Maura Lautenbach and High Life earned the championship of the Old Salem Farm Equitation Challenge, presented by Palm Beach International Academy. Photo by SEL Photography

NORTH SALEM, NY – Sept. 15, 2020 – Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA) returned to Old Salem Farm to sponsor of the Old Salem Farm Equitation Challenge, a two-round event that was held Saturday, Sept. 12, during the Fall Series Week I. The Equitation Challenge, presented by PBIA, was a feature event of Week I and perfect preparation for those competing in the upcoming NHSA/ASPCA Maclay Region 2 Championships during Week II. PBIA is the premier academic provider for all equestrian athletes and families across the United States and other parts of the world.

Maura Lautenbach and Patricia Lautenbach’s 12-year-old Holsteiner gelding High Life bested their field in the Old Salem Farm Equitation Challenge, presented by Palm Beach International Academy, after producing a two-round total of 160.00 points. Lautenbach is from Indianapolis, Indiana, and trains with Andre Dignelli and Heritage Farm. Alida Treuting and Insilvio Del Maset, Heritage Farm Inc.’s 9-year-old Warmblood gelding, took the reserve honors with 157.00 points.

“We are proud to partner with Palm Beach International Academy for the Equitation Challenge,” said Scott Hakim, president of Old Salem Farm. “Many Old Salem Farm riders benefit from the services provided by Palm Beach International Academy and stay up-to-date in their studies while continuing to excel in the show ring.”

PBIA was founded in 1989 with the goal of developing educational programs focused on the individual learning styles, needs and lifestyles of students of all ages.

 

 

Educating equestrian student-athletes for many years, PBIA has been an asset to some of the top junior and young riders across the country. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they have continued to provide top-quality educational services.

PBIA provides equestrian student-athletes options to continue their academic pursuits. Their Wellington center is a golf cart ride away from the Winter Equestrian Festival and the on-site location at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center showgrounds allows riders easy access to study materials and tutoring while competing. PBIA sponsors and supports many horse shows, creating easy access for students to stay up-to-date with their studies, which allows them to return to their hometown school feeling confident.

ABOUT PALM BEACH INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
Since 1989, Palm Beach International Academy (PBIA) has been creating educational programs focused on the individual learning needs and lifestyles for students of all ages. Since its inception, PBIA has been developing best practices for distance learning and alternative education.

“Our equestrian families helped shape the course of PBIA over the years because their students needed school to be a part of their training and competition schedules,” said Joanne Weiner, PBIA’s Founding and Executive Director. “I am so very proud of the contribution we have made to Junior Riders and all equestrian families around the world, allowing students to maintain their academic excellence while pursuing their sport. We made sure that students did not have to choose between riding and school.”

Whether enrolled in year-round, accredited, college preparatory programs, seasonal programs in conjunction with their own schools, or traditional tutorials in specific subjects, students are able to study one-on-one or in small groups with exceptional educators. Gap year and university programs are also available.

PBIA’s students have been able to maintain their academic excellence while adjusting to all the changes happening in school these days.

“Our students did not miss a beat this spring and summer,” Weiner said. “We have been working with distance learning programs since the beginning, so moving to an all-online delivery this year was easy. Our students have had a great beginning this fall online, and we are all looking forward to being together this winter.”

For more information, please go to pbiafl.com or call 561-338-3811.