Ponies and Pearls

A Women’s Empowerment Event

By Katie Roth | Photos by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

The finals of a fast-paced 14 Goal Women’s Challenge tournament at New Bridge Polo Club on Friday, October 1, 2021 set the stage for the first annual fundraising event for Brooke USA in Aiken. Ponies & Pearls, presented by Malvern Bank, was billed as a Women’s Empowerment Event, but the men in attendance had just as much fun as the women. The inaugural event raised over $23,000 for Brooke USA. These funds will support a wide variety of programs for working horses, donkeys and mules to help them become (and remain) healthy and happy, which also benefits the poor families who depend on those animals to help them earn a living.

Clubhouse VIP patrons were greeted by a sea of elegant white decor with pops of Brooke USA’s signature color, orange. They were treated to an exciting polo match where Mid State Roofing (Hope Arellano, Robyn Leitner, Reagan Leitner and Brinkley Erb) took on Roseland Polo (Sophie Grant,

Thank you to the following sponsors who made this event possible: Presenting Sponsor, Malvern Bank and Golden Goal Sponsors: Triple C Polo, Dollamor Farm, Aiken Saddlery, Gold Wowie Equine, Irene Berzak, Peggy Dils, Jack and Katie Roth, Cummings Insurance Agency of South Carolina, Casey Papp, Jane Jennings Equestrian, and Tod’s Hill. Maddie Grant, Kaitlyn Bender, and Summer Kneece). Mid State Roofing was victorious in the end, 11 to 3.5. MVP honors went to Hope Arellano and Best Playing Pony was Sophie Grant’s “Ace.”

The event’s official spirits sponsor, 21 Seeds, gave guests a choice of three signature drinks to enjoy; the Spicy

Skinnyseed Margarita (made with Cucumber Jalapeño tequila), the Paloma (made with Grapefruit Hibiscus tequila), and the Seed + Soda (made with Valencia Orange tequila). The crowd favorite was the Spicy

Skinnyseed Margarita, also a 21 Seeds bestseller.

21 Seeds is a female founded company, and a perfect match for Ponies & Pearls with their tagline “Girls Call the Shots.” Founder Kat Hantas began infusing blanco tequila in her Brita filter at home after swapping her nightly glass of wine for tequila nearly a decade ago. She found tequila too harsh

to sip on (no matter the brand) and the flavored spirits too sweet, so she came up with her own recipe. After perfecting it, she began bottling her creations as gifts, never thinking it would become a business. Eight years later it has, and a successful one at that.

The star of the evening was Kate the Black Burro, who is one of Brooke USA’s Equine Ambassadors. She travels to events and parties raising awareness and funds for Brooke USA, and at Ponies & Pearls, Kate played bartender too, serving signature drinks out of saddle bags on the lawn to guests. The Caldwell family (parttime New Bridge residents) adopted Kate in 2016 and she began working parties, weddings, and corporate events in 2017. She is famous, being featured in several national publications such as People Magazine and Southern Bride. Kate is an excellent example of a well-kept and cared for working equine. She is a shining role model of Brooke’s goal to educate people on how to care for their working horses, donkeys, and mules.

After polo, guests enjoyed a vibrant sunset and a playlist of women’s empowerment songs while dining on street tacos with shrimp, brisket or pork. They also bid on popular items in the silent auction such as jewelry, handbags, artwork, clothing, and more.■

Thank you to the Brooke USA Aiken Advisory Council Members who planned and organized a successful event: Katie Roth (chair) Jillian Barrett, PhD, Joanna Caldwell, Robin Clark, Nancy Goldmark, Mary Guynn, Amy Hebert, Bronwyn Pait, Shelly Schmidt, and Lynn Strauman.