Guests at the EQUUS Equestrian Idol Talent Show & Bash on Saturday, February 17, 2007, will choose the first Equestrian Idol from among performances by some notable grand prix riders and trainers, and others.

Rumor has it that Mason Phelps will take on the judging job of the infamous Simon Cowell, along with Susie Schoellkopf as Paula Abdul and Gene Mische as Randy Jackson. Robert Dover has signed on as Ryan Seacrest, and Leslie Howard is organizing a band of female grand prix riders to go head-to-head with McLain Ward’s Grand Prix Boy Band. Frank Madden and Beacon Hill Show Stables will also be waiting in the wings to claim victory.

Who will withstand the scrutiny of the Equestrian Idol judges and be the first Equestrian Idol? “We will hold open auditions during the National Horse Show in Wellington, FL, from November 29 to December 3, 2006”, said EQUUS President Lynn Coakley who will serve as Event Co-Chair with Jenny Belknap, EQUUS Vice President, and Mason Phelps, Jr.

Anyone interested in auditioning should contact Lynn Coakley at (203) 259-1550 or via e-mail at [email protected].

The event is being held to raise funds for The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit fund raising organization, was founded in August 2002 to promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public and the equestrian sport as a whole. In just four years, EQUUS has awarded over $600,000 in grants, benefiting thousands of horses and people, thanks to the generosity of its many individual and corporate donors.

The event will be held during the Winter Equestrian Festival in the Special Events Pavilion at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, FL, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Guests will also enjoy a casual evening of feasting and revelry featuring cocktails, dinner, music and a silent auction, culminating with the talent show performed by top grand prix riders and trainers.

EVENT: The Equestrian Idol Talent Show & Bash to benefit The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.

WHAT: A casual evening of feasting and revelry featuring cocktails, dinner, music a silent auction, and a talent show performed by top grand prix riders, trainers, and other equestrians, featuring Robert “Ryan Seacrest” Dover as Emcee, Mason “Simon Cowell" Phelps Jr., Susie “Paula Abdul” Schoellkopf, and Gene “Randy Jackson” Mische as the judges.

WHERE: Special Events Pavilion & Internationale Arena, Winter Equestrian Festival, Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club, 14440 Pierson Rd., Wellington, Florida 33414

WHEN: Saturday, February 17, 2007

HOURS: 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

VIP SEATING:

Event Sponsor: $5,000, to include one front row center table of six guests, acknowledgement in all press releases (if so desired), “Thank You” listing in event program, and the display of a banner supplied by the sponsor.

Front Row Table: $2,500 per six-seat table.

Second Row Table: $1,500 per six-seat table.

OPEN SEATING: $150 per seat.

EVENT CO-CHAIRS: Jenny Belknap, Lynn Coakley, & Mason Phelps, Jr.

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit fund raising organization, was founded in August 2002 to promote the positive use of the horse for the benefit of the general public and the equestrian sport as a whole. In just four years, EQUUS has awarded over $600,000 in grants, benefiting thousands of horses and people, thanks to the generosity of its many individual and corporate donors.

For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the website, www.equusfoundation.org or contact EQUUS at (203) 259-1550 or via e-mail at [email protected].
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