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Shulman & Gun Du Desfi Triumph in $25,000 Fairfield Grand Prix

WESTPORT, CT - June 26, 2012 - Over 400 guests of The EQUUS Foundation and hundreds more spectators rooted on the 27 who competed over the demanding course designed by Pierre Jolicouer at the $25,000 Fairfield Grand Prix on Saturday, June 23, 2012, but it was Sydney Shulman aboard Gun Du Desfi owned by Back Country Farm who emerged victorious. Frank Madden and Jill Shulman joined George N. Venizelos representing Wells Fargo Advisors, and his son, Gregory, to present the well-earned blue ribbon, along with Gabriella Mays, Show Co-Chairs Tracy Harris and Jennifer Ross, Jenny Belknap Kees, EQUUS Foundation Chairman of the Board and Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation President.

Grand Prix Presentation Left to right: John E. Franzreb III, Tracy Harris, Jenny Belknap Kees, Gregory Venizelos, George N. Venizelos, Gabriella Mays, Jennifer Ross, Lynn Coakley, Frank Madden, and Jill Shulman.
Photo above courtesy of Reflections Photography

Shulman jumping 1  Shulman jumping 2 Shulman jumping 3
Photos above courtesy of Helen Klisser During

Ribbon winners included: 2nd - Attack II owned by David Gochman and ridden by Amanda Derbyshire; 3rd - Wieminka B owned and ridden by Patricia Griffith; 4th - Whistler owned by Louisburg Farm and ridden by Candice King; 5th - Vanhattan owned by Chansonette Farm and ridden by Lillie Keenan; 6th - Whistlejacket owned by Kaitlin Ward and ridden by Kate Levy; 7th: Keep It Simple owned by Tracy Freels and ridden by Hannah Isop; 8th: Louisiana 123 owned by Old Salem Farm and ridden by Stella Manship; 9th: Indiana 127 owned by Davenport Enterprises and ridden by Peter Lutz; 10th: Man In Black owned by Christina Gellos and ridden by Patricia Griffith; 11th: Tinky Winky owned by Chansonette Farm and ridden by Lillie Keenan; and 12th: Oscar 72 owned by McLain Ward and ridden by Lauren M. Ward.

Family Fun Day
New this year, spectators were welcome to watch exciting show jumping and participate in Family Fun Day sponsored by Nestlè Waters North America with free pony rides, face painting, horseless show jumping, and crafts by Make and Mingle.

There were also over 20 boutiques on site including Amore dei Cani, Approximate Notions, Bainbridge and Company, Catch All, Charles Ancona New York, Daphne F. Mitchell Stationery, Forte Gelato, Groove, Hendra Rose, It's a Bumwrap, Mango Bay, Peter Beaton, Inc., Ponymom Designs, Skiffingtons, stella & dot/Emily Blaikie, Steven Parton, Studio Gem, Sweet Rexie’s, The Traveling Boutique, Venture Photography, and Nancy Zylstra Designs/R.U. Swanky.

"We are deeply grateful to be the beneficiary of the horse show," said Lynn Coakley as she addressed the luncheon guests and spectators. She continued, "I’d like to recognize the President of the Fairfield County Hunt Club and his wife, Ray and Clare Condon, the Hunt Club staff, and the new show managers, William Aguirre and JP Godard, for their contribution to making the show a success.

There’s two more people that need to be recognized. Tracy Harris and Jen Ross. The spectacular setting and exceptional arrangement were ALL the result of the leadership and incredibly hard work of these two inspirational individuals."

Nestle Supports Fairfield Show Joining Nestlè Waters North America to enjoy Saturday's festivities were left to right Kathy & John Weisgerber, Julie & Pat Anderson, Jennifer Mlynski, Dimitrios Smyrnios, Andrew, Carly & Liz Crossfield, and Jono Gero.
Family Fun Day Horseless Jumping
Photos above courtesy of Reflections Photography

Welcome Jumper Presentation
Photo above courtesy of Reflections Photography
Pet Parade Photos above courtesy of Helen Klisser During

On Thursday, the featured event was the $7,500 Poland Spring Welcome Jumper Stake presented by Nestlè Waters North America.

Peter Lutz aboard Kenyon owned by Orchard Farm claimed victory. On hand to present the awards were Gustav Quast, Chief Financial Officer, Nestlè Waters North America, his wife, Hilke, and their three children, Friedrich, Felix and Philipp with pet Amber.

Amber was one of 29 contestants in the Pet Parade hosted by Earth Animal that followed the awards presentation, including 20+ dogs, a guinea pig, two parakeets, a chinchilla, and a rabbit. All entrants received a treat from Earth Animal and an "award of animal excellence" for their participation in the procession around the show grounds ending with a congregation on the lawn where the contestants performed tricks for the crowds.

The show’s generous individual and corporate sponsors were on hand throughout the week to present awards to the ribbon winners. Corporate sponsors included Fairfield Grand Prix Presenting Sponsor: Wells Fargo Advisors and George N. Venizelos; Official Beverage Sponsor: Nestlè Waters North America; Official Magazine Sponsor: Moffly Media; Gold Medal Sponsors: Avenue Capital Group, Fairfield Equine Associates, and Newmark Grubb Knight Frank Global Corporate Services; Silver Medal Sponsors: Coca-Cola Company, Corinthian Partners, L.L.C., D'Addario Industries, Fence Man, Inc., Gary Goldberg Financial Services, Hi Ho Petroleum, Hospital for Special Surgery, Imperial Dental Associates, Margaret Bondy Interiors and Wise Metals Group; Bronze Medal Sponsors: Agriventures Agway and Blue Star Jets LLC; and Grand Champion Sponsors: Equine Tack & Nutritionals, Forte Gelato, Teddy's Limousine, and Westport Eyecare Associates.

About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, is dedicated to improving the quality of life of horses, fostering the use of horses to enrich the lives of those in need, and educating the public about the horse's unique ability to empower, teach and heal.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org, Website: equusfoundation.org.