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The Dello Joio family graciously hosted the Live Oak International launch party. From left to right: Norman, Jeanie, Daniela and Nick Dello Joio.
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The Live Oak International organizing committee. From left to right: Ainsley Hayes, Chester C. Weber, Juliet W. Reid, Susan Gilliland, and Damian Guthrie. Photo by Public Reputation
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Models from Live Oak International sponsor Lugano Diamonds tour the PlaneSense aircraft.
Photo by Public ReputatioWellington, Florida – The Live Oak International official launch party, presented by PlaneSense, was held at the Dello Joio family home in Wellington, FL, on Sunday, January 20. Over 150 of the biggest names in the sport gathered to celebrate the return of the only equestrian event in North America to feature both world-class driving and show jumping. The Live Oak International takes place in Ocala, FL, from March 20 to 24, 2013.High profile members of both the show jumping and driving communities came together for a special evening of celebration to launch the 2013 Live Oak International including Jane Forbes Clark, Jay and Shawn Hayes, Mario Deslauriers, Lauren Hayes, Lauren Hough, Antonia Ax:son Johnson, Beth Johnson, John Madden, Emilie Martinsen, Tom McGuinness, Robyn Parsky, Schuyler Riley, Andres Rodriguez, and nine-time winner of the USEF Four In Hand Driving Championship Chester C. Weber, who is also one of the Live Oak International organizers. Numerous Olympic medalists were also in attendance, including Leslie Howard, Laura Kraut, Beezie Madden, Ben Maher, Nick Skelton, and, of course, Norman Dello Joio himself, who opened his home for the special occasion. |
“From the beginning when Chester had the idea to add show jumping competitions to the Live Oak International, he talked to me about it,” explained Dello Joio of his collaboration with Live Oak International. “I wanted to be helpful and get it through the proper channels, and had been advising them a little on the show. When they decided to have a launch party with PlaneSense as a sponsor, it seemed like the natural progression that Chester ask me to host it as we live in the Aero Club.”
Dello Joio and his family, wife Jeanie and children Nick and Daniela, graciously opened their home for the party, organized by event planner Jenny Oz LeRoy of LeRoy Redux. Situated in the unique Aero Club community which features a landing strip and numerous private hangars, PlaneSense was able to display a Pilatus aircraft used in its fractional aircraft ownership program in Dello Joio’s backyard, making it easily accessible for guided tours.
“PlaneSense is once again thrilled to partner with Live Oak International this year,” said George Antoniadis, CEO of PlaneSense. “The enthusiasm that pervaded the kick-off party on January 20 was a clear indication of the passion and fortitude that drive this annual event. We are proud to align our brand with such values, and to contribute to the growth of Live Oak International.”
For more than 20 years, Live Oak International has been known for its international driving competition. Sanctioned as a CAI-B driving event by the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and offering single, pair and four-in-hand divisions for horses and ponies, this year’s Live Oak International will offer the highest amount of prize money of any driving event in North America.
In 2012, show jumping was added to rave reviews and returns this year, highlighted by Saturday’s $50,000 CSI2* Grand Prix, followed by the Denim & Lugano Diamonds Exhibitor’s Party, and Sunday’s $33,000 CSI2* Winning Round. One of last year’s winners, Cian O’Connor of Ireland, went on to win the Individual Bronze medal in show jumping at the 2012 London Olympics. The Irishman plans to return to Live Oak this year.
“I thought the setting of Live Oak International horse show was both unique and truly beautiful,” said O’Connor of the 5,000 acre private farm owned by the Weber family. “It’s a rarity nowadays to show on grass, never mind to have it in such a spectacular estate in the countryside. The competitions were well run, featured good courses, and were also not too long, which is important for spectators.”
Dello Joio also attended last year’s inaugural show jumping competition as a coach, and plans to return this year with several students.
“The facility is fabulous,” said Dello Joio, the Individual Bronze medalist at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. “It was really nice to leave Wellington for a few days and get into a different atmosphere; it was very different in the sense that it is very open, and has a lot of space and natural beauty. Everyone felt very welcome.”
Dello Joio concluded, “It was a very nice evening. We were really happy to contribute to the effort and host both the party as well as PlaneSense. The plane looked very good in my backyard. I was hoping they would just leave it there!”
Live Oak International wishes to recognize its generous sponsors for their support, including Adequan, Charles Owen, The Clothes Horse, Coast to Coast Truck & Trailer, Dutta Corp, E2 Show Jumpers, Farm Credit of Florida, G&C Farm, Golden Ocala, Grand Oaks Resort, Great American Insurance, Hermitage Farm, Insight Credit, Jerry Parks Insurance Group, John Deere, Johnson Horse Transportation, Lugano Diamonds, Marion County Visitor and Convention Bureau, Mid State Electric, Milburn Equine, Morgan Stanley, Ocala Hilton, Palm Chevrolet & Kia, PlaneSense, Sanctuary, Signature Brands, Stella Artois, and Tequestrian.
In addition to the competition, spectators at this year’s Live Oak International can enjoy the Classic Car Show, sponsored by Palm Chevrolet & Kia, as well as a vendor village and the Signature Brands Kids Zone featuring pony rides and a bounce house. Admission is $10 per person, $5 for seniors and children under 12, with proceeds benefiting the Marion County Therapeutic Riding Association. For more information on the Live Oak International, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit www.liveoakinternational.com.
Hospitality packages featuring transportation, accommodation, and VIP seating, are available by contacting Ainsley Hayes at ainsley@hayesco.ca.
