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Save the Date! The Fete Cheval Carnivale is coming back to Wellington on February 26, 2010

Written by: Lynn Coakley
Client: Equus Foundation, Inc.
Release Date: 2009-11-20

WESTPORT, CT – November 20, 2009 – Some of the world’s top Grand Prix Riders and Trainers will battle it out in fun and games at the February 26, 2010 Fete Cheval Carnivale sponsored by Spy Coast Farm to benefit The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.

“We are so grateful to Spy Coast Farm and the Lourie Family for their generosity and for helping us bring back this very entertaining event to Wellington”, said co-chairs Gray Fadden and Visse Wedell.

Guests will enjoy cocktails, a carnival-themed dinner, and carnival games in the Marquee Tent at the International Polo Club in Wellington, Florida, but the highlight of the evening will surely be the internationally known Grand Prix riders and trainers who will demonstrate not only their unique equestrian talent but also great sportsmanship in the gymkhana games performed following dinner.

The riders include 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. Ralph Caristo and Susie Schoellkopf will be on hand to “judge” the competitors in a round of Musical Stalls and a “Power & Speed Relay, concluding with a Surprise Ride-Off among the game winners. Joining them as a judge for the evening will be a member of the audience. Karen Flynn of the University of Miami Intercollegiate Equestrian Team will be generously donating the horses for the event.

The Fete Cheval was last held in 2005 and 2006 with Frank Madden claiming victory in 2005 and Timmy Kees emerging victorious in 2006. The audiences were up on their feet roaring and rooting throughout, but the final Ride-Off surpassed everyone’s expectations when in 2006 Todd Minikus rode his horse bareback backwards matching the amazing feat performed by McLain Ward in 2005 riding his mount standing up.

The EQUUS Foundation, Inc. raises its funds almost entirely from event attendance and awarded grants to 49 equestrian and horse-related charities in 2009, bringing the total awards to over $1.3 million since its first awards in 2003.

Individual seats for the Equestrian Idol event are $150 per person. Tables of eight are available as follows: Super Fan (Front Row): $5,000 and Fan: $2,500.

For additional information on The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., visit the EQUUS website at www.equusfoundation.org or contact The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, telephone (203) 259-1550, email to equus@equusfoundation.org.

About The EQUUS Foundation, Inc.
The EQUUS Foundation, Inc., established in August 2002, as a 501(c)(3) national charitable foundation, seeks to raise public awareness of the value of the horse in society through education and the awarding of grants to charities that use the horse to benefit the public, promote the health and welfare of horses, and elevate the equestrian sport as a whole.

The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors, which is responsible for the selection of the grant recipients. The Board includes: Jenny Belknap Kees, Chairman, Catherine Herman, Vice Chairman, David T. Goodwin, Secretary/Treasurer, Lynn Coakley, President, David Distler, Gray Fadden, Richard Mitchell DVM, Clea Newman Soderlund, and Visse Wedell.

Thanks to the generosity of its donors, The EQUUS Foundation helps thousands of people and horses each year. Over $1.3 million in grants have been awarded since the first awards in 2003. 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: equus@equusfoundation.org, website: www.equusfoundation.org.