Charity event puts top hunter, jumper, dressage and polo riders in the reining pen

Polo star Nic Roldan is one of the riders who will leave his comfort zone and give reining a try for the Who Reins Supreme? fundraiser for the Equestrian Aid Foundation. Photo: Juan Lamarca

Edited Press Release

Nic Roldan, Brandon Phillips, Louise Serio, Peter Pletcher, Chris Hickey, David Marcus, Kent Farrington, and Georgina Bloomberg have been selected to represent their disciplines, showing off their newfound skills in the reining ring at the Equestrian Aid Foundation (EAF) fundraiser, Who Reins Supreme? Held on Friday, February 1, 2013, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach, Fla., the evening will raise funds for EAF programs that financially assist equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries throughout their time of need.

This year, Who Reins Supreme? will solely focus on reining. Two world-class riders from each discipline – dressage, show jumping, hunters, and polo – will ride a custom-designed reining pattern created by Tom and Mandy McCutcheon and Sarah Willeman Richter.

Third generation polo player Nic Roldan is one the top professionals in the country competing around the world. Brandon Phillips carries a 5-goal handicap and has won some of the sports’ most coveted trophies.

“Polo is completely different from reining, and I hope to do the discipline justice in this year’s competition,” said Nic Roldan. “It is exhilarating to step out of my comfort zone and try something new to benefit a great cause.”

Louise Serio is one of the top hunter trainers and professionals. She has piloted some of the most talented mounts to receive champion honors at top “AA” horse shows nationally. As the current winner of the World Champion Hunter Rider Professional Challenge, Peter Pletcher, has spent the past 30 years garnering many of the sports’ top honors.

“The support that EAF provides is unparalleled,” said Louise Serio. “I am honored to have been asked to represent hunters in the reining competition at Who Reins Supreme? and look forward to seeing what the other riders bring to the ring.”

Winner of both Individual and Team Gold Medals representing the United States at the Pan American Games, Chris Hickey is an elite competitor in dressage. Along with competing, he is also the Director of Training at Hilltop Farm. Fellow dressage rider David Marcus has represented both the United States and Canada in International competitions. He is a rider, competitor, trainer and coach.

Georgina Bloomberg, Equestrian Aid Foundation board member, had her first riding lesson at the age of four and began competing professionally on the Grand Prix circuit in 2003. She has found vast success in the ring, recently served as captain of the women’s team that won the 2013 $55,000 Nespresso Battle of the Sexes. Her teammate Kent Farrington began riding when he was nine. Originally from Chicago, he now runs a successful teaching and training business in Wellington, Florida, and is one of the top United States show jumpers competing internationally.

“Each of our competitors is at the top of his or her sport and we’re looking forward to seeing them take their riding talents to reining,” explained R. Scot Evans, President of EAF. “We are so grateful to have the riders’ support for the Equestrian Aid Foundation and Who Reins Supreme?. In addition to the regular competition, guests can expect lots of fun and surprises throughout the night.

Who Reins Supreme? provides an opportunity for people to donate through ticket and table sales and allows them a unique, fun experience. Tables, tickets and sponsorships for the evening may be purchased at www.EquestrianAidFoundation.org or by phone at 800.792.6068.

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For more than 16 years, the EAF has delivered financial assistance to equestrians, horsemen and equine-related professionals who are suffering from catastrophic illnesses or injuries throughout their time of need. In September 2012, the EAF reached a milestone of distributing more than $2 million in funding to its recipients throughout its history. Funding for medical, rehabilitation and essential expenses – such as food and housing – enables recipients to cope through crisis and get back on their feet. The EAF is dedicated to helping people from all riding disciplines, equine professions, backgrounds and ages. The EAF is a 501(c)3 organization. Learn more at www.EquestrianAidFoundation.org.