ATTACHED PHOTOS

Click on the above photos for details and a high resolution version.

Photographs may be used free of charge only in relation to the PMG press releases they pertain to.

Dressage Under the Stars Finds Home At Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club

Written by: Kendall Bierer
Client: Dressage Under the Stars
Release Date: 2012-02-10

Wellington, FL – February 10, 2012 – Kicking off its fourth season in Wellington, Dressage Under the Stars will begin Wednesday, February 15, 2012, at 6:30 pm. This esteemed event will be taking place in a new location, the Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club located within Greenview Cove on Southshore Boulevard. Last year’s series was a huge success with increased prize money and thrilling themed nights. Event producer Steve Williams promises some additional surprises this year that will blow the crowds away.

The format will remain the same this year, consisting of three or four riders performing musical freestyles to the soundtrack of their choice. Each horse and rider combination will have the opportunity to dress to the theme of their freestyle; meaning that some exciting costumes are being anticipated as the opening night swiftly approaches. The winner of each week will return for the finale to vie for the overall grand prize, a feat that James Kofford successfully accomplished last year.

Performing exhilarating choreography to the soundtrack of the Batman movie, Kofford exhibited his Grand Prix mount, Rhett, eventually securing the $2,500 cash prize and the series’ championship title. Last year, Kofford boasted about the fun and relaxing environment Dressage Under the Stars offered for the competitors.

“Last year was so much fun, it was really the highlight of my season,” Kofford explained. “There was such great audience participation, and it was a total rush to ride in front of a crowd that size, you really get a chance to show off. We have so few opportunities to ride in front of a large crowd and get used to competing in an environment like that, and from a rider’s perspective it is a great training tool for the horse and rider alike as well as just great fun. I hope to participate in it again this year.”

Dressage Under the Stars offers an extremely special opportunity for the Dressage community because it gives the public a fun and easy format to understand. The series was originally designed to augment the top caliber International Dressage competitions throughout Wellington, and allow for Dressage to take “center stage” under the lights.

The event was previously put in the situation of searching for a new venue to host the fourth annual Dressage Under the Stars series. Williams searched for an accessible venue that would both bring the equestrian and non-equestrian communities together, and have the perfect amenities to host such a prestigious event. After discovering the Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club, Williams jumped at the opportunity to showcase the magnificent horse and rider combinations.

“Dressage has been a very important part of my family’s life,” owner of the Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club Glen Straub said. “The two words about the sport that really stand out to me are balance and art, and the Dressage Under the Stars series is a perfect fit, fulfilling these two words beautifully. I am proud to be able to promote more dressage within the community, and host such a wonderful event.”

"It's my pleasure to once again have the opportunity to showcase these magnificent horse and rider pairs in a fun and accessible format,” Williams elaborated. "When we were posed with the challenge of finding a new venue to host the series, Mr. Straub, his family and his team's gracious offering, was a sign of their commitment to keeping horses in the heart of Wellington. I remain grateful to Neil Hirsch and The Players Club for bringing along Dressage Under the Stars to where it is today."

For more information about competing in the fourth season Dressage Under the Stars, please call (917) 907-0053. Dinner reservations are strongly encouraged, and can be easily made by calling The Hunt Club at 561-389-4951. Dressage Under the Stars will be held each Wednesday beginning February 15, and continuing through March. Doors will open at 6:30 pm.

Palm Beach Polo and Hunt Club
2470 Greenview Cove Drive
Wellington, FL 33414

Photo Credit: Jim Kofford, winner of the Dressage Under the Stars series last year, performs his musical freestyle patio-side. Photo By: Courtesy of Client. Photo may only be used in relation to this PMG press release.