A demonstration of the JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show was held during the Nations' Cup competition on Friday, March 7, during the CSIO5* Wellington, Florida. Photo Credit - Sportfot.com
Division winners from the previous Horseless Horse Show walked the course for the Nations' Cup with Olympic co-course designer Steve Stephens. Photo Credit - Debra Jamroz, professionalsphoto.com

March 11, 2008 – Wellington, Florida – JustWorld International hosted many special events and raised almost $30,000 as the official charity partner of the CSIO5* CN Open of the CN Winter Equestrian Festival held March 5 to 9 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center in Wellington, Florida.

From Thursday through Sunday, the JustWorld International information booth was set up outside the DeNemethy Ring tower with volunteers handing out detailed information and dvd’s about JustWorld and its project sites as well as selling signature JustWorld caps, polo shirts, and pins.

A silent auction ran throughout the week and raised approximately $12,000 with items including a VIP table for six in the International Club donated by BluHammock Music; a Hampton Classic Sponsorship package; an American Invitational package including one field pass to work alongside Olympic co-course designer Steve Stephens and two Victory-Party tickets; a lifetime membership to PhelpsSports.com; a VIP table for four at the Bromont International; and lessons on Belle Herbe Farm’s Grand Prix field with a choice of Kent Farrington of the United States, Eric Lamaze of Canada or Ramiro Quintana of Argentina.

Audience members got a preview of what to expect at Saturday’s Horseless Horse Show when a demonstration featuring top junior competitors showed off their abilities in the International Arena during the official course walk of the $75,000 FEI Nations’ Cup on Friday night. In addition, before the start of the Nations’ Cup, division winners from the last Horseless Horse Show, held February 23, and dedicated young JustWorld ambassadors had the opportunity to walk the track with Olympic co-course designer and JustWorld Advisory Board member Steve Stephens.

On Saturday afternoon, the DeNemethy Ring was converted into to a show jumping arena for human competitors, with people-sized jumps generously provided and custom built by Steve Stephens, Hector Cano, and Beval Saddlery Ltd. Entries raised almost $4,000 while class sponsorships, generously provided by BluHammock/BluHorse, SpyCoast Farm, and Dutta Corporation, raised an additional $13,000 which will help support JustWorld’s various projects and programs in Brazil, Cambodia, Honduras, Kenya and Senegal.

A total of 176 entries were received for the Horseless Horse Show from children representing various equestrian disciplines including hunter/jumper, dressage and polo. The Dutta Corporation Children’s Jumper division attracted the highest number of entries with 46 and saw Michael Boylan emerge the winner over Pablo Barrios. In the Blu Horse/Blu Hammock Short Stirrup division, Bradford Mills took the win over Jeffrey Goldman. In the Mini Prix division, Lexis Mowery took the win over 30 other competitors including runner-up Marielle Golden. Daniel Bluman won the Grand Prix, just as he had two weeks earlier in the Horseless Horse Show held February 23, while Luis Fernandez Larrazabada placed second. Bluman, a JustWorld Junior Ambassador, proved his dominance once again by winning the Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s Puissance.

In the Spy Coast Farm Nations’ Cup, 12 teams lined up to contest the title. Team Ireland, comprised of Christina Kelly, Sean Kelly and Shane Sweetnam, who rode as a member of the Irish Team in the previous night’s $75,000 FEI Nations’ Cup, took the victory over Team Congo, made up of Austin Mills, Bradford Mills and Michael Boylan. Colombia took third with members Brandon Castro, Steven Bluman and Luis Fernandez Larrazabada.

CBS-12 News was on-site to tape footage for its upcoming JustWorld International ‘Youth Helping Youth’ feature story.

All class winners will have the opportunity to walk the course for the $200,000 Grand Prix on Sunday, March 17, with Olympic co-course designer and JustWorld Board member, Leopoldo Palacios.

Every participant in the Horseless Horse Show received a hoodie sweater from Joanne and Bob Reyers of BluHorse Clothing. Additional prizes were provided by BluHorse Clothing, SpyCoast Farm, Farmvet, Kocher Tack, SmartPak, The Tackeria, Equine Tack and Nutritional, Angel’s custom whips, and Belle Herbe Farm. Product and service sponsors included PowerIce, Penta Water, Arnica Rub, Beval’s Saddlery Ltd., Devoucoux, Equestrian Sport Productions, Equifit, Farmvet, Judy Richter, Ryegate Show Services, Sportfot, and Stephens Jump Designs.

“I would like to thank all of the rider ambassadors and volunteers who helped make the week such an enormous success,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “The money raised will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the children at our various project sites, and it is truly wonderful to see all the children here at the horse show and many of the horse show officials themselves, getting involved and participating in activities that help support other children.”

There are currently more than 90 JustWorld Rider Ambassadors around the world, from pony kids to juniors, amateurs, and Olympians who donate portions of their prize money and act as spokespeople for JustWorld International. Recognized by their signature royal blue riding jackets as well as their JustWorld saddle pads and blankets, these riders have made the commitment to be part of the JustWorld family and support an important cause.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.