The 2022 Challenge of the Americas presented by The Pink Hats came back to life after a year off for COVID and our record-setting crowd challenged breast cancer like never before. The sold-out grandstand and VIP audience was ready to rock as they cheered top riders and their well-trained horses dancing to the music under the lights at the Global Dressage Festival stadium in Wellington, Florida, March 11.
The horse-and-rider combos began with Team Millar Brooke Farm South, who brought their jumping quadrille to the dressage side for the Challenge of the Americas. Thanks to Kelly Soleau-Millar, Jonathan Millar, Charlotte McLaughlin and Alex Granato for joining us in our fight against breast cancer and for riding out bedecked in pink.
The two dressage pas de deux were beautifully emotional with Shannon Dueck and JJ Tate bringing a message of strength and hope as breast cancer survivors, and Jim Koford and Kerstin Moltmann-Wilder riding in harmony to their poignant “West Side Story” theme.
The eagerly awaiting Grand Prix Musical Quadrille challenge brought together five teams of six horse-and-rider combinations. The star-studded (and colorful!) panel of judges from the USA included 4* judge Lee Tubman, 5* judge Janet Foy and 4* judge Charlotte Bredahl. Their insightful and witty commentary and judging were a hit. Who knew Janet Foy was a rodeo queen in a former life?
Team BioStar’s Hamilton-themed quadrille stole the show and received the first place nod from the judges. Their tightly woven and intricate choreography was fresh and creative as well as expertly ridden. Congratulations to Team BioStar members Lauren Chumley, Jessie Hayes, Jim Koford, Shannon Stevens, JJ Tate and Betsy VanDyke along with coach, choreographer, musical designer and story-teller extraordinaire, Tigger Montague.
Team Wright Dressage’s first-ever COTA quadrille with their boot-scootin’, git-up, toe-tapping music took second place. It was obvious the new kids on the block and their horses were having a blast while their spacing and lines, along with their pink lassos, were impressive. Congratulations to Leif Aho, Vanessa Creech-Terauds, Heidi Degele, Tiago Ernesto, Ali Potasky and Rebecca Waite along with coaches Diane Creech, Patti Thompson and Emily Wright.
Team Winged Foot’s Scottish-theme and costumes had lots of people wondering what they wore underneath those kilts (breeches, y’all) as they rode complicated patterns to favorite Scottish tunes. Tapadh leat (thank you in Gaelic) to team members Todd Flettrich, Bridget Hay, Susanne Hamilton, Justin Hardin, Ashley Madison and Katie Riley, and coaches Emilie Goddard and Ruth Hogan-Poulsen.
Team Gardy Bloemers was off to see the wizard as amazing costumes and familiar music whisked us over the rainbow. There was some fancy footwork in the Land of Oz and we were all impressed by Amy Bock, Nicole Harrington, Lisa Lewis, Amy Walker-Basak, Roberta Williams and Cyndi Wylie as well as coach Alex Rozboril.
Team Purina’s “we are all in this together” theme and accompanying music had people singing in their seats to a seamless medley of favorite tunes and their difficult moves brought applause from the appreciative crowd. Congrats to Alexandra Duncan, Jaralyn Gibson, Bent Jensen, Pam Goodrich, Jennifer Williams and George Williams, and coaches Terry Gallo, Betsy Steiner and Bill Warren.
Our generous sponsors, including our inaugural Pink Hats, were instrumental in making the evening a success. Thanks to The Pink Hats Margaret H. Duprey of Cherry Knoll Farm, Elizabeth (aka Beth) Stauber-Johnson, PhD, and her husband Ron Johnson and Mr. and Mrs. Steffen (Barbara) Wolfe.
From team sponsors to behind the scenes sponsors to donated saddle pads, kilts and bell boots, it took an enormous amount of support from our friends both in and out of the equestrian community to make the 2022 Challenge of the Americas a success.
A village of volunteers also made all the intricate pieces come together into a night to remember. Thanks to the COTA Committee members and the cadre of people who turned out to help us in our fight against breast cancer.
Finally, thanks to all of you. Your overwhelming response to the auction and in support of the teams was amazing. You filled the VIP tent and you packed the grandstands. We appreciate your enthusiastic support you have for the horses and riders.
Most of all, thank you, all of you, for helping us fight breast cancer. With your help, we are than much closer to finding a cure for breast cancer.
The 2022 Challenge of the Americas is presented by THE PINK HATS.
Let’s do this! Together we CAN make a difference.
Friday, March 11, 2022
General Admission is $20.00 per person at the gate. General Admission tickets cannot be purchased online. They are available the night of the event. Children 12 and under are free. Food and beverages available for purchase.
Grab a dozen of your friends, coworkers and family and head to COTA at the Global Dressage Festival Showgrounds on the corner of Pierson and Southshore in Wellington for an evening of style, flash and excitement as more than 40 top dressage riders and their horses ride for a cure and strive to win the coveted COTA Team Quadrille competition.
Invite your friends and throw a COTA LIVESTREAM party from your home. Gather your group and enjoy the event of the Wellington season. Wear pink and check back here at 6PM Friday evening for great music, horses and riders.
Riders and coaches are practicing their music and themes for the 2022 Challenge. They all have someone in their lives who has been impacted by this disease and this is their own special way to make a difference and challenge breast cancer.
Will you be a part of the 2022 Challenge and help find a cure? Reserve your seat or table today.
Join us at the 2022 Challenge of the Americas presented by THE PINK HATS along with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation and Play for P.I.N.K. as international riders perform to world-class music and choreography in their efforts to find a cure in our lifetime.
Breast cancer is a complex disease with no simple solution. Research is the key to stopping it in its tracks. Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the largest private funder of breast cancer research in the world. We invest in the best minds in science—from those investigating prevention to metastasis—and foster cross-disciplinary collaboration. Our approach accelerates the entire field and moves us closer to the answers we urgently need. We can’t stop now. Join us in fueling the world’s most promising research. With you, we will be the end of breast cancer. Learn more and get involved at BCRF.org.
Play for P.I.N.K. (Prevention, Immediate diagnosis, New technology, Knowledge), or PFP, is a 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to raising funds for breast cancer research through sporting and lifestyle events. PFP’s commitment is to contribute 100% of all proceeds to its sole beneficiary, the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), to fund the world’s top researchers. PFP donated $4 million to BCRF in 2021 and is currently supporting 12 research projects. Since 1996, PFP has raised nearly $70 million for breast cancer research. Visit playforpink.org to learn more.
As a Presenting Sponsor, your name showcased as one of THE PINK HATS on everything!
Your name – IS the Team's name. You'll be everywhere! AND you will get to attend the secret team practices.
Instead of telling, we’re showing – from team practices to live interviews – all sponsored by you.
Support the Fight and we'll thank you everywhere including during the COTA Livestream!
Join COTA’s awesome society of individuals and business owners banding together in the fight against breast cancer.
Get in touch with us today and be a part of saving lives in 2023!
Program Coordinator
Mary Ross
M. Ross Consulting, Inc.
561-433-0988
Email: mary@mrossconsultinginc.com
An awards presentation is featured and guests have the chance to meet and socialize with riders and judges.
The Challenge Gala, an elegant evening of dinner and dancing, begins immediately following the the Challenge of the Americas presented by THE PINK HATS musical dressage team quadrille competition.
An awards presentation is featured and guests have the chance to meet and socialize with riders and judges.
Global Dressage Festival, 13500 Southshore Blvd,
Wellington, Florida 33414
Beneficiaries:
Play for PINK:
playforpink.org
facebook.com/playforpink
Breast Cancer Research Foundation:
bcrf.org
facebook.com/
thebreastcancerresearchfoundation
Sponsorship Information:
Mary Ross
M. Ross Consulting Inc
561-433-0988
mary@mrossconsultinginc.com
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