by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 26, 2022
Rebranding is a strategy used to update messaging after a business reorientation, to make the brand more relevant to new markets and new audiences, or to showcase the brand under a new parent company.
That should give you the context to understand why as of this evening, the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center that we have known since 2006 is now Wellington International, in Wellington, Fla., the municipality that bills itself as “the winter equestrian capital of the world.”
To recap, PBIEC was bought last year by the Global Equestrian Group, whose CEO is Andreas Helgstrand, an Olympic dressage medalist, while Olympic show jumping medalist Ludger Beerbaum is a co-owner.
McLain Ward against the backdrop of the old signage at the International arena. (Photo © by Nancy Jaffer)
Palm Beach is one of the world’s most prestigious destinations, so the change in name raised some questions for me, especially since very often, when I look up Wellington on the Internet, I get results listing Wellington, New Zealand. So here’s the answer from the folks who made the decision:
“While the history and status of Palm Beach is recognized, appreciated, and contributed greatly to the previous venue name, Wellington International looks to move forward and continue to bring the Wellington name greater prominence in Florida, the U.S., and around the world. Wellington is now a destination for thousands of equestrians every year and is a reputable name in its own right.”
The rebranding is visible as of tonight in the letters on the bridge above the International arena. In effect, it serves notice that the facility, which has hosted the Winter Equestrian Festival since 1989, will be undergoing major changes.
The new name of the WEF facility was revealed when the white cover was dropped tonight.
Michael Stone, president of Wellington International, said, “We are committed to ‘Setting New Standards’ for our venue, as well as for equestrian sport, guest experiences, entertainment, and innovation.
“While equestrian sport is and will continue to be the main focus at Wellington International, future plans include the versatility to host an assortment of events to broaden horizons outside of the main horse show weeks.”
Alex Matz clearing the new Wellington International fence on Cashew. (Sportfot photo)
Andreas had promised great changes to the venue, originally known as the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club. The winter shows started at Palm Beach Polo in a far more modest setting under the guidance of the late Gene Mische, who grew the WEF concept exponentially.
He had first seen the Palm Beach Polo property when it was nothing but a lot of palmetto, growing in a field about 40 minutes from Palm Beach. He recalled William Ylvisaker, the developer who started the facility, had painted a picture of a fabulous venue that would offer not only polo, but also magnificent horse shows.
Gene’s first reaction was to wonder whether the entrepreneur “was smoking something,” as the two stood talking among the scraggly plants. But the dream did become amazing reality in a setting that had people flocking to buy homes, show their horses and play polo (even Britain’s Prince Charles showed up there for a match.)
The facility was bought in 2006 by a group led by Mark Bellissimo, which made major changes and did a lot to move it forward. I was talking with Mark shortly after the purchase and mentioned the contributions of Gene in starting the enterprise. Mark noted that while an innovator must be given a lot of credit for starting something, it often requires someone else to take it to the next level. And that is where Andreas and company have come in.
They made some improvements already, with many more on the way. Recently, McLain Ward and I talked about what is happening.
“The changes made so far are things that are hard to see, like the changes of footing in a number of rings and some underground drainage and things that have been let go or not done properly in the past,” McLain told me.
“I hear of great things to come, which will be great for the sport. There’s no shortage of competitors and business and opportunity here. If there’s anywhere in the world that can support a huge investment, it’s Wellington.”
An aerial view of the showgrounds.
McLain, who has talked a bit with Andreas, said of the new owners, “I think they know what they’re doing. They have a good feeling of what the highest standard is. Like everything, it takes a bit of time. I think we’ll see major changes by next year and I think in the next few years it will be completely transitioned.”
An architect’s view of the planned VIP pavilion.
As he pointed out about Wellington International, “It needs to be a world class facility. It’s been let go, it’s been run down for the better part of six to eight years. It’s a tired old house. I’d like to see them develop some of the land in the back, less for real estate, more for the sport, because we’re on a postage stamp here. I know there’s a lot of talk about developing the parking and stabling to more permanent facilities.”
I wondered what pioneers of the sport would think of its current incarnation.
“You can’t imagine not only where Wellington has gone, but the horse business and the sport,” said McLain.
“They set the groundwork and the stage for us to go in that direction. This is a big sport and big industry. The business factor has changed, not just in the running of events. It’s the horse business in general; the level of the business and the numbers, not only in volume, but also in dollar amounts. In 20-30 years it’s exploded. It’s a healthy industry and it’s nice to be part of a healthy industry.”
Want to know more about Andreas? Click here to read a story I did about him and his stable for Horse Sport earlier this month.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 27, 2022
Cassie’s mother, Natasha Brash, gave an update on her daughter, who had throat surgery last week.
As you’ll recall, the 29-year-old professional show jumper fell with her horse in a jump-off at the end of January and suffered a traumatic brain injury and other complications.
Natasha said doctors noticed a blockage they feel might have been caused by the breathing tube administered to Cassie in the ER at the time of the accident. They were concerned that although she can breathe normally right now while making little physical effort, her airway could be compromised when she returns to her regular schedule. So they removed the scar tissue that was in her throat.
This means she will need to keep the trachea another three weeks minimally. However I know many of you are still keeping Cass in your prayers, with that and her medical treatments, she should make a great recovery from the surgery.
Her mothr said Cass has been and will always be heroic, kind, generous, caring, brave, fun and joyful in everything she does. I can only tell you it has been an honor to sit by her side and help her during one of the most challenging times of anyone’s life. Cass had high hopes this summer with many great horses lined up to show, including a new grand prix horse that she was very excited about. However that was not to be, and now she is working day by day to just walk, talk and dress herself.
Being on the sidelines all this time, has given me a new appreciation for the kind of human she is. She fills her entire day with being kind, appreciative, grateful and she is always making sure that I am okay.
Want to send a card? Here is the address:
Cassandra Kahle WFRC108
Shepherd Center
2020 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta, GA 30309
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 23, 2022
A Maryland barn that has been hard hit by EHV-1 is looking for financial help involved with treating 40 horses, most of which are mild to moderate cases being cared for by staff on site.
“We’re optimistic that most of them will make a full recovery over the next four to six weeks,” said a statement from Meadowbrook Stable, which had a pony euthanized earlier this month after it contracted the infection.
The facility has been following strict testing, quarantine, treatment and biosecurity protocols, including putting up 24 temporary stalls in the indoor arena to quarantine horses with moderate symptoms and separating all horses in the main barn.
They are working closely with the treating veterinarian and scheduling two sets of staff to work around the clock to monitor and assess each horse’s symptoms, including taking temperatures and performing regular neurological exams; administering three types of medications twice daily per horse; disinfecting stalls, buckets and equipment and hand-walking horses.
The facility also has canceled lessons and closed to reduce stress on the horses and promote their recovery. Measures also include canceling horse shows and keeping all horses on site to ensure there is no transmission to other stables.
The expenses from Meadowbrook’s EHV quarantine and response will be more than $85,000. Estimated costs include $18,000 in antiviral and other medications; $35,000 in veterinary bills, $8,580 to set up temporary quarantine stalls in the indoor ring and $25,000 to cover the additional staffing needed to provide round-the-clock care for the horses.
Meadowbrook is seeking donations to help cover costs, including daily exams and medications associated with the EHV outbreak. Meadowbrook is a 501(c)(3) organization and all gifts are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. To donate, click on this link
EHV-1 cropped up in a big way on the West Coast last month, leading to equine euthanizations and cancellation of shows, including May’s Nations Cup in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The California Department of Food and Agriculture issued an Extension of Recommended Caution for California Equine Events through March 31.
That led to cancellation of Dressage at Southern California Equestrian and postponement until June of Rancho California AHA Spring. The Galway Downs International Horse Trials has revised its schedule and moved to a two-day format at the beginning of April.
As of yesterday, the Desert International Horse Park, which saw the first EHV-1 cases in the state, has no barns under quarantine. The state has officially ended their regulatory oversight of the horse park, according to a statement from the facility.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 15, 2022
Sadly, another professional equestrian has suffered a serious injury in competition, just as Cassandra Kahle did in January.
Cassie is in rehab for treatment of a traumatic brain injury, but last weekend, show jumper David Beisel suffered a terrible fall during a class at the World Equestrian Center in Ohio.
In a March 22 update, Paige Beisel stated: “David is getting out of the ICU (at Miami Valley Hospital in Dayton, Ohio) and moving to his rehab facility in the next day or two. He’s improving steadily and continues to inspire with his attitude and work ethic. His hands aren’t quite up for texting yet and he wants his friends to know he will be in touch soon!
“Meanwhile, Cooper and Izzy visit here each day and we are holding strong. Last night we had a “family dinner” in his room and watched Wheel of Fortune. If you know us well, then you know that show, along with Jeopardy, is a family favorite… We miss our family dinners, and they are a requirement at our house. This has glued us together. We are stronger for it. David’s recovery is going to take some time. That’s the hard part… a lot is unknown, but so far, he’s only getting better and better. He’s moving quite a bit more each day, and went to the hospital physical therapy gym today on special permission to practice his moves.
“Please continue to pray for his healing. He can do this! David and I continue to be blown away by the generosity of everyone who has contributed in so many ways to help us through this uncertainty… be it meals for my kids, kind words, donations to his go fund me…. thank you. We don’t know what else to say. It’s the most amazing feeling to be held in such kindness.”
T.J. Campbell, WEC general manager, noted, “David is a lifelong professional of this sport and has dedicated his entire life to his equestrian career; and is by far one of the kindest, hardest-working professionals in the industry. David rides and trains to support his business; his wife, Paige, who competes as an amateur rider; his daughter, Izzy, and son, Cooper, who currently ride as juniors within our sport.”
“David will require surgery on several discs and ligaments in his neck, and the amount of nerve damage is still unclear. Thankfully, the spinal cord does not appear to have suffered damage from what we know today,” stated T.J., who started a GoFundMe (see below) to help with the medical expenses associated with this accident and the family’s daily living costs.
“As many of you know, David owns and operates a boarding and training facility here in Ohio, and his career is solely based on his ability to ride and teach. The amount of time David will have to spend in the hospital is currently unknown, but the recovery time will likely be extensive once he is released. It is still very unclear what David’s return to work situation will look like.”
The World Equestrian Center Ohio is putting together a plan to offer some events for equestrians to show their support for David in the coming weeks. More information on those opportunities will be forthcoming.
To donate, click on this link
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 19, 2022
Imagine what it’s like to be in war-torn Ukraine, worrying about not only the safety of your family, but also your horses. The U.S. Equestrian Federation has joined the FEI in raising funds to help with this crisis, with 100 percent of the money going toward the cause. For information or to donate, go to this link.
To understand how dire the situation is, and to contribute through the Ukraine Equestrian Federation, read that organization’s account of what is happening:
All at the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation have been touched by the amazing response to our calls for help and donations to our www.helpukrainehorses.eu fund, the kindness of equestrian communities across the world has been generous and instant. The situation in our country for equines is exceptionally challenging and constantly evolving and we thank everyone for their patience. We are beginning to see our collaborative efforts with a number of organizations beginning to have an impact for those who need help.
We are extremely grateful to the many breeding societies, equestrian federations and charities such as the FEI, the Finnish Equestrian Federation, British Equestrian, World Horse Welfare and individuals from many countries around the world for their ongoing support to help with a hugely complex operation in what is essentially a war zone.
Aid administration: We continue to need aid and now supply channels are being established. We ask all of our supporters to follow very clear guidance to make sure support is handled in the most effective way – for you and for us to facilitate getting aid into the country. We would ask that you please refer to our website www.helpukrainehorses.eu to see the latest logistical advice as these logistics are evolving all the time in this dynamic situation.
What we do ask please, is to try very hard to coordinate with fellow donors to supply at least larger quantities of feed, packed on euro pallets and following the guidance on the website. Trucks with larger quantity of aid are more efficient to deliver and distribute. They can go directly to the border with Ukraine and from the border to the warehouse in Lviv. Only small loads/shipments can be brought to Lesna Wola and will be used for evacuated horses staying in Lesna Wola.
Please do not simply turn up at the Polish/Ukrainian border with stock/aid. There are currently very long lines of lorries and correct accreditation is required, without it you could face long delays. We are working on setting up a rail depot in Berlin, Germany which will take aid directly into the heart of Ukraine. Only full, wrapped pallets will be accepted here. Please follow our website and social media for progress updates on this.
Equine assistance:Through help from the FEI Solidarity Fund, we are setting up a stable facility at Lviv with 40 boxes to house horses in transit as we begin to evacuate more from danger. We continue to work with a number of individuals on both side the border to establish stop-over locations for horses. Some will remain in the west of Ukraine and some will move further west into neighboring counties.
There is also a requirement to establish quarantine stations for horses to complete their health requirements prior to their onward journey. We have had very generous offers from a number of logistics/horse transport companies all over Europe, but crossing the border into Ukraine remains complex for a number of reasons and the logistics of moving horses is extremely challenging.
Michaylo Parkhomchuk, Secretary General of the Ukrainian Equestrian Federation said; “Our small team has been inundated with messages, emails and calls and we’re very humbled by the support we’ve had but would ask everyone is patient while we try to keep up with our inbox. The actual situation is that we are forced to act during war and in war zone, as Lviv has already been bombed several times, there are no safe zones anymore and there are no guarantees that logistics or any services in Ukraine will work as intended. The ongoing war makes even the simplest things difficult. This will not deter us from the absolute focus to assist as many horses and owners in our country as we possibly can during these dark times. РАЗОМ ПЕРЕМОЖЕМО!!!”
We’ll issue a weekly update of what has been achieved and how those who want to provide support can best help with clear instructions and guidance. That way the aid is expedited to where it’s needed as smoothly as possible. We’re still asking for financial donations which will help with the evacuation and housing of equines via our Charity Foundation or a trusted official fundraiser in your country. On behalf of the Ukrainian horses and their people, we thank everyone for their generosity and kindness.
by Nancy Jaffer | Mar 20, 2022
As you clean out your tack room and closets at this time of year, put aside equipment, clothing, blankets and other horse-related items for tack sales being held at several organizations this month and this fall.
Riding with Heart, 639 Route 513, Pittstown, is holding its sale March 26 and 27 to benefit its therapeutic riding program. Drop items from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and Saturdays from noon-3 p.m. Call 908-735-5912 to let the organization know before you come.
Riding with Heart will pick up big donations within a one-hour drive. Email tacksale@ridingwithheart.org. Contributions are tax deductible.
Mane Stream (adaptive riding and therapy services) is seeking donations of new and gently used tack or horse related items for its fall tack sale in Oldwick Nov. 6 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The spring sale originally scheduled for next month has bee cancelled.
Collections are still ongoing, however. There is a contactless drop-off for unwanted bridles, saddles, blankets, tack boxes as well as outgrown boots, breeches, jackets and horse-related jewelry, models or knick-knacks. Proceeds go toward Mane Stream’s mission to improve the quality of life for children and adults with physical, developmental, emotional, and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine assisted activities, therapy services, and educational initiatives.
All donations can be dropped off at the stable at 83 Old Turnpike Rd. Oldwick during office hours. Those who want to make a donation of have questions should contact Jen Dermody at jen@manestreamnj.org, (908) 439-9636 or visit the website at www.ManeStreamNJ.org
Mane Stream is a 501(c)(3) non-profit registered charitable organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, and medical challenges through a diverse program of equine-assisted activities, therapy services and educational initiatives.
