Humanitarian Society's Challenge Of Champions Lights Up The Lives Of Many
Monday, November 29, 2004
Sharing and caring is what The Humanitarian Society, Inc. is all about. That theme was certainly evident in many ways at the Challenge Of Champions, a grand horse show sponsored by The Humanitarian Society, Inc., on October 28-30. The show was held at the Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club which is the center of the horse mecca in the winter, as it is also the current home of The National Horse Show as well as the annual Winter Equestrian Festival that runs from January thru April.
The Humanitarian Society, Inc. is a charitable non-profit organization founded in 1988 by Dr. Wayne T. Moses. Moses has been a driving force behind this organization as it has benefited nearly 50 organizations for the needy in South Florida. The membership of the Society includes over 2,500 with many being dedicated volunteers who take part in many of the Society's causes and functions including the Challenge Of Champions.
The efforts of The Humanitarian Society, Inc. are certainly appreciated by the local community as well as on a national level. The Humanitarian Society, Inc. has received numerous awards and accolades over the years. This year's show was dedicated to the memory of one our country's great leaders President Ronald Wilson Reagan. The show program featured letters of greetings and congratulations from Florida Governor Jeb Bush, and local mayors Steven Abrams and Jeff Perlman.
The Challenge Of Champions serves as a function of The Humanitarian Society, Inc. which brings together an outstanding group of volunteers to put on a world class horse show. The show attracts top show ring champions, officials and spectators while raising money for this organization and it's many beneficiaries. The profits of this show and those to follow are dedicated to ERAP (Emergency Relief Assistance Program) to help make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.
The 2004 Challenge Of Champions officials were again headed by show manager Ray Cloninger. The show committee was chaired this year by Dr. Wayne T. Moses, Bonnie Phillips and Louis J. Labadini. The judging assignment was handled by Anne Judd. The list of officials also included; Steve Hanks (assistant manager), Joyce Wilson (USEF Steward), Frank Waters (announcer), Bill Whitley (ringmaster), June Brune (organist), Bob Moseder (photographer), James Witherspoon (farrier), Richfield Video (videographer), and Barbara Woodlief (show secretary). The show sessions were also opened with a white carriage pulled by a matching white horse bringing various show officials along with other dignitaries and grand marshals into the ring.
Dr. Moses was delighted with the success of the show, "I receive so many compliments on the show, but I feel the compliments belong to the trainers, stables and exhibitors who support this horse show. They are the most giving and warm people, they are just wonderful. They know the proceeds are going to somewhere so needed and they give extra donations. The show is also well known for its outstanding hospitality.
"We had some outstanding horses - we enjoyed an increase in horses again this year. We feel so good about having the show and the support we receive. It is just marvelous to see the love people have for their horses and for showing them. People just can't wait to come back. Our officials are first class and they do such a great job. We had wonderful weather, a great facility, and everyone got to enjoy this beautiful area. We are already looking forward to next year's show with a change of dates to November 10-12, 2005."
Audience members from the ringside tables and bleachers got to cheer on many well known champions as well as a few new teams just starting out their careers. Dr. Wayne Moses and Louis Labadini had the chance to watch their promising youngsters Why Worry Love and Boundless Worry sweep the futurity classes under the direction of Susan Reimer. Mary Jo Schmidt and MJO Stables were once again strong supporters of the show with champions including; Special Rose, DAF Monte Cristo, Stonecroft Wish Me Well, Ms Amber Merchant, Where's Rueben, and All Eyes On Me.
Lynn and Ken McColl are active volunteers and enjoyed watching their versatile string of WSG Independence Command, Kalahari, Spiceolife Night Cadence, STK Relentless Heart and A Ticket To Ride make numerous victory passes. Darcy Gordon brought a big string of horses and riders including the winning entries of Supreme Amour, American Gladiator, Titleist Par-Tee Time, Best Of Fashion, Rosie O'Brien, Jewel Of The Opera, Treasured Moment and Cross Current.
Linda Weber and Abbott Wilson of Hawkewood Farm enjoyed their trip to Wellington with Favorite Things and Jillian Schaffer debuting with tricolor honors along with Paula Frenette showing Star Standing and Black Copper to top honors. Pam Roush of Avalon put the winning entries of Galahad's Gold Mine, Highpoints Royal Motion, Rommy, Piatt Steele and Telemark's Choice into the ring.
He's Real Good and Invitation Required made their way to the winner's circle directed by Bill Rodgers of Silver Run Stables. Mindy Van Hellemont made the trip over the bridge from Palm Beach to show Cedar Creek Tour De Force and Commander's Forte to blue ribbons. Tom Johnson of Arboria Morgans brought a nice string down from Port St. Lucie with Paradigm Bonzai, FCF Protege and SPR Valarie's Finale making victory passes for their owners. Gerry Auermann and her granddaughter showed Hideawayhill Bold Image and SAF Take Command to nice wins. Kristen Cole brought James Wallace's string and Night On The Town, Emeraude DRC Legacy, and LaLoma Wild Command brought home top honors. Tina Schaefer and Title Role closed out the show winning the Five-Gaited Championship.
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