The United States Equestrian Team (USET) Foundation Holiday Fundraiser, presented by Succeed® and Wellington Classic Dressage, was a great success as spectators had the opportunity to experience the one-of-a-kind equestrian event featuring performances, exhibitions and team competitions with Olympians and many top equestrian stars. A benefit for the USET Foundation, the fundraiser was held at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, on December 11-12, 2009.
Through generous donations, silent and live auctions, and ticket purchases, the event raised a generous amount of money to help support the USET Foundation's high performance programs. The USET Foundation is preparing to send teams to the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Kentucky next fall, and will help provide funding for the competition, training, coaching and travel of America's elite horses and riders in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. The money raised from the holiday fundraiser will help support this country's high performance programs.
"We are so grateful to Lyndsey White, John Flanagan and Noreen O'Sullivan for organizing this fabulous holiday event to benefit our U.S. equestrian teams," said Bonnie B. Jenkins, Executive Director of the USET Foundation. "It was lots of fun for everyone involved and a great way to get in the holiday spirit!"
The USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser festivities got under way with a Bridleless Musical Exhibition performed by Lynn Palm and her famous horse, Rugged Painted Lark, followed by an exciting demonstration by German vaulting champion Kai Vorberg. Other events on the fundraiser program included: Pony Club Mounted Games featuring Gina Miles, Cathy Wieschhoff, Hawley Bennett, Karen O'Connor, Jeanne Lambrecht and more; a dressage pas de deux featuring Monty Roberts (the man who listens to horses) and Courtney King Dye (2008 Dressage Olympian); a freestyle dressage to music presentation by Pierre St. Jacques riding Lucky Tiger; a showcase of reining and Join-up from the saddle featuring Monty Roberts; dressage commentary by Rolex World Cup Dressage winner and 2008 Olympian Steffen Peters, featuring demonstration riders Kim Gentry and Stephan Kiesewetter; a showjumping pas de deux featuring Kate Levy and 2008 Olympian Samantha St. Jacques; a book signing by renowned bestselling suspense author Tami Hoag; a Small World Showcase featuring Miniature horses and Shetland ponies; "Finding the Courage Within" presented by Jeanne Lambrecht; and a grand finale featuring four-in-hand champion Chester Weber driving the surprise celebrity equestrian Santa, David O'Connor.
Along with the exciting equestrian performances, the Holiday Gala featured a catered VIP dinner and bar along with a fundraising auction with many one-of-a-kind high-dollar items. Live auction items included a custom made saddle by Richard Castelow (former Master Saddler to Queen Elizabeth); bridles by Smartpak and Schleese Saddlery; a Day of Training with Chester Weber; a week of dressage training in Germany with Stephan Kiesewetter, and many more items. The Jim Brandon Equestrian Center also hosted a special shopping village with many unique vendors and products.
The USET Foundation will continue to raise money to support the teams for the 2010 WEG by hosting a World Equestrian Games benefit this February. Celebrating the United State's Equestrian Team's "Road to Kentucky," the benefit will be held on Friday, February 5, 2010, beginning at 7:00 p.m. The evening will feature cocktails, dinner, and a live auction at the International Polo Club in Wellington, FL. For more information, please visit www.uset.org.
For further information on the USET Foundation Holiday Fundraiser, please visit the fundraiser website at www.succeedevent.com for details.
SUCCEED®, is a daily nutrient program that supports total equine digestive health for optimal appearance, temperament and performance. Thousands of horse owners and trainers feed their horses SUCCEED® every day, including top equestrians in nearly every breed and every performance discipline. SUCCEED® is the official digestive conditioning product of USEF, USEA and USDF. For more information, call (330) 562-0888 or visit www.succeed-equine.com. Freedom Health, the manufacturers of SUCCEED®, are dedicated to finding, perfecting and delivering superior, innovative products that address real and significant health-related issues for animals and the people who care for them.
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America's elite and developing international, high-performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.
For more information on Wellington Classic Dressage, please visit www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com.