Wellington, FL – April 1, 2015 – The American Equestrians Got Talent (AEGT) Finale put equestrians in the spotlight for a spectacular evening of singing, dancing, comedy and more. The Finale drew a crowd of spectators and, most importantly, generated significant funding for USEF High Performance Programs through the USET Foundation.

The final tally is in: AEGT’s auditions and Finale raised a total of $369,668 to directly support the High Performance competition, training, coaching, travel and education needs of America’s elite and developing equestrian athletes.

Robert Dover created AEGT as a fundraiser for the discipline of dressage and broadened its scope to involve the rest of the equestrian community. Eighty percent of proceeds, or $295,734, will go to support dressage, with the remaining twenty percent benefiting other FEI disciplines.

AEGT Finale winner Brian Lookabill with Josh Young. Photos by Mary Adelaide Brakenridge.
Each of the 13 contestants at the Finale competed on behalf of one of the eight FEI disciplines, with 10 percent of funds set aside to benefit the discipline of the AEGT winner. The three Olympic sports of dressage, eventing and show jumping were all represented by contestants at the Finale. Show jumping announcer Brian Lookabill came away with the top prize, and his win meant that 10 percent of proceeds, or $36,967, will be directed to support show jumping programs.

The remaining 10 percent of funds raised will be divided among the other six FEI disciplines.

“Robert did a great job leading the charge and bringing the event to life with the many people who worked tirelessly over three months to make the AEGT an evening to remember,” USET Foundation Executive Director Bonnie Jenkins said. “Our sincere thanks go to Kim and Fred Boyer, Margaret Duprey, Tuny and David Page and Equestrian Sport Productions for their generosity in underwriting the event to ensure its success.”

Dover commented, “I am absolutely thrilled with the results of American Equestrians Got Talent and extremely thankful to the sponsors and all of those who supported our efforts in raising funds for dressage as well as the other FEI disciplines.”
Taylor Hughes, Ki-Juan Minors, and Teaghan James made it to the top four at the AEGT Finale
The United States Equestrian Team Foundation (www.uset.org) is the non-profit organization that supports the competition, training, coaching, travel and educational needs of America’s elite and developing international, high performance horses and athletes in partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation. 

For more information on the USET Foundation, please call (908) 234-1251, or visit USET ONLINE atwww.uset.org.

 

The USET Foundation has been awarded Charity Navigator’s highest honor, a Four Star rating for good governance, sound fiscal management and commitment to accountability and transparency.

    Press Release Courtesy of Phelps Media Group