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Bucked Off at the HEART Hoedown

The Humane Equine Aid and Rapid Transport (HEART) Equine Ambulance hosted a fun packed, hell-stomping hoedown at Palm Beach Polo Equestrian Club in the Special Events Pavilion to raise money for the equine ambulance. With everything from a mechanical bull Calcutta to square dancing, the HEART Hoedown provided the equestrian community with a nice reprieve from the hectic Winter Equestrian Festival show circuit to slow down and enjoy the company of fellow athletes, friends and sponsors.

The hit of the night was a mechanical bull riding Calcutta. Grand prix stars Todd Minikus, Cian O'Connor and Candice King, along with Hardin Towell, Nick Dellow Joio and Dale Rochester were "sold" to the highest bidder and competed in a bull riding competition. The top place finisher was Todd, who stayed on the bull at top speed for over 30 seconds. The operator of the bull gave up and stopped the machine when it became obvious that he was not coming off. Todd brought in a bid of $3,000 from fellow equestrian, Alexa Lowe. After prize money was distributed to the top three finishers, Calcutta raised $3,525 for HEART. Todd was bruised and battered the following day, but none the less the hands down winner of the event. "I could not let those kids take me at one of my favorite past times," he laughed, shaking his swollen right hand. "I hung on for a good cause!"

HEART Committee Members including Bobbie Braun, Tony Hitchcock, Sharon McDonald, Ivan Rakowsky, Jeanette Soule, Dr. Steve Soule, Debbie Stephens and Robin Sweely welcomed the many guests.

HEART is a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit and as such donations to HEART are tax-deductible as allowed by law. For more information about HEART visit the website at www.equineambulance.com