Wellington, FL – July 14, 2014 – The Palm Beach Riding Academy held its premiere Tropical Show on June 22, 2014. The Festivities kicked off on Saturday, June 21, as Florida riders, trainers and equine enthusiasts flocked to The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds in Wellington. Tropical Show Series will be hosting its second show in a new two-day format this upcoming weekend, July 19-20.
Like clockwork in the Sunshine State, midway through schooling on Saturday, dark clouds rolled in and the skies burst with a torrential rain, but the Tropical Show participants were completely unaffected by the storm in the Van Kampen covered arena. The skies cleared just in time for the Tropical Exhibitors’ Party, sponsored by the Tackeria. Exhibitors, trainers, sponsors and family members enjoyed socializing over a delicious Island-themed sit-down dinner catered by White Horse Tavern. The ambience of the evening was joyous and light, with kids participating in hula hoop contests and games in the fields while adults chatted & looked on, tropical drinks in hand, with the magnificent Florida sunset as a backdrop.
Everyone enjoyed the Island-themed dinner catered by White Horse Catering!
“I wanted to create something very special exclusively for the year-round horse enthusiasts of South Florida. The goal was to keep the costs extremely affordable and to provide an exemplary introduction to horse showing for grassroots participants in a very laid back, pressure-free and enjoyable atmosphere,” explained Sean Jones of the Palm Beach Riding Academy.
The response to the new series was incredible! The single-day show saw unprecedented numbers on Sunday, providing quality competition for all participants under the cool shade of the covered ring. The 284 trips ran as smoothly as the sounds of the Caribbean music being piped softly in the background throughout the day. Show staff were efficient, friendly and accommodating, setting the tone for the entire day. Riders and trainers from all different barns came together, demonstrating great sportsmanship as they clapped for and encouraged one another. The courses were inviting yet challenging, with the jumps beautifully set amongst palm trees and flowers. Horses and ponies were rewarded for a job well done with complimentary Hibiscus mints handed out at the in-gate. Riders, too, were rewarded with phenomenal prizes for both winners and participants alike, thanks to the generous support of class/division sponsors!
The $2,500 USHJA Outreach Child/Adult 2’6” Hunter Derby sponsored by The Tackeria was the highlight class, drawing horses & riders from all across the state. Cruise and McKenzie McManaman topped the field of 20 participants, earning the highest overall score from the combined two-round class.
Cruise and McKenzie McManaman won The $2,500 USHJA Outreach Child/Adult 2’6” Hunter Derby sponsored by The Tackeria.
Other Show Highlights Included:
Forget Me Not Farm Leadline Division
Champion- Hayden Ernst & One Fish, Two Fish
Res. Champion- Hannah Glanzberg & Lexi
Forget Me Not Farm Walk/Trot Division
Champion- Gianna Garofalo & Cruise
Res. Champion- Isabella White & Deja Blue
Members of the Forget Me Not Farm team with trainer Stefanie Mazer.
Bostwick Polo, LLC Walk/Trot/Canter Division
Champion- Adrian Larrea & Pearl
Res. Champion- Nicole White & Deja Blue
On Course Consignment Crossrail Equitation Division
Champion- Adrian Larrea & Pearl
Res. Champion- Shira Hadar & Arbitrage
Clever Jumps & Trunks Short Stirrup Equitation Division
Champion- Kendall Kelly & Polly Pocket
Res. Champion- Mia Green & Miss Australia
Waverly Ernst Illustrated Properties 2’ Beginner Equitation Division
Champion- Smantha Yaffa & Cowboy Quick Star
Res. Champion- Grace Spector & They Call Her Karma
The Wellington Collection Limited 2’3” Equitation Division
Champion- Haley Farber & Oh Henry
Res. Champion- Lauren Kidwell & What Would You Do
Tom Monaco 2’3” USHJA Outreach Medal Winner– Lauren Kidwell
Ramard Low 2’3” Child/Adult Hunter Division
Champion- Samantha Palermo & Miss Australia
Res. Champion- Lagos & Shannon Hawke
Melanie Peterson Equestrian Sotheby’s 2’6” Child/Adult Equitation Division
Champion- Jennifer Prior & Lupicor II
Res. Champion- Dana Ventrice & Current Affair
The Tackeria 2’6” USHJA Outreach Medal Winner– Madi Salter
Deux Chevaux 2’6” Child/Adult Hunter Division
Champion- Jennifer Prior & Sundeen
Res. Champion- Kirsten Tennant & Apyro
Deux Chevaux 2’6” Child/Adult Hunter Division Champion- Jennifer Prior & Sundeen
Don’t miss the next event in the Tropical Show Series on July 19-20! For more information, please visit www.TropicalShowSeries.com, email info@TropicalShowSeries.com or call (561) 758-1664. Check out the Tropical Show Series Facebook page for show updates, photos & more fun!
Photos copyright Christina Jones.