Press Release – Zippo Z, owned by Messenger Hill Farm, was named the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse Award winner during the fourth week of the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL, giving Freddie Vazquez of Puerto Rico and his groom, Arnulfo Novoa, the title for the third time. Equis Boutique, a luxury tack and apparel shopping experience, is sponsoring the Best Presented Horse Award for the second consecutive year at each International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection held throughout the 12-week WEF.
The FEI Horse Inspection for WEF 4, designated as a CSI4* by the FEI, was held Tuesday, January 31, at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. The FEI Ground Jury, led by President David Distler, evaluated the appearance and condition of horses jogging for FEI competition, and once again rewarded the work of Vazquez’s Messenger Hill Farm, based out of Mettawa, IL, by naming Zippo Z as the Equis Best Presented Horse.
“We take a lot of pride in the presentation of our horses, riders, and stable,” said Vazquez, who won two Equis Best Presented Horse Awards during the 2016 WEF with Messenger Hill Farm’s Esprit de Vie, also groomed by Novoa. “People notice that program and it means a lot to be recognized for that hard work.”
Of Novoa’s dedication to the horses he cares for, Vazquez said, “He has a great relationship with the horses. He keeps them happy and they love him for it. Even on his days off, he wants to go to the stables and make sure everything looks right. I hire people who think the way I do and he has such a strong attention to detail.”
Zippo Z, a 14-year-old bay Zangersheide stallion (Zandor Z x Rebel I Z), makes Novoa’s job easy with natural presence in and out of the ring.
“His looks are my favorite thing about him,” said Novoa, a long-time member of the Messenger Hill Farm team. “Winning this award means a lot. Working with these great horses is awesome and we try our best to take great care of them.”
For the honor, Novoa received a commemorative Best Presented Horse vest from Equis Boutique co-founder Elena Couttenye.
Zippo Z was scheduled to be Vazquez’s mount for the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada, but a bone bruise sidelined the stallion a month before the event. The 2017 WEF circuit marks Zippo Z’s first season back in Florida after recovering from the injury.
Equis Boutique is a shopping experience for the discerning equestrian and offers the most convenient and luxurious choice for top equine brands to dress both the horse and rider. Featured brands available at Equis Boutique include Dy’on, euro-star®, Flex-On, KASK, Kentucky Horsewear, Kingsland Equestrian, Manfredi Equestrian, Parlanti, and Theria Bits.
Visit Equis Boutique throughout WEF in the Vendor Village at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. For more information, please visit EquisBoutique.com, or look for Equis Boutique on Facebook and Instagram! Email info@equisboutique.com for questions on the stores and their products.
Source: Press Release
