Wellington, FL - April 2, 2013 - Jack Lube, a 14-year-old rider from Orlando, Florida, won the Sidelines Magazine 2013 FTI Consulting Winter Equestrian Festival Exclusive Showing Vacation contest and experienced a dream weekend during the 11th week of the world-class circuit. Jack had never competed at a rated horse show before. With a commitment to provide opportunities for all levels of riders, Equestrian Sport Productions (ESP) was excited to help make one young rider's dream come true and help create such a special experience for him.
In addition to being able to ride and compete at the FTI WEF, Jack was presented with amazing prizes like a full set of show clothes, helmet, boots, and saddle.
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| Watch a video about Jack's entire FTI WEF experience! |
While Jack knew his prize package offered a great weekend, he was shocked at the many "additional perks" included. On his first day at the show, he was treated to a complete new outfit, including boots, breeches, show shirt, show coat, thanks to Ariat, Hadfield's and Beval, as well as a new Charles Owen helmet. The shopping spree wrapped up at Voltaire Design, where owner Brice Goguet presented the up-and-coming young rider with a brand new saddle. Suffice it to say, many tears were shed throughout the weekend and through it all Jack remained humble and thankful - a true testament to his attitude that helped him win the contest in the first place.  |
| Brice Goguet of Voltaire Design presents Jack with his new saddle. Photo courtesy Sidelines Magazine. |
"My first thought was 'They have to be messing with me!'" Lube laughed. "First it was new breeches, and it just kept building and getting better. By the end I had a new saddle! It was so amazing that these people gave me all these nice things."
"I met Frank Madden, who probably described it the best way. It's like a little kid going to Disney for the first time. It's been a dream," Lube continued.
As part of the prize package, Jack and his family stayed at the beautiful Brazilian Court Hotel in Palm Beach, near Worth Avenue. Jack trained and competed with Sean Jones from the Palm Beach Riding Academy. He competed in the Low Children's Hunters and the 12-14 Equitation on a gorgeous bay gelding named DaVinci, owned by Sean and his wife Christina. The pair picked up ribbons in the challenging division out of 34 entries.
Jack's trainer for the weekend, Sean Jones, remarked, "Working with Jack this weekend was an absolute pleasure," Jones continued. "He is a talented young man and has a tremendous natural feel for a horse. But, more importantly, he has a sincere hunger for knowledge and a true desire to excel in this sport."
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| Jack and DaVinci competing. Photo by Christina Jones. |
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| George Morris with Sidelines winner Jack Lube on Sidelines TV! |
Meg Krueger, Vice President of Sales & Sponsorship for Equestrian Sport Productions, was equally thankful to have helped provide Jack with a life-changing experience.
"It was wonderful to see how Jack's confidence built as the weekend progressed. I hope he will be inspired by these great memories and experiences to continue building his riding career," Krueger stated. "I am also so very thankful for our sponsors for making this such a once in a lifetime opportunity for him to shine."
"All of the entries in the WEF Sidelines Exclusive Showing Vacation Contest had to write an essay and submit a video showcasing their riding," said Jan Westmark-Allan, Editor-In-Chief of Sidelines. "The riders had the option of also presenting a one-minute speech on the video portion of their entry, and while there were many amazing and qualified contestants, Jack's video and essay stood out above the rest."
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| McLain Ward and Jack Lube. Photo by Elena Lusenti. |
Despite never competing at rated show before, Lube quickly settled in the competitive environment of the FTI WEF. The teenager's calm and collected demeanor was the pinnacle of the weekend for his mother, Kelly Lube.
"The highlight for me was watching him actually step up to the plate and not freeze. With all the stuff going on, he could ride and be an effective rider. I was a little nervous that he would be star struck and get into this beautiful ring and kind of forget or tense up. I'm so proud of him. He has done so well," she beamed.
"His dream has always been to go to an 'A' show one day and be competitive and not stick out like a sore thumb amongst the riders. And he did that today," Kelly continued.
Kelly described the entire contest experience as a dream come true for her son. "It still doesn't even seem like a reality," she admitted. "It's been incredible. Everyone has been so generous and so nice."
In addition to teaming up with WEF on the contest, Sidelines has also enjoyed sponsoring the 2013 ASPCA Maclay (Section A) throughout the 2013 WEF circuit in Wellington. Each week the winner of the Maclay has been presented with a gorgeous Sidelines cooler, made by Horseware Ireland. The winners included Lauren Tyree, Victoria Colvin (twice), Anna Cardelfe (twice), Jack Morgan, Kate Bundy, Emma Schauder, Caitlin Boyle, Alison Cooney and Hannah Janson.
For more information on Sidelines Magazine, please visit www.sidelinesnews.com.
