Equestrian excellence met philanthropy on Friday, Feb. 7 as riders took center stage at Wellington International for the $100,000 Kristen Baran Charity Hunter Class. Benefiting the Neil S. Hirsch Family Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, the event brought together top hunter riders in a thrilling team competition, all in support of local youth.
Under the guidance of Andrew Lustig and co-chairs Georgina Bloomberg and Jenny Oz LeRoy, the event delivered an unforgettable evening, showcasing hunter talent and reinforcing the mission of the Boys & Girls Club.
“We are so grateful to the entire Hunter Class committee for their hard work and sheer determination to make this event grand. And congratulations to the Haness, Weiman and Rofey team as they took the title,” said Jaene Miranda, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County.
A total of 19 teams tackled the 3’3” hunter course in the International Arena, each comprised of a professional, amateur and junior rider. In a relay-style format, competitors navigated sections of a 20-fence course, with scores averaged across three judging panels. Each team had the opportunity to drop their lowest score.
The final results were: Nick Haness (Queen Celeste), Ashley Weiman (More Fun) and Wyatt Rofey (Becoming) delivered top scores of 91 and 89, securing victory under the lights. Geoffrey Hesslink (Paisley Park), Caroline Signorino (Salvatore) and Lily Sonneborn (Spoken) took second, while Elizabeth Towell Boyd (MTM Crossed My Mind), Elle Boyd (Hardrock Harmonie SIH) and Libbie Gordon (Spencer) were third.
“We have to thank Kristen Baran for carrying on Neil Hirsch’s vision, which was something very special to everyone who knew Neil. He would be very proud of this event tonight,” co-chair Jenny Oz LeRoy said.
Event organizer and renowned trainer Andrew Lustig echoed the sentiment. “This class is a great reflection of what Neil always wanted. Kristen has done a fantastic job, and it’s also a great night for the hunter sport,” he said.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County also thanks the sponsors, including Title Sponsor Kristen Baran, National Champion Benefactor Sebilion, Grand Champion Benefactor Georgina Bloomberg, Reserve Champion Benefactor the Brownington Foundation and Junior Hunter Benefactor the Dillon Family.
