SOCIAL SCENE

Marta Renilla raises her arms at the end of her performance with Donosti M.R, an 8-year-old Oldenburg Gelding, during the Divertimentos & Dressage Ocala at GoldMark Farm north of Ocala, Fla. on Thursday, January 29, 2026. [Bruce Ackerman/Ocala Gazette] 2026.

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Posted February 2, 2026 | By Susan Smiley-Height / Photos by Bruce Ackerman

The famed GoldMark Farm in northwest Marion County was the setting on Jan. 29 for the Brooke USA Divertimentos & Dressage Ocala evening of elegance

The mission of the nonprofit Brooke USA is protecting and improving the lives of working horses, donkeys and mules, and the people who depend on them, around the world.

The event in Ocala included a concert performance featuring freestyle dressage choreographed to music by the Ocala Symphony Orchestra. Given the recent cold snap, OSO maestro Matt Wardell posted on social media that night that he had fun conducting and supporting Brooke USA and the incredible work they do, and adding, “The chilly, but very excited, Ocala Symphony musicians sounded great!”

“Brooke USA’s Divertimentos & Dressage returned to Ocala for its second year as an unforgettable celebration of artistry, community and purpose. With 450 guests, the evening was a powerful reminder of what can happen when equestrian excellence and the performing arts unite in service of a mission,” noted Brooke USA Chief Executive Officer Emily Marquez-Dulin in an email message.

“Close to $100,000 was raised to build awareness for the plight of working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the poorest communities on earth – 600 million people depend on the work of 100 million of these animals for survival, Marquez-Dulin stated.

“Dressage is seldom performed to live music, making the seamless collaboration between horse, rider and orchestra all the more breathtaking. Under the direction of conductor Matthew Wardell, the orchestra’s performance flowed effortlessly with the choreography in the arena, creating a shared rhythm that elevated every movement and every note. This rare fusion transformed the arena into a living, breathing work of art,” she continued.

The riders and performances were:

• Czech Suite, V. Finale (Furiant) – Antonin Dvořák, featuring Anna Merritt and Fox Creek’s Censational (owned by Diana Orona)
• Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, I. – Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, featuring Eline Eckroth and Key To Be Fabulous (owned by Connie Wise)
• Petite Suite, II. Cortège- Claude Debussy, featuring Marta Renilla and Donosti M.R. (owned by Marta Renilla)
• Czech Suite, II. Polka – Antonin Dvořák, featuring Jim Kofford and Secret Royal 3 (owned by Emily Brollier Curtis), and Rebecca Vick and Hype (owned by Jennifer Fulmer)
• Symphony No. 4 in A Major, IV. Saltarello – Felix Mendelssohn, featuring Alexandra Mulholland and Etanga (owned by Alexandra Mulholland)
• Petite Suite, IV. Ballet – Claude Debussy, featuring Kerrigan Gluch and Mejorano HGF (owned by Hampton Green Farm)
• Wind Beneath My Wings – Jeff Silbar & Larry Henley (arrangement by Steven L. Rosenhaus), featuring Amina Bursese and Fiti AL (owned by Amina Bursese)

Divertimentos & Dressage is Brooke USA’s signature event and is presented in three equestrian markets — Ocala and Wellington in Florida, and Tryon, North Carolina.

“While each event shares the same artistic foundation, every location reflects the character and spirit of its local community. In Ocala, the evening felt deeply rooted in the region’s passion for horses, culture and philanthropy, reinforcing the event’s place as a hallmark on the local social and equestrian calendar,” Marquez-Dulin said.

“The performances are my favorite part of the evening — the harmony between horse, rider and live orchestra is simply extraordinary. Equally meaningful, however, is the opportunity to meet so many members of the Ocala community who show immense support for Brooke USA’s mission. Ocala is a generous, kind and welcoming community, and the enthusiasm and warmth extended to our organization made this event especially memorable. The collective commitment to improving the lives of working equines and strengthening the communities that rely on them was felt throughout the evening,” she shared.

Marquez-Dulin extended thanks to GoldMark Farm owner Janelle Bulmahn as well as event co-chairs Sally Lewis and Laurie Zink and their committee.

“Every detail was thoughtfully considered — from the elegant décor and exceptional cuisine to the natural flow of the evening — resulting in an atmosphere that felt both refined and inviting. Their vision and care elevated the experience for every guest and added a layer of beauty that extended well beyond the arena,” she said.

To learn more, visit goldmarkfarm.com and brookeusa.org