WHAT is usually the biggest night of the 12-week Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), the Great Charity Challenge (GCC) pivoted to a blend of in-person competition for riders and virtual celebration for charities and supporters. Those supporters cheered as equestrians and their mounts, representing 46 local non-profit organisations, competed for a share of more than $1 million in prize money.

Over the past 12 years, the GCC has donated $15,928,227.66 to 276 local non-profit organizations. Co Cork’s Shane Sweetnam was part of the winning team, riding Heart on Fire, alongside his students Lindsey Tomeu riding Bonapart, Ashley Vogel on Lucy in the Sky.