Video Courtesy of Wellington International
Christian Kukuk is Twice a Winner in Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix
Photos by Lois Spatz
German Olympic champion Christian Kukuk won the Rolex Finale at Wellington International for the second consecutive year aboard Checker 47 during the final ‘Saturday Night Lights’ of the 2025 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) season. In front of a sold-out crowd of more than 10,000 fans, the pair repeated history in the $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix, the first stop of 2025 on the prestigious Rolex Series Equestrian. Highlighted by 12 weeks of consecutive FEI competition, WEF 2025 concludes on Sunday, March 30 in Wellington, FL.
“This is a story you can’t imagine,” said Kukuk, 35, who spent the morning of the Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix welcoming his first child to the world. “This day is always going to be a very special memory for her birthday. I am the happiest man on the planet tonight.”
Together with his wife and fellow equestrian athlete Veronica Tracy, Kukuk’s daughter Lilah was born only hours before he took to Guilherme Jorge’s (BRA) Rolex Finale track in the International Arena at Wellington International.
From a field of 40 qualified riders that included six of the world’s top 10 ranked athletes, eight advanced to the tie-breaking jump-off. The pathfinder in both rounds was Israeli Olympian Ashlee Bond, who finished third aboard Donatello 141 with the first time to beat of 40.41 seconds. She was pipped by U.S. Olympic team silver medalist Laura Kraut riding Bisquetta to finish as the runner-up in 39.49 seconds.
“I knew Laura was fast and that I had to try everything,” said Kukuk, who also won the NetJets CSI4* Grand Prix at WEF earlier in the season. “It went well and then suddenly I had too many [strides] to the last. I thought for a second that I had lost it but looked to the screen and saw I got lucky in that moment.”
Kukuk bested Kraut by two tenths of a second, stopping the clock at 39.20 seconds for the win.
“I definitely left the door open,” admitted Kraut. “I added to the third and added to the double. I should have left one out in both those places.
“Being second to the Olympic champion feels pretty good,” continued Kraut, who piloted her 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek) for owners Cherry Knoll Farm. “She’s a very quick horse, but I got a bit cautious. I have to say, the crowd here has been amazing all season, but tonight was extra electric. There were tremendous horses and riders tonight, and I think that keeping it to eight clear was a definite credit to [Guilherme’s] talent.”
Jorge has designed the finale grand prix at Wellington International for 11 consecutive years and noted that the evening’s result went exactly to plan. “Eight is always my number,” said Jorge, who designed the courses fro the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. “I wanted to test the horse and rider ability, but also give this huge crowd an opportunity to see the speed and a very exciting finale. This is a championship-level course, a championship-level event, but when it comes to the jump-off, it’s 100% up to the riders.”
As the first to crack the code on Jorge’s course, Bond gave all the credit to her Olympic partner. “Donnie and I have been together nine years, and after the Olympics I wasn’t sure he was going to do this again because he didn’t feel the same in Paris as he did in Tokyo,” she said of the 2011 Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I). “The fact that I get to be third in a Rolex 1.60m Grand Prix makes me grateful and I don’t take any of these moments for granted. As long as he keeps telling me that he loves his job, he’ll do it. Then, if he can give my daughter pony rides for the rest of his career, that’s fine.”
The win for Kukuk is the culmination of his first season spent in Wellington. “I was really excited to come back and spend the whole winter here; I had great success, but this last week and the Rolex Grand Prix is outstanding,” he said. “It’s such a competitive class and we have an amazing crowd—you feel the tension as a rider. There is something special between Checker and this arena. Every time I come in the ring with him, I have the feeling that he has an extra gear.”
When asked about the journey with Checker 47—a 2010 Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On) owned by M.H & Partner GBR & Madeleine Winter-Schulze—Kukuk said nothing would be possible without a strong partnership between horse and rider. “I know every single button and he knows and trusts me. It’s a relationship based on trust; I know exactly what I can ask from him, and he knows I would never ask anything crazy from him. Consistently winning on this level is only about creating a deep relationship with your horse.”
Kukuk also credited Checker’s relationship with groom Sofie Karlsson as a contributor to their success. Karlsson was presented with the $500 Double H Farm’s Grooms Award on Saturday.
To close the evening, Wellington International President Michael Stone celebrated a record-breaking WEF season that saw every ‘Saturday Night Lights’ completely sold out.
“Seeing the crowds turn out for those athletes proves that we are accomplishing our goal of bringing the sport to everybody,” he said. “The quality of riders we have now is amazing with Olympic champions and world no. 1. It’s a sport that everyone can be part of and to be able to help grow that makes Wellington International very proud.”
Wellington International joined the debut season of the Rolex Series this year alongside some of the most renowned equestrian sport venues in the world, including Rome, Italy; La Baule, France; Falsterbo, Sweden; Dinard, France; Dublin, Ireland; and Brussels, Belgium.
“Rolex has been a fantastic partner for us, and to be asked to be part of the series is incredible. It raises our level because we can share what we do with the world,” concluded Stone. “We are all working together for the good of the sport.”
Top Five Results: $750,000 Rolex US Equestrian Open Grand Prix
- Christian Kukuk (GER) & Checker 47: 2010 Westphalian gelding (Comme Il Faut 5 x Come On)
Owner: M.H & Partner GBR & Madeleine Winter-Schulze
Faults/Time: 0/0/39.20 - Laura Kraut (USA) & Bisquetta: 2014 Zangersheide mare (Bisquet Balou C x Takashi van Berkenbroek)
Owners: Cherry Knoll Farm
Faults/Time: 0/0/39.49 - Ashlee Bond (ISR) & Donatello 141: 2011 Westphalian gelding (Diarado x Lamoureux I)
Owner: Ashlee Bond Show Jumping
Faults/Time: 0/0/40.41 - Jordan Coyle (IRL) & Chaccolino: 2011 gelding Zangersheide (Chacco-Blue x Heartbreaker)
Owner: Elan Farm
Faults/Time: 0/0/40.44 - Bertram Allen (IRL) & Conquest de Rigo: 2016 Belgian Warmblood gelding (Fantomas de Muze x Indonctro)
Owners: Ballywalter Stables
Faults/Time: 0/4/40.45
Hot Girls For Hot Yoga
By Danielle Boyd
I know you’ve been hearing about it—hot yoga. It seems to be everywhere lately, on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, in your mom’s group—everyone’s talking about their hot yoga class, but what’s all the fuss about?
Hot yoga is a practice where instructors crank the heat up to about 90°F-105°F, so think of a typical Florida summer day. The heat is the key that makes it all worth it. During your hour-long session, the high temperatures help enhance the benefits of the yoga practice. For starters, you can get a deeper stretch when your muscles and joints are warmed, leading to an increase in flexibility. So, if you can’t touch your toes now, I promise you will be able to after a few sessions.
It’s also great for your heart. Our hearts are our core, the organ that’s constantly working to keep us alive every day, so we should do everything in our power to take care of it. The heat and constant movement of hot yoga allow your blood vessels to expand, improving circulation throughout your body, which in turn reduces strain, taking a bit of stress off the heart and helping it pump more efficiently.
One of the major reasons many people are flocking to hot yoga is to de-stress. In our fast-paced society, many of us deal with constant stress, rarely slowing down until it’s time for bed. Over time, chronic stress can have major effects on your health, possibly causing high blood pressure, stroke, a weakened immune system, digestive issues, anxiety, and depression. During your session, the instructor constantly reminds you to pay attention to your breathing in a practice called “mindful breathing.” Mindful breathing focuses on deep breathing and various forms of breathwork, like pranayama, specifically Ujjayi breathing. This technique helps you maintain focus, regulate energy levels, and reduce stress, even during the intensity of various poses. Once you leave the class, the serenity carries with you—well, of course, unless you run into a crazy person on the road and start a bout of road rage.
One of the best benefits of hot yoga is that it makes you hotter. During your class, you are going to sweat—don’t even try to fight it. Excessive sweating is great for you—it’s the body’s natural way of detoxification. All the gross toxins seep out of your pores, leaving you refreshed. This can lead to an improved look of your skin. You’re also working on sculpting your body, as you move through your poses, toning your muscles and giving you a leaner look. Not to mention the posture improvement you get from yoga: the constant reminder to sit upright, shoulders back and down, and also work from your core contributes to improving your posture. Looking in the mirror after a few classes, your confidence should definitely skyrocket.
The number one thing to remember is to drink lots of water before your session and sip throughout it. Becoming dehydrated is easy when working out in temperatures of that magnitude. Some people tend to feel dizzy and nauseous throughout the class if they don’t properly hydrate before. I know you’d hate to pass out in front of the hot girls.
If you think the hype of hot yoga is worth it, check out some classes at your local gyms or studios! You won’t regret it, and you’ll be an even hotter girl afterward!
Wisdom Warrior Challenge at Wellington Bay/Lisbet Memory Care
Who: Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care community Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care
When: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Where: Wellington Bay. 2550 Wellington Bay Dr. Wellington, FL 33414
What:
Join the Wisdom Warrior Challenge, a Florida-based nonprofit dedicated to age-inclusive track races, at the Wellington Bay and Lisbet Memory Care race to cheer on the participants aged 50 to 102!
Participants will compete and celebrate being vibrant 55+ athletes in our community.
The Wisdom Warrior Challenge encourages seniors to stay active, socialize, celebrate their vitality, and challenge the myth that aging means slowing into a sedentary lifestyle. To ensure everyone can join, the Challenge is designed to focus on inclusivity, by offering specific divisions for participants using assistive equipment such as canes, walkers, or wheelchairs.
Among the residents participating are Bob Goldberg who is celebrating his 100th birthday this summer and recently celebrated his 73rd wedding anniversary and local former elementary school teacher June Isaacson.
Additionally, participants in the Challenge will receive swag bags, prizes, and a 90-day fitness program to kick-start their health and wellness journey. Children, families, and friends are encouraged to cheer on the team with fun activities available for kids during the race. Participants are asked to arrive at 8:30 a.m. and the race will begin at 9 a.m.
We hope to see you there!
Inaugural Palm Beach Gala for Fallen Patriots
Hosted by CBIZ Raises Over $2.4 Million for Gold Star Children’s Education
Palm Beach, FL – Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation celebrated a momentous milestone with its Inaugural Palm Beach Gala for Fallen Patriots – Hosted by CBIZ, on March 7, 2025, at the prestigious Breakers Hotel in Palm Beach. Building upon the success of previous galas in New York City and Greenwich,CT, this event marked a significant expansion of the organization’s mission to provide college scholarships to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.
Established in 2002 by Co-Founders David Y. Kim and Cynthia Kim, Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation has dedicated itself to ensuring that the children of America’s fallen heroes can pursue their dreams of higher education without financial burden. To date, the organization has provided over $72 million in scholarships to more than 3,500 military children from all branches of the armed forces. In addition to financial support, Fallen Patriots offers crucial professional development opportunities, including internships, full-time job placements, and career symposiums, fostering upward mobility for Gold Star children.
The Inaugural Palm Beach Gala was a resounding success and raised an astounding $2,410,000. This remarkable achievement will fund more than 384 years of college education for Fallen Patriots scholars. Dinner sponsors for the event included Citadel, Citadel Securities, and Griffin Catalyst, whose generous contributions were instrumental in the evening’s success.
Approximately 470 guests attended the event, including esteemed individuals such as Tracy Weiner, Executive Director of the CBIZ Foundation (Host); Jill and Matt Schecter, Gala Co-Hosts; Retired Major General Brian Mennes; Retired Major General Patricia Frost; and Holly Petraeus, Children of Fallen Patriots Board Member and wife of retired United States Army General and former Director of the CIA, General (RET) David Petraeus.
The evening featured a captivating auction with notable items, including exotic travel experiences and a unique opportunity for dinner with General (RET) Petraeus. A war-flown flag garnered an impressive $100,000.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Palm Beach community, our gala host, CBIZ, and our dedicated host committee for embracing our mission and making our inaugural gala such a tremendous success. Their collective generosity and commitment to our mission helped make this event a powerful testament to the impact we can achieve together. We look forward to building on this momentum in the years to come,” said David Y. Kim, Co-Founder and CEO of Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation.
To learn more about Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation and its mission, please visit: https://www.fallenpatriots.org
Safe Kids PBC Leads Launch of Hot Car Death Prevention Month in Palm Beach County
West Palm Beach, FL – Community Partners of South Florida’s Safe Kids Palm Beach County (PBC) program is taking a leading role in the launch of Hot Car Death Prevention Month in Palm Beach County, marking a critical step in safeguarding children from the devastating consequences of vehicular heatstroke.
This initiative, coinciding with the statewide observance of “Ariya’s Act,” signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, underscores the urgent need to address the tragic reality of children dying in hot cars.
Florida ranks second in the nation for these preventable deaths, a statistic that Safe Kids PBC, funded by the Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, is determined to change. In response to the alarming incidents, including the loss of two Florida children in November, local leaders are convening to raise awareness and provide essential safety information.
Safe Kids PBC Director Kathy Wall will spearhead the event, offering expert advice to parents and caregivers on preventing these tragedies. The event will feature a powerful visual demonstration showcasing the rapid rise in vehicle interior temperatures and a reenactment by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue illustrating their response to such emergencies.
Event Details:
- When: Tuesday, April 1. 10:00am.
- Where: Palm Beach County Fire Rescue Headquarters, 405 Pike Road, West Palm Beach, FL 33411
- Speakers:
- Kathy Wall, Director, Safe Kids Palm Beach County
- Dr. Lisa Williams-Taylor, CEO, Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County
- Phillip Olavarria, Division Chief of Medical Services, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue
“Safe Kids Palm Beach County is committed to educating our community and providing the tools necessary to prevent these heartbreaking incidents,” said Kathy Wall, Director of Safe Kids PBC. “This month is about raising awareness and taking action to ensure no child suffers from vehicular heatstroke in our county.”
The Children’s Services Council of Palm Beach County, which funds Safe Kids PBC as part of its mission to support healthy, safe, and strong children, recognizes the vital role this program plays in community safety.
Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s Community Risk Reduction Division will also be participating, highlighting their commitment to community safety. Information regarding their safety presentations can be found at pbcfr.org or by calling 561-616-7033.
For inquiries before the event, please contact Kathy Wall at 561-628-7897.
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ABOUT COMMUNITY PARTNERS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Community Partners of South Florida is a $19 million comprehensive community development nonprofit agency headquartered in Riviera Beach that provides services to families facing social, emotional, and financial adversity. By using a unique, breakthrough approach integrating housing and financial empowerment, child and family mental health, and community services, Community Partners of South Florida creates self-sustaining families and communities and serves as a driver for growing its local economy. For more information about Community Partners of South Florida, visit www.cpsfl.org. Community Partners of South Florida is a proud chartered affiliate of NeighborWorks America, a national, nonpartisan nonprofit striving to make every community a place of opportunity.
Lines In My Path
By Denise Marsh
There are lines in my path-
Straight and narrow,
curved and widened,
broken and blurred;
Each one
telling its own tale.
There are lines in my path.
I walk slowly,
cautiously,
pausing at each one
in reflection
and circumstance.
There are lines in my path
that even the rain cannot erase
with its gentle tears.
The lines of my life-
lessons that beget
another line.
Spring into Pet Care
10 Essential Tips from American Humane Society
Florida (March 28, 2025)—With spring in full swing, American Humane Society, the country’s first national humane organization, has issued 10 essential pet tips, specific to the season. Warmer weather means increased outdoor activity, shedding season and more seasonal hazards to watch out for.
To keep pets and owners happy, healthy and safe all spring long, the organization has shared these key tips:
1. Groom and prepare for shedding season
Many pets shed their winter coats during the spring months. Regular brushing and bathing will help keep fur manageable. Pet owners should also consider professional grooming services to trim nails, clean ears and refresh coats.
2. Ease into increased outdoor activity
Pets that have been less active during the winter should be gradually reintroduced to longer walks and playtime to prevent injury. Pet owners should also be mindful of allergies—just like humans, pets can suffer from pollen and grass allergies.
3. Update flea, tick and heartworm prevention
Warmer weather means an increase in fleas, ticks and mosquitos, which can transmit diseases such as tapeworms, heartworm disease and Lyme disease. Refer to veterinarians for best preventive treatments.
4. Refresh vaccinations and annual vet checkups
Spring is a great time for a wellness checkup, especially if your pet spends more time outdoors during this time. Ensure core vaccines (rabies, distemper etc.) and recommended seasonal vaccines (like leptospirosis) are up to date.
5. Freshen up pet tags and microchips
Ensure pets’ ID tags and microchip information is up to date.
6. Check yards and homes for hazards
Remove toxic plants such as lilies (dangerous to cats) and azaleas. Secure trash cans and properly store gardening chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides.
7. Wash beds, blankets and toys
Check labels for washing instructions and consider adding a pet-safe detergent and fabric softener. Toss pet beds, blankets and plush toys in the wash to eliminate dirt, odors and bacteria.
8. Replace air filters
Pet hair and dander can clog air filters, affecting air quality. Changing an HVAC or air purifier filters helps reduce allergens and keeps homes smelling fresh.
9. Organize pet supplies
Take inventory of belongings, discard expired treats, restock essentials like waste bags and neatly store leashes, toys and grooming tools for easy access. Check toys to make sure there are no choking hazards.
10. Switch to pet-safe cleaning products
Many traditional cleaning products contain chemicals that can be harmful to pets. Pet owners should look for non-toxic, pet-safe cleaners; a mixture of vinegar and baking soda provides a safe, natural alternative.
About American Humane Society
With offices in Palm Beach, FL and Washington, DC, American Humane Society is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, helping to verify the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. Founded in 1877, American Humane Society has been First to Serve™ the cause of animals and for over 145 years has been at the forefront of virtually every major advance in the humane movement. For more information or to support our lifesaving work, please visit AmericanHumane.org, and follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and YouTube for the latest breaking news and features about the animals with whom we share our Earth.
AW in Pictures – April
INAUGURAL BILLBONE OLYMPIC TRIATHLON ON APRIL 6
ATTORNEY BILL BONE BRINGS OLYMPIC POWER TO PALM BEACH COUNTY AT THE INAUGURAL BILLBONE OLYMPIC TRIATHLON ON APRIL 6
Olympians Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe to Race alongside participants
West Palm Beach, FL – (March 27, 2025) – Trial Lawyer and Native Son, cycling advocate, Bill Bone will debut the Inaugural BillBone Olympic Triathlon on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach. One of the highlights of the race is the exciting and rare opportunity to compete alongside two Olympic athletes—Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe.
Kasper, who represented Team USA in the Women’s Triathlon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, and her husband, Sharpe, an Olympic triathlete for Canada 2020 Toyko and IRONMAN Champion, will race side-by-side with athletes of all levels on a professionally designed Olympic-distance course.
“It was a privilege to watch her race,” said Bone, who met Kasper during the Paris Olympics. “I was inspired by her energy and knew I wanted to bring that Olympic spirit here. Kirsten and Matt are world-class athletes and incredible people. We’re honored to have them compete in our inaugural event.”
The triathlon begins with a swim in Waterski Park, followed by a bike course escorted by Palm Beach State Officers. The final segment is a shaded run through Okeeheelee Park. Free breakfast will be provided for all participants and spectators.
In addition to race-day excitement, registered participants are invited to an exclusive Meet & Greet Cocktail Party with Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe on Friday, April 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bill Bone Bike Law, 475 Hibiscus Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. RSVP is required through the race registration process.
Athletes can join a free pre-race warm-up with Kirsten and Matt on Saturday, April 5. The casual run-swim-run session starts at 7:30 a.m. from LC Tri Shop Boutique in downtown West Palm Beach and includes a scenic route to the beach, an ocean swim, and a light breakfast afterward. Cyclists are welcome to ride and meet the group at the Worth Avenue Clock Tower by 8:00 a.m.
Out-of-county participants are encouraged to contact the Palm Beach County Sports Commission for information on hotel discounts and accommodations. Visit PalmBeachSports.com/hotels for details.
“This is more than a race,” added Bone. “It’s about bringing people together around fitness, competition, and community.”
The event is sponsored by Bill Bone Bike Law. For registration, course maps, and full event details, visit billbone.com.
About Bill Bone:
Giving back is the mantra that guides Bill Bone in every aspect of his life—from his passion for cycling and his service as a volunteer leader in the community to his accomplishments as one of Florida’s best-known and most successful trial lawyers.
As co-founder of the law firm Larmoyeux & Bone in West Palm Beach and principal of Bill Bone Bike Law, with affiliate offices across Florida, he has successfully represented over a thousand clients, securing settlements and jury awards totaling more than $100 million. Mr. Bone is admitted to practice in all Florida state courts and is certified as a specialist in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar. He is a past chairman of the Plaintiff’s Personal Injury Law Committee, Law Week, and the Public Relations Committee for the Palm Beach County Bar Association.
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Friday, April 4, 2025 – 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. — Meet & Greet Cocktail Party with Olympic triathletes Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe at Bill Bone Bike Law, 475 Hibiscus Street, West Palm Beach, FL. Open exclusively to registered participants of the BillBone Olympic Triathlon, this special event offers a chance to meet the Olympians in an informal setting before race day. RSVP is required during race registration. More information can be found at billbone.com.
Sunday, April 6, 2025 – 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. — The Inaugural BillBone Olympic Triathlon at Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, FL. This professionally designed Olympic distance race features a rare opportunity to compete alongside Olympians Kirsten Kasper and Matthew Sharpe. The event includes a swim in Waterski Park, a police-escorted bike course, and a shaded run through Okeeheelee Park. Free breakfast will be provided for all participants and spectators. Registration and details are available at billbone.com.