Cheers to Horses and Summer – From Where It All Began for the EQUUS Foundation!

Horse lovers and equestrians showed their support for the EQUUS Foundation and its work to protect America’s horses from peril on Thursday, June 23rd at the Fairfield June Horse Show in Westport, Connecticut for the EQUUS Foundation’s Champagne and Ice Cream Social. Over 160 guests enjoyed complimentary champagne and ice cream sundaes, hosted by Fairfield Equine Associates, while watching the $10,000 Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake.

Left to right: Ringmaster Steve Rector and Lynn Coakley, EQUUS Foundation, President, Ella Kraut aboard Nakia, winner of the $10,000 Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake, with Dr. Robert Neff, Dr. Kimberly Harmon, and Dr. Denise Branecky of Fairfield Equine Associates – Photo @Sarah Latterner Anderson, SEL Photography

“This beautiful horse show, now in its 99th year, is not only in my back yard, literally, but it is where the EQUUS Foundation got its start with a charity luncheon in 2003 to benefit local equine charities,” said EQUUS Foundation Founder and President, Lynn Coakley. “We have grown into a renowned, national equine welfare charity that supports hundreds of equine welfare organizations across the United States that are dedicated to keeping America’s horses safe throughout their lifetimes. We will be celebrating our 20th Anniversary next year.

Dr. Wynatte Chu, June Show Co-Chair, Benedicte Berg, Fairfield County Hunt Club President, and Sean Hogan, Esq., June Show Co-Chair – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   Valerie Angeli and Heather Hays – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   Renata Solomou – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   Click herefor more photos!

Lynn Coakley, Margie Bondy, and Berkeley Soper – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   Alex Hamer – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   Autumn and Wendy Janesky – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   Anya Kopchinsky and Keith Decesare with Bonnie – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography

It was a perfect, sunny day for a parade and for guests to meet and hear the stories of some of the rescues from EQUUS Foundation Guardian charity, Rising Starr Horse Rescue. The staff and volunteers at Rising Starr turned out in their iconic red shirts to show off Army and Navy, two rescued Miniature horses who have a permanent home at Rising Starr to serve as Rescue and Adoption Ambassadors. Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography   “These horses are here today to represent the thousands of adoptable horses that are available across the country who need new homes and new careers,” said Valerie Angeli, EQUUS Foundation VP. “For horses to stay safe, we must give them opportunities to thrive throughout their lives – that’s what the EQUUS Foundation is all about.”

Valerie Angeli, Lynn Coakley, and Tony Augustine – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography Rising Starr Staff and Volunteers – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography Also featured were Sierra and Panda, who are both seeking loving homes. Sierra is a sound, fancy, 16-year-old, bay, off-track Thoroughbred mare who could excel in many disciplines. Panda is a 12-year-old uniquely marked black and white paint mare rescued from a neglect situation in Louisiana. She is easy going, healthy and stunningly beautiful. Rising Starr Horse Rescue welcomes scheduled visits to meet these adoptable horses and more at their farm in Wilton, Connecticut. Left to Right: Sierra and Panda – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography

The Rider’s Closet, an EQUUS Foundation program, founded by top international rider and EQUUS Foundation EQUUStar, Georgina Bloomberg, had its iconic donation tack trunk on site to receive donations of gently used and new riding apparel which will be donated to riders in need so that everyone can pursue their equestrian dreams. Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography

Valerie Angeli accepting a donation from EQUUS Foundation Guest, Heidi Hammer, who also took the opportunity to donate riding apparel to the Rider’s Closet – Photo @Geoffrey Tischman Photography

The EQUUS Foundation was also thrilled to announce the launch of the EQUUS Foundation charitable partnership with Prixview. Prixview’s Fantasy Games provide an exciting and free on-line opportunity for show jumping fans to follow the competition and project the winning teams.

“We are incredibly excited and proud to be working with the EQUUS Foundation. I personally hope this partnership can connect the fans of our platform and sport with more ways to give back to the animals that make it all possible,” said Lucy Davis, Prixview’s founder.

Players earn cash by picking which horse/rider combination in the matchup will place higher in the class and can also donate all or a portion of their winnings to the EQUUS Foundation! The option to donate was available for the first time for the Fairfield Welcome Jumper Stake on Thursday, June 23, and the Fairfield Grand Prix on Saturday, June 25, and it will continue to be a feature permanently.

Corporate Sponsors:

Winner’s Circle:Jenny Belknap and Tim Kees The Coakley Family Priscilla and Charles Cornell William R. Harris Jr. Dr. and Mrs. Steven Herman Susan L. Shafer Susan Smith-Ellis Trischman Family Foundation

The EQUUS Foundation wishes to express its thanks to the Fairfield County Hunt Club for selecting the EQUUS Foundation as the charitable partner of the Fairfield June Horse Show. You can view the horse show program here.