World-class dressage, show jumping, hunter and polo teams will show off their newfound skills in the reining ring at the Equestrian Aid Foundation fundraiser “Who Reins Supreme?”
Set for Friday, Feb. 1 at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, the evening will raise funds for EAF programs that financially assist equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries, throughout their time of need.
The competition, which will solely focus on reining, will feature two world-class riders from each discipline: dressage, show jumping, hunters and polo. Each will ride a custom-designed reining pattern created by Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and Sarah Willeman Richter.
“We’ve been impressed with the enthusiasm of the reining competition at our Sidelines Tetrathlon from previous years,” EAF President R. Scot Evans said. “For 2013, ‘Who Reins Supreme?’ will bring the favorites of our events — the Taste of Charity food and drinks, entertaining competition, desirable auctions — and we’ll close the evening with live music.”
This year EAF will be presenting its Luminary Award to R. Bruce Duchossois. The Luminary Award, which recognizes those who play an important role in horse sports and its equestrians, is an annual award started in 2012 with recipient Jane Forbes Clark.
Duchossois, who has been an integral part of the equestrian community, grew up riding show hunters and is one of the leading exhibitors in the Adult Amateur Hunter division. Not only is Duchossois a successful competitor, he sponsors riders and classes in a variety of disciplines, including show hunters and jumpers, eventing and combined driving.
In addition to participating in various equine sports, Duchossois invests in the community through his involvement with many organizations and governing bodies that work to improve equestrian sports and the lives of equestrians. He serves on the executive board of the EAF, is a trustee of the USET Foundation and co-chair of the USEF’s Owner Taskforce. Duchossois also is an active member of the USHJA, and board member of the Alltech National Horse Show and the Aiken Training Track.
“I have been fortunate enough to spend most of my life around horses, and I am honored to receive the Luminary Award for my work with the Equestrian Aid Foundation,” Duchossois said. “It is my pleasure to be able to give back to the industry that has given me so much.”
Along with the competition and awards presentation, guests will enjoy the signature Taste of Charity featuring Palm Beach’s finest food and drinks, as well as several auctions and donation opportunities to support EAF programs. Sean O’Keefe Events will manage the event’s production for the third year in a row.
Tables, tickets and sponsorships for the evening may be purchased at www.equestrianaidfoundation.org or by phone at (800) 792-6068.
