Valegro's Shoe Delivered by Carl Hester Earns Top Dollar for Equestrian Aid

Linda Wondrack and Betsy Dangel with Valegro's Shoe and Carl Hester

A silver-plated horseshoe that was once worn by Valegro has raised $5,000 for the Equestrian Aid Foundation at the New England Dressage Association (NEDA) Carl Hester Symposium (14-15 October) in New Gouchester, Maine. The bidding was hot between 3 women attending the clinic but in the end, Betsy Dangel from Newton Center, Mass got the final price in as the bidding closed Sunday afternoon.

As the top priced items were presented at the New England Dressage event on the closing day of a dynamic symposium. Hester admitted he took the shoe from Charlotte DuJardin’s desk. “We made 9 of these shoes (all with a silver coating) which have all been donated to charity. Now I have to tell Charlotte the last one went to America.”

Carl Hester’s Signature Adds Big Value



Lisa Marie Bishop poses with Valegro's shoe. 

Other items included an original painting of Carl and Nip Tuck titled “The Master” by artist Lisa Marie Bishop with Carl’s signature on the back, was purchased by FEI Dressage rider and trainer Jane Hannigan for “The Shoe” winner Dangle.

A full length signed banner photo collage of Carl, Nip Tuck and Charlotte DuJardin and Valegro created by DressageDaily’s Mary Phelps and manager of the auction was won by Dangle’s friend Linda Wondrack.

A Back on Track saddlepad signed by Carl Hester purchased by Joanna Gray -Randle. A few other items rounded out the money raised for a worthy cause to nearly $8,000. Carl said he was “thrilled” that the auction went so well. “Not only did I have great riders and horses to train, Valegro’s shoe raised $5,000 for the Equestrian Aid Foundation.”

Stalkers of the Bidding Table

Carl Hester signing the back of the painting as artist Lisa Marie Bishop looks on. To the right is the winning bidder, Jane Hannigan.

“Let’s face it,” said Mary Phelps a Gold Medal sponsor who managed the auction, “Carl is a rock star, and of course so is Valegro, the greatest Dressage horse of all time. People were stalking the bidding table until the closing bell at 1:30. It is a phenomena, the energy throughout the weekend electric and positive. But that does not surprise me.”

The event took place at Pineland Farms in New Gloucester, Maine, and involved dressage lectures and demonstrations across two days. “We can’t thank Carl enough for coming to Maine and hosting a spectacular symposium,” said a Beth Beukema manager for the weekend. “All of us from NEDA will remember this weekend as a landmark event for the dressage community here in New England. Thank you, Carl.”

About the Equestrian Aid Foundation- Not a Horse Rescue - A People Rescue

Donate to Equestrian Aid by clicking on the red button

The Equestrian Aid Foundation supports people in the horse world who are coping with serious injuries or illnesses, or financial crises. It has provided over $2.7 million in support for people from all areas of equestrianism, including breeders, farriers, grooms, riders and trainers from 30 states across the United States.

“Unlike other equestrian-related non-profit organizations, we offer a helping hand to any member of the greater equestrian community who experiences a medical, financial or personal crisis and needs assistance with basic living and rehabilitative expenses,” said a spokesman from the Equestrian Aid Foundation.

Carl Hester with Mary Phelps 
Photo© Astrid Appels

Mary Phelps representing Markel Equine Insurance as a Gold Medal sponsor, had an “early morning epiphany” one day when planning her participation in the event. “Why not add a fundraiser for EAF, an organization I have been involved with since its inception in 1996? ”

Mary (Phelps) has pulled off a few big donations over the years for EAF including a breeding to Totalis donated by the PSI.

Equestrian Aid Now in It’s 21st Year

Started by Robert Dover in 1996 as “The Equestrian AIDS Foundation, the 501C3 helped many equestrian suffering from the dreaded disease. When AIDS became less of a threat, the “s” was dropped and assistance extended to all involved in the Equestrian world.

Janise Gray, Recipient Manager for EAF and dressage trainer and rider attended the event on Saturday. “When I saw the bidding was started at $750, I thought we would be happy to see it go over $1000. When Mary called to tell me the final result I was amazed. Even a small amount goes a long way. I know, I have been doing this for 21 years now.”

“When I saw the bidding was started at $750, I thought we would be happy to see it go over $1000. When Mary called to tell me the final result I was amazed. Even a small amount goes a long way. I know, I have been doing this for 21 years now.”

Carl Hester’s Giving Spirit in Teaching and In Charity

Carl coaching at the NEDA 2017 Dressage Symposium

“I knew the NEDA Symposium would be a great venue and I knew Carl would help. His generous spirit goes beyond his teaching talents. Carl also rescues dogs from Cyprus donating one symposium a month he does in England to supporting the cause. He once told me of how he and Charlotte have donated many of Valegro’s awards in the past, and I knew if we asked he would deliver.”

Lisa Marie Bishop, Geri Hollander and Louise Levesque watching sold out symposium with Carl Hester

Mary’s team of Golden Girls all contributed their time and talent to the event. Geri Hollander of Markel (the “Keeper of the Shoe”), Lisa Marie Bishop, artist and dressage trainer, Louise Levesque owner of Spring Garden Dressage and former Mainer , and Holly Jacobson, writer and para athlete. In keeping with EAF’s mission there was no expense, just profit from this effort.

“We still have signed items by Carl for future events. We kept him busy.” Smiled Phelps. “Look for other events and an on-line ongoing effort to continue to raise money and awareness for this wonderful organization.”

“This has created a snowball as I continue to get messages daily from people and companies wanting to donate items to be auctioned or sold for this worthy cause.”

It is simple and easy to donate to the Equestrian Aid Foundation by simply visiting their website equestrianaid.org and hit the red button on every page.