Wellington, FL- November 30, 2005- Third graders from The Benjamin School, a private school located in Northern Palm Beach, Fla., enjoyed a day outside of the classroom and in the world of horses and equestrian sport. Over ninety students and their teachers toured the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club during the 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival and participated in educational activities.

“We have been reading the book Black Beauty in class,” commented Elizabeth Donn, a third grade teacher from The Benjamin School. “This is an excellent culminating activity for our third graders. The hands-on experience today is such a great opportunity for them. They are so excited to see and touch the horses!”

Mason Phelps, President of Phelps Media Group, Inc. International, greeted students and teachers at the front gate. After a brief speech about horse show safety, students divided into three groups and enjoyed tours provided by PMG’s Mason Phelps, Jenny Ross, and Kendra Cecieta.

Students observed the Hunter Arena, where they saw top horses compete over fences and jog for awards. A few third graders also participated in an awards presentation, where they handed out ribbons and smiled for photographs. Along with watching the riders and horses prepare in warm-up arenas, students enjoyed touring the stabling area and learning about supplies necessary to keep horses clean, fed, and comfortable.

A special highlight of the tour was a demonstration given by Tony Bucci, the National Horse Show farrier. Bucci explained the importance of putting shoes on horses and displayed how he creates shoes for different types of hooves. He introduced the students to a variety of tools necessary to heat the medal and mold the shoe for a perfect fit. The students also learned about the education and training required to become a professional blacksmith.

All of the students received free Sidelines magazines that featured show jumping professional Schuyler Riley on the cover. During the tour, the children were surprised to meet Riley in person and pet her horse.

The field trip concluded in the afternoon when students sat adjacent to the Internationale Arena for lunch. One of our nation’s top hunter and jumper professionals, Darren Graziano, spoke to the group about his experience with horses in the show arena and as an equestrian trainer. After lunch, Graziano signed autographs and answered questions for the children.

“I think the kids are very surprised to see how big all of the horses are and how high they can jump,” commented Lee Anne Sampson, a teacher at The Benjamin School. Elizabeth Donn added, “It was interesting to learn about the equestrian lifestyle. The students were excited to ask the professionals questions and to receive such thorough, interesting responses. The facility is lovely here and the generosity of the horse show staff was so unexpected and kind!”

The Benjamin School buses departed from the National Horse Show and Family Festival with free t-shirts for all of the students, as well as free tickets for the children to return during the week. This upcoming weekend at the National Horse Show features the Children’s Fair from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fair includes face painting, pony rides, an air jump, arts and crafts, a petting zoo, and other activities for the entire family. The National Horse Show continues through Sunday, December 4, with exciting competition and performances. One of Sunday’s highlights includes the AGA Championship at 2 p.m.

PHOTO CREDIT: Darren Graziano speaks to third graders about horses and equestrian competition. PHOTO BY: Jennifer Wood