Photo courtesy of Grandview Invitational
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MAJESTIC HORSES The only horse show of its kind in Florida, Grandview Invitational is coming to the Florida Horse Park early this month.
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nce a year, the Horse Capital of the World welcomes the top eight-horse and six-horse hitches in the world to compete in an elite driving competition. Grandview Invitational, which takes place at the Florida Horse Park February 5-7 this year, showcases all three major draft horse breeds: Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons. “This year is a very unique year,” Karen Cobbs, president of Grandview Invitational, says, “as it will be the largest display of competitive draft hitch horses ever to hit the state of Florida.” These extra-large horses and their drivers compete in a variety of classes, from a single horse and cart and the unicorn class, which features three horses, to a four-, six- and eighthorse hitch. The event offers the two-horse team class, junior driving classes and the four abreast class, which features four horses lined up in a row across the front of the wagon. And as Karen explains for those of us unfamiliar with the sport, hitch is the term used to describe the number of horses hooked together to drive as one. While all the events are exciting—just imagine the possibility of 168 one-ton horses
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// B Y M E L I S S A P E T E R S O N in a ring at the same time, along with 21 worldclass hitch wagons—Karen’s favorite event is the four abreast, as Grandview Invitational is one of the only shows that features this spectacular class. “You [also] don’t want to miss the six-horse hitch championship classes,” Karen explains. “People can purchase one-day passes, or if you can’t make up your mind, there is a three-day pass for a deal. I have all the days balanced nicely, but Friday features the eight-horse hitch, and Saturday and Sunday have the six-horse hitch championships, which will be the biggest and most prestigious classes.” Many people come to the show just to see the famous Clydesdales in action. If you’re one of those spectators, Karen completely understands. “Clydesdales are unique, with the feathering on their legs and an array of colors that they can come in,” says Karen. “We show a black Clydesdale hitch, where Budweiser displays the bay Clydesdale color. The bay is the dominant gene, so the blacks are much more rare.” While you’re at the event, take a walk through the barns for an up-close view of the horses. But if you’d like to see even more, consider going
behind the scenes on a Grandview Clydesdales farm tour. Offered year-round, the 90-minute tour of the Grandview Clydesdales operation showcases about 40 head of Clydesdales and takes you right into the horses’ home and training facility. Beyond the show competition, the event also hosts two special events that are open to the general public, the Grandview Casino Night and the Grandview Gala. These events serve as fundraisers for the 2022 event. More information can be found on the website. “In this day and age, I consider the Florida Horse Park to be the perfect venue to get out of the house and see one of the most anticipated horse shows of the year,” says Karen. “The arena is covered but all open air and no closed buildings. The barns are open air as well, and the facility offers 500 acres to social distance.” Grandview Invitational // February 5-7 // Florida Horse Park, 11851 SW 16th Ave., Ocala // Purchase tickets at grandviewinvitational.com // Learn more about the Grandview Clydesdales tour at grandviewclydesdales.tours
