Two “Not to Miss” Highlights of the Winter Equestrian Festival Social Scene Planned To Benefit The EQUUS Foundation

WESTPORT, CT – January 25, 2010 –Plans for the two fundraising events of The EQUUS Foundation during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida, are moving forward quickly. The Equestrian Idol, just a few weeks away on February 12, 2010, will feature a musical talent show performed and judged by equestrians.

A highlight of the Winter Equestrian Festival social scene, the event presented by title sponsor, Foundation Farm, will be held at the International Polo Club. Returning performers, Dianna Bricker, Heather Caristo, Hillary Dobbs, Casey Hodges, Brian Lookabill, and Chad Watridge, and newcomers, Jordan LaPlaca, Colton Mason, and Rick Rockefeller-Silvia, will vie for the title of 2010 Equestrian Idol. Jen White Kane, 2009 Equestrian Idol, and Ki-Juan Minors, 2008 Equestrian Idol, will also perform for the audience. The judges include Margie Goldstein-Engle, Leslie Howard and Frank Madden.

This very entertaining event will be followed by the Fete Cheval Carnivale on February 26, 2010, also at the International Polo Club, featuring cocktails, dinner, carnival games and a gymkhana performed by some of the world’s top riders. Hillary Dobbs, Kent Farrington, Sandy Ferrell, Brianne Goutal, Patricia Griffith, Todd Minikus, Bert Mutch, Rodrigo Pessoa, Peter Pletcher, Havens Schatt, Louise Serio, Shane Sweetnam, Jimmy Torano, and McLain Ward will compete at this unique event presented by title sponsor, Spy Coast Farm. Karen Flynn of the University of Miami Intercollegiate Equestrian Team will be generously donating the horses for the event

Over 100 guests gathered on Sunday, January 17, 2010 for a preview party hosted by Foundation Farm and Visse Wedell, including Patricia Adikes Hill, Dianna Bricker, Bobbie Braun and Frank Roccanova, Gwen and Derek Braun, Sloan Brown, Paul Butterworth, Alexandra Cherubini, Lynn Coakley and David Taylor, Christian Currey, Carol and Hugh Dollard, Gray Fadden, Jerry Foy, Bridget Hallman, Kris Livengood, Michael Meller, Sheila Motleyh, Douglas Mutch, Ron Neal, Mason Phelps Jr., Kathryn and Denise Quirk, Philip Richter, Eduardo Salas, Tracey Topping, Kim Tudor, Sandy Van Dyke, Carolyn Vincent, Kelli and Woodford Webb, Visse Wedell and Eben Hall, and Lyman T. Whitehead.

These are two “not to miss” events. To R.s.v.p., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation by email at equus@equusfoundation.org or by phone at (203) 259-1550.

Event proceeds will be used to provide homes and useful lives for horses by funding programs for horse rescue, rehabilitation, adoption, retirement, therapeutic riding, equine-assisted activities and programs to elevate the equestrian sport. The EQUUS Foundation helps equestrian and horse-related charities across the United States and have awarded over $1.3 million in grants since 2003.