The final three complimentary MeetUps of the Wellington winter season offer grooms and equestrian enthusiasts invaluable opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. We are immensely grateful to the incredible experts who will generously donate their time to lead these sessions. To participate, please RSVP through the HorseGrooms Community or, for the lunging clinic, via the Google Form.
Tuesday, March 18: Managing Laura Kraut’s Top Showjumping Operation
Join us for an exclusive session with Mary Elizabeth Kent, Laura Kraut’s sister, and head of operations for her renowned showjumping business. Mary Elizabeth will share her experiences in managing Kraut’s elite showjumping enterprise, including horse care, team management, and travel logistics. This MeetUp is generously sponsored by Corro and Kelcie’s Treats and will be hosted at the Corro Store in Wellington. Attendees will also hear from the CEO of Kelcie’s Treats, who will tell us the story behind their healthy and FEI-safe equine goodies.
Mary Elizabeth Kent, photo from website Laura Kraut
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Location: Corro Store, 11586 Pierson Rd, Wellington, FL
- Sponsors: Kelcie’s Treats and Corro
- Refreshments: Drinks and light snacks will be available
This is an incredible opportunity to gain insights into the operations of a top-tier showjumping team and learn about nutritious treat options for horses.
Friday, March 21: Skin Care & CPR for Equestrians and Transitioning from National to International Shows
This MeetUp features three essential topics:
1. Skin Care in Challenging Climates: Dr. Stacey Tull, MD, MPH, a renowned dermatologist and cancer survivor, will address skin care for equestrians working in harsh climates like Florida. Recognizing that grooms often prioritize their horses’ well-being over their own, Dr. Tull will provide valuable tips on preventing skin issues and offer free skin examinations to attendees.
2. CPR Demonstration and Training: Dr. Michele Hollis, MD, of HollisMed, will conduct a hands-on demonstration of CPR techniques, emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness. She will also introduce an accessible method for attendees to learn and practice CPR, empowering them to respond effectively in critical situations. Acquiring these skills could enable you to save a fellow groom’s life in an emergency. Dr. Hollis runs her concierge medical practice HollisMed for all equestrians, including grooms. Dr. Hollis is available for tips & advice inside the HorseGrooms Community.
3. Navigating the Shift to International Competitions: FEI Steward and Veterinary Delegate, Course Designer and Judge Diane Faccini will guide participants through the transition from national to international horse shows. She will cover critical aspects such as medication regulations, do’s and don’ts, FEI arrival procedures and etiquette, rules, and necessary vaccinations. This session is ideal for grooms seeking to enhance their understanding of FEI protocols and ensure compliance at international events.
FEI Steward, Veterinary Delegate, Course Designer, and Judge Diana Faccini at the entrance of the FEI stabling in Wellington in front of the Karen Golding Memorial Perpetual Trophy.
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
- Location: Corro Store, 11586 Pierson Rd, Wellington, FL
- Sponsors: Dandy Products (pizza) and Corro (drinks & venue)
- RSVP: In the HorseGrooms Community.
This MeetUp is a must-attend for grooms aiming to elevate their professional skills and personal well-being.
Tuesday, March 25: The Art of Lunging – Calm Hunters & Equitation Horses, Sound Bodies
In our final MeetUp of the season, hosted at Wellington International, we focus on the art of lunging hunters and equitation horses, emphasizing techniques that promote both calmness and physical health. The session will feature celebrated professionals:
Grooms lunging horses. Photo courtesy of HorseGrooms
- Jean Bonsall: An FEI steward who will share her observations on common lunging practices and areas for improvement.
- Jack Towell & Louise Serio: Renowned hunter trainers who will demonstrate their lunging techniques, covering aspects like circle size, safety measures, appropriate speed, recognizing cross-cantering, and distinguishing between relaxation and fatigue.
- David Nuñez, long-time top groom for Kimberly Prince will do the same for the Spanish speaking crowd.
Time: 6:00 – 7:30 PM
Location: Wellington International’s new lunging rings, situated in the back of the current showgrounds near the upcoming new showgrounds.
Perks: Pizza, drinks, and a certificate of attendance for the attending grooms
Sponsors: Derby Down, Equine Tack & Nutritionals, Finally Farm, Wellington International, and HorseGrooms
This educational event is open to grooms, trainers, riders, owners, and all equestrian enthusiasts interested in refining their lunging techniques. Attending grooms will receive a certificate of attendance. Complimentary pizza and drinks will be provided. To ensure adequate catering, please RSVP here through the HorseGrooms Community or via this Google Form, which allows group sign-ups in a single submission.
Join Us for These Unmissable Events
These final MeetUps offer invaluable opportunities to learn from industry experts, enhance your professional skills, and connect with fellow equestrians. Whether you’re managing top dressage or showjumping operations, transitioning to international competitions, or perfecting your lunging techniques, there’s something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you there and closing the Wellington winter season on a high note!
RSVP here for the MeetUp about Managing Laura Kraut’s Top Showjumping Operation.
RSVP here for the MeetUp about lunging on March 25 (in the HorseGrooms Community)
RSVP here for the MeetUp about lunging on March 25 (via the Google Form)
Join the HorseGrooms Community here. It’s free and offers tons of grooming tips and networking opportunities.
Want to learn more? Join HorseGrooms Insiders here for in depth resources and education about everything grooming. Get 50% or the annual price of $97 with code WINTERCIRCUIT2025 (valid until the end of March).
HorseGrooms is a platform of resources, education, and support for grooms by grooms. This is an online community, hub of resources, and spotlight of industry highlights born out of love for the horse and love for the sport. But our mission goes beyond simply providing resources and creating content.
Our goal is to create a space to keep horsemanship alive; for grooms to support and educate each other; and to help advance the craft of grooming. HorseGrooms is dedicated to ambitious grooms everywhere.
