The World Championship Equestrian Triathlon is a family-friendly competition with a major twist. Elite polo, show jumping and dressage athletes come together from around the world to compete in Wellington, but they do not compete in the sport of their expertise. The third annual event will be held on Monday, Feb 10 at 5 p.m. at Deeridge Farms.
Some of the world’s most recognizable names in equestrian sports will participate, including Heather Caristo-Williams, Olexa Celine, Josh Cohen, Capt. Brian Cournane, Megan Davis, Nacho Figueras, Annabelle Garrett, Juan Matute Guimon, Edlesse Jordan Gunde, Lindsey Kellock, Chris Von Martels, Paula Matute, Brian Moggre, Martin Pepa, Brandon Phillips, Facundo Pieres, Gonzalito Pieres, P.J. Rizvi, Nic Roldan, Catie Staszak, McLain Ward and Lerin Zubiaurre.
Olympic dressage hopeful Juan Matute Guimon will compete for the third time and will be defending the championship that he won with his teammates last year. “It’s one of the highlights of the season for all of us,” he said. “We meet many families whose children enjoy a safe place to go after school. It’s a great feeling that as we are competing, we are also helping the future progress and connecting new individuals.”
Serving as co-chairs are Neil S. Hirsch and Kathleen Gannon-Ledsome. The Jacobs family is serving as honorary chairs.
“The children are the future of our community, and that is why the work of the Boys & Girls Club is so important,” Gannon-Ledsome said. “This event brings together all three disciplines — show jumping, dressage and polo — in the most exhilarating way. We are honored to have world-class athletes competing, including Olympic gold medalist Mclain Ward, Kristen Kellog and Nacho Figueras. We have raised over a quarter of a million dollars to date benefiting the more than 300 children who attend the club daily. As an equestrian community, this is just the beginning of what we can do.”
The showgrounds at Deeridge Farms feature a masterfully designed ring that offers an amazing backdrop to highlight the natural beauty and raw power of elite equestrian competition and award-winning entertainment.
Sponsors include Black Watch Polo, Connolly’s Red Mills, Defend Your Head, Equifit, Fleur De Lis International Realty, Ford’s Garage, Glenbeigh Farm, Modern Luxury, Polo Gear, Postage Stamp Farm, Publix Charities, Sebilion Farm and Tito’s Handmade Vodka.
Proceeds benefit the Neil S. Hirsch Boys & Girls Club of Wellington, one of 13 Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County. The club provides services during non-school hours, as well as summer camp opportunities, to nearly 1,200 registered members from ages 6 to 18.
VIP admission is $500 and includes a cocktail hour, gourmet food stations, open bar and reserved seating. The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with cocktail hour, followed by opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. Sponsorship opportunities and reserved seating are available.
Visit www.bit.ly/wellyworld for sponsorship information and tickets. For more information, contact Christine Martin at (561) 683-3287 or cmartin@bgcpbc.org. For details about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Palm Beach County, visit www.bgcpbc.org.
