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AS FAR AS THE ANIMAL KINGDOM is concerned, Florida ranks as close to Eden as one can get. Hike through our enchanted forest and you’ll find a haven for bear, bison and fox. Canoe or kayak along riverbanks dotted with exotic waterfowl, take a moonlit summer walk with nesting sea turtles or dive sunlit waters for a colorful show of sea life. From the coral reefs of the Keys to the cypress swamps of northern Florida, our diverse habitats are home to an incredible cavalcade of critters. But there’s only one place in Florida that — quite literally – reigns supreme for one of the most cherished of species, the horse, and that’s Marion County: the Horse Capital of the World.

Close to 100,000 have chosen to call the Horse Capital home, but in truth – more than half of us have no working understanding of the industry. And for all our press releases and ad campaigns, there’s surprisingly little for visitors who have no horses of their own to interact with this most fawned-over of four-legged friends. For those who do put forth the effort, the challenge to find a spectator friendly horse venue can resemble a Steeplechase: you drive blindly along a three-mile cross country course, not quite sure where you are going, oftentimes maneuvering hazards and water obstacles to reach a place where you can even see the action. For many non-riders out there (and there are many of us!), it can feel just a little too much like traveling to a foreign country.

Well… it shouldn’t have to be that way and OCALA MAGAZINE is here to help. All across Marion County, riders and non-riders alike can marvel at Olympic-level dressage, be thrilled by the thunder of combined driving, savor an afternoon of prestigious polo, saddle up for a trail ride, hear the roar of a crowd at a rodeo or simply pet a horse. Consider this your cheat sheet of where to go and what to do when all you want to do is horse around.

VENUE: The Florida Horse Park

Florida Horse Park
11008 S. Highway 475, Ocala.
352.307.6699
www.flhorsepark.com

Horsepower – that’s what fuels the Florida Horse Park. And one glance at the FHP event calendar tells every serious equestrian that this is the place to be if they hope to make a name for themselves in the competitive community. However, the Florida Horse Park is also a community centerpiece, combining the best of both equestrian and non-equestrian worlds. In fact, there really is no better way to introduce yourself to the Horse Capital of the World, than by visiting the Florida Horse Park.

With hundreds of events taking place year round, it’s hard to choose just two, but for those just getting their feet wet in all things equestrian, we suggest the 3^rd Annual Festival of the Horse, April 17-20, 2008, and THE MAIN EVENT next November. They combine the best in equestrian competition in the fields of evening, combined driving and polo into a spectator-friendly format. Both weekends are filled with unique equestrian-oriented shopping, children’s play areas featuring pony rides, elegant “Day in the Park” benefit luncheons and other great activities like the crowd-favorite PeopleChase and Jack Russell terrier races.

For non-competitive horse lovers, this increasingly popular destination for family tourism also offers visitors hundreds of miles of pristine riding trails that wind through the lush Florida Greenway, stretching from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. John River.

From outdoor concerts (1^st Annual Ocala Music & Arts Festival) to Olympic-level equestrian competition, any day spent at the Park will not disappoint.

VENUE: Live Oak Plantation

Live Oak International Combined Driving Event
1751 SW 110th Ave., Ocala
813.220.8226
www.cailiveoak.com

Literally a triathlon for horses, Combined Driving is one of the fastest growing equine sports and has exploded in popularity in recent years. In a Combined Driving Event (CDE), horses and drivers compete in three phases: dressage, marathon and cones, yet it’s the fast-and-furious action of the cross country marathon that is largely responsible for the public’s growing interest. The thrill of watching teams of horses tackle challenging obstacles at high speed is a guaranteed crowd pleaser. Since its 1993 début, the Live Oak Combined Driving Event has become one of the premier Combined Driving Events in North America.

The 2008 event will return to Charlotte Weber’s pristine 4,500-acre Live Oak Plantation March 27 – 30, 2008. CAI Live Oak is one of only two international events in the United States that is sanctioned by the Federation Equestre Internationale. As one of the country’s largest carriage driving events, the show draws high praise from contestants who travel from around the world to compete there. That said, the venue also boasts horsepower of another kind. In 2000, a classic car show was added to the Live Oak venue. More than 150 beautifully restored classic cars are displayed throughout the final day of the Live Oak Event.

VENUE: Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS)

HITS, Inc. Post Time Farm
13710 N.W. U.S. Hwy. 27, Ocala
352.620.2275, 845.246.8833
www.hitsshows.com

HITS is preparing for its seventh eventful season at its Post Time Farm facility in Ocala. Rolling hills, miles of fencing, giant oak and Spanish moss trees provide an exquisite picturesque backdrop to some of the country’s best show jumping.

“There’s no other facility like Post Time Farm,” says Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “Not only is it our largest property in the country; it’s also the most beautiful. For those who’ve never been to Ocala, the first time is usually an eye opener. The property is spacious and comfortable. The rings and barns are some of the best in the country and the community that surrounds the show is a horse-focused community that supports and welcomes the Horse Shows.”

The 2008 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit begins January 23 with two consecutive, unrated weeks of competition followed by five weeks of AA-rated shows, from February 12 until March 16, as the $100,000 DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix and the $25,000 Marshall & Sterling Children’s/Adult Jumper Classic close out the season.

Better known as the “Are You a Champion?” series, the Jumper Championship was first offered in Ocala during the 2007 Winter Circuit and was a runaway hit. Offered for one of the fastest growing segments in the sport today, this unique four-phase event also includes bonus prize money of $5,000 awarded to the top-eight finishers overall and points from the second and fourth legs count towards the Marshall & Sterling League.

“Our shows in Ocala have been consistently growing since the move to Post Time Farm,” said Kristen Vale, Office Manager and Show Secretary. “Not only are more people showing in Ocala, more are staying for the entire circuit. In the past, attendance during the last two weeks would tend to be a little slower; however, the last few years it’s been increasing significantly, which is exciting and makes for a great crescendo for the final weeks!”

If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your family to horses and equestrian competition of all levels, we suggest heading out for HITS Kids Day, March 2.

VENUE: North Central Florida Agriculture and Civic Center (formerly known as The Southeastern Livestock Pavilion)

2232 N.E. Old Jacksonville Road, Ocala
352.840.5606, 352.401.5330

http://homepage.mac.com/lynnpstock/Personal24.html

A family fair at its finest, this venue is the most kid-friendly and spectator simple. It hosts numerous horse shows, circuses, rodeos and more. It’s also one of the best places to see Marion County’s “other” breeds – Arabians, Palominos, Gypsy Vanners and more.

There are literally hundreds of events at this Civic Center each year, and reading the schedule can certainly feel a little intimidating for first-timers who don’t know the difference between an Arabian and a Morgan. Don’t panic. Try these two annual events on for size first.

If horse-mounted riders bulldogging a steer is more your speed, then no visit to Ocala would be complete without seeing the Southeastern Pro Rodeo every spring (352.401.5900, 352.843.1616). More than 300 contestants vie for the championship title in bull riding, steer wrestling, barrel racing and other high-energy cowboy challenges. Giddy up!

Also saddle worthy is the Southeastern Youth Fair (352.629.1255,
www.seyfair.com), the premier event for 4-H and FFA students in Marion County for the past 67 years. They are the oldest all-Youth Fair in the country that continues to operate without a midway. The Southeastern Youth Fair is a not-for-profit, all-youth fair held in February of each year. Responsibility, marketing, communication and record keeping are just a few of the life skills acquired by the exhibitors of the Fair.

VENUE: Barbara Young’s Paso Fino Ranch

8075 West Highway 326, Ocala. 352.867.5305

www.youngspasofino.com

Here’s a best kept equine-secret exposed – if you’re looking for trail riding but don’t have a horse, Young’s Paso Fino Ranch rents their pleasure horses and – it’s the only place in town! Another exclusive service: they offer certified lessons through their Trail Riding Academy for first-timers and up.

And what a ride it is! The Paso Fino gait is considered the smoothest of any breed and that’s because the Paso Fino uses a four-beat gait. In the motion, the rear and front legs, on the same side of the body, move at the same time. As a result, the motion for the rider is exceptionally smooth compared to others.

Here in the Horse Capital, no one knows Paso Finos better than Barbara Young who has spent the better part of a lifetime working with the breed. Her farm hosts 65,000 visitors annually, and regardless of prior knowledge, each person leaves having experienced something new. Her keep-them-laughing style entertains and educates as the facility’s trainers put the horses through their paces.

Young’s Ranch offers farm tours, group demos of champion horses set to music with a hay ride, and inter-active shows of Classic Fino (equine valued at $100,000 – $1 million), Pleasure and Performance.

VENUE: Ocala Breeders’ Sales

P.O. Box 99, Ocala. 352.237.2154
www.obssales.com

With more than 75 percent of Florida’s 600 Thoroughbred farms and training centers located near Ocala, the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS) is the heart of Thoroughbred activity in Marion County. Thoroughbred auctions occur throughout the year – the Winter Mix Sale (January); two-year-olds in-training (February, March and April); two-year-olds and horses of race age (June); yearlings (August); and Fall Mixed Sale (October).

You aren’t going to pet any horses or see any fanfare at OBS, but what you will see first-hand is how the business of the horse industry actually works. “Sales are always open to the public,” says Jay Friedman. “We want people to see how these beautiful, magnificent creatures, Thoroughbreds, are bought and sold. Visiting OBS during a sale is a great way to participate in something that truly makes Ocala a very special place.”

OBS also operates an Inter-Track Wagering (ITW) simulcasting theater adjacent to the award-winning Champions restaurant and, each March, hosts the annual Week of Champions races.

VENUE: Ocala Equestrian Complex
1601 S.W. 60th Ave., Ocala. 352.237.6667
www.ocalaequestriancomplex.com

Desire more exotic breeds? Paso Finos – of tropical Colombia and Peru rainforests – and other extravagant breeds, like the Falabella miniature of Argentina or even American miniature can be found at the Ocala Equestrian Complex, purchased in 2001 by Gary and Catherine Achtenhagen. It offers a wonderful all-purpose venue for horse shows and equine related events, as well as community activities.

The Ocala Equestrian Complex hosts a wide variety of competitions and conferences including major events such as: The Florida Paso Fino February Fiesta & the Southern Regional Paso Fino Extravaganza, The Florida Reining Horse Association shows, Florida Miniature Horse shows, and Mini Rama miniature Horse shows, among others.

VENUE: Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association Museum & Art Gallery
801 S.W. 60th Ave., Ocala. 352.629.2160
www.ftboa.com

The Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association (FTBOA) administers the $15-million state breeders’ incentive program and is responsible for promoting the Florida Thoroughbred industry.

It promotes the industry, in part, by paying tribute. On February 10, 2008, the FTBOA hosts the Annual Awards Dinner at the Ocala Hilton in conjunction with the OBS two-year-old sale (February 12). It is the highest honor bestowed on Florida-bred horses statewide.

Michael Compton of the Florida Horse Magazine says, “We hand out the divisional championships. All the Florida-bred horses that run at the racetrack all year are tracked through the Chase to the Championship point system. Once a year we invite all of the owners, breeders, trainers – all of those connected to these horses – to dinner for a highlight film, spotlight of accomplishments on the racetrack, concluding with the awards ceremony.”

It is followed by the OBS Championship Stakes; five races run throughout the day February 11, 2008.

Through administrative programs, the FTBOA works closely with the concentration of the Thoroughbred breeding and training industry in the Ocala/Marion County area supported by a network of equine services, such as veterinarians, feed and tack retailers, blacksmiths, equine dentists and major horse transportation companies. All these factors make Ocala one of only four major Thoroughbred breeding and training centers in the world.

A visit to the FTBOA Museum & Art Gallery is a must for any enthusiast interested in the history of Florida breeding and racing.

Worth The Drive

March 9, 2008

It’s a scene repeated in hamlets up and down the East Coast as the National Steeplechase Association comes to town – caravans of horse trailers and thousands of revelers descend for a day bearing lace tablecloths, Champagne flutes, linen suits and outrageous hats.

Sounds like fun, right? Well, this March, the glamorous world of steeplechase horse racing turns to a small town in east Pasco County, just 60 miles from the Horse Capital of the World, transforming it into Florida’s premier social and sporting event. It is the rite of Spring that celebrates food, fun, friendship, family and thrilling sport!

The Little Everglades Steeplechase has maintained gradual and steady growth since its inception four years ago. Increasing numbers of fans have watched at rail side as powerful thoroughbreds race over fences during an unforgettable day of speed and entertainment. Tradition, along with additions and refinements, has led to the quality and popularity of the event. Each year the number of people in attendance has grown and there are waiting lists for many of the reserved areas. Thousands of admissions are sold on Race Day on a first-come, first-serve basis.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: The Little Everglades Steeplechase, an elegant day of horse racing in the country, with Jack Russell terriers, tailgating, hat contests, shopping and more.

WHERE: The Little Everglades Ranch is about a mile north of Dade City limits. From points north, take Interstate 75 to State Road 52 to Dade City, then north on U.S. 301 to the Gould Road entrance.

WHEN: Gates open Sunday at 9:30 a.m., events start at 10 a.m., first steeplechase race at 1 p.m.

HOW MUCH: General admission at the gate is $10 per person or $40 a carload.

BRING: Picnics, coolers and lawn chairs are welcome. No dogs. Wear sunscreen. Beer, wine, soft drinks and food also for sale on the grounds