Kent Farrington Stable tour, sponsored by Rolex and Breakfast Catered by International Polo Club Catering
Story and Photos by Lois Spatz
After years of taking photos out in Wellington at many events of equestrian essence, never have I seen anything quite like the Rolex-sponsored press conference and spectacular breakfast by IPC Catering. And this equestrian-obsessed photographer was delighted to be included on the Rolex invitation list for an intimate tour of the Kent Farrington stable – with Kent Farrington.
Since 1998 Kent Farrington has fulfilled his childhood dream of riding in many equestrian jumping competitions all over the world. A photo of his mother in the saddle inspired the young Chicago boy to start riding lessons in a carriage house off Michigan Avenue. His passion, determination and discipline brought him to a place of gold trophies and grand prix metals and a love of beautiful horses that he generously offered to share with the media this January morning.
Entering Farrington’s barn office filled with hundreds of trophies, metals, ribbons and folded inscribed riding blankets from each competition, my eye catches a gold metal from the 2011 Pan American Games. There are many many more winning trophies and metals including the 2013 Trump International Grand Prix, FEI Nations Cup, Gene Mische American Invitational and the FTI Grand Prix. From the Hamptons to Dublin, Farrington is living his dream with a sense of pride and passion that is evident the moment you meet him.
The morning starts with colorful selections of mini quiches, fresh fruit and mini bagels filled with salmon and cream cheese, served with fresh hot coffee and chic chilled cucumber rosemary water. Wellington catering guru Aaron Menitoff, who also presents the polo brunch at IPC on Sunday mornings, carefully manages his meticulous display of yummy bite-size breakfast delicacies.
After a brief seat on the outdoor terrace overlooking Farrington’s private jumping course enjoying my croissant, I looked over as a young man appears dressed in a neatly pressed personally-embossed black jacket, pure white riding britches and black leather boots wearing his Oyster 35mm steel and platinum Rolex.
Farrington greets reporters and photographers with grace and warmth and a smile on his face, as he introduces us to his prize Kpwns, Hanoverians and Holsteiners, (the crème of the crop of breeds for equestrian riding). It brings us to realize he really loves each and every one of his horses and he is in his equestrian heaven.
Noting the warm brown maple wood of the stables glistening in the bright winter light through the black railings, I set my eyes upon Uceko, a grey gelding with a pure black mane and tail and deep dark eyes. One of Farrington’s favorite horses, he explains, and one that has brought many wins in the Winter Equestrian Festival as well as many other places in the world.
As one would imagine, Farrington’s stable is filled with top of the line tack, giant washers and dryers and lots of equestrian health products but the thing that is most noticeable is how meticulous and organized this young man is and how he has so much pride in this place he calls home.
After our tour of this large Palm Beach Point property we were excited to ask a few questions.
AW: Some of our readers may not know too much about the sport of equestrian jumping. Can you explain a little about the sport?
KF: The closest comparison is Formula One Racing. In Formula One, there is a designated course, and the principle is to compete in that course based on speed and detail. The key to it is figuring the shortest route that bears the best detail in the shortest amount of time. A great pit crew in jumping is proper nutrition, fitness and top-notch blacksmiths.
AW: What makes a horse a good jumping horse?
KF: The horses are all individuals and have their own personalities, and you have to be able to adapt and change to maximize everything about each particular horse. A good horse is afraid of nothing, but careful of every obstacle. And the horse has “heart” and a will to win that surpasses everything.
AW: What do you feel is your greatest accomplishment so far?
KF: What is most important to me are the things I haven’t achieved yet. I look at the empty spaces and try to imagine what I want next.
AW: Do you have any superstitions?
KF: No, other than making sure I am properly prepared for each show, I believe that superstitions are a weakness.
AW: If someone is interested in equestrian jumping, what are three key pieces of advice that you would give them?
KF: Surround yourself with the best people. Do not forget what you are there for and work hard to follow the rules. Keep trying no matter what and have the resilience to ride out the down times.
Rolex has been a proud sponsor of equestrian competitions for the past 50 years and continues to bring class and excellence to the industry.
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Lois Spatz, a Chicago native, has been a Wellington resident since 2004. Her time is shared between her family, friends and career as a professional photographer, writing whenever she has the chance. Lois’s Instagram ( Loissp) states that travel and photography fill her soul and she believes love can change the world. Visit her website too – for more information on LS Photos – http://www.loisspatz.com/