On Friday, Feb. 9 at the Wellington International showgrounds, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County will debut its $100,000 Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club Exhibition Stake Class and Hunt Ball.
This event will be held under the lights, starting at 6 p.m. and presents an exciting equestrian team format with innovative competitions for significant prize money. The Hunt Ball, taking place in the International Tent is co-chaired by Georgina Bloomberg and Jenny Oz Leroy, and will be reminiscent of traditional hunt balls with black-tie attire encouraged.
The evening will consist of a cocktail hour followed by a buffet dinner while the class takes place. Following the awards ceremony and live auction, the evening will conclude with dancing and memorable entertainment. The proceeds will benefit Wellington’s Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club.
Each team must consist of a professional, an amateur and a junior rider. To be eligible to compete, all horses and riders on any team must have competed in at least one rated hunter division with jumps 3’3” or higher at any competition held during the ESP Holiday Series or the Winter Equestrian Festival. Riders will be limited to competing on one team only. Each rider on a team must have a designated trainer and designated groom.
The course will consist of a minimum of 10 obstacles and will simulate riding over hunt country to demonstrate pace, brilliance and classic jumping style. The course will transition between the classic hunter style and handy style. The prize money is $100,000 and will be split according to the finish of the top 12 teams.
“This distinctive event will be a modern take on an old-fashioned hunter stake class competition. We are anticipating much excitement from the participants and spectators for this unique and competitive celebration of equestrian jumping. Special thanks for our incredible co-chairs Georgina and Jenny for their complete dedication to making this fundraiser successful, as the proceeds will bring tremendous impact to many children and families in Wellington,” said Jaene Miranda, CEO and president of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
For more information on the event, rules, and sponsorships, contact Hollis Pica at hpica@bgcpbc.org or (410)598-5851), or visit www.bgcpbc.org/events.
