ever worked with directly, but she is inspired by the continuous dedication and positive outlook.

“Dressage is like playing chess,” Brimmer said. “It is a very subtle art, designed for higher thinkers. It is a very elegant sport.”

Woodard said that the deep bond between horse and rider required in para-riding is dressage in its truest form.

“She can’t muscle a horse into doing what she wants,” Woodard said. “There has to be a trust and understanding, and the horse must want to do whatever she asks.”

Brimmer describes Jenny as having a “sassy attitude,” but there is no doubt that the rider shares this trait. All you have to do is watch her mount and ride to see it.

Without hesitation, Brimmer grabs a stepstool and climbs atop the horse without assistance. The pair silently work their way around the ring several times before transitioning into trot and walk sequences. Just a horse and rider, moving as one unit.

Para-dressage is still dressage, with movements the same as those of able-bodied riders.

“Para means parallel, not paralyzed,” Brimmer said. “Our movements are the same. We have some adaptive equipment.”

Brimmer shows off the magnets on the bottom of her boots, an approved design to help her keep them in the stirrups while riding. “It’s a modification, not an advantage. It levels the field,” she said.

Another method Brimmer implements is the use of two whips instead of one.

“Jenny is a sensitive horse and responds very well to the light touch of the whip for directional commands,” she said.

Brimmer’s first love is horses, and she takes every opportunity to work in the sport. In addition to working for the Adequan Global Dressage Festival, taking inventory of everything including ribbons and trophies, she also volunteers as a ring steward for other shows.

For young people who want to work in the industry, Brimmer has some advice. “Go into it with an open mind,” she said. “You may not be a rider or trainer, but there are lots of opportunities in the equestrian community.”

Always at Brimmer’s side when not on horseback is a little black-and-white, mixed-breed dog, Maya. The 10-year-old is a rescue Brimmer adopted while at a horse show, and the bond between the two is another example of Brimmer’s love and connection to animals.

“She’s my Velcro-dog,” Brimmer said as the dog rested its head on her lap.

The two are so close that the dog must remain indoors while she rides.

“Maya would chase me around on the horse if I let her out, so she gets to wait indoors while I train,” Brimmer explained.

Brimmer’s bright sense of humor and happy attitude are infectious, and everyone around the barn has a smile and a wave for her as she walks the grounds. It’s the home turf for this Paralympic Games prospect, and she continues to serve as role model for all equestrians.

World Equestrian Games Brings Two Weeks Of Exciting Competition To Tryon

The FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018, hosted only for the second time ever in the United States, captivated the global equestrian community from Sept. 11-23 at Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina, hosting world championship-caliber competition for each of the eight FEI-sanctioned disciplines: dressage, driving, endurance, eventing, jumping, para-dressage, reining and vaulting over the two-week timeframe.

WEG is held every four years in the middle of the Summer Olympic cycle and features top equestrian competitors from around the world vying for top team and individual titles in their respective disciplines.

The story of WEG arriving at Tryon was different than initially anticipated, as Mark Bellissimo and the Tryon Equestrian Partners stepped in more than halfway into the planning cycle to save the event after initial host city, Bromont, in the Canadian province of Quebec, dropped its nomination. Working on an 18-month timeline instead of a four-year plan, the Tryon team had to work quickly to ensure that the sporting venues and infrastructure was completed in time.

The event officially opened on Tuesday, Sept. 11, a day before competition began, welcoming the world to western North Carolina with special words spoken by FEI President Ingmar de Vos and Tryon 2018 CEO Mark Bellissimo. Grammy-nominated country music artist Hunter Hayes wowed the crowds, following an emotional Parade of Nations to officially commence the start of competition.

“This WEG showcased incredible top sport in each of the disciplines hosted throughout the two weeks; some of the best competition in history,” said Michael Stone, president of the Tryon 2018 Organizing Committee. “We’re proud of what we were able to accomplish in such a short time frame, and our team worked incredibly hard to make sure that we were able to deliver these games for the athletes, horses and spectators.”

Isabell Werth of Germany and her superb mare, Bella Rose, who has been absent from the international dressage competition circuit for nearly four years due to an injury, returned in incredible form. The duo went toe-to-toe with the United States’ top combination and current world number one, Laura Graves and Verdades, who are regulars on the Adequan Global Dressage Festival circuit. Julio Mendoza, also a regular on the AGDF circuit, competed as the first individual ever for his home nation of Ecuador.

“This was my answer to all those who did not understand how I could leave the world’s number one horse at home for this one,” Werth said. “Most horse people here know how close I am to Bella, and to bring her back after a long recovery after WEG 2014 is extra special. We always knew it could be a risk, but it is like that with every horse.”

The British Eventing Team stormed to the top of the leaderboard, finishing on the lowest combined team score in the history of WEG, as all four team riders completed each of the three phases, and each finished within the difficult optimum time on cross-country. Ros Canter finished atop the individual podium for the British team as well — the team’s first individual win since 2006.

Reining saw the first-ever individual gold medal for the nation of Belgium, won by Bernard Fonck, while the top guns of Team USA secured team gold, continuing their dominance in the discipline. Cade McCutcheon, the youngest competitor for Team USA at the age of 18, finished in a runoff for third place to take the individual bronze aboard his mount, Custom Made Gun.

The second week of the event brought jumping, para-dressage, driving and vaulting competition to Tryon, featuring another six days of outstanding sport.

Para-dressage competition kicked-off the week with riders from the Netherlands, Great Britain and Denmark making their mark to begin a five-day stretch of medal competitions. The Netherlands ultimately dethroned the reigning champions of Great Britain, earning their first team gold in para-dressage.

“It is so amazing,” said a tearful Sanne Voets, who competed for the Netherlands. “It was my dream, and now it is real. This horse two years ago won the first-ever paralympic gold medal for the Netherlands, and he contributed very much to our first ever team gold medal on Friday, and now he is the first one taking home triple gold for the Netherlands at the World Equestrian Games.”

Vaulting competition showcased the athleticism and beauty of the horse and rider connection in the indoor arena at Tryon, filling the stadium for the team final on the second-to-last day of the event. Team Germany ultimately defended its gold from the 2014 WEG in Normandy, France. The strong German team also secured the female individual gold medal with strong performances from Kristina Boe.

An unprecedented performance from Team USA in the discipline of driving brought yet another gold medal to the count for the U.S., as Chester Weber, Misdee Wrigley-Miller and James Fairclough defeated the odds, and their combined score narrowly edged Team Netherlands and Team Belgium for the gold. All three drivers expressed their pride in this accomplishment for Team USA, a first in the federation’s history.

“It’s unbelievable. It takes a village to make this whole thing work,” Weber said. “I said all week that I was going to keep my head down and concentrate on my own game, and hopefully on Sunday, I’ll pick my head up with a medal or two around it.”

In what will be remembered as one of the best demonstrations of top sport in history, the jumping team and individual finals featured many of the world’s best riders going head-to-head for two of the most prestigious honors available in international competition for the discipline of jumping.

Ultimately, after a strong display of prowess from the Swiss team, the United States made its mark on the leaderboard after an unprecedented team jump-off against Sweden for gold. McLain Ward, Adrienne Sternlicht, Laura Kraut and Devin Ryan composed the team for the United States. Sweden captured the silver medal, while the Germans took home bronze.

Simone Blum, the youngest female competitor to ever take an individual gold, wowed on her mare DSP Alice for Germany, as the pair did not accumulate a single jumping fault over four days of competition.

“This was sport at its best,” U.S. Chef d’Equipe Robert Ridland said. “The odds on a jump-off being required were incredible, although we realized it was a possibility. This, today, is why we do it. We have been dreaming about this for so long. We have a tremendous group of talented riders.”

Learn more about the FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon 2018 at www.tryon2018.com.

Brooks Koepka From Wellington To The World Stage

Did you know that current U.S. Open and PGA Championship winner Brooks Koepka grew up in Wellington and got his start at the junior golf program at a local public golf course?

Koepka, who also won the 2017 U.S. Open, honed his golf game on the Okeeheelee Golf Course. At Okeeheelee, Brooks, now 28, spent countless hours as a youngster hitting balls on the driving range, plus pitching, chipping and putting.

Brooks’ memories of his days playing at Okeeheelee are vivid. “Growing up at Okeeheelee was a blast!” he remembered. “We would get dropped off at 7:30 every morning, and we would get picked up at dark. I learned how to play the game there, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.”

He was not alone at Okeeheelee. He was joined by his younger brother, Chase, who currently plays professional golf on the European PGA Tour.

Brooks’ mother, Denise, recalls her oldest son saying, at age 12, that his career goal was to play professional golf.

Much of the credit for Brooks’ interest in golf must be given to his father.

“Brooks hit some of my cut-down clubs from the time he was three until I got him his first junior set of clubs at age seven to play in a tournament at Okeeheelee,” Bob Koepka recalled. “He liked golf at an early age, and from ages 7 to 12, he started showing a passion for the game, especially after I took him to the Masters at age eight.”

Those who have watched Brooks grow as a golfer have fond memories of his golfing childhood.

“I had the privilege and honor of coaching many fine golfers and many fine young men during my 10-plus years of coaching the golf team at Cardinal Newman High School,” recalled Greg Sherman, the future star’s high school golf coach. “I can’t really exactly say why Brooks stood out among them, but he did.”

Donna White, director of Golf Professional Services Inc., said that his passion for golf and his work ethic stood out. “He and his brother would play, play, play all day. He was always a serious player,” she said. “With such great facilities at Okeeheelee, Brooks had an advantage over other junior golfers in South Florida.”

Mary-Lee Cobick, president of the Junior Golf Foundation of America, agreed.

“Brooks was the young man you saw arrive first in the morning and was the last to leave at night,” she recalled. “Brooks played and worked on his short game all day long.”

Brooks attributes his success to his local junior golf experiences.

“I can’t say enough about the Junior Golf Foundation of America’s programs at Okeeheelee,” Brooks said. “It was on those golf courses and through those tournaments that I fell in love with the game. I can honestly say that I would not be where I’m at today if those opportunities were not available to me when I was younger.”

Brooks was also good enough to start playing high school golf as early as the sixth grade, as a member of the Wellington Christian School golf team.

Bob Koepka taught his sons that winning at anything doesn’t just happen. It requires focus and determination.

“I always made the boys figure out how to win at anything and never let them win, whether it was playing cards or sports,” he explained. “It was up to them to either physically or mentally rise up to the challenge.”

Brooks has certainly risen to the challenge — and he’s still rising.

Bob Koepka has known for a while that his oldest son has what it takes to win golf tournaments.

In the fall of 2006, during Brooks’ junior year in high school, that moment of clarity took place when Brooks was playing in the Florida high school state championships.

“I had his high school coach tell him he was four shots back with seven holes to play for the state championship,” Bob recalled. “[Brooks] proceeded to go five under to capture the title.”

There is a strong charitable side to Brooks. When he was recovering from a severe wrist injury this past spring, which kept him away from the PGA Tour, he made a public appearance at Okeeheelee during the club’s 11th annual Putting Classic — and he brought along his U.S. Open trophy, too.

“This is the first time that the actual U.S. Open trophy has ever been on display at our golf course,” beamed Mac Hood, the golf course manager at Okeeheelee.

With his PGA Championship win in August, Brooks has now won three out of the last seven majors that have been played, dating back to the 2017 U.S. Open.

Bob Koepka knows that his son has what it takes to add a green Masters jacket to his wardrobe, which could come as early as next April, when the world’s greatest golfers play the Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. “Brooks is at his best when his back is against the wall, and he is mentally strong enough to take his game to the next level to reach the goal at hand,” Bob explained.

As this year’s PGA Tour season concluded, Brooks finished the year third in the Official World Golf Rankings, sixth on the PGA Tour’s money list and ninth in the season-long Fed Ex Cup playoffs. In late September, the PGA of America named Brooks its Player of the Year.

Another highlight for Brooks, now living in Jupiter, was qualifying for this year’s U.S. Ryder Cup team, which competed against Europe in September at the Le Golf National, located near Paris in France. Expect Brooks to be a regular member of many U.S. Ryder Cup teams over the next 10 to 15 years, possibly alongside his brother Chase. Only time will tell.

Follow Brooks Koepka’s career at www.brookskoepka.com.

Visions Hair Salon Has Been Making Wellington Beautiful For Thirty Years.

For 30 years, Visions Hair Salon has been making Wellington residents beautiful with satisfying hairstyling capabilities that have kept the hair of local men and women of every age looking its very best.

Owner Tom Monticello grew up in the industry at his father’s barber shop in New Jersey. After extensive training, he moved to Wellington and opened Visions Hair Salon in 1988. While the shop has expanded — featuring 32 staff members today — it remains in the same shopping plaza where he first opened his doors and began to watch the community grow.

“We really care about satisfaction, and that attitude toward customer satisfaction is what keeps the people coming back,” said Monticello, who noted that many other salons have come and gone during his tenure. “For many salons, 10 or 20 years is a very long time. We have clients and employees who have been with us almost that long.”

Visions Hair Salon offers its clients a wide array of services.

“We handle every aspect of modern hair design, including color work, cutting and styling, conditioning, hair extensions, specialized treatments and much more, but we never got into nail and spa treatments — we specialize in hair,” Monticello said, explaining that the salon also uses and supplies the best hair care products. “It’s all about the client’s satisfaction. We use the finest, internationally known products.”

Monticello is proud that his facility has been a Nick Arroyo Ambassador Salon for the past nine years.

A well-known celebrity stylist with 30-plus years in the industry, Arrojo, who is based in New York City, was a pioneer of his own signature, razor-cutting, precision-based hairstyling technique that today is practiced worldwide because it offers versatility for stylists and beautiful, wearable styles for clients.

With exposure in magazines worldwide, and as the hairstyling host of the TLC show “What Not To Wear,” and with his own line of top-quality products, Arrojo has become an industry icon for his internationally renowned techniques and as an author, educator and mentor.

“We also use the Goldwell hair color line and award-winning products, programs and techniques from Balayage and others,” added Monticello, who said that his stylists, junior stylists and apprentice stylists attend seminars as well as on-going education and training on a weekly basis, and sometimes multiple times per week.

Monticello said clients come to Visions Hair Salon because the entire staff works to deliver the highest-quality professional service. “We start with a complimentary consultation about your hair and your goals,” he said. “Again, it is all about the client’s satisfaction.”

Monticello noted that some of their first-time business comes from clients needing his experts to correct color and fix mistakes made by others.

“We use only the finest products for each application that have been developed by hairdressers for other hairdressers,” Monticello said. “[The products] have to perform to help make the client’s hairstyle work, so it looks as good next week as it did when they left the salon.”

Sunday, Nov. 11 will be a banner day for Visions Hair Salon, as it celebrates the past three decades with an event starting at 6 p.m.

“It will be a two- or three-hour free event,” said Monticello, who said that Arrojo, as well as representatives from Goldwell and others will be present at the celebration and that many products will have featured percentage-off prices.

The evening will include a raffle with proceeds and a portion of the product sales benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Visions Hair Salon is located at 12793 W. Forest Hill Blvd. in the Wellington Plaza. Call (561) 790-1696 or visit www.vhsalon.com for more information.

CycleBar Combines Best Of Fitness, Fun & Philanthropy

Whether at home, in business or in the saddle, Erin Schiller has always led a driven life. When the opportunity to open a CycleBar indoor cycling studio in Wellington presented itself to her, she jumped at the chance to combine her passions of fitness and business.

Since opening to great anticipation in July, CycleBar Wellington has become a popular new fitness option in a community that values being active.

“Opening in the Wellington community is very meaningful to me,” Schiller said. “As an equestrian, Wellington obviously holds a special place in my heart, but it is also home to an active group of people who get very excited about new fitness options. I am really excited to be a part of the movement now.”

Created in 2004, CycleBar has grown into the largest network of premium indoor cycling studios in the world. It is the first and only premium experiential fitness concept offered in franchising. CycleBar is unique from other cycling studios because of the full sensory experience it offers during each class through CycleBeats, CycleTheatre, CycleStats and CycleStar instructors. The cyclists in each class can expect to have an upbeat and immersive experience from a motivational, professional instructor every time they enter the studio.

An integral part of the CycleBar success is the CycleStar instructors who motivate riders not only as a trainer, but also as a DJ, drill sergeant, educator and friend. Each instructor is dedicated to helping riders achieve their fitness goals by bringing incomparable energy, training, enthusiasm and charisma to each ride, which takes approximately 45 minutes.

The CycleStar instructors are also able to create highly motivating, energetic playlists for riders through CycleBeats, which is a proprietary, state-of-the-art in-house and online music database. CycleBeats allows CycleStars to personalize their classes, making it fun to try each class to get to know all of the instructors.

“I worked really hard to make sure that the instructors I chose for my studio were an elite group of fitness educators,” Schiller explained. “I feel like I have an incredibly high-quality group of 10 trainers who are passionate about CycleBar and helping people have a great time at every class. To me, that makes all the difference. If your instructor is fun and energetic, it is hard to not have a great time.”

CycleBar goes even further in offering the best in boutique fitness with CycleStats, a program that allows riders to achieve their personal best with every ride. CycleStats uses technology to measure six key metrics of a riders’ daily and historic performance. After every ride, patrons will receive an e-mail with their personal results, which shows calories, power, RPM, mileage, resistance and time. Over time, the cyclists can track personal progress to achieve and exceed their goals.

Another unique aspect of CycleBar is the drive to give back to the community. This desire led to the creation of CycleGiving, a philanthropic movement that partners with local organizations and charities to create exciting indoor cycling charity rides to support the organization’s cause. Since its grand opening, CycleBar Wellington has hosted fundraising rides for a variety of charities, both local and national, such as Kiehl’s LifeRide which supports amfAR, the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and the Parkinson’s Foundation.

“Supporting the community by supporting charities is very important to me, and it sets the CycleBar business model apart,” Schiller said. “We work hard to partner with other local businesses to ensure that the fundraisers are as effective and meaningful as possible. We encourage our members to enter the studio and leave it all on the bike. If we can help them to do that by also supporting causes that affect everyone, I think it makes the rides even more special.”

CycleBar opened to great success during the summer in Wellington, and now Schiller is looking forward to welcoming the equestrians who migrate to the area for the winter months. Schiller keeps her horses with Wellington favorites Todd Minikus and his wife Amanda, and she stressed how much CycleBar workouts can support equestrians.

“Part of the reason I was so passionate about opening the studio in Wellington is because I knew first-hand how much CycleBar can help riders,” she explained. “Every CycleBar ride encourages strength, core stability, balance and stamina, which are fundamental aspects of good riding. We are planning special equestrian-themed rides, fundraisers for equestrian charities, as well as a unique membership package and competitive class schedule especially for the season. I am really excited to share this experience with all the equestrians who come here, and then be able to cheer them on when they compete.”

First rides are always free and can be scheduled using the CycleBar web site or app. Shoes, towels and water are provided free of charge, and the CycleBar staff is excited to meet new people to help introduce them to this fitness movement.

CycleBar Wellington is located at 9312 Forest Hill Blvd. in the Kobosko’s Crossing Shopping Center. For more information, visit https://wellington.cyclebar.com. Area charities interested in working with CycleBar should call (561) 444-3185.

He asked for your hand in marriage; you said yes! And just like that… it is your wedding day.

You will remember your wedding day for the rest of your life, but it’s often the smallest and unexpected details that will make your day most memorable.  Be present every step of the way and let all of the feelings of love wash over you as two become one.

Buckle Up And Get Ready, Brides!

Bridal gown fashion is at an all-time high. Every designer was pumped for the recent royal wedding, and the creations they produced hit the runway with a dramatic flair. Top trendsetters predict many brides will choose a similar style to what the new duchess gallantly walked down the aisle in, while others will opt for the dress of their dreams. Each bride wants to feel just as special in that once-in-a-lifetime gown on her big day.

Wellington The Magazine teamed up with industry professionals to bring you some of the most trendy, traditional and elegant bridal gown fashions, highlighted over the next few pages.

A big hit for 2019 will be the “bridal cape” style usually made with illusion tulle to give that flowing effect. Another big hit seen on the runways are detachable pieces, like sleeves, trains and layered skirts. This allows the bride to go from walking down the aisle, perhaps in a religious setting, completely veiled, to being able to remove items for photography, the reception and the dance floor. This makes a second or third dress unneeded throughout the entire day.

Although the majority of brides still lean toward white on their wedding day, many are turning to the traditional off-white, even for first-time brides, and then there are some who are inspired by a hint of color, often making the sash match the wedding décor or blend with the bridal party attire.

Fashion is ever-changing, but your Instagram pics are forever. So, be selective and make it the dress you have always imagined yourself in, and enjoy being the center of attention the whole day though!

 

Soft and flowy meets fine and finished with Jura’s full tulle skirt and lacy sweetheart bodice. Beaded spaghetti straps and attached waistband add sparkle to this fairy-tale gown.

Bridal Gown | Bacio Bacio Bridal

Designer | Willowby by Watters

Venue and Styling | Bellewood Plantation

Photography | Dragonfly Photography

Video | Key Moment Films

Cake | Johnson’s Custom Cakes

Bridal Accessories | Champagne & GRIT

Florals | Vero Beach Florist

Hand Lettering | Ink Letter Love

 

Oversized Dalia-inspired floral motifs cover Galatea’s exquisite A-line silhouette. Two

rows of velvet ribbon wrap around the bodice to secure the waist with a delicate bow in the back.

Bridal Gown | Bacio Bacio Bridal

Designer | Willowby by Watters

Location | Wine Scene West Palm Beach

Rentals | Atlas Event Rentals

Film | Erica J Photography

Bridal Accessories | Champagne & GRIT

Hair & Makeup | Chloe Williams

Models | Laura Williams and Tyler Palmer

Hand Lettering | Ink Letter Love

Behind-the-Scenes Video | Digital Producto Films

Catering | Laura Ashley

 

This Venice lace fit-and-flare gown has a modified sweetheart neckline

and buttons down the back.

Bridal Gown | Bacio Bacio Bridal

Designer | Justin Alexander Bridal

Photography | Captured Photography

Bride | Haley Locke

 

Nova’s beaded bodice continues into elegant beaded straps that feature a stellar, star-like pattern that floats into its cascading tulle skirt.

Bridal Gown | Bacio Bacio Bridal

Designer | Willowby by Watters

Flowers | Maison Francis

Tuxedo | The Tux Shop Palm Beach Gardens

Hair & Makeup | Bridal Beauty South Florida

Paper Goods | Emily Baird Design

Cape & Hair Accessories | Champagne & GRIT

Venue | Miami Beach Woman’s Club

Models | Kylie and Branden

Photography | Erica J Photography