Condor C Named Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse at 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival
January 27, 2017 - Wellington, Florida
Photo by Jump Media
The Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award was given to Condor C, owned and ridden by Debbie Stephens of Palmetto, FL, during the third week of competition at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
For the second consecutive year, Equis Boutique, a luxury tack and apparel shopping experience, is sponsoring the Best Presented Horse Award at each International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection held throughout the 12-week WEF.
The FEI Horse Inspection for WEF 3, designated as a CSI 3* by the FEI, was held Tuesday, January 24, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The FEI Ground Jury, led by President Steve Sarafin, evaluated the appearance and condition of horses jogging for FEI competition, and chose Condor C, presented by Stephens and groomed by Victor Castillo, as winners of the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award.
“You can only make a first impression once,” said Stephens, who owns and operates Centennial Farm based in Palmetto, FL. “My team takes pride in how well the horses look and how well they are taken care of, and it all comes down to horsemanship. I must thank Equis [Boutique] for drawing some attention to that.”
Condor C, an 11-year-old grey Holsteiner stallion (Cassini I x Caretino), was prepared by Castillo.
“I was telling Victor on Tuesday that no one goes to the level that he does for the jog,” said Stephens. “It’s funny that that was on the same day we won this award. It is really special to see him recognized for the job he loves to do and wants to do.”
Castillo, who has worked with Stephens since the 2016 WEF season, received a commemorative Best Presented Horse vest from Equis Boutique co-founder Elena Couttenye.
“Winning this award is amazing,” said Castillo. “All the grooms on this team try so hard, and we do our best to make sure the horses look good, so winning an award like this is really important to us.”
As for Condor C’s future, Stephens said, “I am looking at the big picture with him. We are hoping to qualify for some Saturday Night Lights grand prix classes this season and then set some big goals for the summer.”
Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress both the horse and rider. Featured brands available at Equis Boutique include Dy’on, Euro-Star, Flex-On, KASK, Kentucky Horsewear, Kingsland Equestrian, Manfredi Equestrian, Parlanti, and Theria Bits.
Visit Equis Boutique throughout WEF in the Vendor Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For more information, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or look for Equis Boutique on Facebook and Instagram! Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.