According to a press release from Brooke USA Foundation (Brooke USA), the non-profit organization recently returned to the “winter equestrian capital of the world” (Wellington, Florida) with its signature “Paint Wellington Orange” trifecta of events.

Divertimentos & Dressage, Ponies & Pearls and the Sunset Watering Hole drew record crowds consisting of both established and up-and coming equestrians. All told, $225,000 was raised to help improve the plight of working equines, surpassing the organization’s goal.

Brooke USA, which is based in Lexington, Kentucky, is committed to reducing poverty, increasing food security, ensuring access to water, providing a means to education and raising standards of living through improved equine health and welfare.

A global mission

“Thank you to the Wellington community and those that visit from abroad for embracing Brooke USA and the work we do right here in the U.S. and across the globe,” said Brooke USA CEO Emily Dulin. “Every single event guest has made an unimaginable impact on the welfare of working equines, and the families that rely on horses, donkeys and mules for their daily survival. These beloved animals play a critical role as a resource in providing food, clean water and shelter in underprivileged communities and together we can improve outcomes.”

The money raised will be used for a variety of projects supporting working horses, donkeys and mules, as well as the people they serve.

Brooke USA’s Donor Relations Officer Kendall Bierer added, “These unique events all came together thanks to our generous sponsors and donors, and the brilliant work by our Planning and Host Committees. It is so fulfilling to unify under our love for equines while creating a platform for nationally recognized and local companies to showcase their products and services for a common cause. It is my unique pleasure to liaise with our partners and the local community as we continue to build programs in my hometown of Wellington.”

Divertimentos & Dressage

Crowning Brooke USA’s “Paint Wellington Orange” event trifecta was the second annual Divertimentos & Dressage, presented by Lugano Diamonds and held on March 21 at the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center. The dressage musical freestyle to a live orchestra performed by the Palm Beach Symphony welcomed back dressage riders JJ Tate, Allison Kavey and Sahar Daniel Hirosh. Joining the extraordinary performances by grand prix horses and their riders was new presenter Cynthia Screnci. In addition, there was a special Pas de Deux performed by Kerensa and Klendy Muller.

Conceptualized by flutist, equestrian and Brooke USA Board Member Sally Frick, the event was led by co-chair Jennifer Burger and Candace Platz along with inaugural chair Selma Garber. Featured were a cocktail reception, silent and travel auctions, and a live auction featuring an Albion dressage saddle. A portion of the proceeds from this event benefited the Vinceremos Therapeutic Riding Center, which provides therapeutic experiences with horses for individuals with special needs.

Ponies & Pearls

Brooke USA held Wellington’s second annual Ponies & Pearls–A Women’s Empowerment Event, presented by the Tucker Foundation & Mrs. Gillian Johnston, on February 18. The enriching and lively event honored the accomplishments of women and the legacy of Dorothy Brooke, founder of the Brooke family of charities. Making its second appearance at the National Polo Center’s Pavilion, the VIP Sunday Brunch celebrated women on both the American polo fields and the working fields in the most vulnerable communities across the globe.

Conceptualized by Brooke USA Board Member Katie Roth, Event Chairs Gill Johnston and Aimee Waters welcomed guests to an afternoon reminiscent of polo elegance, adorned with pearls and touches of orange. There were also competitions for the most memorable and most creative hat, and silent and travel auctions. Those present enjoyed bubbly and fare while raising funds dedicated to programs targeting women as the main equine caregivers across global projects.

Sunset Watering Hole

Held on the President’s Day holiday, February 19, the energetic Sunset Watering Hole, presented by the Garcia Companies, hosted young professionals and riders while offering the ideal venue and atmosphere for relaxation on their Monday afternoon and evening off. Held at the National Polo Center, the affair attracted crowds of riders and their friends, who enjoyed a fun-filled evening of poolside activities, music and entertainment with DJ Adam Lipson, cirque entertainment, and silent and travel auctions.

Sunset Watering Hole was brought to Wellington thanks to the extraordinary Brooke USA Young Professionals Committee co-chaired by Morgan Measey and Robert Reyers. This event will help thousands of people and equines in Ethiopia. Funds raised will stock veterinary medicines and other supplies at rural health posts for equines, providing access to convenient and prompt care.

About Brooke USA Foundation

The mission of Brooke USA is to significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival worldwide. This is accomplished by raising funds and responsibly directing them to the areas of greatest need. 

To learn about Brooke USA’s past and future events and initiatives, visit www.brookeusaevents.org.