An Exclusive Webinar

Nearly a century after she first began advocating for suffering working horses and donkeys in Egypt, Dorothy Brooke remains one of the most influential figures in animal welfare history. But who was the woman behind the legacy?

Join acclaimed author and historian Grant Hayter-Menzies for a special Dorothy Brooke Month conversation exploring the life, character, and enduring impact of Brooke's remarkable founder. Drawing from years of research, personal correspondence, historical records, and conversations with those who knew her story best, Grant will take us beyond the familiar narrative to reveal a more complete portrait of Dorothy Brooke.

What surprised him most about her personality?

What aspects of her life are often misunderstood?

Was she as extraordinary in private as she appears in public accounts?

What were her greatest strengths—and her greatest flaws?

Together, we'll explore the moments that shaped Dorothy's worldview, the stories that nearly didn't make it into her biography, and the fascinating discoveries uncovered during the research process. Grant will also share his perspective on why Dorothy's story continues to resonate today and how her pioneering philosophy of compassion, diplomacy, education, and community partnership remains at the heart of Brooke's work around the world.

Whether you are familiar with Dorothy Brooke's story or discovering it for the first time, this engaging conversation offers a unique opportunity to see her not simply as a historical figure, but as a complex, determined, and deeply human woman whose vision continues to change lives nearly one hundred years later.

Reach out to Karen Moon, Senior Philanthropy Officer, with any questions by calling 215-459-7536 or emailing Karen.Moon@BrookeUSA.org.

Brooke USA’s Ponies & Pearls

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Sarasota Polo Club

Brooke USA invites you to an unforgettable afternoon of polo, pearls, and purpose at Ponies & Pearls, our signature Sarasota celebration held during the prestigious Grand Finale Hillcroft Invitational Final.

Set against the backdrop of world-class polo, this exclusive event blends elegance, excitement, and impact — all in support of Brooke USA’s mission to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules, and the communities who depend on them worldwide.

Event Highlights

🥂 VIP Brunch & Bubbly
Enjoy a beautifully curated brunch experience with champagne and specialty cocktails while taking in the thrilling championship match.

🛍️ Silent Auction
Bid on an exciting selection of luxury items, unique experiences, and equestrian-inspired treasures — all benefiting Brooke USA’s global programs.

👒 Hat Bar & Hat Contest
Design your own statement piece at our interactive hat bar and show off your style in our festive hat contest. Whether classic and elegant or bold and whimsical, we can’t wait to see your race-day flair!

🐎 Grand Finale Hillcroft Invitational Final
Witness top-tier polo competition in an electrifying championship match that captures the spirit and sophistication of the sport.

Event Leadership

Ponies & Pearls is proudly chaired by Kimbrell Hines and Brooke USA Ambassador Misdee Wrigley Miller, whose passion for equestrian sport and philanthropy brings this special afternoon to life.

Making a Difference

Proceeds from Ponies & Pearls directly support Brooke USA’s work providing veterinary care, farrier training, owner education, and sustainable community programs in vulnerable communities around the world. Your attendance helps ensure healthier working equines and stronger, more resilient families.

Join Us

Mark your calendar for April 12, 2026, and prepare for an afternoon where fashion meets philanthropy and sport meets purpose.

Join us at the Sarasota Polo Club for one of the season’s most stylish and meaningful events.

Join us on Thursday, February 12, 2026, for an unforgettable evening where the beauty of dressage freestyle meets the power of live symphonic music. Brooke USA proudly presents Divertimentos & Dressage in the Covered Arena at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL.

This extraordinary event pairs the artistry of dressage musical freestyles with the world-class talent of the Palm Beach Symphony, as accomplished riders and their horses perform choreographed routines to live orchestral music. Guests, horses, and musicians will share the arena in a breathtaking performance unlike any other.

Beyond its beauty, this evening supports a vital cause—raising funds for Brooke USA’s mission to improve the welfare of working horses, donkeys, and mules, and the communities that depend on them across the globe and here in the United States.

Evening Program
5:30–7:00 PM – Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction
Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, fine cocktails, and the opportunity to bid on exclusive items in support of Brooke USA.

7:00–8:30 PM – Dressage & Symphony Performance with Dinner & Dessert
Experience a one-hour concert by members of the Palm Beach Symphony, paired with spectacular dressage performances to live music, followed by a plated dinner and dessert.

8:30–9:00 PM – Silent Auction Close-Out & Pick-Up

Event Leadership
Honorary Chairs: Judy & David Sloan

Committee Co-Chairs: Jennifer Burger & Ashley Wimmer

Last year’s Divertimentos & Dressage raised a record-breaking $185,000 for Brooke USA’s mission—and this year promises to be even more extraordinary.

Become A Sponsor

Sponsoring the Divertimentos & Dressage 2026 in Wellington is a compelling opportunity because this event masterfully blends elegance, equestrian excellence and philanthropy. Benefiting Brooke USA, it features dressage riders performing choreographed freestyles alongside live orchestral accompaniment from ensembles like the Palm Beach Symphony — a unique platform that captivates the audience.

Additionally, being held in the heart of the winter equestrian season in Wellington, FL, it reaches affluent equestrian enthusiasts, community influencers and socially-conscious philanthropists — all while supporting Brooke USA’s mission to improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them worldwide.

By backing this event your organization will not only gain visibility among a premium audience in a celebrated equestrian hub, but will also align itself with meaningful impact and high-profile philanthropic branding through a beautifully staged, memorable evening. See the 2025 Sponsor Impact Report.

Join Brooke USA’s Ocala Regional Advisory Council for a benefit concert unlike any other!

Divertimentos & Dressage is an exciting event that brings together people who genuinely want to make a difference by raising funds for Brooke USA Foundation. The mission of Brooke USA is to aleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them for survival in the most vulnerable communities worldwide and right here in the United States.

On Thursday, January 29th at Goldmark Farm, Brooke USA wil host an evening of music and freestyle dressage. Premier classical musicians from the Ocala Symphony Orchestra will accompany Grand Prix dressage horses and their highly accomplished riders. Divertimentos & Dressage promises to be the event of the season.

The Program:

5:30 - 7 PM: Pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d' oeuvres.

7-8 PM: One-hour concert performance featuring freestyle dressage choreographed to the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.       

 8-9 PM: Post-performance Dessert and coffee with riders and music director

Please note that you will be entering the arena during the performance, and we suggest that you wear appropriate footwear.

Experience the magic of Divertimentos & Dressage, a captivating dressage musical freestyle set to the sounds of a live symphonic orchestra. Join us on Thursday, October 23rd from 5:30-9 p.m. at Tryon International Equestrian Center, where spectators will be overwhelmed by a mesmerizing collaboration between horses, riders, orchestra, and guests, all while sharing the arena.  

Dressage riders and their majestic horses will enthrall the audience with breathtaking freestyle performances to live orchestral music, this year by the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra.

Event Chair Sharon Decker is planning an unforgettable evening filled with culinary delights and beverages, a silent auction, a travel auction, and much more.  

Help Brooke USA Foundation significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them to survive in the most vulnerable communities worldwide and in the United States. 

Divertimentos & Dressage is an exciting event that brings together people who genuinely want to make a difference by raising funds for Brooke USA Foundation’s projects that alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival in the most vulnerable communities worldwide and right here in the United States.

The Program:

• 5:30-7:00 PM: A pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as silent and travel auctions.

• 7:00-8:00 PM: A one-hour concert of music performed by members of the Hendersonville Symphony Orchestra featuring choreographed dressage to classical music.

• 8:00-9:00 PM: Dessert & Coffee

Please note that you will be entering the arena during the performance, and we suggest that you wear appropriate footwear.

Your attendance and support help women and their donkeys across East Africa.

Ponies & Pearls Aiken 2025

Sold Out

An Equine Celebration Event

Brooke USA’s Ponies & Pearls is an equine celebration event supporting our global programs focused on improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people they serve in some of the world’s most vulnerable communities. 

Join us for a delightful afternoon filled with fun, friendship and festivities to honor our equine partners. Watch a thrilling polo match from the VIP clubhouse lawn and cheer on your favorite players and horses. Try one of our event signature cocktails from Tito’s Handmade Vodka or sip on a refreshing mimosa from the Sister’s Bubbly Buggy — offering a variety of delicious flavors. Mix and mingle with old and new friends, including our beloved burro buddies, Kate and Lola.

The event will also feature a flower bouquet bar where you can create your own custom arrangement, and a hat bar where you can design or choose the perfect accessory to complement your look. Don’t forget to enter the hat contest and show off your style for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

Bid on unique items during our silent auction, with proceeds supporting a great cause, and enjoy the relaxed, joyful atmosphere that brings our community together.

Join us at Equine Instincts Gallery for an evening of wine and hors d'oeuvres as we highlight the impactful global work of Brooke USA Foundation. Help us raise awareness and funds to support both people and animals in vulnerable communities around the world.

Discover the mission to alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys, and mules, and support the people who rely on them for survival in the most at-risk communities worldwide, including right here in the United States.

Brooke USA's Divertimentos & Dressage, presented by Lugano Diamonds, offers a dressage musical freestyle to a live symphonic orchestra. On Thursday, February 20, Brooke USA, in the Covered Arena, at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in Wellington, FL, will host an evening of music and freestyle dressage. The Palm Beach Symphony will accompany Grand Prix horses and their highly accomplished riders, making Divertimentos & Dressage the event you have been waiting to experience.

Spectators will be overwhelmed by the beauty of this event when horses, orchestra and guests literally share the arena.

Divertimentos & Dressage is an exciting event that brings together people who genuinely want to make a difference by raising funds for Brooke USA’s projects that alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival in the most vulnerable communities worldwide and right here in the United States.

The Program:

• 5-7 PM: A pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as a luxury vendor village and silent auction.

• 7-8:15 PM: A one-hour concert of music performed by members of the Palm Beach Symphony featuring choreographed dressage to classical music.

• 8:15 PM: Dessert & Coffee

Interested in becoming a sponsor?

Tickets for Divertimentos & Dressage Ocala 2025 have officially sold out! Thank you to everyone who secured their spot. We are thrilled by the incredible response and look forward to an unforgettable event. You can still attend this event in Wellington on February 20th, so mark your calendars! Stay tuned for future updates and be sure to join us next time!

Experience the magic of Divertimentos & Dressage, presented by Lugano Diamonds, a captivating dressage musical freestyle set to the sounds of a live symphonic orchestra. Join us on Thursday, January 30th from 6-9 p.m. at Bridlewood Farm, where spectators will be overwhelmed by a mesmerizing collaboration between horses, riders, orchestra, and guests, all while sharing the arena.  

Grand Prix riders and their majestic horses will enthrall the audience with breathtaking freestyle performances to live orchestral music, this year by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra.

Event Chairs Sally Lewis and Laurie Zink are planning an unforgettable evening filled with culinary delights and beverages, a silent auction, a travel auction, and much more.  

Help Brooke USA Foundation significantly improve the health, welfare and productivity of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them.

Divertimentos & Dressage is an exciting event that brings together people who genuinely want to make a difference by raising funds for Brooke USA Foundation’s projects that alleviate the suffering of working horses, donkeys and mules and the people who depend on them for survival in the most vulnerable communities worldwide and right here in the United States.

The Program:

• 6:00-7:00 PM: A pre-performance reception with cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, as well as silent and travel auctions.

• 7:00-8:00 PM: A one-hour concert of music performed by members of the Ocala Symphony Orchestra featuring choreographed dressage to classical music.

• 8:00-9:00 PM: Dessert & Coffee

Interested in becoming a sponsor?