The Palm Beach Riding Academy held its premiere Tropical Show on Sunday, June 22. The festivities kicked off on Saturday, June 21, as Florida riders, trainers and equestrian enthusiasts flocked to the stadium at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center show grounds in Wellington. The Tropical Show series will host its second show in a new two-day format this upcoming weekend, July 19-20.
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 sit-down dinner catered by White Horse Catering.
“I wanted to create something very special exclusively for the year-round horse enthusiasts of South Florida,” explained Sean Jones of the Palm Beach Riding Academy. “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.”
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 playing softly in the background throughout the day.
Riders and trainers from 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 among palm trees and flowers.
The $2,500 USHJA Outreach Child/Adult 2’6” Hunter Derby sponsored by the Tackeria was the highlight class, drawing horses and 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.
For more information, visit www.tropicalshowseries.com or call (561) 758-1664.
ABOVE: Big winners Cruise and McKenzie McManaman. Photo by Christina Jones
