The fourth annual Equestrian Aid Palm Beach Dressage Derby “Inspection Reception” Fundraiser exceeded expectations, showing just how generous the dressage community is to their fellow equestrians. The evening of bidding raised more than $35,000 for the EAF, and included some of the most spectacular and unique auction items to date. The Equestrian Aid Foundation’s purpose is to help equestrians who have fallen on hard times, and the auction took place Thursday, March 1 at the beautiful Equestrian Estates show grounds immediately following the FEI Jog for the famous Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI. Items were on display in the elegant “Beer Garden,” a new addition to the historic show grounds. The Equestrian Aid Foundation has delivered financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen, and equine professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illness or injuries throughout their time of need and relies on the generous funding of the equestrian community.
“The Palm Beach Derby is a show with so much history and success over the years, and we are always willing to give back,” said Noreen O’Sullivan, show manager for the Derby. “The EAF plays such a huge role in helping the equestrian community and the generosity shown at these events never ceases to amaze. This year was no exception, and in addition the Derby pulled a record number of entries, proving that this event is a prime location for entertainment, competition, and charity.” The donations for this year’s auction included goods and services that are highly sought after in the dressage community, and the Totilas partnership of Paul Schockemohle and Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff of Germany generously donated a breeding to World Champion Totilas, which sold for a record bid of $10,000 to Carol Cohen. Cary Wallace of Custom Saddlery made an exciting and generous donation for this year’s fundraiser of the Steffen Peters Advantage Mono Flap Saddle, which sold to Marc Ulanowski. The Peters’ Advantage has Smooth grip leather with an impressive new molded knee flap, extended stirrup bars, a narrow twist give you that “ear to heel” alignment, and all of Custom’s saddles are fitted specifically for horse and rider. Many of the items were show attire or tack, including a donation from The Horse of Course, Inc of a fashionable Grand Prix soft shell show coat, which features lightweight material and an elegant cut. ShowChic, formerly called ShoClothes, donated the FEI Contenders Wardrobe of dressage show attire including a stunningly gorgeous Grand Prix Shadbelly complete with glittering diamond accents. The ShowChic package was won by best selling author and Grand Prix rider Tami Hoag, who had also donated a selection of signed books to the auction.
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PanaCavallo, makers of bridles, girths and other dressage accessories, donated a selection of their beautiful tack including the Aristocrat Snaffle Bridle, Elite Leather Halter, PanaCavallo Stirrup Leathers, Bell Boots, Chin Pad, and Belly Girth. PanaCavallo items are sold through Trilogy Saddlery, and they are the only bridle makers to offer custom bridle fittings. Other items included an African Safari, music and sports memorabilia, discounts on equine transport, and ticket packages to Cavalia Odysseo.
For more information on the Equestrian Aid Foundation, visit www.equestrianaidfoundation.com. For more information on the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, visit www.ihspb.com.