November 30, 2006

Welcome Party Kicks Off Social Scene for 123rd National Horse Show and Family Festival in Wellington, Florida

Wellington, FL – The longstanding tradition of greeting National Horse Show exhibitors, owners, trainers, and sponsors with a National Horse Show Welcome Party on the evening of opening day competition was upheld in style last night, Wednesday, November 29, at International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida. In previous years at the IPC-hosted poolside Welcome Party for the National, guests enjoyed starry nights, a beautifully lit pool, steel drum bands, and tropical island flair, but this year frequent showers turned the planned patio party into an indoor bash inside the club’s posh Mallet Grill. No matter to these merrymakers – they readily enjoyed the intimate setting, and whenever the showers let up, they migrated outdoors again to enjoy moments of the balmy evening.

More than 250 guests attended and were treated to an array of sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, from sushi to Southwestern fare, and refreshments ranging from mixed spirits to a well-attended Mojito Bar. As is traditional at every party scheduled for the National this week, a giant ice sculpture of the horse head logo of the 123rd National Horse Show and Family Festival graced the elegant centerpiece table of tasty treats. The historic horse show competition runs through Sunday, December 3, at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club.

One of the most fun aspects of this annual Welcome Party is the mix of hunter, jumper, dressage, and polo people all at one event, plus the dignitaries of Wellington turn out as well, including the Mayor and members of the Wellington Council. Much hugging, cheek brush-kissing, and exclaimed greetings are part and parcel of this charming evening as long-time old friends get re-acquainted – the majority of attendees are snowbirds who flock to Florida from across the nation, and international locations as well, for the winter season, with these earliest birds arriving for the National. There are also plenty of introductions as interdisciplinary equestrians and newcomers to Wellington make new acquaintances in this equestrian Mecca.

Cocktails and hors ‘d’oeuvres for the National Horse Show Welcome Party were scheduled from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm, but due to the rain the traditional line of headlights filling the driveway leading up to the valet parking station at IPC was exceptionally long, which extended the party for an extra few hours as guests arrived later and stayed later to enjoy the festivities. By 9:30, many of the guests were settling into tables in the Mallet Grill for a late night dinner. Upon leaving, guests were delighted to find that lovely Cartier shopping bags had been placed on their car seats, filled with an elegant catalogue of stunning jewelry and a beautiful box of unique stationary.

Guests at the National Horse Show Welcome Party included Samantha and Leo Conroy; Tuny and David Page; Martha and Pierre Jolicouer; Jane Forbes Clark; Gene Mische; Ron Neal; Jimmy and Danielle Torano; Sue Ashe; Scott Fitton; Betty and Ernie Oare; Susie and Tim Dutta; Carol and Ludwig Sollack; Dennis and Marsha Dammerman; Glen Straub; Neil Hirsch; Bill Ylivisaker; Katherine and Mark Bellissimo; Lars Petersen; Melissa Taylor; Karin Reid Offield; Tamara Gerber; Joan Tranter; Douglas Mutch; and Scott Carling, USEF Assistant Executive Director of Marketing. Show sponsors included Richard Schecter and George Banks of Bainbridge Communities; Harold Bruce of Florida Coast Equipment; Karen Connelly of Equestrian Properties; and Michael Whitlow of Kilkenny Insurance. Wellington dignitaries included Lisbeth Benequisto of Village of Wellington, and Mayor Tom Wenham and Regis Wenham.

PHOTO CAPTION: Ron Neal, Jane Forbes Clark, and National Horse Show Chairman Mason Phelps, Jr. PHOTO CREDIT: Alex Thomas