The Plaid Horse

Sarah Duhon was met with smiles and open arms at the in-gate of the R+L Arena after Friday evening’s $15,000 CWD Sellier USHJA National Hunter Derby of World Equestrian Center (WEC) – Wilmington Thanksgiving in the Midwest.

The former majority owners of Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Mark Bellissimo, Marsha Dammerman, Lisa Lourie, and Roger Smith (“the Partners”), formed a new entity, WI FL Acquisition, LLC (“the Company”) and have completed the purchase of Wellington International from Global Equestrian Group (“GEG”). The Company confirmed Murray S. Kessler will lead the new Wellington International as Chief Executive Officer.

Some ICSI mares are closing in fast on that 100-foal mark. 100 foals. Not a typo but the reality of commercial sport horse breeding business, as breeders look to tap into proven mare families and produce multiple offspring from successful bloodlines.

Set to release on the platform December 10, Netflix’s new original docuseries produced by none other than Prince Harry and Meghan Markel dives inside the equestrian industry of Polo. The drama centers around the annual U.S. Open Polo Championship, which takes place in Wellington, Fl. Netflix is calling it, “A behind-the-scenes look at the fast-paced and glamorous world of the sport.”

Sneak Peek of the December Education Issue of The Plaid Horse! https://lnkd.in/euVVmVAz

The Andrew Ryback Photography and The Plaid Horse Higher Learning Scholarship is returning in 2025. Over the past years, the scholarship has awarded over $27,500 to students pursuing higher education. The scholarship is open to high school seniors graduating in 2025 and all current college and trade school students. To apply, submit the following attachments in a single email to?[email protected]?and complete the form below:

Equine welfare lies at the heart of the horse industry’s continued existence and success. The concept of “Social License to Operate” (SLO) is vital in today’s world, where public scrutiny of animal industries is sharper than ever. SLO refers to the trust and acceptance granted by society to operate—and that trust hinges on demonstrating integrity, accountability, humane treatment, and professionalism in every aspect of equine care.

In 1947, I was born with the “H” (horse) gene. Since I was able to talk, horses called me. Now, at 77 years young, I know how blessed I am to have started breeding horses in 1961, which was followed by starting the horses I foaled out. At my farm that I’ve owned and developed for 37 years, I raised my three children. They also got the “H” gene, and together, we’ve foaled out more than 450 foals.

Here’s the scenario. I’m looking for a unicorn on a finite budget for my kiddo. It’s a grueling task, endlessly scouring ads on social media. Finally, paydirt! I uncover a promising horse and speak with the agent. The gelding seems perfect. Exactly the horse I was beginning to think we couldn’t find, unless I sold an organ on the dark web for extra cash. I try to quell the excitement about Mr. Perfect. There’s a catch; a buyer in line first.

Piper speaks with Dr. Chris Smith, DVM and Dr. Erin Margolis, DVM about everything that Foxhall Equine Rehabilitation Center in Fallston, Maryland has to offer. Piper also speaks with The Plaid Horse magazine writing contest winner, Elizabeth Woolsey, DVM about her experience as an equine veterinarian and fiction author. Brought to you by Taylor, Harris Insurance Services. Listen in!