Wednesday, April 19, 2006

Reality TV Show’s Cast, Crew and Supporters Celebrate Filming’s Finale

All Finalists Are Future Stars

The final six contestants ranged in age from 16 to 27, but all had a special quality and “an X-factor” that made them shine, added Dover.

While the show’s winner was to be privately notified the following night, many of the inquisitive spectators claimed they could tell the winner had already been selected. But, no amount of questioning could get the answer from the secrecy-bound riders. And, they all looked like winners as they mingled among the attendees and took to the dance floor.

Jamil Kassum's family and trainer, Bev Rogers flew in for the weekend, as did JJ Tate's Mom and extended fan club who brought plenty of signage and people to cheer her on. Rebecca Vick's trainer from North Carolina Jim Kofford was on hand as well.

Brendan Curtis and Lindy Bowerbank who were part of the top six, were filled with as much joy and appreciation of being part of the process as the final four. They stayed on to get lessons from Dover daily, and all walked away with thousands of dollars in clothing, and other sponsor perks. All were happy to be headed home and to be reunited with their horses, cell phones, television, and family and friends.

Philesha Chandler’s 70-year-old grandmother, Dr. Anna Chandler, was lured out onto the dance floor when Dover personally came over and extended his hand. Anna was one of the many family members who came to the show’s season finale to show support as well as see and talk to the riders, who were not permitted outside contact for the three weeks they were filming at Dover’s Romance Farm in Palm Beach Point.

Philesha, sporting a chic, navy blue dress and heels, said she like all the contestants bonded over the course of the three-week shoot. The riders all stayed at Romance Farm in RVs during the top-secret filming of the show.