After Paris and Hong Kong, the equestrian dream came to life this weekend. What better place than Los Angeles to be the home of the first American Grand Slam. In true Hollywood Showbiz delight, the event did not disappoint. There were art exhibits and performances, VIP seating with haute cuisine, and celebrity riders giving back through charitable causes, with a true passion for the sport.
(Photo credit: AFF – USA)
Where else can you go and see a green tutu and red wig going around a jumping arena course? None other than the Saturday night Charity Pro-Am Style and Competition. Riders such as Kaley Cuoco, model Gigi Hadid and Hannah Selleck, Tom’s daughter, took on a tough course in themed costumes for charity.
Hannah Selleck (Photo credit: AFF – USA)
The Longines Los Angeles Masters marks Opera Gallery’s very first appearance on the West Coast, bringing the work of major contemporary artists to showcase for this extraordinary event. “In the Image of the Horse,” these pieces embody a scale and magnitude that capture the sense of power and beauty inherent in the equine form.
This slideshow requires JavaScript.
The best show jumping horses and riders from around the world came to exhibit their unique strength and talent, in their dedication to a sport that remains fiercely competitive with all ages and genders competing against one another.
Jennifer Gates (Photo credit: AFF – USA)
On Friday night Kent Farrington, USA, took first place in the City of Los Angeles Trophy on Willow while second place, went to Jur Vrieling, Netherlands, on Bubalu VDL and third place went to Beezie Madden, USA, on Simon. Switzerland’s, Jane Richard Philips, took the win on Friday in the Longines Speed Challenge riding Dieudonne de Guldenboom.
Kaley Cuoco (Photo credit: AFF – USA)
Belgian rider, 18-year-old, Jos Verlooy, won the Longines Grand Prixon Domino, followed by Steve Guerdat, 32 years old, from Switzerland who rode Albfuehren’s Paille, and third place went to Georgina Bloomberg, 31 years old, on Juvina for the USA.
Jessica Springsteen with Hillary McNerney (Photo credit: AFF – USA)
This sport not only requires concentration, precision and experience, but also imagination and creativity. The weekend was an experience full of emotion and thrills, and I cannot think of a better city for this memorable event. I am already looking forward to next year.
Sebastian Roche (French actor and judge for the event) with Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi (Photo credit: AFF – USA)
Guest LaLaScoop writer, Michelle Arroyo, is a Southern California native who moved from OC to LA seven years ago. After a successful career in real estate, her passion and focus since living in Los Angeles have become being a Mom to her son, and being involved in children’s quality of life charitable causes.
Guest LaLaScoop writer, Michelle Arroyo, is a Southern California native who moved from OC to LA seven years ago. After a successful career in real estate, her passion and focus since living in Los Angeles have become being a Mom to her son, and being involved in children’s quality of life charitable causes. 
lalascoop.com 