FireHorse Rescue Kit Winners: ESP Fall Series at Wellington International
Juan Manuel Gallego & Niagara D'ive Z
Juan Manuel Gallego & Niagara D'ive Z, winners of Sunday's $24,999 Grand Prix and a FireHorse Rescue Kit, presented by #FireHorse Rider Athena Lekkas of Elpida Equestrian (Photo by Sierra Buerkley Photography)
Jad Dana & Know It All (Photo by Equinium Sports Marketing)
Wellington, FL (September 24, 2024) - Spectacular show jumping on the grass has become the hallmark of Wellington International's ESP Annual Series! The winners of the two highlight classes in the ESP September (12-15) and ESP Florida State Fall (Sept 18-22) were awarded the Official Fire Rescue Kit of the ESP Fall Series, FireHorse Rescue Kits. Each kit and its contents are curated by career firefighters and equestrians for enhanced barn fire safety and horse evacuation in the event of an emergency.
ESP Florida State Fall's $24,999 Winston Preparatory Grand Prix on Sunday welcomed 25 challengers to the beautiful Derby field at the Equestrian Village. Colombia’s Juan Manuel Gallego clinched victory with Niagara D’ive Z after a thrilling jump-off, where only hundredths of a second separated the first and second place finishers. After the first round, nine pairs were to contest the short course. Gallego and Niagara D’ive Z, owned by Gabriela Salazar Martinez, took first place with the fastest time of 42.926 seconds. Alannah Wagstaff (USA) secured second place with a time of 42.944 seconds on Great Thing, owned by Mill Pond Farm Inc. Rounding out the podium was Michael Murphy on Kaida CM, owned by South Coast, finishing in 43.383 seconds. Gallego and his groom were presented with a FireHorse Rescue Kit by one of the company's sponsored riders, Athena Lekkas, during their winning presentation.
The week before, Jad Dana's top finish with Leonidas in the $10,000 1.40M Stake at ESP September won him a fire rescue kit. With only three of thirteen advancing to the jump-off, Dana and Leonidas put in the fastest round with a four-fault time of 32.484 seconds. Gallego secured the runner-up spot with a time of 35.355 seconds on Niagara D’ive Z, and Dana aboard his second mount, Know It All, finished third with 38.82 seconds.
Jad Dana and Leonidas (Photo courtesy of Wellington International/Cassidy Klein)
"We had a fire at a barn in Ireland years ago," said Michael Stone, President of Equestrian Sport Productions. "I remember we were lucky enough to get the horses out but had no way to secure them. They ended up running for miles, and while they thankfully had no major injuries, I think the Rescue Kits are a great idea to increase safety and prevent such a situation. The addition of FireHorse Rescue as part of our community of Annual Series sponsors is a major benefit for everyone who frequents our barns and admin offices, and especially for the horses that live and show here."
About the Wellington International Annual Series
The Wellington International (ESP) Annual Series encompasses the “pre and post circuit” to the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF). This series is one of the most valuable local equestrian events in the United States, drawing riders, trainers, and owners in preparation for WEF, and providing a gateway of opportunities and exposure to sponsors at introductory rates. The Annual Series offers competition for all levels of competitors, from professionals to young children. The series is so popular that many of the South Florida equestrian championships are held during its events. The Annual Wellington International Circuit is comprised of four seasonal circuits. Spring Circuit takes place during April and May and attracts approximately 500 horses per week (local, national and international) over a 6-week circuit. Summer and Fall Circuits take place June through November and attract approximately 200 horses per week (local) each over a 6-week circuit. The Holiday Circuit takes place from December until the WEF commences and attracts approximately 500 horses per week (local, national and international) over a 5-week circuit.
FireHorse Innovation - Patented Products & Equestrian Fire Safety
FireHorse Rescue Kits, LLC was founded by career firefighters and lifelong equestrians seeking to bridge the gap between daily barn life and fire safety. Every kit contains a selection of items to be used in a fire or other emergency, and the 100% made-in-the-USA case contains custom foam to protect and prevent damage. Designed to be hung in the main barn breeze way, FireHorse Rescue Kits are an easy way to ensure that every equestrian in the barn is prepared for a potentially dangerous situation.
One of the kit's integral components are patent pending equine blindfolds, developed specifically for use in emergency situations. These horse blindfolds wear like a fly mask and restrict the horse’s vision up to 80%. During fire panic, horses have been known to refuse to leave their stalls or to return to a burning structure seeking safety. FireHorse's blindfolds are intended to allow equestrians or first responders to remove animals safely and intended to reduce injury and panic by removing visual stimulation. They are additionally useful for trailering, for horses sensitive to needles, and to reduce panic when waking up from anesthesia.
Each kit also includes two handheld, point & spray canned extinguishers. These are easy to use for any one, from children to senior citizens, and perfect for small fires, especially hay, shavings, or feed room flames. An excellent alternative to more cumbersome, full sized extinguishers, these also require less maintenance and are readily available in the case.
During fires, the heat can melt or make latches, door knobs, locks, and other metal items impossible to handle or touch. Heat resistant to 1472 degrees and flame retardant, the gloves in every FireHorse Rescue Kit are made of a mix of breathable cotton knitting and double layered fiber with silicone for grip and fire resistance.
These are just a few of the innovative items found in each Rescue Kit. For a full list, visit www.FireHorseRescue.com/whatsinside
For more information on FireHorse Rescue Kits, visit www.FireHorseRescue.com
Follow FireHorse on Facebook and Instagram @firehorserescuekits
Media Contact:
Holly Johnson
Equinium Sports Marketing, LLC
www.Equinium.com
holly@equinium.com
+ 1 954 205 7992
