FACES OF DRESSAGE 2023: EXPLORING THE BEAUTIFUL, GRACEFUL SPORT OF DRESSAGE

March is our annual Faces of Dressage issue, and we had a wonderful time this month learning all that the classical and beautiful sport of dressage has to offer this season in Wellington. First, we explore all the excitement at the 2023 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which began in January and continues through the end of March, featuring some of the best dressage riders in the world. Next, we present Faces of Dressage 2023, where we profile just a handful of the amazing riders in the ring at this year’s festival.

Keeping with our dressage theme, we present a series of articles that give readers a more in-depth look into Wellington’s dressage community, written by talented equestrian writer Charity Lucente. These include “Creating the Perfect Freestyle,” which goes behind the scenes with choreographer Terry Gallo and dressage rider Sarah Lockman Tubman; “Pirouette, Piaffe & Penalties,” which examines the sport through the eyes of rider, coach and trainer Debbie McDonald; “Know the Dressage Movements” with tips from FEI 5* judge Janet Foy on what is required in the dressage ring; “The Mane Event,” which explores what goes into keeping dressage horses looking good with Carly Muma, head groom and stable manager for dressage rider Susie Dutta; and, finally, “Love the Process, Not Just the Product,” with dressage rider Lauren Chumley on the value of personally training your own horses.

Also this month, we look at the wonderful things that the amazing nonprofit Brooke USA is doing this season in Wellington, including “The Watering Hole” pool party for young riders last month, and two events this month, “Ponies & Pearls” and “Divertimentos & Dressage.” Nothing is more important to riders than a well-fitting boot, and this issue we visit with Der Dau Custom Made Boots & Shoes, which brings artisan-made, classic and fashionable footwear to Wellington.

Our Wellington Today column by Village Manager Jim Barnes this issue explores how Wellington’s staff serves vital roles in connecting the community. Wellington Health visits Balance Fitness, where owner Lynette Laufenberg focuses on personalized wellness plans for clients at her boutique fitness studio. Wellington Table samples the great brews and delicious meals at World of Beer Bar & Kitchen, which has returned to the area with a reframed concept that pairs hundreds of beer choices with elevated menu options. Finally, Wellington Real Estate explores a magnificent home positioned on a premier lot with a breathtaking view of Palm Beach Polo & Country Club, presented by Madison Frost of Engle & Völkers.

Until next month, I hope that you are enjoying the lovely weather here in our Wellington paradise, and perhaps I’ll see you enjoying some of those amazing freestyle rides at Friday Night Stars.

20, number 3

MARCH 2023 executive editor

Joshua I. Manning publisher

Dawn Rivera senior graphic designer

Stephanie Rodriguez graphic designers

Nancy Pobiak

Yolanda Cernicky account managers

Betty Buglio

Evie Edwards

Joetta Palumbo bookkeeping

Jill Kaskel

Carol Lieberman photography

Abner Pedraza contributors

Jim Barnes

Eleanor Bourne

Meredith Burow

Erin Davisson

Denise Fleischman

Frank Koester

Melanie Kopacz

Charity Lucente

Mike May

Callie Sharkey

Deborah Welky

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Barry S. Manning

Wellington The Magazine is published monthly in Wellington, Florida. Copyright 2023, all rights reserved by Wellington The Magazine, LLC. Contents may not be reproduced in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising. The publisher accepts no responsibility for advertisement errors beyond the cost of the portion of the advertisement occupied by the error within the advertisement itself. The publisher accepts no responsibility for submitted materials. All submitted materials subject to editing.

Anna Niehaus has lived and worked in the western communities of Palm Beach County for more than 3 decades. Her expertise in single family home resales, equestrian properties, vacant land, investment properties and new construction have been award winning locally and in the South Florida Region. Anna’s priority is to find the perfect home for every buyer and to offer effective strategies to her sellers to ensure an efficient and lucrative transaction. Anna speaks German and English.

(561) 214-3310 annaniehaus@comcast.net

Specializing in Equestrian & Residential Properties. Whether buying, selling or leasing properties, Marcia is an expert negotiator with extensive local knowledge. From first time buyers to multimillion dollar farm sales, she personally coordinates every detail, minimizing stress, streamlining communications, and always provides a timely follow-up. Praised by her clients for her professionalism, her clients will tell you she doesn’t just meet their expectations, she consistently EXCEEDS them!

(561) 707-7673 stallmatch@gmail.com

Making up one half of the Drahan-Keiser Team, Betsy Keiser is a real estate professional based out of Wellington. With her personalized service, positive attitude and calm demeanor, Betsy is constantly exceeding her clients expectations while making the entire process an enjoyable one. Betsy’s experience as an owner of a custom residential construction company as well as a state licensed property manager, provides her with unique and valuable insight into multiple facets of real estate.

(561) 318-1208 betsy@drahankeiser.com

JENNIFER DRAHAN

Jennifer Drahan - Making up one half of The Drahan-Keiser Team, there is only one thing Jennifer Drahan is more passionate about than horses and that is real estate. Jen graduated from Texas A&M University (Fighting’ Texas Aggie Class of 1995) with a B.S. in Animal Science, during which time she built a successful hunter/jumper training and sales business. The extensive background Jen has in both the equine and real estate industry is a major benefit to the team’s clients.

(561) 318-1208 jen@drahankeiser.com

MICHELLE “SHELLY” POWER

Born and raised in Chicago, Shelly began her real estate career in 1987. Shelly has 30+ years in the RE business, specializing in residential investment & relocation. Her career started in Chicago as a property manager and pertaining property acquisitions for investors. She later moved to NJ & managed luxury buildings & town homes. In the top 15% in her company and a member of Keller Williams Luxury Division.. Shelly lives in Wellington with her husband and has 2 sons and a sweet Golden Doodle Riley. (561) 310-6074 shellypower561@gmail.com

Brian And Jennifer Wilder

Combined 5th generation SF native and midwestern roots bring 23 years of real estate knowledge, passion & enthusiasm to our clients. Our strategy focuses on individual style, needs, and five-star service. Proud parents of 5 boys, we are deeply rooted in the community through mentoring and coaching youth baseball. Also find us boating, fishing, or swimming with our “surf dog”, Charlie. Let our top producing team welcome you and yours to South Florida living.

(561) 201-4717 cbrianwilder@gmail.com

A lifelong resident of Wellington, FL, Michele Barone and her team of marketing, design and client care experts offer clients a concierge experience, ensuring that the client’s every need is always put first. A top agent award recipient for many consecutive years, Michele guarantees success by offering expert negotiation skills, honesty, advice and support from the moment you meet her and her multilingual team.

(561) 762-6420 info@michelebaronehomes.com

Marissa is a bi-lingual Wellington native who grew up with a passion for horses and riding. She applies that same passion in providing the highest quality of service whether dealing in Residential RE, Luxury RE, Equestrian RE, RE Investing or renting. Her love for her profession shows not only in the fact that she is in the top 10% of KW Wellington, but also in her dedication to her clients. When she is not devoting time to her clients, she enjoys spending time with her family, dogs and horses.

(561) 329-1970 marissaoconnorrealtor@gmail.com

Born and raised in South Florida. I have lived in Wellington since 1985 with over 25 years of RE & Property management. I LOVE what I do and LOVE where I live. I pride myself with Honesty and Integrity. Customer service is my highest priority. I enjoy people and strive for a “WIN WIN” experience for all. My hobbies include Horses, Golf, Pickleball, Tennis and spending time with my family. Specializing in Equestrian properties, Luxury Homes, Golf & Tennis Communities, Investment properties.

(561) 758-8321 nappytranter@gmail.com

Oskar Payot

Oskar Payot, with over ten years of experience in Real Estate, joined forces with the exclusive brokerage of KW Wellington Luxury Division in 2022. Wellington is Oskar’s home town, where he has lived for over 22 years. His nurturing and attentive personality has helped carve out the best techniques to provide excellent service to his clients. When Oskar is not enjoying quality time with his loved ones, he enjoys a very active lifestyle including working out and traveling.

(561) 310-3974

OskarPayot@kw.com

HADAR GOLDBERG

I’ve been a member of Keller Williams Luxury division since 2017. As a founding member, I pride myself on my white-glove service. Previously, I taught in PBC and worked as principal of an online school. This unique family niche and extensive knowledge of location, education and valuation has led me to become one of Palm Beach’s most trusted realtors and in the top 5% of PBC closed sales volume year after year. I love working with a variety of clients to grow our community.

(561) 389-6038 hadargoldberg78@gmail.com

Sophie Ghedin

Sophie Ghedin is one of the founding partners at Ghedin & Herz Key Advantage. She’s a premier award winning real estate professional, placed among the top five percent at KW, Wellington. Sophie a member of the National Association of Realtors with more than a decade of experience in residential and equestrian RE. Fluent in English, French and Spanish, her enthusiasm to meet the client’s demands is infectious. “As a realtor, my first priority is to make my clients happy.

(561) 236-1977 sophieghedin@kw.com

ROBERT ROSS

Robert’s success as an equestrian drew him to the east coast where he became a Grand Prix rider, co-founder of the Equestrian Aid Foundation and launched his RE career specializing in equestrian & luxury properties in Wellington. Robert’s passion and dedication to his clients has allowed him to remain among the Top 3 Keller Williams agents in SF since 2014. Although Robert’s expertise is farm sales & luxury homes, some of his fondest moments have been working with first time home buyers.

(561) 758-6185 robsross@aol.com

MARIA RASPANTI

A Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist with over 25 years’ experience that transcends nearly all aspects of a transaction. One of the most wellrounded real estate experts in Palm Beach County with unparalleled knowledge for the intricacies that go into a seamless and successful RE transaction. Maria has developed a reputation as one of the most trusted service-oriented professionals for helping you achieve your real estate aspirations. Ranked a Top Agent for Keller Williams Realty.

(561) 800-3609 www.YourFamilyLiving.com

Sommar Clark is a real estate professional with Keller Williams Realty Wellington. A 35+ year resident of South Florida, her previous experience as a teacher in the Palm Beach County school district provides clients with a unique perspective on how neighborhoods feed into the various school systems. This experience combined with her dedication to transparent communication throughout the process has been instrumental to her reputation within the community as a trusted real estate professional.

(561) 315-1834 sommarclark@kw.com