Thursday March 30, 2006

Welcome Back To White Fences – New Milestones, Old Memories

Suzanne LaPorte earned her USDF Gold Medal at the Welcome Back to White Fences Show, held March 25-26, a milestone in her career with her horse Wittus. The 13-year-old Danish gelding by Weltloewe has been her longtime partner bringing her from the Young Rider ranks into her new career as a fledgling professional. And no doubt, LaPorte will always remember the time and the place, at White Fences where she achieved her goal, on a horse she has trained to get there.

Once again special moments and memories are being created at the birthplace of the Palm Beach Dressage Derby, and Dressage in Florida. Over thirty years later, the current owner of White Fences, Ingred Pollak, opened the gates for a two show series at her newly renovated equestrian center, located in the peaceful Dressage Community in Loxahatchee. “There are many wonderful memories returning her.” said Barbara Marks, technical delegate for the weekend, and Wellington resident. “All weekend I have been hearing stories from people who fond memories showing here throughout the years: their first Prix St George in this arena, or the time the automatic sprinklers went on just as Judy Streisand was beginning her test.”

An intimate show, with a limit of eight entries per class, breakfast and lunch with homemade brownies and sandwiches, served at no charge, drew entries from the neighboring farms, where many competitors were able to hack over, and compete in the USDF recognized event. Show secretary Bridget Rogers, and DressageDaily sponsored a competitor’s party Saturday afternoon, following the final ride, which ended at the civilized hour of 4:30 PM.

Trainers Bill Warren, and Bill McMullin, Michael Barisone, Susanne van Cuyk, Patrick Burssens, Sue Jaccoma, and others brought their students who have been training with them all winter to compete in the friendly quiet atmosphere, under the first rate judging of Betsy Berrey and Tom Poulin who replaced Joan Humphries, currently recovering from an auto accident.

Pollak and her dedicated crew headed up by Marciel Guerrero, had the show grounds prepared and decorated as if for a world class event. An international array of flags located by the outer fences, provided a festive background without being so close to the arenas as to distract the horses, some of whom were entering into their first show. The beautiful arenas decorated with flowers, are surrounded by the tropical flora and fauna which survived Hurricane Wilma’s wrath that had leveled one of the barns last September. The crew, worked tirelessly improving the grounds, and was on hand throughout the weekend maintaining the arenas.