Scene and Heard: Gucci Giant Steps Charity Classic
On Saturday, August 2, 550 guests attended the Gucci Giant Steps Charity Classic Six Bar and Gala at Sonoma Horse Park in Petaluma. In its second year, the event showcased top regional and national equestrians from across the country. The two title events of the weekend included $40,000 Shaklee Grand Prix on Sunday afternoon. Notable guests such as Vanessa Getty, Sloan and Roger Barnett, Gina Pell, Cecilia Harris, Zem Joaquin, Julie Chaiken, Christina Getty, Allison Speer, Helen McEvoy, and Merrill Kasper gathered for the event, while riders included Napa Valley equestrian Ransome Rombauer (whose collection of horses includes miniatures and rescue horses). Rombauer had just returned from Palm Desert where she competed as a junior. “Next I’m going back east to ride in national competitions,” said Rombauer, 15.
Founded in 1998, The Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian Center offers equestrian therapy to people of all ages with a wide range of physical, emotional and developmental challenges ranging from autism to cerebral palsy and Downs syndrome. Giant Steps also serves veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), wounded service members, and active duty military members. Newly appointed Giant Steps Director, Mark Waldron, thanked Gucci for generous donations and commitment. “Gucci has enhanced and enlarged the scope of our work with their generous sponsorship,” said Waldron. “Now we can help so many more wonderful people, and we’re beginning a new research program into equine therapy.”
By Diane Dorrans Saeks
Pictured: Gucci Giant Steps Charity Classic Six Bar and Gala
Photo by Claudine Gosset for Drew Altizer Photography