Spring Issue Equestrian Special Edition Polo Spring 2021

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Rimac C _ Two electric hypercar

Croatian maker Rimac will unveil the highly awaited C-Two, an all-electric hypercar. The Rimac C-Two has four electric motors and a fully independent torquevectoring system. It also has two independently-acting two-speed gearboxes on the front axle. Capable of dumping 1914 horsepower and 1700 pound-feet of torque to the pavement. The C-Two goes from zero to 60 mph in 1.85 seconds. The automaker is allocating 150 units of the C-Two for worldwide production, with prices starting upwards of $2 million for each vehicle.

From

8

Arthur J. Williams, infamous for being the counterfeiter who successfully replicated the “impossible to replicate” 1996-hundred-dollar bill, could be this generation’s most unlikely artist. While he served time behind bars, he studied masters like Leonardo Da Vinci & Michalangelo, an experience that enabled the modern artist to become a dream for art collectors today.

Currently he is exhibited at the Davinci’s Gallery in Beverly Hills.

EDITOR & PUBLISHER

Rebeca Herrero

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Carmen Jimenez

EQUESTRIAN EDITOR

Shereen Fuqua

CREATIVE CONTRIBUTOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

Gabriel Barreto, Julio Mendez, Cesar Montano

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Rosanna Perez

NYC CONTRIBUTOR

Norah Lawlor

SOCIETY EDITOR

Esther Herrero

ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Christian Renait

BEAUTY STYLIST

Michelle Lelia

PHOTOGRAPHY

New York and South Florida

TheIssueEquestrian 2021

A letter from the editor

Poloisapassion!

session at designer’s Charles Ancona, truly marvelous. We are also celebrating the edition of our first luxury book, titled: “Polo, The Sport of Kings” which I have worked with Grand Champions Polo Club owner Melissa Ganzi, she is fantastic, dedicated, a great athlete, a woman to admire, a cancer survivor, a great mother. She opens the doors of Santa Rita and Grand Champions Polo Club for everyone to enjoy and she just puts so much out there, it is just an incredible journey to be a part of it. She is amazing! I have genuinely enjoyed watching the families, the polo players, the grooms, the staff, everyone contributes so much. It is just fantastic. Enjoy this issue and let us support polo, from Wellington to the World!

7

Dutch Doscher, Eglys Koelig, Jim Derks, Pedro Barboza, Malena Vazquez

CONTRIBUTORS

Miguel Sarmiento, Candida Portugues

WEBMASTER

The X Factor

Watching polo during this season I honestly felt like a rush of adrenaline every time I saw the ponies approach each side of the polo meadows. The field is so large, but you can appreciate the Grand Champions Polo Club venue, which is kept in such a manicured and perfect state, I cannot help but wonder, what a unique operation to watch. Afterwards it sinks on you, you truly get to admire the efforts of the owners and patrons, Marc and Melissa Ganzi. I have seen the growth of this beautiful event, and I have been covering Wellington as a journalist for the past 8 years, since the inception of our magazine in the luxury world. Few places like this can be open to the public, and this family does it!I can see the Ganzis themselves, their children Riley and Grant, Juan Bollini and his family, Nacho Figueras, Adolfo Cambiaso, Pablo Mac Donough, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, and the elite of polo just enjoying the game and celebrating with their families. It is just a treasure to hold in our hearts for years. In Wellington, you also have great Equestrian champ, Kat Fuqua. Her mother Shereen Fuqua introduced me to the showjumping world that takes place for 12 weeks. So many girls admire this equestrian champion who not only does hunting, and jumping, but competes in dressage as well. Kat Fuqua showed us her other side of being a young teenager by posing with high end fashion brands. Also the photo

Davinci’s Gallery in

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N Canon Dr. Beverly) is open for private appointments only. To view more of

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Whisky Auctioneer (www.whiskyauctioneer.com) is the global market leader and trusted authority on the buying and selling of whisky and spirits at auction. 1.Bowmore 1967 Largiemeanoch 12 Year Old Est. (£10,000 - £15,000) 2. The Balvenie Vintage Cash 3. The Balvenie 1937 Pure Malt 50 Year Old 75cl / Milroy’s of Soho Est. (£18,000 - £23,000) 4. Dallas Dhu 1921 Private Cask 64 Year Old #296 (£5,000 - £10,000)

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Kat Fuqua

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ART FROM LOS ANGELES

(499

the work from Arthur J. Williams go to www.arthurjwilliamsjr.com or call Tel. (312) 783-4680

Brock Pierce CRYPTOCURRENCY BILLIONAIRE BUYS EL MONASTERIO

The members only club is reshaping Old San Juan

By

Brock Pierce is not your usual philanthropist. As soon as you meet him, a smile greets you from chin to chin, he hugs you with warmth and immediately engages you in a conversation as a lifelong friend. He is eloquent, fast, and very discerning. At the age of 40, Pierce is considered the number nine Richest Men in the cryptocurrency world on the Forbes List. His extravagance does not come from his fortune, but from his sociological ideas. From a 500-year-old city that he calls home, Old San Juan, we met Pierce and the interview was remarkably interesting.

Pierce just acquired El Monasterio, a structure that dates back over 100-years, just one block east of La Fortaleza, or the Governor’s Mansion in Puerto Rico. He plans to develop the site as a Soho House style member only concept with farm-to-table fares showcasing local agriculture and the city’s fastest wifi. He showed me the renderings, allowing me a glimpse of what is to come of this old colonial post.

Since 2017, Pierce has lived on the Island. The Caribbean US territory has a complex history in politics, from being a commonwealth at the helm of every presidential election to a consolidated post that witnesses historical events like the devastating Hurricane Maria. The 5-category hurricane wiped out the infrastructure and killed thousands of locals. This major disaster followed a massive exodus of young talent to the Mainland. But Pierce is betting on a comeback that seems to be in a not-so-distant future. “I’ve always been fascinated with Puerto Rico. I visited the island when I was incredibly young, in fact, my first password for my ATM card was 1492, the year Christopher Columbus discovered the New World,” said the Minnesota born, former child actor who became hugely successful in the cryptocurrency world through a series of events that shaped his destiny.

As a child actor in Hollywood, Pierce eventually stayed at the age of 17 with his recently divorced mother in Los Angeles. There he met people in the gaming world, and he, being a fan of the entertainment gaming industry himself, co-founded a precursor to You Tube, called Digital Entertainment Network. The now defunct company employed thousands of people in China to play video games, like World of Warcraft, where gamers earned coveted virtual prizes that Pierce sold for cash to video gamers around the world.

Pierce poses in front of one of the oldest lighthouses in the New World.

Rebeca Herrero. Photography by Alicea Caldas

The billionaire considers Puerto Rico a unique place in the world. For Pierce, it has the right infrastructure to develop his ideas.

After becoming a billionaire through his savvy investment skills, Pierce set his sights on Puerto Rico. The Island has experienced a resurgence thanks to the in-vestment of US residents who moved permanently to places like El Dorado and San Juan. High end restaurant chains like SLS and Seraphina which you see in Miami and New York City, have popped up in Condado, an area north of the coastal city of San Juan where famous hotels like El Condado, Vanderbilt and many more touristic hot spots complement the area as a global destination for great food and luxury living.

Pierce explained to me the process of how that came about: “what happened was the US Virgin Islands opened up a path to welcome business from abroad. This clearly was celebrated by the Puerto Rican politicians allowing foreign capital from the mainland to invest locally. Why wouldn’t you live in a great place like this, which has a particularly well-developed infrastructure thanks to its own history. The weather does not hurt. Its pristine beaches, the people too. I believe the best asset of the island is its own people,” mentioned proudly the owner of El Monasterio who is convinced there is so much potential for investment in Puerto Rico, he is staying here for the long run. His latest acquisition, El Monasterio (The Monastery) is a 12,149 square foot, nine-bedroom 17th century building that used to be a masonic temple back in 1898. Remnants of that era still exist and are palpable indoors. The high ceilings evoke drama, old classical vibes that take you back to a building with its original glass mosaics which stand tall. Around the corner of the building, you find the Parque de las Palomas, as well as the Chapel of Christ.

Legend has it that a young man fell on the precipice while riding his horse and survived. Considered a miracle, people leave offers at the chapel to Christ through centuries of history and charm. The historic churches, the fortress surrounding the old city, just evokes a time that has captured Pierce's heart and curiosity. The beautiful bay that you can see even from his 4,120 square foot open terrace. This old town holds its own promise, its own air.

His residence in Old San Juan, is eclectic and interesting.

The light shines through the color-stained mosaics dating back to the 1900’s. Pierce is an insatiable historical buff. As we walk in the vicinity of the oldest cathedral in the Western Hemisphere, Pierce signals the building he owns painted in a pastel blue. It was once a Children’s Museum, but the building has fallen into disrepair. Pierce plans to restore the historic structure so that it can be used as a place that will benefit the artists in the community. "It is important not only to restore historic buildings so that they can be of use for generations to come but also, to preserve Puerto Rico's rich culture."

The founder of the Bitcoin Foundation has such a passion for life, he even ran for President in 2020. An amazing experience. He has been called many times to visit New York City to advise on matters that require an intellectual approach, to intervene with religious figures and lawmakers. Pierce is a man with a unique vision, he makes it happen. His studies have taken him to profound paths of knowledge, and you can feel it by noticing his collection of books in his personal room. Philosophical, intricate, historical. And of course, we could not help but ask him about his opinion on the monumental events that happened in the last few months and in the last election. Pierce replied: “Debate and discussion are good. When we are silenced and not able to speak, I find that extremely dangerous. It is the foundation of our freedoms. We need to engage in discourse and what we are witnessing is the inability to do such things, it has come to a free fall where the communication between the left and the right is breaking down. We need to understand that it is in that engagement where we can reach great ideas, not censorship.”

For now, Pierce has his eyes set on the Monestario hotel to become a sort of private club for members with an intellectual curiosity, with a zest for life, to gather and share ideas. The ballroom, which has already been featured in a music video by Bad Bunny, will be used for eclectic events and for the restaurants to bring native foods to the table from Puerto Rico’s finest farms. He also wants to reach out to other parts of the island, make it self-sustainable with food, agriculture, evolving in the area of technology and working with high institutions. Quite a quest for a young leader that wants to create a phenomenal utopia based on the valuable mindsets of the potential each Puerto Rican has.

A view of the rooftop terrace where Pierce wants to open a Members Only Private Club in Old San Juan.

PORT TEL AVIV

An architectural icon on the historic Tel Aviv port designed by Israeli starchitect Ilan Pivko, Port Tel Aviv will feature 40 exclusive luxury apartments along with a 5-star hotel, and will be delivered by Q4 2022. Located just 50-meters (approximately 164-feet) from the Mediterranean seafront, the Cubist Art-inspired, ten-story property is set to create new benchmarks for quality and value in the Israeli real estate market. Developed by the Hagag Group. Prices for the private apartments at the development start from $2,000,000 (£1,800,000) for an 829 square-foot-apartment, and penthouse apartments asking up to $10,000,000 (£9,700,000). For further information on Port Tel Aviv please visit www.port-tlv.co.il.

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RIDING CHAMPION

WELLINGTON... KatfromFuqua The Warmth OF THE SUN

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The ring is prepared. After several obstacles, the mare runs towards the multiple fences ready to end the journey. For that reason, the driving force in the competition is the rider. Nationwide, Kat Fuqua has been in that position as one of the top equestrian hunters for many years. She started when she was 2 years old. Her parents, Jeff and Shereen Fuqua are Grand Prix dressage riders with prestigious accolades of awards to their names. Settled in Atlanta, Georgia where Kat usually rides at their Collecting Gaits Farm, the family gathers to watch her execution of hunt jumps. In the Hunting world, precision and elegance is what matters the most. Her stylish demeanor, strong composure, in sync with the horse is what makes Kat Fuqua a true champion.

Photography by Lindsay Anne from Elegant Equus @ the studio of Charles Ancona in Wellington.

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Just watching her competing at the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) Junior competitions, is a delight on its own. Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) located in Wellington, FL, is considered the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in the United States. It encompasses a total of 500 acres — the competition rings alone cover over 80 acres. PBIEC has two core facilities, the Main Grounds and Equestrian Village, which collectively contain over 18 competition arenas, a derby field and one of the largest arenas in the world. The Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) is the largest and longest-running circuit in horse sport. A 12-week show jumping competition for hunters, jumpers and equitation, it is held annually from January through March. Each show week starts on Wednesday and concludes on Sunday, with major competitions showcased in the International Arena daily and on Saturday nights. Awards, and trophies are given with a sole pursuit, to get the highest scores by knowledgeable judges, and qualify for prestigious championships later in the year with respective disciplines, whether Olympic qualifiers for Dressage and Jumpers or Hunter and Equitation Finals. “The best come to Wellington,” said Shereen Fuqua, Kat’s mother and force behind the champion. As luck would have it, in February 2019 Shereen purchased a lesson with Rodrigo Pessoa, a six time show jumper Olympian, and individual Gold Medalist at the popular

Palm Beach International Equestrian Center (PBIEC) located in Wellington, FL, is considered the most recognizable equestrian sporting venue in the United States.

“The best come to Wellington,” said Shereen Fuqua, Kat’s mother and force behind the champion.

Danny & Ron’s Rescue Lip Sync Charity Event. Rodrigo graciously gave Kat and her two top hunters lessons and recommended training with Jimmy Torano. Jimmy is a highly sought after large R judge and himself, hugely successful in the US & Europe as a competitor in Grand Prix Jumpers. Since training with Jimmy, in 2019 Kat won her second USEF Pony Finals, USEF Pony Medal, 2020 Overall Grand Champion Junior at the very prestigious National Horse Show, and Small Hunter & Large Hunter under 15 champion, as well as 3 USEF Horse of the Year awards to go with her 5 USEF Horse of the Year awards earned in 2018.

Practice and more practice is what makes Kat a true champion. She enjoys her moments with her horses. Alone, in the ring, no matter the people around you, the rider is alone with the horse. Precision is the ultimate goal. One misstep, the horse cannot show its full potential.

Rider and horse are aligned, the leg is in contact, a 40-degree angle at takeoff, the knees of the horse are elevated, eyes and ears are focused. Kat Fuqua knows how to focus once she gets to the ring. “She has the ability to just see the ring, feel it, and knows what to do. It is what she has been doing since she was 2 years old. Her competitive nature has been achieved after 11 years of hard training,” confessed her mom. She hired family friend Michelle Gibson, 1996 Olympic Bronze Medalist when a then pony kept trying to stop at the jumps with seven year- old Kat. Michelle taught Kat, “You have to learn how to ride a live animal, gain their trust and respect.” And this strong basic set well with Kat’s foundation for success. Coupled with strong management of the right trainers, the Fuquas are avid supporters of the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) as former title sponsors for the USEF Dressage Championships and Olympic Trials and the USEF Pony Finals for a combined time of over twenty years.

The travel can be torturous in the sport, especially managing safe transportation for the horses. “We can be in Kentucky, we can be in Tryon, we can be in Washington DC, Harrisburg, Lake Placid or the Hamptons. We follow the highest level of training and competitiveness because Kat sincerely loves doing it. She is so committed to her lessons, she is laser focused,” explains Shereen. “Which is why Wellington is most favored for the horses to be stable for three to four months in the land of the sport of Hunters/Jumpers, Equitation, and Dressage. Each year, the Fuquas get ready to spend quite some time in the high season here. At WEF, only the best judges, trainers and riders show. For the family, it is of utmost relevance that Kat is part of this. “We used to travel back and forth to Atlanta on the weekends for school. It is so important the Kat attend a regular brick and mortar school with other non-horse children for balance in life. But now with the virus and remote learning, we are staying longer terms here,” admits Mrs. Fuqua.

(continue reading on the next spread)

“We can be in Kentucky, we can be in Tryon, we can be in Washington DC, Harrisburg, Lake Placid or the Hamptons. We follow the highest level of training and competitiveness because Kat sincerely loves doing it. She is so committed to her lessons, she is laser focused,” explains Shereen.

“It’s really unheard of. But her mom taught her that dressage is especially important. It is remarkable what Kat can accomplish, it requires precision, intense training, and of course the selection of horses which entails another keen search for the best horses,” mentioned Kat’s dressage Grand Prix trainer Jason Canton.

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In the meantime, Kat is also enjoying being a teenager. She plays with her friends and has solidly grown in the past few months. She is extremely tall and slim and likes to enjoy the calmness plus vibrance of Palm Beach. In Palm Beach, Kat was photographed by the famous photographer and family friend, Patrice Casanova, who has worked with the likes of Margaux Hemmingway, Patti Hansen, Christie Brinkley, Lorraine Bracco, Jessica Lange and Brooke Shields to name a few famous models. He captured Kat running around across the beautiful sand of Palm Beach. The coastal setting was a perfect match for the young girl who is also becoming a lady on her own. She reflects on how fun it was to wear the clothes from the designer couture departments of Saks Fifth Avenue. “I love Palm Beach. It gives me a sense of freedom. Few know that when I was 6 years old, an ill prepared pony, tossed me like a rag doll, breaking my collar-bone. We were in Wellington at the time, and my mom and dad took me home to heal. Ninety days later with the doctor’s approval, we returned to Wellington, but only after my mom took me to the beaches of Palm Beach. She made me run and play at the edge of the water, and scream

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at the top of my lungs, “I CAN DO IT! I can do anything if I put my mind to it!” That’s my mom always insuring that I can overcome any fear thrown in my direction. The very next day I showed in Wellington for the first time at cross rails and got my first Champion ribbon there. So to this day for eight years every winter, I go to the Palm Beaches energizing my inner strength and enjoy life in other dimensions as the beach is refreshing and fun,” says the 13-year-old.

Although this part of the city in South Florida is only 30 minutes away from Wellington, mom procures to visit Worth Avenue and enjoys the change of scenery. “It’s fun to see Kat enjoy other places. I’m sure she will learn how to become a young adult. I want her to see other options and continue her stardom, but also appreciate other sides of life,” recounts her mom who lives in Atlanta, but is a world traveler and the business owner of GumBits, a company that manufactures gum for horses globally. Now Kat has set her eyes in dressage as well. “It’s really unheard of. But her mom taught her that dressage is especially important. It is remarkable what Kat can accomplish, it requires precision, intense training, and of course the selection of horses which entails another keen search for the best horses,” mentioned Kat’s dressage Grand Prix trainer Jason Canton. “Shereen called me when I was driving from my homeland of California to take on a new position at an exclusive Birmingham AL horse farm. She said she was in Harrisburg at championships with Kat, and Michelle Gibson had moved to Denver. I worked for the Fuquas for years earlier training Shereen and Jeff both at Grand Prix Dressage. They sponsored me when I trained my young horse to USEF National FEI 6 year old Champion, and third at the National Developing Horse Championships.

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I have learned from the very best masters in the world and was short listed for the Olympics when I was 26. I was at Collecting Gaits Farm when Kat was born showing her dad’s famous Grand Prix Dressage horse, Duvallier. When Shereen wants something she doesn’t give up, so I had no choice but to drive almost three hours each direction to train Kat on her then ponies, and horses behind the scenes for now five years.” Moving to Atlanta a couple of years ago, Jason decided Kat was ready for a real dressage horse, and went on his own nic-

Shoes:

Kat LOVES PALM BEACH

kel to Holland to bring back Dream Girl in January 2020. And Jason’s bet was correct, in just six months after the COVID travel and showing bans was lifted in June last year, Kat competed only five times at the dressage discipline, ranking third in the country last year at FEI Children’s Dressage, earning her USDF Bronze Medal, and showing FEI Prix St. George. In fact, last month in February of 2021, Jason brought Kat on her spring break and rest from Hunter/Jumper competition to an Atlanta horse show winning two PSG classes and earning her USDF Silver medal. “It’s unbelievable, that she can ride two totally different styles and excel in both. I met Jimmy Torano, and he is certainly a master trainer at his sport. At the end, it’s about good basic riding, and Kat has all that!”

In both sports the rider’s style is subjectively judged. In Kat’s newest passion of showjumping, the discipline consists of a game of speed and clear rounds, while to understand hunters, the judge will determine the horse’s attitude, shape of their jump, striding and everything as it has to be ideal. Scores go in the 90’s, which is the best, to 70’s which is considered mediocre. For Kat, scores are always in the mid 80s and 90’s when she does hunting. Jimmy is taking her to the top competing at “Big Equitation” in hopes to add those championship honors to her recognitions. In January 2021, Jimmy brought Kat out to her first jumper competitions already showing at 1.25 meters and placing twice at 4th and 5th in the $10,000 Low Junior Classics, a very competitive class, and moving up to 1.30 meters in March jumping four feet.

To achieve high levels of all the fields she aims to conquer, Kat Fuqua can be considered at the top of her game, one that is so elite, she may be the only player doing it all. And in the mean time, she does not apologize that Palm Beach is her favorite place to run and scream “I can do it!”

A WORLD AWAY FROM WELLINGTON, EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION KAT FUQUA LOVES THE DRESSES, SURFING, THE SAND AND THE SPLENDOR OF PALM BEACH. IT CAN’T GET BETTER THAN THAT!!!!!!

Photographed by Patrice Casanova.

Styling by Shereen Fuqua in Palm Beach.

What

1. Atomic Cosmos & Lyengar DNA from Hazel Florez in London. 2. Empty Heart & News by Linjie Deng “Lost Museum” exhibit at the Carlton Fine Arts in

3. Charles Chaplin and A Woman of Paris: The Genesis of a Misunderstood Masterpiece by Wes D. Gehring.

4. Princess in a Green Room art piece.

5. Ophelia Ring by Alexia Connellan.

THE SPOTLIGHT MIAMI

THE COMMODORE

AT THE RITZ-CARLTON IN COCONUT GROVE

Juhi Saigal-Shah

Is featured at The Commodore, the bar at the Ritz Carlton in Coconut Grove. Named after legendary Ralph Middleton Munroe, who was the original resident of Coconut Grove in the early 1800’s and commodore of the Biscayne Bay Yacht Club.

The Commodore, a little jewel box at the Ritz- tucked away in the heart of Coconut Grove. A romantic and intimate club, where every cocktail tells a story.

In the dusky, ebony, wood-paneled space, designed by New York architect Bill Rooney, the bar and living room features gorgeous black and white coastal photography by local artist Joseph Niscastri.

The outdoors, a lush landscaped tropical patio, has private living rooms inspired by the rich history and spirit of Coconut Grove's surroundings, allowing for intimate gatherings over drinks and cigars.

Concours of Elegance

The 2021 Concours of Elegance will take place from Friday 3 to Sunday 6 September at Hampton Court Palace. The Concours of Elegance began at Windsor Castle in 2012, before moving to St James’s Palace in 2013, Hampton Court Palace in 2014 at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh (Her Majesty The Queen’s official residence in Scotland) in 2015 before returning to Windsor Castle in 2016 and Hampton Court Palace in 2017. The event also successfully launched a brand-new feature that became one of the highlights of the event: the Junior Concours. This year’s Concours of Elegance, presented by A.Lange & Söhne, will once again welcome the Junior Concours to Hampton Court Palace’s Fountain Gardens in England, on Sunday September 5th. Celebrating the best of half-scale hand-built pedal, electric and petrol-powered cars of all ages, the much-anticipated Junior Concours will see parents and their children taking on the respective roles of Mechanic and Works Driver.A maximum of 20 half and three-quarter scale cars will line-up among a priceless collection of the world’s rarest cars at the Concours of Elegance. Much like their full-size stablemates, the Junior Concours cars are mostly hand-built, borrowing intricate details from iconic cars such as the Bugatti T52, Jaguar E-Type, Ferrari F1 Dino and Mercedes 300SLR.

Becca Rafool wears

CIC Fine Jewelry

Jeweler Cecilia Comeau is a proud sponsor of the “Polo under the Stars” Dinner

To benefit The Polo School

April 5th, 2021

Starts at 6:30 pm

At the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Coconut Grove

For inquiries on the event or the fine jewelry contact Art Bodega Magazine: Tel. 646-761-9123 or visit www.artbodegamagazine.com

(click Polo Under The Stars Official Invite)

GREEN

Carved Green Stool by Boca do Lobo

STONE ART

in the

EDEN GOLD CENTER TABLE

The mystic behind the name inspires Eden. This center table represents a part of the tree of knowledge and the tale of the birth of desire. www.bocadolobo.com

By Rosanna Perez

MUSSEL EATERS

This pair of mussel eaters is a great way to serve mussels. Silver plated pincers, fashioned into the shape of a mussel shell, allow you to remove mussels from their shell quickly and easily. Simply nip the mussel into the sprung mussel eater, pull - and enjoy! www.

annabeljames.co.uk

GOLD PALM LEAF CANDLE

In Awe of the Speedback GT

Coachbuilt for the 21st Century

Speedback GT is the culmination of a lifelong dream and the realisation that, in order to achieve classic status, one must draw from the past and then embrace the future. Speedback GT is a fully engineered, proven and coachbuilt Grand Tourer, taking inspiration from icons of the Sixties. This grand car takes over 8,000 hours to meticulously handbuild by artisan craftsmen and skilled technicians in Great Britain.

EUPHORBIA

Made of brass and cubic zirconia, the Euphorbia is a brand-new piece by PullCast that was inspired by a delicate little tree that reaches the peak of its beauty in May. A part of the brand’s Limited Edition collection, this piece is bound to beautifully adorn your cabinetry designs and sideboards giving it a sensational visual effect. https://pullcast.eu

How metal accessories are the perfect complement to a modern home

THE ITEM LIST

1. Architectural Hardware/ Poké Drawer Handle-Poke Resembles the very traditional and graceful bowls from Japan. www.pullcast.eu 2. AVOCADO table lamp is a standing light designed to impress. www.achcollection.com 3. BRACCIALETTI www.dampai.it 4. KONGO | Mid-Century Modern Armchair in Velvet www.presshommes.studio 5. OSKAR | Stylish Round Tray, with Gold Details www.achcollection.com 6. Velvet Leopard Jungle Cushion www.audenza.com 7. Senska vase expresses a special edition of ACH collection by HOMMÉS STUDIO A celebration of Bauhaus 100 years that honors some of the most important Bauhaus' artists. 8. The Nº11 Chair was carefully developed to enhance your dining experience.

9. Piano rug evokes a powerful combination of colors and shapes. www.presshommes.studio

Jean

Shafiroff

IN TOUCH WITH NATURE

AT WELLINGTON

How the philanthropist enjoys her winter at the Equestrian Capital of the World

Jean Shafiroff has a strong devotion to animals and has been honored several times for her work for the Southampton Animal Shelter. She has also served as an ambassador for American Humane and its Feed the Hungry Fund. American Humane launched the Feed the Hungry Fund to feed and care for animals across the country who have been abandoned during the novel coronavirus crisis.

“The sense of calm and serenity these horses bring are very appeasing. We should never take for granted our animals, be it dogs, cats and of course, horses. These magnificent species are so well protected in Wellington, it is thanks to people like the Ganzis and the Rafools, and their love for polo,” said the New York City socialite and philanthropist.

Jean Shafiroff wears Zimmerman. Here she poses with the polo ponies at the Arellano Farm. The polo ponies belong to Ray Rafool, who plays polo in Wellington and worldwide.

INSPIRING GREATNESS:

Charlie Siem

Rolls-Royce releases latest installment of ‘Inspiring Greatness’ series Featuring Virtuoso violinist Charlie Siem while driving Wraith in the English countryside

THEIR GLITTERING HEMATITE DIALS FEATURE A MAJESTIC GOLDEN BUFFALO STATIONED BENEATH AN OVERSIZED MOTHER-OF-PEARL MOON.

A fineSELECTION OF WATCHES

In honor of the Chinese Zodiac, Arnold & Son produced the Perpetual Moon “Year of the Ox”.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars is delighted to present the latest in its series of 'Inspiring Greatness' films, in which classical violinist Charlie Siem discusses the physical and mental challenges of performing some of the most famous, technically demanding and emotionally powerful music ever written. The film explores how Siem seeks to connect with and personify music. Naturally, he speaks reverently of his violin – the 1735 Guarneri del Gesù known as the ‘D’Egville’ – which he refers to as ‘an extension of his body’. Though perhaps less immediately well-known than their contemporaries made by Antonio Stradivari, Guarneri violins are equal in greatness, even favoured by some performers, including Siem’s inspiration Yehudi Menuhin. Later in the film, Siem encounters the excellence of Rolls-Royce, relishing the opportunity to experience what he calls the ‘majesty’ of Wraith on a drive through the British countryside.

Born in London to a Norwegian father and Bri-

tish mother, Siem began learning the violin aged just three, after hearing Beethoven’s Violin Concerto played by the great Yehudi Menuhin. Having been awarded a degree in music from the University of Cambridge, he then studied violin under Itzhak Rashkovsky at the Royal College of Music.

BALL WATCHES HAS PARTNERED WITH DUCKS UNLIMITED AND MOSSY OAK TO LAUNCH THE BALL FIREMAN DUCKS UNLIMITED WATCH FOR THOSE WITH A PENCHANT FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS. WWW.DUCKS.ORG

THE SHADOWS OF THIS MOTHEROF-PEARL MOON HAVE BEEN HAND-PAINTED AND COATED WITH SUPER-LUMINOVA. MANUFACTURE IN LA CHAUX-DE-FONDS, SWITZERLAND.

Arnold & Son

Named after John Arnold, English watchmaker of the 18th century renowned for his ingenuity and work on marine chronometers, Arnold & Son perpetuates today his legacy, exploring contemporary ways to interpret traditional watch craftsmanship www.arnoldandson.com

CHARLIE SIEM

Shereen Fuqua IN WELLINGTON

wears Jennifer Tattanelli & jewelry from Tamara Comolli.

1

40mm Bezel diameter & 47mm Lug to lug length. Japanese Mecha-quartz Chronograph - Time Module (Seiko) VK64 Movement. Multi-layer dials. Solid 316L stainless steel case. Raised & chamfered edge thick sapphire crystal. www.forzowatches.com

Elevated Watches

1. The CURRICULUM VITAE ring in 18 Karat rose gold - one of the brand's very iconic rings. The sliding princess-cut Diamonds symbolize the path of life.

2. The MIKADO Flamenco bracelet ‘Sky’, a captivating masterpiece of 51 vibrant gemstone acorns set in 18 Karat rose gold. It also consists of light blue Sky Topaz, electric Swiss Topaz and moody London Topaz. It perfectly captures the deep and endless feeling of blue skies.

3. Precious stones, timeless style: the ALWAYS DIAMONDS bracelet in 18 Karat white gold is set with sparkling white Diamonds all around. A true highlight piece with a unique clasp forming an infinity sign.

4. The stunning one-of-a-kind LILY ring features a 25.58ct antique shape Mint Tourmaline set in 18 Karat white gold adorned with 1.85ct Diamond pavé. A clean Mint Tourmaline in this size and with this color saturation is a true wonder of nature enhanced by the lily setting that allows to catch its beauty from all sides.

2 4 3

United by a passion for racing and iconic design, Forzo Watches is proud to announce the first collaborative watch range with racing pioneers Scuderia Cameron Glickenhaus. This unique range of watches celebrates the team’s road to the headlining ‘hypercar’ class in June 2021.

Photography by Lindsay Anne @ the Charles Ancona Studios in Wellington

Vicky Rafool is wearing: Chanel

$425 from Classic Collections of Palm Beach.

Top shirt, Vicky Rafool is wearing: Chanel Brown SS Roll Neck $425 from Classic Collections of Palm Beach. Bottom Skirt: Tory Burch Beige/ Cream Betsy Skirt $295 www. classiccollectionsofpalmbeach.com

Frances Quinn Hunter

A PONY RIDER WITH A GREAT HEART

The 13-year-old Wellington resident loves to ride her ponies. She shows in the hunting competitions at WEF (Winter Equestrian Festival) and loves her ponies, Honey Pot who has been reserve champion in the large ponies and second in the Pony Hunter Classic. At the Wanderer’s Club Children’s Pony Hunter division, she has rode Alexis Mumford’s Northwind Facevalue to reserve. Hunter has also captured reserve with Land’s End of Bit of Honey owned by Mikensie Roberts in August of 2020. This year she keeps riding with pride and love for the horses.

Quinn Hunter: Her mother Rielle Hunter created a 501c3, the Hunter Circuit Foundation, whose mission is to support talented, underfunded junior equestrians.

How Sharon, Angela and Quinn LOVE THE HORSES

Angela Covert A GLOBAL AMBASSADOR FOR JUSTWORLD

A native of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Angela Covert began riding at the age of six in the pony, hunter and equitation divisions before entering the junior jumper ranks at the age of 14. A successful competitor throughout her teenage years, Covert was awarded the prestigious Gillian Wilson Trophy as the 1994 Canadian Equestrian Federation’s ‘Junior Equestrian of the Year’. In 2004, Angela enjoyed her first grand prix victory in the $35,000 Otter Creek Grand Prix at the Vermont Summer Festival. In 2009, Angela rode Unica to victory in the $40,000 Grand Prix du Quebec. A familiar face on the international show jumping scene, Angela regularly competes throughout North America as well as Europe. Angela is a Rider Representative for JustWorld International. She is married to Guilherme Jorge, course designer for the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, and recently gave birth to the couple’s first child, Lucas.

Photographed by David Erdek at Boxwood Farm South

Sharon Loayza

Quinn Hunter

Tel. 561-833-3633 118 N County Rd, Palm Beach FL 33480

Sharon Loayza A REALTOR WITH A LOVE FOR PONIES

“There’s nothing I enjoy more than selling real estate,” says Sharon Loayza, a bilingual agent who speaks English and Spanish and specializes in luxury residential and equestrian properties in the Wellington and Palm Beach areas. “I love advising and assisting customers, especially investors, and helping them find the perfect property for their needs,” said the Ecuadorian beauty, who is part of the highly regarded luxury real estate group, The Jolicoeur Team in Wellington. “Loving the horses comes naturally to every Wellington resident, mine is not an exception.”

Angela Covert and Sharon Loayza wear clothes from Classic Collections of Palm Beach, provided by owner Sally Kimball. For more information contact the store at:

POWER LADIES TO ADMIRE!

Norah Lawlor

LOVES PUBLIC RELATIONS, PALM BEACH AND MORE…

Visiting the Sunshine State, Norah Lawlor, Principal and CEO of Lawlor Media Group, inc. has Palm Beach firmly in her sights.  Whilst well-known as a top Public Relations maven in New York City and The Hamptons, her passion for public relations has garnered her a prestigious roster of clients which includes Charitable foundations such as the Prostate Cancer Foundation and Samuel Waxman Cancer Research Foundation amongst others.  “I love visiting South Florida, it reminds me of a top tier destination for executives, professionals and creatives which is undergoing a period of renewal right now.  While staying at the Chesterfield Hotel, I truly experienced the glamour of residing in Palm Beach,” mentioned one of our favorite PRs.  Norah’s clientele also includes Hamptons dining hotspots, Real Estate professionals, Health & Wellness Gurus and even an Art Show held annually at the Oculus in Manhattan.Norah knows the Who’s

Teresita Haskett

HER LOVE FOR PHILANTHROPY HAS NO LIMITS

Teresita Haskett, loving mother of two 18 year old boys, has devoted her life to giving back to others in any way she possibly can. Teresita has worked with The Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami-Dade County, The American Red Cross, The American Cancer Society, Tiffany's Circle, among others.  She is also on the voting committee of the Screen Actors Guild Awards. However, after spinal injury became a part of her family, her recent goal is doing philanthropy for “Setting Scoliosis Straight” and the Mark Buoniconti Spinal Cord Recovery Foundation, part of Miami’s Project to Cure Paralysis. Haskett has also created Women’s Gold Line top dedicated to breast cancer, and women’s golf bottoms dedicated to ovarian cancer. Her love for giving back motivates her each day to take small steps to make a difference in her community and the world.

Teresita is also a breast cancer survivor herself.

Who of New York City.  “Charitable organizations, real estate operations, law firms, beauty, hospitality and the world of celebrity have endured major shifts during the pandemic which have been felt worldwide, but New Yorkers remain resilient.  We know how to continue the show by adapting,” confesses Lawlor, owner of Lawlor Media.  Lawlor handles the appearances of her celebrity clients with great composure.  “It is a hectic business and the only way to succeed is to be always on top of your game, have good relationships with media personalities and engage your audience with social media.  It is a non-stop process of gathering information, developing communication and broadcasting the message,” pointed out Lawlor while assisting a photo session with philanthropist Jean Shafiroff at the private polo farm of the Arellano family. Here Norah Lawlor poses with one of the mares owned by polo player, Ray Rafool.

TIME IS ENJOYED THE MOST WHILE WATCHING POLO

CARL JHONES WATCHES

www.carljhones.com

Carl JHones Watch Company is proud to support organizations that are focused on the promotion of academic achievement and youth development programs. Carl JHones has created the ‘Caring for the Future’ program to foster educational achievement at universities, colleges, and, most importantly, among children aged 8 to 18. We are excited to partner with many great local and national organizations that are working hard every day to leave a positive, lasting impact on the lives of children. Following their lead, Carl JHones will proudly donate a genuine Swiss Made watch for every adult watch sold.

World Polo League & Grand Champions Polo Club 2021

Photography by David Erdek

In the image on the right, top of the page we find polo p ayer Alejandro Nov llo Estrada. Female polo player, Riley Ganzi is also photographed with Pablo Spinacci, also a renowned po o player from Argentina. The games took place during the high season of the World Polo League at the Grand Champions Polo Club. The winning team was Adolfo Cambiaso’s Hawai Polo Life with his son, Poroto Cambiaso, playing alongside his father On the right you see famous polo player Nic Roldan

One of the top games played for polo outside of Argentina, takes action in Wellington. During the high season in the South Florida outpost, where you see the best players in the world, it is easy to meet a famous Argentinian like Horacio Heguy watching the polo matches that take place in his country, inside a small café located just one block east of the Grand Champions Polo Club fields. Here all the best polo players mingle and compete to be recognized with well known titles like the All-Star Challenge, the Triple Crown of Polo, and several others, all organized by the Ganzi family, Marc and Melissa Ganzi in the prestigious World Polo League just created a few years ago with the Valiente owner, Bob Jornayvaz. The league has grown each year, and the event that take place at the GCPC meadows it is just superb. The image on the left shows the beauty and the grandeur of the Santa Rita farm, where hundreds of polo ponies are in stalls, waiting to be played by the top polo players in the world.

Adolfo Cambiaso is considered the Best Polo player in the world. Since the year 2020, the 10-goal player have participated alongside 11 teams during the high season. They play on various fields throughout Wellington, including Santa Rita, Grand Champions and Valiente (in the past). All games are open to everyone.

ENJOY POLO STYLE

Only the Glamorous at THE WORLD POLO LEAGUE

By Rebeca Herrero. Photography by Jacquie Porcaro

During Sunday polo, we couldn’t help but notice the elegance and glamour at the VIP Suite situated at the Grand Champions Polo League. Hundreds of people gathered at the relaxed setting where you could sip a glass of champagne, wine and just see the sunset set on the horizons. Elegant ladies paraded while polo stars mingled with the crowd including Nacho Figueras, Melissa Ganzi, Nic Roldan, Grant Ganzi, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, all afternoon. Quore Gelato also hosted the event, with its owner Daniel Lee and PR powerhouse Gaby Alvarez offering the delicious gelato enlaced with liquor, while young ones were running around in the meadows. Family and VIP’s enjoyed the day and celebrated polo in style.

Top photograph, stunning MTV celebrity, Kelsey Owens from the Siesta Key show. Karina Onetto from Sette Design in Miami with her son. The Trophy for the Founder’s Cup and the beautiful set up of the VIP Suite at the Grand Champions Polo Club.

Grant Ganzi and friends delight themselves with the Quore Gelato. The Aranyani handbags at the VIP Suite of the GCPC event on Sundays. Photo in the middle Horacio Heguy and a model. Bottom left, owner Daniel Lee from Quore poses with Nacho Figueras.

Little girls enjoying a lemonade at the event. Michelle Furnari wears a hat with style.

Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Juan Bollini and Gaby Alvarez

Matt Brown, 2016 Reserve for the Rio Olympic Games US Eventing Team is deeply passionate about his hobby. “Hey Shereen! Martial Arts!! I have studied Kenpo karate for about 20 years and Tai Chi for around 10. The mental and physical balance required in the martial arts and the partner exercises relates so perfectly to riding.”

Matt spends his time during the season January thru March in Aiken, SC competing and the balance of the year at his home farm in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania with his business partner & wife, Cecily, an accomplished hunter/jumper and Grand Prix dressage trainer.

Nona Garsen, Olympian of Show Jumping at the 2000 Sydney Summer Olympic Games dedicates her time between her show barns The Ridge in New Jersey and The Ridge in Wellington, Florida for the winter season. When she is not training her client riders or training horses up the levels to Grand Prix, Nona is putting on her affluent Turf Tour horse shows every week January through March and her Equitation Tuesday shows. Somehow, she finds time to enjoy her hobby of playing tennis, and then of course riding her horses cross country.

2021

OLYMPIC YEAR?

By Shereen Fuqua

We don’t know for sure yet as of this writing if Tokyo will host the postponed 2020 Summer Olympics. Further on January 27th, the State of Florida sent a letter to the Olympic Committee asking if they can host the now 2021 Summer Olympic Games per a report by CBS. This could be a major windfall for the American Equestrian community. And I am wondering what good luck for Roby Robert’s World Equestrian Center which opened in Ocala. It could be the perfect venue. This largest equestrian center in the United States offers world class indoor and outdoor arenas with state-of-the-art amenities. Or my favorite location in Wellington Florida, the extremely popular and established Palm Beach Equestrian Center could easily house the best horse show in the world. I am sure it will not be easy decisions for many involved to make as the entire world is still fighting off the virus. The best thing about horse sport is that the equestrians and their equine partners play outside, a nice relief from months and months of staying at home. This year more than anything, we are learning that life must go on. So, in my horse travels I reached out to equestrian Olympians I know, to ask a very simple question. What is your hobby? And here we have it...

Michelle Gibson, 1996 Bronze Medalist of Atlanta Olympic Games in Dressage, answers from her Wellington farm with a giggle. “Well lately we’ve been barbecuing with our Green Egg. We love it! We never have to go out to restaurants.” Michelle resides in Denver, Colorado the other half of the year when she’s not competing and training at Adequan Global Dressage for four to five months.

important to teach love for the animals. Now 14 years later, I asked him about his hobby. And not surprisingly, Juan smiles and says Whale Watching!

Canadian Olympian David Marcus resides in Wellington managing his training business with partner Australian Nicholas Fyffe.  He texts me between lessons, “Not a lot of time for other hobbies as I just finished teaching, but I love real estate and interior design. I also love the water so when I’m not at the barn, I love being at the beach!” David rode dressage at the 2012 Olympics in London on his stunning Chrevi’s Capital, his now retired 2000 Danish Warmblood gelding, owned by Deborah Kinzinger Miculinic.

Margie Goldstein Engle competed for America at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia and is one of the most accomplished riders in US history. She rode “Hidden Creek’s Perin” to a tenth place in the individual competition and sixth place for the team competition in Show Jumping of the Olympic Games. Her riding career is nearly unmatched by any and she was also shortlisted for the 2016 Games in Rio. Margie loves to snorkel and grew up in Miami, calling Wellington her home since 1989.

In 2010 Lauren Billys became part of the Puerto Rican Equestrian Team and represented Puerto Rico at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games riding in Three Day Eventing. She is happy to be based out of Carmel Valley, California. “Being a professional equestrian at the highest level makes it hard to find a “hobby”. However, there is one thing I absolutely love and practice to clear my mind. I’ve always been a foodie. My family would often pick out difficult recipes over the weekends, go to the grocery store, shop for specialty ingredients and tackle cooking together. It’s always been a way for us to connect, slow down, and have fun. “

Lauren Kieffer, named 2014 Lady Rider of the Year by the US Eventing Association went on to shine her talents with her horse Veronica at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. They took home great honors placing 12th for the USA Team. She stands as one of the best futures of the Eventing sport. “My other passion is cooking! I love trying different veggie recipes. Lately I’ve been on an Asian kick. As much as I love cooking though, I hate baking. I’ve never been good at baking.”

The ever-charming Olympian Juan Matute of Spain rode three times for his beloved country in Dressage at the Olympic Games of 1996 Atlanta, 1992 Barcelona and 1998 Seoul. Juan made Wellington his part time home since 2008 to bring along his two oldest children to one day follow in his footsteps. Both Paula and Juan Jr are not far from reaching the family goal. When I first met Juan Sr coming to train at our Collecting Gaits Farm in Atlanta many times, I distinctly remember how his face glowed telling me that he takes his children whale watching. He said it is especially

While combined driving is not an Olympic sport, it was conceptualized by HRH Prince Phillip and modeled after the mounted equestrian discipline of three-day eventing, or the human equivalent of a triathlon. Chester Weber, driving phenom and most decorated in America, is known throughout the world for his numerous accolades. At 18 years old Chester was the youngest driver to be named to the United States Equestrian Team for the World Pairs Driving Championships in the Netherlands. After advancing to the Four in Hand division, he earned 12 consecutive wins in 1999. His career took him on to numerous international competition wins, including making history as first American Silver medalist Four in Hand FEI World Driving Champion in 2008. He won Royal Windsor in Great Britain two consecutive years and received personal congratulations from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Chester is continually active in supporting all equestrian sports, and we can give much thanks to his leadership with the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Equestrian Teams Foundation in helping develop the best equestrian athletes representing our country. So, what does he do when he has free time? Chester loves playing with his young son and spending time with his family in Ocala. He says he loves going to the gym and makes the time to be strong!

And not to be left out, our American Dressage German-born Steffen Peters has competed in four Olympic Games and has won two Bronze Team Medals in 1996 Atlanta and 2016 Rio de Janeiro. Steffen is considered American Royalty of Dressage and bases his training out of San Diego. He moved there thirty-six years ago where he fell in love with surfing, cars and airplanes. Today he makes time to enjoy all three hobbies, plus added photography to the list. Large remote-control gliders are his unusual passion and hopes to fly himself one day. Until then he flies over the waves on his surfboard, has a very fancy McLaren to drive fast, and is currently first on the USA Olympic Ranking List for this year.

We don’t know if the summer games will happen at the moment, but we do want to give a big shout out to these wonderful equestrian athletes. Each represents himself or herself as a major role model for our youth. Hard work pays off, with determination and discipline coupled with years of experience, one can reach for the stars and follow their dreams. I say good luck and know that we support each of you, and love that your hobbies are similar to all of ours. And the one common thread is that each is looking for love, peace and happiness. Game on!

Chester Weber

Lauren Kieffer

Nona Garsen

Lauren Billys

Steffen Peters

Michelle Gibson

Juan Matute

Steffen Peters,

Steffen Peters & Michelle Gibson

surfing

David Marcus

Margie Goldstein Engle

Margie Goldstein Engle

Steffen Peters' Photograhy

Remote Control Hang Glider

From FISHER ISLANDto POLO IN WELLINGTON Polo Player Ray Rafool

How our Miami lawyer loves the game of Polo....

HHow would you describe the polo field?

The polo field is a unique playing field or pitch - large and wide. Centuries ago, the game was developed for warriors and cavalry practice and competition. Thus, with this in mind and to accomplish the speeds, horsemanship and strategy needed, the field must be large. How did you meet the Arellano family?

I met them years ago when I took lessons from Carlucho Arellano and played on their field. This year, we have both of best worlds, stabling our horses at the farm and playing with some of the best players in the world.

Are polo ponies usually mares? Why are they called ponies?

A polo pony is really a misnomer. A polo pony is a full-size horse. They are either mares, geldings or stallions. I asked Augustine Obregon what is more prominent, and he said that mares are usually used because they can reproduce, but geldings are very good, and he believes they are stronger and last longer in a polo career. But, again, geldings cannot reproduce a polo pony. Stallions are difficult because they must be separated from the other horses and this is often difficult and costly to accomplish.

How do you select your horses?

I made my selection based on which horse I liked and what the horse’s capabilities are. As you progress in the sport, you want or need faster, more agile and skilled horses. How do you see the polo game in the future?

The future of polo will always be bright and there. It is not a game for everyone and requires substantial resources and infrastructure. I see people leave the sport, but

“My horses’ groom is Sarah Rundquist. I met Sarah last year when she was taking care of my horses at the stables I was renting. She is fantastic and a God sent. As one 6 goal pro told me, everything is for sale but my groom and my mother…LOL…. It is imperative to competition and safety to have the right groom who not only takes great care of your horses, but also connects with the horses and treats them as family.

From Left to Right:

Jason Wates, Augustine Arellano, Courtney Flynn, Catherine Brentzel, Ray Rafool, Will Balhaus

always new people come in. Polo is diverse and has many different goals or skill levels. Men and women, even children, can competitively compete against each other. The horse is really the physical or size equalizer. Everyone wants everyone to enjoy the game and play safe. The professionals are wonderful and actually want to help you and encourage you. I have practiced with the best of the best, 10, 9, 8 and 6 goalers. They all treat you as an equal and make sure you are safe. Polo will always have a future and people are there to make it fun.

What makes Wellington unique?

Wellington is like no place on earth. It is the World Capital of Polo and equestrian sports. Polo players from all over the world descend on Wellington for the season (January to May). Once the season is over and the winter weather changes, polo professionals and players then disburse to different places in the World. But, for those few months out of each year, Wellington is the spot.

Your wife Vicky mentioned it’s very expensive, why do you think people are willing to spend so much money and still play? Polo is expensive. But each person develops their own polo budget. When I first started and I was informed of the millions of dollars

some people spend in the sport, I asked, alright, what do you win with these teams and professionals. I got a laugh and an answer: nothing but a trophy and an accomplishment. Then, the person asked me why I was playing? I told him because I loved the horses, the game, the speed, the danger and it was my type of hobby and sport. The reply was that is the same for others, they just might have a higher budget. So, people can play golf, boat, fish, race cars, etc..., and those sports give them what they want to feel and experience, but those too are budget based. You can have a big boat, lots of race cars or lots of horses. It is all a matter of what you like and what you want to pay.

What other places do you enjoy visiting for polo?

I have been fortunate to play and watch polo all over the world. But the best polo I have ever seen and the place I love to watch polo is at the Argentine Open Polo Tournament at the Campo Argentino de Polo in Palermo, Buenos Aires. In fact, many of the people you play with or have met the world over go there for the very same purpose. It is not only some of the greatest polo ever played, but a polo player’s unofficial convention.

“My horses are Victoria (after my wife), Dulce de Leche, Campanita, Principito, Frozen and Caramela.”

Style & Glamour ALEXA ANASTASIOposes at the Stable Skara Glen

Joined by Sophie & Sasha Kassel

Daughters of trainer Katie Kappler

ALEXA ANASTASIO

Alexa Anastasio is one of those young teenagers you find in Wellington who possesses a love for horses unparalleled to many girls her age. It all started with her mother, Ann Anastasio who hails from Wayne, Illinois, and who also grew up riding horses. At the farm Skara Glen, you perceive a sense of peace, serenity, kindness, great care for horses. This farm is beautiful beyond description. Here young Alexa was photographed by David Erdek, who happens to photograph the young and older riders in Kentucky any chance he has.

In Wellington, the kind wind blows, and the horses are ridden by young women who hope to become champions one day. Most of them start at the age of two or five, but their initiation is great due to the discipline it requires. “It’s great for children. I think it gives them the love for nature they need, I am incredibly pleased and glad to be able to be here this year, especially after the pandemic. The families moved down here because we were able to work remotely,” explained the mother of Alexa, Ann who also owns The Wellington Group, a human resources

Skara Glen Stables is a 33.5 acre equestrian compound in the heart of Wellington. It is located within minutes of the Winter Equestrian Festival, Global Dressage Festival, and International Polo Club. The compound has 32 stalls divided between two barns; The Grand Prix Barn and the Ranch Barn. The spectacular courtyard gazebo has extensive views of both the sand arena and the Grand Prix fields.

firm, and a restaurant outside of Chicago named Fiora’s, in downtown Geneva, Illinois. Back in Illinois, the family (Alexa’s father is Mike Anastasio), have also contributed largely to rescuing and rehabilitating animals too. The first exposure to rescue services came almost a decade ago, when a local shelter in Geneva, Illinois needed a place to get exposure for their dogs. Ann volunteered the front lawn of the restaurant. Since then, both mother and daughter have been continually active at rescuing pets from all areas of the country. “4 Paws really opened our eyes to the problem of abandoned and abused animals,” Ann said. “Through them we learned about the Animal Recovery Mission, which is a group that goes into illegal slaughterhouses and gets footage of

what’s going on there. That has been very eye-opening. We started out by sponsoring a pig with them. When they first rescued him, he was way overweight, maybe 400 pounds. He could not walk. He could not open his eyes. Last year we went and saw them; he was running around completely healthy and happy.”Alexa was only five when they adopted their first dog from 4 Paws. Hence mother and daughter duo not only encourage her Equestrian career, but she is also a big contributor to the rescue services nature lovers in Wellington are known for. In recent years. the Anastasios have traveled to Wellington, Florida, for the Winter Equestrian Festival. Here the family loves the respite that Skara Glen brings to them. Ann showed at WEF as a young rider and loved the event so much that she named one of her businesses, The Wellington Group, after it.

In this article, two of Alexa’s best friends were also photographed. Sasha and Sophie Kappler. Their mother Katie Kappler also taught Ann in the youth. “We’ve known each other for over 30 years”, said the trainer to the girls. As they cross from one site to the other, the three girls have a special friendship connecting them through their common passion, the love for horses.

Women Who Rock ON THE COASTAL LIVING

These women are precious not just because they contribute to charity organizations, but also because they make Miami colorful and unique.

Here are the five women who rock the charity world in Miami. The honorees include Rock Star Award recipient, Luxury Ambassador and Legacy Founder Member, Joan Jimenez, Woman of the Year Award recipient Bonnie Crabtree, Christine Perrin-Stocco and Marta Hasty. Emily Zubi, founder of the network organization “Miami Women Who Rock”, designed this non-profit to give back and recognize outstanding leadership in the community.

Bonnie Crabtree is a senior client advisor at Korn Ferry and for 17 years Managing Director of its Florida office. In 2019, Crabtree was elected to the National Board of Ocean Conservancy. She also chaired the Foundation Board of the Greater Miami Chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters for five years, and served as the Vice Chair of the National Leadership Council for BBBS of America. October 11th is Bonnie Crabtree Day on Miami Beach and in 2012 she was named a Miracle Maker in Miami for her contributions to the community.

Joan Jimenez is the Editor in Chief of Cocoplum Living Magazine and Global Real Estate Advisor to One Sotheby’s Realty. Prior to this, she was a clinical nurse

Bonnie Crabtree

Christine Perrin-Stocco

Emily Zubi

Christine Perrin-Stocco and Joan Jimenez

specialist spending many years at NICU and Perinatal Clinical Nurse Specialist. She has also hosted countless Luxury Lifestyle Event Experiences which include Art Basel and Mayors Jewelry Grand Reopening. She is one of the top charity contributors in the community as well.

Marta Hasty is a licensed family therapist clinician who specializes in trauma and child sex abuse. She sat for many years on the Kristi House Board of Directors. She is also the CEO of Project Gold which provides educational assistance and career coaching. Hasty speaks regularly around the country about human trafficking and best practices for treating survivors.

Christine Perrin-Stocco is the owner of GB Living and Cocoplum Living Magazines. The highly accomplished Publisher for private social publications serving Miami’s most affluent and iconic communities including Golden Beach, Sunset Islands, and Cocoplum, has also worked as a global and entertainment and media executive. Prior to her work in publishing, she served as head of the international sales and distribution for Dolphin Entertainment. She is also a proud mother of four year old twins, with a baby girl on the way. A donor and volunteer for United Ways, Big Brother Big Sister Program, and many other charities.

CHARLIE MOORCROFT

Inspires children with his preservation action!

By Rosanna

The pony trainer to go to for children in Wellington, Charlie Moorcroft, has worked with the best athletes’ kids that wish to become equestrian riders. His natural approach to make the children comfortable while they ride at the Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex in Wellington is what makes him unique. He takes them for strolls where they get to appreciate nature, knows exactly how to train them. He also happens to have the longest waiting list for young riders in town.

Moms from all over the country go to Moorcroft for his sincere natural approach to ponies, thus his love for the preservation of other mammals that are in danger of extinction. His program, The Moorcroft Conservation Foundation arose right there in his backyard due to his own incessant pursuit of taking care of these little furry creatures. For Moorcroft, feeding them before his daily chores at the barn, it’s just the biggest satisfaction for him.

From Egyptian tortoises, spider tortoises, black brousted leaf turtles, Asian box turtles, Kwantung river turtles, the selection of these animals have extended to other exotic mammals, like a trio of skunks, the Patagonian maras and the wild felines called Geoffroy’s cats that resemble small leopards. Bravo for Moorcroft and his love for nature!

Perez

Joan Jimenez

Marta Hasty

Emily Zubi

Congratulates The World Polo League & The Grand Champions Polo Club

FOR A FORMIDABLE NEW 26-HIGH GOAL POLO SEASON IN WELLINGTON

A guest, Alejandro Novillo Astrada, Melissa Ganzi, Juan Bollini, Pablo Spinacci.

Jake Fusia, Nacho Figueras, Delfina Blaquier, Gaby Alvarez, Aurora Figueras & Horacio Heguy.

DISCOVER THE NEW FLYING SPUR EXCELLENCE BEGINS HERE

BENTLEY MIAMI