More Than The Competitions Enjoying A Visit To The Winter Equestrian Festival

The Winter Equestrian Festival is the world’s largest and longest-running horse show circuit — an elite combination of competition, community, social activity and more, with the start each season bringing the horse world to Wellington.

The 12-week schedule offers a variety of competitions for all ages and experience levels in the hunter, jumper and equitation divisions. Beginning in January and concluding in March, WEF welcomes riders and visitors from around the world, distributing nearly $10 million in prize money throughout the three months. Simply put, there is a reason it has been named the world’s premier winter equestrian event.

WEF is not just an exceptional competition hub for athletes and spectators, but also provides a luxurious hangout, perfect for activities and events outside the show ring. From shopping and casual dining, to exhilarating entertainment and educational opportunities, WEF offers a unique experience for all those who come to visit. General admission to PBIEC is free and open to the public all season.

Looking to purchase a new top for your night on the town? Searching for the perfect gift for a friend to give them a little slice of South Florida heaven? Maybe you are a few minutes away from competing and forgot your boot socks. Whatever you are searching for, you’ll find it within the WEF shopping boutiques. More than 100 vendors occupy the show grounds each week and offer a wide variety of products, styles and sizes. The shops are spread over several locations on site, including on Hunter Hill, over the PBIEC bridge, on Vendor Row and around the many competition rings.

Vendor Row hosts the majority of vendors in the center of the grounds, but also check out the boutiques located by the International Arena. Both areas have shopping that cater to all equestrian and non-equestrian needs and range from luxury products to inexpensive merchandise. For those looking to commemorate their visit to the horse show, the WEF Boutique offers clothing, posters and souvenirs with the iconic WEF logo.

In addition to its multitude of shopping opportunities, WEF also has an abundance of food and drink, for a quiet lunch or a larger private event. If you are searching for a quick bite during the day, visit one of the on-site vendors that offer everything from burgers and fries to salads and wraps. One fan favorite is Tito’s Tacos, a Mexican-style eatery with tacos, burritos, chips and salsa, and, of course, margaritas. Another is the popular Oasis Café, which offers an assortment of fresh and light meals that can be ordered on-site or ahead of time by phone. You can also sit down at the Tiki Hut to eat a delicious meal while overlooking competition in the International Arena. The Tiki Hut menu includes a variety of burgers and sandwiches, customized salads, grilled chicken and fish, and more.

If you are looking for a more upscale dining experience, be sure to try out the White Horse Fashion Cuisine restaurant. Located by the main entrance to the show grounds, White Horse provides the perfect atmosphere for a relaxing and refreshing dinner with a wide range of food and drink choices. PBIEC also caters to special and corporate events throughout the season. No matter what type of food or experience you are craving, there is something for everyone on-site at WEF.

Of course, the main attraction to WEF is the high level of show jumping competition. And there is no better night to witness this exhilarating entertainment than on Saturday night. The Saturday Night Lights attraction has become a favorite for both competitors and spectators.

Beyond watching the best riders in the world, there are many activities for the whole family to enjoy. Pony rides, petting zoos and stilt-walkers are just a few of the many things you’ll see when you walk through the front gates at WEF on Saturday night — and it is all free to the general public. Saturday Night Lights is not just for the kids, because adults can also have fun at one of the many bars located around the International Arena both during and after the Grand Prix. You can also dance the night away at the Gallery after the conclusion of the class, the heartbeat of the venue after competition concludes. If you can only attend WEF one day a week, Saturday is the best choice.

Outside the ring, the Winter Equestrian Festival continues to offer several learning experiences and activities for everyone. Come take a tour of the world-renowned facility followed by a catered lunch. Explore all 12 of the competition rings, the stabling area where horses prepare for competition, and a stroll through Vendor Row.

Perhaps you’d like to forgo the tour and sit in and expand your knowledge at one of the popular Lunch & Learn classes. Hosted on Thursdays weekly during WEF, the Lunch & Learn series provides educational platforms for horse enthusiasts to learn more about a variety of equine-related topics, including management and maintenance, horsemanship and care, as well as emerging technologies and treatment methods available in the equine veterinary industry. Speak with experts in their respective industries and enter to win fun, end-of-season prizes.

Whether staying for the entire 12 weeks of competition or just passing through for a few days, there is plenty to do at WEF. You can witness the world’s best riders compete daily, dine at a variety of restaurants, shop until you drop, entertain the kids or enjoy an adults-only night out, and learn more about various equine topics — all without leaving the showgrounds.

For more information about the Winter Equestrian Festival and the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, visit www.pbiec.com.

Spend Your Saturday Under The Lights At PBIEC

Each Saturday evening during the Winter Equestrian Festival season, the stadium lights click on, the cars — packed with families — begin to trickle into the venue and riders begin to warm their horses up before their biggest class of the week. Welcome to Saturday Night Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center–.

The weekly evening competition begins at 7 p.m. with the first horse and rider combination entering through under the iconic bridge, but gates open at 6 p.m. for the public and spectators, with a multitude of activities for the whole family to enjoy. General admission to Saturday Night Lights is free, and parking remains $20 per car load, providing a perfect, inexpensive evening for family and friends.  

Some of the PBIEC staple activities on Saturday nights include free rides on the Venetian carousel, a petting zoo, face painting and live music throughout the night. Occasionally, there are ponies on the grounds, some offering pony rides and others offering adorable photo opportunities with the kids. There are also a variety of performers in attendance, ranging from jugglers to men on stilts to the beloved bubble man. Many vendors keep their shops open for browsing during the evening hours, located around the International Ring. While exploring, spectators glancing into the ring and warm-up areas will be able to catch a glimpse of the riders walking the course, where they evaluate the jumps and create their plan for the evening’s competition.

After all the activities, everyone in the family is sure to be able to find something to eat with the large variety of dining options available. There are many food trucks on site, serving everything from pizza to popcorn to tacos. For those looking for a formal dining experience, White Horse Fashion Cuisine is always open in season, and there are a number of VIP options available. VIP seating options include the Tiki Hut, the Gallery, Beachside, the International Club, the Wellington Club and Central Park.

Each Saturday evening class features an elite Grand Prix competition, in which riders compete against one another, with entries ranging up to 40 combinations, as jumps can fluctuate in height from 1.50 to 1.60 meters, and the width can be measured up to 2.20 meters. Elements such as open water, liverpools, oxers, combinations of two or more jumps in a row, as well as decorated and themed jumps are all different components, which test the trust, communication and athleticism of the horse and rider.

The competitors are among the best in the world, and it is common to see Olympians and elite champions jumping each week. The ultimate goal for participating combinations is to leave all the jumps standing and cross through the timers within the time allowed, or be assessed time penalties, which will prevent riders from moving forward to the jump-off. Combinations who finish within the time and do not knock down any rails during their trip around the course will return for a second round against the clock, known as the jump-off.

The jump-off will have fans holding their breath, as riders navigate risky turns and dash at speed around a shortened course to determine the winner. When there’s a tight race to the finish, the crowd goes so silent you could hear a pin drop. An eruption of applause and cheering takes over when riders finish through the timers without incurring any faults, while the victor usually treats the crowd to an emotional celebration after crossing through the timers.

The top three finishers take to the podium for the well-known champagne shower before taking a victory lap with their equine partners, with many riders tossing their ribbons to lucky fans in the stands or signing autographs near the in-gate.

At the conclusion of the class, the evening continues at the Gallery with an exciting after party, which all adult guests are invited to join and celebrate the evening and its top finishers.

For more information about Saturday Night Lights at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, visit www.pbiec.com.

The Evolution Of A Market An Interview With Wellington Real Estate Powerhouse Martha Jolicoeur

Martha Jolicoeur remembers when Wellington was a small community with big, equine-inspired dreams. It wasn’t always the winter horse show capital of the world, and Jolicoeur has witnessed its evolution. Even more, she has played a role in the growth.

An accomplished rider herself, Jolicoeur came to the crossroads of her amateur career in the competition ring and was drawn to a second passion. She obtained her real estate license in 1991 and is now a member of the elite Douglas Elliman Real Estate Sports & Entertainment Division with a distinguished reputation within the Wellington real estate market.

Q: How long has your real estate business focused on the Wellington market?

A: I have been coming to Wellington since 1979. I stayed at the Palm Beach Polo Club for the first time that year, and I haven’t missed a season since. When I stopped riding, real estate became my competitive sport, because that’s how passionate I am about it. But specifically, my real estate business has been focused on the Wellington market since 2005, after I got my license in Florida in 2004.

 

Q: How was the market different then than it is today?

 

A: When I started in Wellington, there was a boom in the market. You listed things, and they sold right away. I still feel that we have a very sound market, and more people are coming to Wellington than in 2005 because the horse show, dressage and the international aspects have all expanded. We are dealing with a larger base of people coming to Wellington looking to own property. The other thing that is positively affecting the market now are the tax advantages of being a Florida resident.

 

Q: What do you think the biggest change has been in real estate over the last decade?

 

A: Growth has been the biggest facilitator for a strong market in Wellington. The horse show has grown, and the array of people has grown. Before, people were renting more than buying, but today more people have bought because they realize the horse show is here to stay, and they spend more nights in Florida than anywhere else throughout the year. I would say that the majority of all equestrians have someplace to call home in Wellington.

 

Q: How have the types of properties changed over time?

 

A: There are always trends. For example, when I first started, I sold a lot of condos. The trend was, “What can you get for the least amount of money?” Then there were years where barns sold like cupcakes and large houses didn’t, as well as years where everyone wanted large houses independent of farms. Now, I feel like we have a nice mix. The market is good, and you have to price appropriately within the market if you really want to sell.

 

Q: How does the equestrian community within

Wellington make the real estate market unique?

 

A: The horses! Without horses, it would not be the same at all. Wellington’s equestrian industry was founded by Bill Ylvisaker when he brought polo here. Without the horses, it would be the same as anywhere else in South Florida. It truly is the winter equestrian capital of the world, where everyone who speaks the same language of horse comes together. That gives it a real sense of community.

 

Q: What has the Wellington sales climate looked like over the last several years and where do you see it going?

 

A: It goes with the economy, so we have seen ups and downs. From 2008 to 2011, we had a pretty big recession and people were investing in real estate like it was the stock market. I think the market is healthy right now, but everyone in horses seeks different things for what they need. It’s interesting, because we have the same core group of people moving around. Perhaps they start here looking for a condo in Palm Beach Polo, and then they decide they would like to have a farm. Then they have a farm for a few years, and it’s time to go to the beach or scale down. But it’s the same group moving to different phases of their lives and businesses.

 

Q: What’s the most popular trend you have seen recently in home design?

 

A: When I first arrived in Wellington in 2005, the Mediterranean look was very big and every kind of brown and beige was it. Now, we have a much more scaled-down, simplified, Restoration Hardware genre where less is more, and the colors are lighter and more neutral. Clean and simple with an equestrian style is always a good theme.

 

Q:. How do people best utilize the limited space on

smaller Wellington farms?

A: It’s completely different than farms you see in other parts of the country. The key is meticulous maintenance so that you can use every square inch.

 

Q: Do real estate offerings in Wellington span the gamut of price ranges, size, etc.? Is there something for everyone?

 

A: Yes, there is something for everyone, and the market is healthy for everything now. Because so many people are relocating to Florida as permanent residents, large houses are becoming more popular again. People are really living here! The season is a very strong six months now versus three months. Also, people who compete with children often move here because school starts in August and finishes in May, so the schedule can match up nicely with the horse show schedule.

Q: How popular are equestrian facilities with no residential space in Wellington?

 

A: Many people used to want a farm in Grand Prix Village and a home in the Polo Club. That’s still popular, but what I have found recently with a lot of the people from Europe or more urban areas is that it has always been their dream to live with the horses. In both cases it’s like trying to convince someone to drink French chardonnay versus California — you are never going to change their minds. They pretty much know after renting for a few years what they want, which is what most people do to get a feel for the area.

 

Q: What’s your best advice to someone looking to buy or sell

in the Wellington market?

 

A: To a buyer, I would say do the research. Take your time and watch the market to see what sells quickly. To a seller, I would say do as much homework as you can. Clean up, touch up, landscape, perfect your lighting and remove personal items from your space. A buyer wants to walk in and envision themselves there.

 

Q: What is one real estate trend that surprised you in Wellington during 2018?

 

A: It was a great year for farms! I was honestly surprised that as many farms sold.

 

Palm Beach Masters Series Hosting Premier Show Jumping Competitions

Deeridge Farms, the world-class equestrian venue owned by Jeremy and Peggy Jacobs, is hosting three of show jumping’s biggest events in 2019 as part of its expanded Palm Beach Masters Series. New to the series this year is the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the United States of America, which returns to Wellington after a brief absence.

The Jacobs family name has been synonymous with equestrian sports for decades. They have hosted events at their picturesque Wellington farm for the past three years. The 2019 Palm Beach Masters Series schedule will open with the Palm Beach Masters CSI4*-W (Jan. 30 – Feb. 3) featuring the Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Wellington, one of the final two East Coast qualifiers determining which North American show jumping riders qualify for the 2019 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Final in Gothenburg, Sweden in April.

The closing event is the Deeridge Derby (Feb. 28 – March 3), a USEF nationally rated show where the nation’s most elegant hunter horses and riders will take center stage. The highlight will be the highly competitive $50,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby. Last year’s winners, Brad Wolf’s Private Practice and Victoria Colvin, went on to top the 2018 USHJA International Hunter Derby Championships.

In between these events is the icing on the cake — the newly added Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the United States of America (Feb. 14-17). A thrilling CSIO5* team competition, this Nations Cup will act as the only qualifier in the U.S. for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final in Barcelona, Spain next fall. The event will also include the FEI Jumping Nations Cup youth competitions for Young Riders, Juniors and Children, showcasing the next generation of elite show jumping talent. The Nations Cup will be hosted annually at Deeridge Farms through the year 2021, and previous events hosted by the Jacobs family leaves little doubt that it will be presented on a grand scale.

The show grounds at Deeridge Farms feature breathtaking scenery, unrivaled hospitality, custom-built jumping rings and world-class facilities. The grounds also feature diverse shopping boutiques to browse and enjoy, as well as the venue’s renowned VIP Club, an exquisite two-story destination for watching the classes in either of the two competition arenas. There, guests are offered culinary delicacies with an ample variety of beverages, all provided with attentive service tailored to every need.

“This is an amazing event,” said Irish show jumper Daniel Coyle, who won last year’s Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Wellington at Deeridge Farms. “The conditions could not be any better; the footing is perfect and being here is just a fantastic experience.”

Celebrating its 110th year in 2019, the FEI Jumping Nations Cup is equestrian sport’s oldest and most prestigious team competition. National federations from around the world assemble teams of their most talented horse and rider combinations, and the groups compete as a team, just as they do in the Olympics. The worldwide Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup series is split into six regions: Europe, North/Central America/Caribbean, South America, Middle East, Asia/Australasia and Africa. Canada, Mexico and the United States host only one qualifier each.

The first FEI Nations Cup competition held in the U.S. was in 1911 at the National Horse Show at New York’s Madison Square Garden. It continued there through 1998, with a brief stint at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, from 1989-1995. Other U.S. hosts have included Boston, from 1929-1932; the Pennsylvania National Horse Show in Harrisburg, from 1948-1972; and the Washington International Horse Show, from 1973-2001.

A Nations Cup was first held in Wellington in 2002, but the only United States qualifier for the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup Final moved to Ocala for 2015 through 2018. Now, thanks to the Jacobs family, that qualifier is back in Wellington.

The Jacobs family has a storied history in equestrian sport. Family patriarch Jeremy Jacobs was a highly successful rider in the hunter divisions, regularly winning championships at major horse shows. He and wife Peggy have also owned or part-owned several elite Grand Prix horses that have represented the U.S. internationally, including, among others, the legendary Authentic. The well-known bay won two Olympic gold medals with Beezie Madden and was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame last year.

Jeremy and Peggy’s children have earned many of their own accolades in the saddle. Lou Jacobs was a successful Grand Prix rider in the 1980s and 1990s. He was named Grand Prix Rookie of the Year in 1982 and rode on winning Nations Cup teams at some of the world’s biggest horse shows, including Aachen and Washington, D.C. Still active at the sport’s highest levels, Charlie Jacobs has similarly competed on several winning Nations Cup teams and has represented the U.S. in four of the last five FEI Jumping World Cup Finals. Also still active, Katie Jacobs Robinson competes on the big-league hunter circuit and, like her father, has won championships at virtually every major horse show.

“We are thrilled and honored to bring the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup back to Wellington,” Lou Jacobs said. “From the outset, our goal with the series has been to ensure that Wellington is a favorite destination for the highest levels of equestrian sport, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to producing a world-class experience for all of our riders, horses and spectators. Above all else, we hope to engage and inspire future generations of riders and equestrian fans. We look forward to welcoming everyone to Wellington, the U.S. capital of horse sport, and in particular to Deeridge Farms, for the Nations Cup and for what we believe will be one of the most exciting equestrian events to be held here in a long time.”

For more information about the Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup of the United States of America and the Palm Beach Masters Series, visit www.palmbeachmasters.com.

Adrienne Sternlich Jumps Back Into Wellington Groove After Shining At WEG

Show jumping star Adrienne Sternlicht certainly had a summer to remember — and she is hoping to continue that success here in Wellington this winter.

The 25-year-old was the youngest rider on the U.S. gold medal show jumping team at the World Equestrian Games held in Tryon, N.C., this past September. It was her first selection to a senior U.S. national team.

Although she has had numerous outstanding results in her young career, including her first major victory aboard Toulago at the $50,000 Old Salem Farm Grand Prix in May, her efforts at WEG stand out.

The FEI World Equestrian Games are the premier global championship for equestrian sports. WEG is held every four years and features riders from around the world competing in eight disciplines. The games alternate with the Olympics, which will be held in 2020 in Tokyo. Both have team and individual competitions for show jumping.

Sternlicht couldn’t pinpoint her most memorable win, but her performance at WEG is something she won’t soon forget.

“My favorite ride in recent memory was the final round of the individual final at WEG,” said Sternlicht, who finished 11th during the individual competition. “I was so relaxed, it felt like I was going for a Sunday stroll. In that moment, I felt more confident than I ever have in the saddle, and pure enjoyment of the experience in what was another pressure-filled ride.”

At WEG, Sternlicht competed aboard Cristalline, whose nickname is Stella. She is excited about the 2019 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, where she will be showing Cristalline at several of the major Grand Prix events later in the season.

Sternlicht began her partnership with Cristalline in 2016 and started to train with U.S. Olympic double gold medalist McLain Ward, a fan favorite at WEF.

Ward believes his students should set their own goals, instead of him setting them. But he has a good idea what Sternlicht is positioning herself for.

“I would say the World Cup final, a major Nations Cup in the summer and to be successful in major Grand Prix events with Cristalline,” said Ward, one of the most successful riders of all time, who was the No. 1 ranked U.S. rider at the end of 2018. “She has a new horse called Just A Gamble who we will aim toward the Pan American Games.”

It all adds up to a whirlwind of activity.

“I’m going to have a busy season,” Sternlicht said. “I have a few new horses for the season, and others coming back from time off. I’ll start showing Week 1 and gradually get my top horses going to peak them a bit later during season.”

Sternlicht doesn’t remember her first win on ponies, since so much has happened to her since she began competing.

“I find that in our sport, many of the most memorable moments are not necessarily wins, but instead pivotal rounds or competitions,” said Sternlicht, who turns 26 on May 9. “I’d say WEG has been my most meaningful riding experience, not because of the competition itself, but because of the road to getting there.”

Sternlicht, who finished 2018 as the ninth-ranked U.S. rider, is continuing an upward trend heading into the current season. Her passion for horses started in her friend’s backyard while growing up in Greenwich, Conn.

“My best friend growing up, [Amanda Shulman], had a 17.1-hand horse in her backyard named Samson,” Sternlicht recalled. “One day her mom let me ride him at a playdate, and I refused to get off. She and her sister, Sydney, are two of my best friends to this day, and it’s so great to get to share the sport with Sydney and their mom, Jill.”

Sydney Shulman is now 23 and remembers those days with good humor.

“It was an everyday ritual after school,” said Sydney Shulman, who is an up-and-coming rider and will be showing at WEF. “We would hang out and ride. It was hilarious. We had sleepovers, and we did anything we could to be in the barn.”

The fun didn’t stop there. It carried over to school.

“In second grade for the Halloween parade, Adrienne dressed as a pony, I was the dalmatian and Amanda was the rider,” Sydney Shulman recalled. “We would dress up in our costumes all year.”

On a more serious note, she is proud of her friend’s success.

“She’s very disciplined, super goal-motivated,” she said of Sternlicht. “It’s inspiring for me as a friend. She’s super competitive in everything she does, whether it’s running, playing squash or riding. She usually reaches or surpasses her goals. She’s like a sister to me.”

Sternlicht has become a serious competitor on the international circuit, also competing on U.S. Nations Cup teams and in major events around the world. There was a point where she cut back on riding and competing to concentrate on her education.

“I never stopped riding, but I rode as more of a hobby when I was in high school,” Sternlicht said. “During that time, a lot of my friends ramped up their riding and were homeschooled in Wellington during the winter circuit. I went to boarding school and rode once a week if I was lucky. I played varsity squash for my high school [Choate Rosemary Hall], so I would compete on my off weekends from squash tournaments.”

Ironically, while Sternlicht and the younger Shulman became professional riders, Amanda Shulman became a chef.

While a rider’s life is focused on training and showing, there is some downtime.

“I love to do yoga, run or cook,” said Sternlicht, who was also a competitive skier before becoming immersed in the equestrian world. “My cooking skills are coming! I mainly make vegetables. I like to eat really healthy, so I cook simple dishes. I love that we settle in Wellington for the winter and get into a routine. It’s very grounding.”

Sternlicht is also hoping that standing on the podium becomes routine for her as well.

Horse Roots Run Deep In The Jayne Family Of Our Day Farm

The horse business runs through their veins. Maggie, Charlie and Haylie Jayne are sixth-generation equestrians. They were raised in the barn — and that’s a good thing.

They are part of a well-respected family of equestrians who grew up outside of Chicago but put down roots in Wellington during the Winter Equestrian Festival. They have contended at the elite levels in both the hunter and jumper divisions, earning titles at every level, from small ponies to Grand Prix.

Their father, Alex, and mother, Linda, run the highly successful Our Day Farm in Elgin, Illinois, and that’s where their three children were introduced at an early age to the wonderful world of horses.

Maggie is the first born and became a professional rider after graduating high school. Charlie, the middle child, has had a very successful show jumping career, highlighted by winning the $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala in 2015 aboard Chill R Z. Haylie is the youngest and has made a name for herself as a top hunter champion.

They are competitors and trainers, who have dozens of clients participating in many classes representing Old Day Farm in Wellington. As riders, they are looking forward to the current season at WEF.

The 34-year-old Maggie is focused on preparing Arizona ODF in the 7-year-old young jumpers division and Kaptain Kirk in the pre-green hunters. Her biggest career victory was winning the prestigious International Hunter Derby at the Devon Horse Show — twice.

“I am gearing up for Week 2 and Week 4 on the grass [at WEF],” said the 32-year-old Charlie, one of the top riders in show jumping who travels to major events around the world. “I’m aiming my top two horses for the Thermal and Ocala millions at the end of circuit.”

Haylie, 30, is determined to continue her achievements from last season.

“I’m lucky enough to have a really exciting first year green hunter, Queen Celeste,” she said. “She was circuit champion last year in the greens, and I would love to repeat that.”

She is also enthusiastic about the prospects for Limini, an 8-year-old that she is pointing toward competing in the 1.40s.

Hardin Towell isn’t surprised at the Jayne family’s accomplishments together. Towell, 31, a successful Grand Prix competitor and trainer based in Wellington, met members of the family at the Washington International Horse Show in 1999 when he was about 10 years old. Charlie was on horses, and Towell was still on ponies.

“They are the best family,” Towell said. “I consider them as much my own family as my own. Mr. and Mrs. Jayne have always been the best. They, the three kids, work so well because they all have their own roles in the business.”

The experience and versatility of the Jayne family helps them produce winners at every level in the U.S. and globally. So does their own ability to ride and win. It is their business, and with dozens of customers, it can be daunting.

“Haylie and I mainly focus on preparing and developing our client’s horses to their full potential,” explained Maggie, who hasn’t tired of working so closely with her siblings. “Charlie plans his show schedule to peak his Grand Prix horses for success. Of course, working in a family business has its challenges, but the pros far outweigh the cons.”

Charlie attended Florida Atlantic University, getting a degree in business management while competing on the circuit.

“We all have our different places within the business and have been able to work really well in our spaces,” he said. “Maggie has always been the leader. Our parents have been great influences and continue to guide us every step of the way.”

Haylie graduated from the University of Georgia in December 2009 with a degree in classical cultures. She competed on the equestrian team and helped the team win three national titles and four SEC titles. She also won the individual national championship in equitation over fences in 2009. She met Nate Rolfe in college. They were married in 2010 and became parents five years later when Oliver was born.

“Maggie has the most discipline on and off horses,” Haylie said. “Charlie is very laid back and typically can relax any horse he rides. I think I’m somewhere in between. Maggie and Charlie are honestly two of my best friends. It’s always great to know I have an amazing support team around me. I think it was harder [to work together] when we were younger, but we’ve all really settled into our roles.”

They are dynamos around the barn and in the rings, but they leave time to relax away from the horses.

Maggie enjoys cooking and yoga and playing with her puppies. Charlie plays cards every Monday and plays basketball every Tuesday. Haylie reads and works out, using a combination of Orangetheory, Pilates and running.

“Nate is my best friend and the reason I’m able to balance everything,” Haylie said. “Oliver was born in November 2015, and he is a ball of energy and love. I wouldn’t say I have much free time, but I would say that working with family allows me freedom to spend every extra minute I have with Nate and Ollie.”

She also enjoys the diversity of it all.

“The best thing about my job is that no two days are same,” Haylie said. “Some days I ride all day and other days I’m working with students. There are new challenges every day, yet horses make it all feel peaceful.”

Maggie gets to work with people who share the same passion for the sport and drive for excellence that is the underlying concept with all her family members.

“Even though each member of my family may have a slightly different approach or way of explaining something, our methodology toward developing horses and riders to their fullest potential is the same,” Maggie said. “There’s a little bit of an imprint from each of us in every horse and rider we produce; we all bring something to the table.”

The Jayne family’s Our Day Farm has locations in Illinois and Wellington. Visit www.ourdayfarm.com to learn more.  

The Fodder Group Aims To Revolutionize How Wellington’s Horses Are Fed

There’s a feeding revolution taking place in Wellington. It’s not a new way to feed hundreds of hungry people. Instead, there’s a new product designed to positively impact the daily diets, health and performance of a highly treasured segment of Wellington’s population — its horses.

The product is called Fodder, and its creators believes that it will positively impact the daily diets of Wellington’s equestrian inhabitants.

Thanks to the Fodder Group Inc., this nutritious, fresh food is now available to the thousands of horses here in Wellington, as well as livestock (cows, pigs, sheep and goats) and poultry (chickens, ducks and turkeys) around the country — 365 days a year.

As far as horses are concerned, Fodder is an appropriate feed for all equines, from ponies to Thoroughbreds.

According to the Fodder Group’s Florida dealer and Wellington resident Justin Hickey, Fodder starts with a seed and becomes a fully-grown nutritious livestock feed in less than a week — just four days, to be precise — using a hydroponic growing system.

Designed in drought-ravaged Australia and built here in the U.S., it has taken a dozen years to transform the Fodder concept into a concrete reality.

The story about Fodder’s nutritious value is as newsworthy as how quickly it can grow. According to Hickey, Fodder is all-natural, more than 90 percent digestible, more cost-effective than hay, reduces methane output, reduces colic in horses and is healthy for the animals, as it contains high amounts of protein, starch, vitamins and minerals. Not to mention, the horses, cows and poultry seem to like it, too.

Hickey explained that in 90 days, clients will be able to see the results in horses by feeding them Fodder.

“After eating Fodder, everything about them is healthier — their hoofs, coat and skin are in better shape,” he said. “The temperament of the horses also improves. And, with cattle, the meat is better tasting and healthier.”

If those animals knew the consistent nutritional benefits of what has been designed for them, they’d be waiting at the trough, eagerly anticipating their next meal.

Credit for this new feed supply goes to the Fodder Group, which has pioneered a four-day growing cycle which has an optimal yield, is nutritious and is affordable. One of the key aspects of the four-day growing cycle is the Fodder Group’s proprietary LED lighting system. The images of the Fodder after each day of the four-day growing cycle are eye-opening and attention-grabbing.

The Fodder, and the way it’s grown, represent a turnkey solution to keeping horses, livestock and poultry adequately and nutritionally fed, every day of the year, at a price which the market can bear.

According to Hickey, Fodder is grown in an indoor hydroponic environment. There are two different types of growing systems, the FG20 transportable system and a permanent onsite system. The FG20 transportable system is similar to the trailer of a semi. You can buy a system and grow the Fodder yourself, or you hire the Fodder Group to make daily deliveries.

The onsite system can be purchased and placed on your property, or one of your existing buildings can possibly be retrofitted into an indoor growing system. In both the transportable and onsite systems, the indoor environment — the lighting, temperature, humidity and air quality — are controlled, which creates a trouble-free and fast-growing environment.

When you buy the onsite system from the Fodder Group, Hickey is quick to point out that each purchase includes installation, a comprehensive operation manual, full training, and ongoing backup and support. “We’ll hold your hand as you get used to operating the entire system,” Hickey said.

Each transportable system will yield 1,470 pounds a day of fresh Fodder. According to Hickey, each competitive equestrian horse based in Wellington can require as much as 40 pounds of Fodder a day. If you do the math, nearly 40 horses a day can be adequately fed from each daily yield from one transportable unit of the FG20 system.

While every horse owner may not buy Fodder for daily consumption, Hickey believes that many horse owners will buy Fodder to supplement other feed sources.

In today’s disposable society, the Fodder Group is proud to stand behind its product. The systems are designed to last — more than 20 years in many cases. And each part in this system is also made in the USA.

In addition to the 13,000 or so horses living in Wellington during the winter, Hickey will be marketing Fodder in Florida to cattle ranches, race tracks, zoos and to other animal outlets.

To get more information about this nutritious feed, contact Hickey at (561) 248-3344 or florida@foddergroup.com to start ordering regular deliveries of Fodder, which is at the forefront of the feeding revolution taking place in Wellington.

For more information about the Fodder Group, visit www.foddergroup.com.