“Jumping Under the Stars” at 122nd National Horse Show Features Black Tie Gala and World-Class Competition

Wellington, FL – December 3, 2005 – Ladies in ballgowns and men in tuxedos dining in luxury in the Diamond Horseshoe Club at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club on Friday night, December 2, marked the fourth annual “Jumping Under the Stars” black tie gala at the 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival in Wellington, Florida. More than 500 show jumping enthusiasts enjoyed an evening of gourmet food, wonderful exhibitions, and ultimately the feature of the night, the $100,000 Lexus National Horse Show Jumper Championship, CSI-W presented by Chesapeake Petroleum, a World Cup Qualifier.

“The party was a huge success and it was a great class,” noted Mason Phelps, Chairman of Jumping Under the Stars for the fourth consecutive year. “We had a sell-out crowd in the Diamond Horseshoe Club. I was pleased to see the enthusiasm and interest in the sport demonstrated by the number of table sales and guests in attendance. This was the first time we had a waiting list for this party.”

The Diamond Horseshoe Club overlooks the Internationale Arena, which provided guests with a spectacular view of the evening’s program. Socializing before dinner and the championship class, guests enjoyed cocktails and the opportunity to stroll the long expanse of the softly lit club with its beautifully decorated tables set with flowers and sparkling china, silver and glass. Many compliments were exchanged as friends and new acquaintances mutually admired the stunning gowns donned by the ladies, and the stylish tuxes sported by the men – a fun and glamorous change for many competitors, trainers, and owners who spend the day in boots and britches!

Activity in the brightly lit Internationale Arena was constant, providing a horseman’s cornucopia of entertainment. Guests arriving early had the opportunity to see the jump crew and course designer prepare the course and then watch the 37 riders in the championship class walk it and plan their strategy. Rider/trainers Debbie Stephens and Michelle Grubb led an educational course walk for 18 spectators who won the honor through a promotional event with Bloomingdale’s. The pomp and circumstance of the evening afforded the perfect opportunity for a dazzling ceremony for the Hunter Awards, allowing guests and the crowds of people in the stands and on the berms to view beautifully turned out hunters who had achieved honors at this year’s National. The Ladies Side Saddle competition followed, exhibiting the intricacies of the gentile sport. Renowned reiner John Ingram performed, treating spectators to the thrills of this Western discipline. The Friesian exhibition, which has been part of the National since its move to Wellington four years ago, once again awed spectators with the dressage movements performed by this troupe of black horses with their flowing manes, tails, and fetlocks carrying festively dressed riders.

The Opening Parade marked the prelude to the night’s featured competition, with John Ingram carrying the American flag, followed by 15 Naval Cadets attired in elegant white uniforms trimmed in gold bearing colorful flags, and a very special welcome provided by the Ponies on Parade – 29 Shetland Ponies and Miniature Horses each carrying a blanket with a letter to spell out “Welcome to the National Horse Show.” The South Florida Miniature Horse Club, the American Miniature Horse Registry, and the American Shetland Pony Club provided the delightful ponies. The entire crowd of spectators stood as Maureen Hamill sang the National Anthem in her inimitable style, and then clapped at length as the parade exited with a flourish and the first horse in the championship competition galloped on course.

The gala in the Diamond Horseshoe Club settled into the three-course dinner as they watched the $100,000 Lexus National Horse Show Jumper Championship, CSI-W presented by Chesapeake Petroleum. The inspired menu’s entrée was roast Cornish hen filled with fresh herbs and brown rice pilaf brushed with a tangy Orange Cointreau and honey glaze, dressed on braised red cabbage with apples and roasted apricots. While enjoying the perfectly prepared meal served by stylish waiters, guests thrilled to the exciting competition, which culminated in a breathtaking five-horse jump-off. Molly Ashe of Wellington riding Neuville for owner Jane Forbes Clark claimed the win. As guests enjoyed dessert, the awards presentation filled the arena with dignitaries, riders, and horses in an impressive closing to a spectacular evening.

Guests included: Don and Nancy Stewart, Ken and Emily Smith, Richard Schechter, Jennifer Reid, Allan and Jill Shore, Victoria McCullough, Leo and Samantha Conroy, Bill and Julie Berman, Jim Corbin, Archie Cox, Sissy Armstrong, Susie Humes, Bert and Diana Firestone, Susan Bloomberg, Georgina Bloomberg, Jane Forbes Clark, Betty Jane Henry, Mike Polaski, Beth Johnson, Gene Mische, Richard Prant, Paul and Wendy Raether, Marley Goodman, Martha and Pierre Jolicoeur, Michael and Laura Whitlow, Pam and Willie Surtees, Kathy Moore, Bill Schaub, Vanessa Redfern, Mike and Barbara Simpson, Joanne and Gary Fiedler, Peter Welles, Mary Hilton, Fran Steinwedell, Carlene Blunt, Jennifer Oz LeRoy, Elizabeth and Christy Russo, Don and Judy Little, Paula Waters, Mark Foley, Bobby Drennan, Tim Boulton, Layne Nisenbaum, Jill Rau, Frank and Karen Lloyd, Carol Cohen and David Mandell, Nancy and Tim Hooker, Laura and Mike Schultz, Ron Neal, Katherine and Mark Bellissimo, Lee Schaub-Avera, Regis and Tom Wenham, Billie Burr, Louie Bartoletti, Sandy Van Dyke, Paige Johnson, and Kim and John Walker.

The 122nd National Horse Show and Family Festival runs through Sunday, December 4, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in Wellington, Florida.

PHOTO CREDIT: Eugene R. Mische, President of the National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd., with Jennifer Oz LeRoy, Chairman of the Board of the National Horse Show Association of America, Ltd. PHOTO BY: Jamie Konrady