March 20, 2010 – Wellington, FL
By Y.A. Teitelbaum, Sun Sentinel Correspondent

U.S. Olympian Margie Engle added a unique victory to her trophy case.

The 10-time American Grandprix Association (AGA) Rider of the Year, who has amassed more than 100 career wins, anchored her team to victory in the inaugural FTI Great Charity Challenge on Saturday at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center.

Going ninth out of 24 teams, Engle, along with teammates Christina Kelly and Jennifer Waxman, combined to jump the 24 obstacles in 111.134 seconds.

The victory earned the Step by Step Foundation, which raises money for relief efforts in Haiti, at least $150,000.

“It was a lot of fun and for a great cause,” said Engle, who lives in Wellington. “It was a little hectic [waiting]. It’s always difficult going early. It was fun to ride with the group. They made my job easy. They left up all the jumps.”

Placing second was 2008 Olympian Pablo Barrios of Venezuela, representing the Boys and Girls Club of Wellington, in 113.425 seconds, including four seconds in time faults. The charity will receive at least $100,000.

Finishing third was veteran Olympian Rodrigo Pessoa of Brazil, representing the Wellington Community Foundation, in 114.636 seconds. The charity will receive at least $50,000.

Twenty-four charities with South Florida connections were the beneficiaries of the FTI Great Charity Challenge show jumping event, which raised more than $500,000.

The remaining 21 charities will receive at least $9,500 each.

The FTI Winter Equestrian Festival continues this week, featuring the $500,000 grand prix Saturday.

Photo Credit: Function2 Inc. Victoria Clermont
http://www.function2.com