EQUUS News Release

EQUUS Foundation Hosts Successful Equestrian Idol Cabaret at Winter Equestrian Festival

WESTPORT, CT - February 14, 2012 - On Saturday, February 11, 2012, the EQUUS Foundation hosted an Equestrian Idol “All Stars” Musical Cabaret at the Winter Equestrian Festival. Held just prior to the $125,000 Grand Prix FEI CSI W presented by Spy Coast Farm, Equestrian Idols Taylor Hughes, Jen Kane, Brian Lookabill and Ki-Juan Minors performed a one-of-a-kind musical cabaret. The event was held to benefit The EQUUS Foundation and its upcoming event, Fete Cheval, on Friday, March 9, 2012, presented by Spy Coast Farm.

Equestrian Idols Perform
Left to Right: Brian Lookabill, Jen Kane, Ki Juan Minors, and Taylor Hughes performed at the Equestrian Idol "All Stars" Musical Cabaret. Photo courtesy of Jack Mancini.

The festivities kicked off with 2007 winner Taylor Hughes singing "Bring On the Rain" by Jodee Messina, which was followed by 2008 winner Ki Juan Minors' performance of "Grenade" by Bruno Mars. Jen Kane, the 2009 winner, took to the stage next to sing Alicia Keys' "If I Ain’t Got You" and 2010 winner Brian Lookabill wrapped up the night by singing "Wanted: Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi. "All of us that have been a part of the Equestrian Idol Series enjoyed performing," noted Lookabill. "We hope the audience enjoyed it as well, and we were happy to be a part of another EQUUS Foundation fundraising effort."

The EQUUS Foundation’s Fete Cheval is just a few short weeks away, scheduled for Friday, March 9, 2012, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. With equestrians representing the dressage, eventing, hunter, jumper, and polo communities performing equestrian games on horseback to the delight of the audience, this signature event promises to be the most entertaining night for horse enthusiasts and the general public this season in Wellington, Florida - fun for all and all for fun!

Tables of six for the Fete Cheval are available as follows: Gold Medal Front Row $5,000; Silver Medal $3,000 and Bronze Medal $2,000; individual seating starts at $200 per person. To RSVP online, visit www.equusfoundation.org/fete or contact us by phone at 203-259-1550 or email at equus@equusfoundation.org.

2010 Fete Cheval
Rodrigo Pessoa having fun at the 2010 Fete Cheval. Photo courtesy of Phelps Media Group.

Fete Cheval Art
Fete Cheval Fast Facts

WHEN: Friday, March 9, 2011
7 pm Cocktails & Auction
8 pm Dinner in the International Club &
Games on Horseback
in the International Arena

WHERE: Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Wellington, Florida

RSVP:
Online www.equusfoundation.org/fete
Phone 203-259-1550
E-Mail equus@equusfoundation.org.
Mail Click here to download mail-in form.

Attire
Casual Chic

Title Sponsor
Spy Coast Farm

Co-Chairs
Hillary Dobbs
Patricia Keenan
Elizabeth Press

Riders:
Max Amaya
Derek Braun
Saer Coulter
Nick Dello Joio
Hillary Dobbs
Jimmy Fairclough
Sandy Ferrell
Weston Gracida
Brianne Goutal
Patricia Griffith
Ashley Holzer
Charlie Jayne
Paige Johnson
Kris Kampsen
Laura Kraut
Marcia Kulak
Anne Kursinkski
Alexa Pessoa
Rodrigo Pessoa
Brandon Phillips
Kim Prince
Havens Schatt
Louise Serio
Jessica Springsteen
Scott Stewart
Shane Sweetnam
Jimmy Torano
(At Print Time)

Emcee:
Brian Lookabill

Officials:
Ralph Caristo
David Distler
Susie Schoellkopf

Horses Donated By
Wall Street Farm
Heidi & Steve Lengyel

Rider Coordination
Equalign
Wendy S. Coren, D.C.
David N. Lundquist, D.C.

 

Helping Horses Heal People

About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
The EQUUS Foundation, a national charitable foundation established in Connecticut in 2002, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, fostering the use of horses to enrich the lives of people in need and educating the public about the horse’s unique ability to empower, teach and heal. The goal is to transform the way horses are treated and perceived and build a more compassionate America that values the magical and powerful bond we have with horses.

The Foundation accomplishes its mission by providing financial support through the award of grants to horse-related charities across the United States; operating a network of equine organizations and equine enthusiasts; providing scholarships to award volunteer service on behalf of horses, offering insight on the management and financial practices of horse-related charities through a thorough review of their operations; and conducting information outreach to educate the public about horses.

Horses have a way of making us feel everything from excitement to joy to tranquility. Age is not a limitation – horses are aiding children, adolescents, adults, and seniors. By bonding with these gentle giants, we learn to take control of our lives and become more capable of facing life’s challenges. No other animal can make us feel the breadth of emotions that our equine partners do.

The Foundation awarded its first grants in 2003 to seven local horse charities. Recognizing that horses are enriching the lives of millions of people of all ages every day, in 2008, the Board of Directors made a commitment to expand nationally, and also adopted the name, "Horse Charities of America", to more clearly convey its commitment to all equine charities.

The Foundation funds a broad range of programs, most of which are directly involved with horse rescue and welfare, or are providing equine assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) to the public. The Foundation also funds programs with its Alliance partners that educate the public about horses, provide services that benefit the equine community, and help stimulate advocacy and volunteerism.

Thanks to the generous support of individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundations who share our vision, participation at our signature events, and our Horse Whisperers named grant program, the Foundation has grown exponentially and has awarded nearly $2 million in grants, achieving national recognition as the primary organization solely focused on both horse welfare and fostering the horse-human connection in the sport, recreational and therapeutic communities.

To receive news of our programs and activities, sign up at www.equusfoundation.org/signup. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. For more information, contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: equus@equusfoundation.org, Website: www.equusfoundation.org.