Vasco Flores of Puerto Rico and Gotham Enterprizes team members Shanna Lee (C) and Juan Rosales (R) with Balou 660. PC: Jump Media
January 20, 2017 – Wellington, FL – Balou 660, owned by Gotham Enterprizes and ridden by Vasco Flores (PUR), was recognized as the Equis Boutique Best Presented Horse during the second week of competition at the 2017 Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF) in Wellington, FL.
For the second year, Equis Boutique, a luxury tack and apparel shopping experience, is sponsoring the Best Presented Horse Award at each International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Horse Inspection held throughout the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival.
Balou 660, a ten-year-old Hanoverian gelding (Balou du Rouet x Ramiro), impressed the FEI Ground Jury, led by President Gerry Briggs, to be named the Equis Best Presented at the FEI Horse Inspection held Tuesday, January 17. It was the first time that Vasco Flores, 26, had won the Equis Best Presented Horse Award, given by Equis Boutique co-founders Cesar Hirsch and Elena Couttenye.
“It is a real honor to represent Gotham Enterprizes and Georgina Bloomberg, and it is great to start the season off with any prize,” said Flores, who has been riding at Bloomberg’s Gotham Enterprizes for three and a half years. “Everyone at our barn takes management and presentation to heart, so this means a lot to us.”
Flores, who has stepped up into FEI competition this year, noted, “I was very lucky to be born and raised in Puerto Rico, so I am striving to represent my home country at big championships. I am aiming for the Central American Games and then the Pan American Games. Right now, I am focused on getting my foot in the mix at the higher level. I am taking it step by step, but I am very excited.”
Flores also recognized his team at Gotham Enterprizes, which includes lead groom Juan Rosales. A 15-year veteran at Gotham Enterprizes, Rosales prepared Balou 660 for the FEI Horse Inspection.
“Juan is an unbelievable worker, loves the animals, and takes a lot of pride in his work,” said Flores. “I have been lucky myself that he took me under his wing. He works at making horses look and feel great, but he is also a teacher and loves to talk to me about why and how he does things. The passion he shows for his job proves that he is a true horseman at heart.”
“This is really special for me, and also for the horses and the entire team,” said Rosales, who received a commemorative Best Presented Horse vest from Equis Boutique in recognition of his achievement. “We all work really well together, and it is always a team effort.”
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.