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HORSECAPITAL DIGEST
CONTENTS 5
Letter from the Editor
6
Honoring Show Jumping Icon William Steinkraus
10
HITS News: Holiday Premiere
12
Breed Spotlight: Spotted Saddle Horses
14
A Good Life & Legacy: Tony Leonard
18
Ride with a Gold Medalist
24
OJC Eventing Newbie Viewpoint
IN EVERY ISSUE: 26 Equine Events 31 HITS Show Guide 37 Business Place Next issue begins Show Result listings
about the
cover
Brought to you by Horse Capital Digest of Ocala/Marion County, The Horse Capital of the World®.
4 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
ESI PHOTO
Bill Steinkraus on Fleet Apple Cover Photo courtesy of USET Archives
Letter from the Editor Hello Horse Capital Digest Readers, Since the addition of monthly issues to our schedule in September, we have received many positive reviews. We are pleased you like our vision for the publication. Starting with this issue, we are in season as the Official Weekly Show Publication for HITS Ocala. We begin with two issues this month to cover the Winter Circuit, three in January and then weekly through April. This issue is a hybrid of our monthly mainstay and a preview of what’s to come for the HITS season. Originally planned to feature great equine storytellers, we immediately changed course when one of the most legendary equestrians of all time, William Steinkraus, passed away on November 29 at 92. His legendary life is highlighted in this issue. His accomplishments were many and his impact was so great, only a lengthy novel could do it justice. We encourage you to further celebrate his life by looking for books he has written, watching footage of him on YouTube, and even watching the Disney movie, “The Horse with the Flying Tail”, in which the background footage is really him in competition. The next issue will be full on HITS so you will see some of our monthly columns -- like Global, Breeds Focus, Salute to
Leaders for Equines, and our themed issues -- go on hiatus until the Spring. We promise these will be back. The Equine Events section will continue and will be action packed with notices of equine events from a variety of disciplines in the area. This changes each issue so be sure not to miss a week. The publication will be distributed within the community as it has been for the monthly and a bonus distribution will be available on the HITS grounds in the food areas, main offices and also the VIP Overlook Tent. Each issue will include a “Guide to HITS “ that is located in the back for easy access. Profiles of winners and listings of show results will be in each issue. Your favorite stars – both horse and rider – will grace the covers. Let the show begin,
Tammy A. Gantt Contributing Editor Florida Equine Communications
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USET ARCHIVES PHOTO
6 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Show Jumping Icon Passes Away By Tammy A. Gantt
L
egendary equestrian, William “Bill” Steinkraus passed away on Nov. 29 at the age of 92. Steinkraus was one of the most decorated equestrian careers in U.S. history. He was a five-time Olympian, four-time medal winner and first U.S. Show Jumping Individual medalist. Steinkraus grew up in Darien, Ct., and began to ride at the age of 10 and a member of the Ox Ridge Hunt Club. He rode with Amud Thompson and he was one of the first members of the American Pony Club before he took up show jumping in 1938. As the years progressed, he trained under the tutelage of esteemed horsemen, Gordon Wright and Cappy Smith. According to EquestrianCoach.com, Wright was universally acclaimed as one of the most influential horseman of his generation. Wright started his career as a cowpuncher, rodeo rider and in the cavalry. In the 1930s, he founded Secor Farms in Saxon Woods in White Plains, N.Y. For forty years, he ran shows, trained hundreds of riders and horses of all skills levels. He also earned recognition for his own skills on hunters and jumpers. Wright produced more Maclay winners than any other trainer of his era, and that included Steinkraus, Victor HugoVidal and George Morris. Wright also wrote seven books including Learning to Ride, Hunt and Show in 1966, Learning to Ride, Hunt, and Show is still today recognized by many equestrians as
Bill Steinkraus on Fleet Apple
the essential handbook for riders of every skill level. Wright was acknowledged to be the founding father of American horsemanship, and his book focused on every aspect of the fundamentals of riding. Legendary equestrian, Morton "Cappy" Smith of Newport, RI and Middleburg, VA was a 2000 recipient of the Pegasus Medal of Honor awarded by USA Equestrian, and was inducted in to the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 1991, the National Show Hunter Hall of Fame in 1998 and was an inductee into the Virginia Horse Show Association Hall of Fame in 1990. He was a Director of the Royal Winter Fair, Toronto, and Master of the Orange County Hunt in Middleburg. At Madison Square Garden in New York, Smith dominated the Na-
William Steinkraus Olympic Games Medal records Equestrian Representing the United States of America
Gold* Silver Silver Bronze
1968 1960 1972 1952
Mexico City Rome Munich Helsinki
Individual jumping Team jumping Team jumping Team jumping
• First American to win gold in this category
One of only 515 athletes that have competed in at least five Olympic Games from 1896 to 2016. He completed at Stockholm in 1956 but did not medal.
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tional Horse Show over a period of three decades. Smith, acclaimed by his peers and riders today as the greatest horseman of the 1930's, 40's and 50's, has been called the Horseman of the Millennium. Steinkraus said of Smith, "When I was a kid, Cappy was my idol and I think in the view of many people the best Hunter/Jumper rider in America. In my teens, I was lucky enough to have a chance to ride with him on a regular basis and
what I learned, not only about horses but about everything, was incalculable." In 1941, Steinkraus made history by winning the coveted ASPCA Maclay National Championship trophy at the National Horse Show and winning the Good Hands Finals in Saddle Seat Equitation. From 1943 to 1945, he served as a member of the 124th Cavalry Regiment in ChinaIndia-Burma during World War II after going to
8 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Yale University. Steinkraus returned from the war to focus on his show jumping career. He first joined the U.S. Equestrian Team (USET) in 1951 and won a bronze medal in his Olympic debut the following year. At the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki, Steinkraus won the bronze medal for Team Show Jumping. Later, he helped the U.S. win two silver medals in Team Show Jumping during the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome and the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. He was also the first American to win an individual gold medal in show jumping aboard Snowbound at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City. He was prevented from making a sixth appearance when his horse went lame at the last minute in Tokyo in 1964. He was a legend that rode with legends. Apart from his Olympic medals he twice won gold medals in the team event at the Pan American Games in 1959 with Frank Chapot, Hugh Wiley, and Morris and in 1963 with Mary Mairs, Chapot, and Kathy Kusner . They also won silver medals in individual jumping in 1959 and with the team in 1967, which consisted of the same members as four years before. Morris is the founding father of hunt seat equitation, a trainer and judge of horses and riders in hunter and show jumper competition. He also was a chef d’equipe for the USEF show jumping team. He medaled in Rome in 1960 in team show jumping earning a silver, among many of his other accomplishments. Chapot competed at six Olympic Games from 1956 until his final effort in 1976 where he won two silver medals in the Team Show Jumping. He married fellow Olympic equestrian Mairs in 1965. They were on the same Olympic show jumping team in 1964 and 1968, narrowly missing out on bronze in 1968 by 0.25 points. Upon retirement they raised horses of which champion show jumper Gem Twist is the most famous. The horse won two Olympic silver medals and was named the World’s Best Horse at the 1990 World Equestrian Games in Stockholm. Gem Twist had an incredible career at the Grand Prix level, being only horse to have won the American Grand Prix Association Horse of the Year title three times. The
Chapots had the horse cloned and began a breeding line from Gem Twist. Kusner was also an Olympic medalist in show jumping and one of the first women who rode for the USET. She was also the first licensed female jockey and the first American woman to win an Olympic medal in equestrian competition. Wiley rode in two Olympics, winning the team silver medal in 1960. He also won the team gold medal at the 1959 Pan Am Games aboard Nautical. Nautical is one of the most recognizable horses in the history of show jumping. The Palomino jumper, who carried a western brand on his jaw, was given the name Nautical by Wiley, who was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. Ridden successfully throughout the late 1950s by Wiley, Nautical was the subject of the 1960 Disney movie, “The Horse with the Flying Tail.” The film ends with footage from the King George V Gold Cup and the presentation of awards by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth to Wiley, who was an actually winner of the cup in 1958 and 1959. With an estimated value of approximately $356,300, the King George V Gold Cup is believed to be the world's most valuable sporting trophy. Steinkraus won it in 1956 and 1964 and Chapot in 1974. During the 1959 season, Steinkraus along with Morris, Wiley, and Chapot won four Nations Cup international team showjumping competitions. The showjumping squad captured three additional titles in 1960. Steinkraus retired from international showing in 1972. He spent time as a show judge, TV commentator, clinician, coach, and author. For almost two decades, he was the chef d’equipe of the U.S. Show Jumping Team. He was appointed captain of the USET in 1955 and held the post until his retirement. Steinkraus served as well-respected president and chairman of USET for two decades, and as Chairman Emeritus for the 25 years. He was a founding member. He was the first equestrian to be inducted into the Fairfield County Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. HCD
Steinkraus’s top mount was an OTTB
Off-the-track thoroughbred Snowbound made history when he and Steinkraus won the first individual Olympic show-jumping gold medal for the United States. Named Gay Vic and foaled in California in 1958, the dark bay gelding by Hail Victory and out of Gay Alvena stood 16.1 hands. The talented and temperamental horse sustained two bowed tendons on the racetrack, where he failed to place in five starts. After retirement he was sent to the barn of Show Jumping Hall of Fame inductee Barbara Worth Oakford. He received the nickname Snowbound because of his tendon injuries. Steinkraus once noted, “Barbara told me she had made the offhand comment, ‘With those bows he might as well be snowbound as to think he’ll make a show horse.’ And the grooms picked up on it.” Barbara began retraining him as a Green Hunter after his tendons healed. Sir John Galvin saw Snowbound at a show and was impressed by his jumping talent and purchased him for the U.S. Equestrian Team. Steinkraus was presented the 6-year-old with little fanfare, as Galvin noted that the horse, “might make a useful hack for Steinkraus”. Steinkraus knew that was an understatement because Galvin had a eye for good horses. Steinkraus found out right away the horse was talented but was not for any amateur because he was difficult to ride. The horse had many dislikes and likes and was opinionated. He would wheel and drop his shoulder, putting riders on the ground. Steinkraus noted he believed he was the only rider that never came off the horse. In 1965, Snowbound and Steinkraus won four FEI Nations Cups, and by the summer of 1968, Snowbound had made clear rounds in 15 of the 16 Nations Cups he had competed in. Snowbound was not jumped in small shows, but saved for large competitions because his tendon injuries flared up from time to time throughout his show career. When this happened, Steinkraus rested the Snowbound until he was completely sound. Snowbound was one of only two horses to go clear in the first round of the Olympics. In the next round, no horse went clear. During the final round of the competition, Steinkraus felt that something was not right when Snowbound jumped the penultimate fence. Despite this, the horse finished the course with a clean round and the best time, winning the individual gold, the first ever for the U.S. At the end of the course, Snowbound came up lame immediately with a recurrence of his tendon problem. He left the ring on practically on three legs. At the age of 14, Snowbound was retired to Galvin's farm outside Dublin and on April 2, 2005, Snowbound was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. www.facebook.com/horsecapitaldigest 9
HCD
Aaron Vale aboard CASSEVEL finishing the week with a blue ribbon in the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix. 10 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
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HITS NEWS
HITS Ocala Holiday Premiere The HITS Ocala Holiday Series continues with the Ocala Holiday Classic, Dec. 13-17, which will feature two $25,000 Grand Prix, a $10,000 Open Prix, Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Classics at 1.30m and 1.40m, and opportunities to qualify for the HITS Championships next fall. The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will return for its 37th year on Jan. 16. It will again feature the 2018 Longines FEI Nations Cup Jumping of the USA, including two new sections this year for Children and Junior riders, during Week V, an FEI CSI3* Division during Week VI, the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix during Week IX, all leading up to the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix during the last
week of the circuit. Charlie Jayne and AMICE Z riding to a first There are also a num- place finish in the $5,000 Johnson Horse ber of special hunter
Transportation Classic.
classes including two USHJA International Hunter Derbies during Weeks IV and X, the World Championship Hunter Rider during Week VIII, and the Devoucoux and Platinum Performance Hunter Prix each week which are qualifiers for the 2018 HITS Championships. The Prize List for the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is available online. Entries for the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit are due on Jan. 3. For more information or to submit entries electronically, visit HitsShows.com HCD www.facebook.com/horsecapitaldigest 11
ESI PHOTO
T
he 2017/2018 edition of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit got underway with the Ocala Holiday Premiere, the first show of the two-week HITS Ocala Holiday Series. The weather was just about perfect and a great group of horses and riders turned out, all with an eye on the blue ribbon. The jumpers kicked off with the $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix where Aaron Vale aboard Stakko took home the blue ribbon. Vale also took home fourth place aboard Cassevel. In second place were Kirk Webby and Brando Du Rouet, followed by Jared Peterson and Catano 29 in third place. Hayley Waters and Galous would round out the top five in the class. The $5,000 Johnson Horse Transportation Classic took place, with Charlie Jayne taking home both the first and second place honors aboard Amice Z and Ever Blue, respectively. Third place was won by Vale aboard Exclusive, followed by Nicole Bellissimo and her partner Harley David in fourth, and Kyle Dewar aboard Clever Van De Helle in fifth place. Vale returned to the ring for the $25,000 HITS Grand Prix on Sunday and wrapped up the week with another win, as well as the second and fourth place awards, riding Cassevel, Bonzini S and Stakko to their respective placings. Third place was Derek Petersen aboard Diamant’s Legacy, and rounding out the top five was Hayley Waters aboard her partner Galous. In the Hunter rings, the $2,500 Devoucoux Hunter Prix took place on Saturday where Shachine Belle and Fuerst Apollo Ll took home the blue ribbon. In second place was Helen Goddard and My Way, followed by Melissa Deryn Foster aboard Carrilou in third. This was the first qualifying class of the season for the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Finals which take place at the HITS Championships, Sept. 5-9, 2018, and riders were eager to get a leg up on qualifying for the prestigious Final.
HCD JOHNNY MCKEEHAN PHOTO
BREED SPOTLIGHT
12 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Color & Style: The Spotted Saddle Horse
By Kym Rouse Holzwart
T
he Spotted Saddle Horse is a relatively new breed that was developed in the Mid-Tennessee region. Its ancestry traces back to the gentle, strong, gaited spotted ponies that were brought to this country by the early Spaniards and the old-time, saddle gaited horses that were similar to the foundation stock of the Tennessee Walking Horse, the American Saddlebred, and the Standardbred. The goal for developing the breed was to produce a naturally gaited riding horse that was large enough for adults, while still retaining the color and gentleness of the spotted pony. Tennessee Walking Horses, Standardbreds, Mustangs, Morgans, Missouri Fox Trotters, Paso Finos, Peruvian Pasos, and Racking Horses have contributed to the breed’s rich genetic heritage. The most identifiable characteristics of Spotted Saddle Horses are their flashy, colorful coats and their natural, smooth gait. Spotted Saddle Horses have a pinto coloration, with white spots on a background that can be any color. Overo and tobiano are the two most common patterns, and the coverage of the white spots can range from minimal to almost complete. While there is some variation in the breed, Spotted Saddle Horses are light riding horses used in the show ring and for pleasure and trail riding.
Along with their docile temperaments, Spotted Saddle Horses have tremendous athletic ability and versatility. The Spotted Saddle Horse excels in many disciplines; the horse that you ride on the trails can also be your weekend show horse. As with other gaited horses, they can do many variations of the ambling gaits. They are rugged, square-made horses with very large, strong bones. Because they were strongly influenced by the hardy pony breeds, Spotted Saddle Horses were initially small, with heavy legs and heads, short necks, and compact bodies. However, in recent years, selective breeding has resulted in a larger walking horse build, while still retaining the spotted color and gentle disposition of the pony. Spotted Saddle Horses typically range in size from 14.3 to 16 hands high (averaging 15 hands) and weigh from 900 to 1,100 pounds. The head is refined, and the neck is muscular, with a slight arch, leading into long, sloping shoulders and a muscular chest. The withers are typically high, the back is fairly short, and the hindquarters muscular and broad. The Spotted Saddle Horse has graceful, long limbs, a long sloping hip and a short, strong coupling. The croup is slightly sloping and rounded, with a high-set tail. The bottom line is longer than the top line, allowing a long stride. There are two registries for Spotted Saddle Horses. The See SPOTTED HORSES on page 23 www.facebook.com/horsecapitaldigest 13
Circa 1963, Tony Leonard captured this shot of Ocala Stud’s Rough’n Tumble entering the exercise pool, believed to be the first pool for thoroughbreds in the U.S.
14 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
&
A Good Life Legacy Indeed By Tammy A. Gantt______________________ Courtesy of The Florida Horse Magazine
T
ony Leonard served in World War II. He had been an entertainer on Broadway. Leonard had led an amazing life by any standard. But, his destiny changed the moment his wife gave him a camera. Shortly after, the couple was in Bluegrass Country enjoying a drink at a club and met a local horseman. Leonard shared his interest in his new hobby and the horseman asked him to take some photos of some yearlings. From that day of seeing a group of yearlings running across a pasture, his hobby became the driving force in his life. He had a passion for the horse and was obsessed with perfection. Having been entertainer filled with creative endeavors, his artistic eye created a depth rarely seen. The trio of traits propelled him quickly to being one of the leading equine photographers of his era and of all time. Leonard shot racing scenes, racing personalities and horses from all over the country. From the early ‘60s through the ‘80s, Leonard also photographed many Florida-bred champions, from Needles to In Reality to Carry Back and Hail to All. He brings with each photo a feeling of the horse, the era, and the industry as it grew from infancy to the billion dollar behemoth it is today. For several years, his photos remained in his Lexington home and then his treasure of history-making photos was locked in a bank vault in Paris,
Kent. The trove of photos and negatives was at one point literally dumpster-bound. Leonard’s friend Bobby Shiflet as the story is told, “Took a genuine risk and made an unspectacular bid for Tony's boxes.” After purchase, The Tony Leonard Collection was formed with his blessing before his passing in 2012. The goal of the collection is simple – to preserve his legacy. This is a long process of scanning and cataloging his estimated 500,000 images that he shot over 50 years. Tony Leonard with Needles (left) at Bonnie Heath Farm, photographed many of the world’s most legendary thoroughbreds.
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A series of images from an original contact sheet featuring In Reality at Tartan Farm (below inset) Conformation of Aloma’s Ruler
16 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
The saviors of the work note that they are about one-third of the way through the process. They launched a website and pages on social media to showcase the images, but also to offer them for sale as prints and other products. The gift shop gets the historic photos into the hands of those who adore his work and thoroughbreds, but also help finance the continuation of the historic preservation effort. A phrase from the website, https://the-tonyleonard-collection.myshopify.com sums it all up best. “He wanted to see the catalog of his work kept together, preserved, and shared, not so much for his own pride as an artist, but more for his love of the horse, and his recognition of the good luck he’d had in being there to photograph so many of the sport’s icons.” The Derby photo collection prominently features Florida-bred Triple Crown champion Affirmed, along with Secretariat, Alysheba, Dust Commander, Ferdinand, Fusaichi Pegasus, Genuine Risk, Real Quiet, Seattle Slew, Sunday Silence and Winning Colors. Prices range from $19.99 and upward. The Home Goods Collection features mugs, totes, iphone cases and pillows featuring Cigar, Affirmed and Danzig. A highlight of the collection is the “50 Years of Stallions” poster featuring photos of prominent stallions photographed by Leonard. The Exhibit Collection was hand curated for an exhibit at the Headley Whitney Museum of Art in Lexington. The exhibit is named Through the Lens of Tony Leonard: 50 Years, spanning Tony's entire career and highlighting not just his equine work but also his personal, travel, portraits and lifestyle photography. Many are available to the public for a limited time as fine art prints. They include Charlie Davis, famed exercise rider of Secretariat, now a retiree in Ocala and celebrities
like Candace Bergen and Cary Grant at the races. As is the case with many equine fans, Leonard loved Secretariat and he chronicled his life. He never missed a chance to visit the horse. In fact, he took the last photo ever of Secretariat before the horse’s passing. Another last photo he snapped included the immortal image of Ruffian stepping onto the racetrack for the final time. Tony also shot the Derby in 2006 which poignantly Barbaro’s last victory and personally his last Derby. His last Breeders’ Cup was in 2010, and he made his last visit to Claiborne Farm in May of 2012. He died a few months later in July, just three weeks shy of his ninetieth birthday. Indeed an amazing life that has left a legacy that blesses all who love the sport of thoroughbred racing. HCD
Florida-bred Needles at Bonnie Heath Farm headed to a pasture breeding (upper left). Close-up of Rough’n Tumble at Ocala Stud (above). Hail to All arriving at Spendthrif Farm (below left). Carry Back at Ocala Stud circa 1963 with Marion Lewis of Farnsworth Farm and his brother Larry (below).
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Apply to ride with a Gold Medalist T
he International Omaha invites upper level dressage
Schmidt will work one-on-one with each rider for approxi-
riders to apply for an opportunity to ride with Ger-
mately 30 minutes. Applications are currently being ac-
man Olympic Gold medalist Hubertus Schmidt. The
cepted to ride in the Showcase from riders at third level or
International Omaha will be held Apr. 12-15, 2018 at the
higher, who wish to participate at that level or on a young
CenturyLink Center in Omaha and features both jumping
horse aged 5-6-7.
and dressage competition.
Applications and a link to a video of each interested rider
Presented by the Omaha Equestrian Foundation, which
with them and their horse under saddle can be sent to con-
hosted last year's highly acclaimed FEI World Cup Finals™
tact OEF@omahaequestrian.com. Those chosen to ride in the
in jumping and dressage, the 2018 International Omaha fea-
Dressage Showcase with Schmidt will pay $2,000, which in-
tures a new Dressage Team Challenge as well as the tick-
cludes the opportunity to ride in the Showcase, a stall from
eted Dressage Showcase with Schmidt.
Apr. 12-15, two all-session VIP dressage tickets with daily
In the Dressage Showcase on Friday, Apr. 13, 2018, riders
access to the VIP Lounge and Patio with complimentary
at third level or above will ride in an hour and a half clinic-
food and drink, and a one-room, three-night stay in the of-
style format conducted by Schmidt before a live audience.
ficial International Omaha hotel, the Fairfield Inn. HCD
18 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7289 • Fax 850-617-7281 e-mail: Paul.Balthrop@freshfromflorida.com • 407 S. Calhoun The Mayo Building, Taallahassee, FL 32399
FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATTION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Avve. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse
$1 BILLION INDUSTRY Y 12,000 DIRECT JOBS $2.6 Billi B on+ Overalll Economic Impactt** 19,000+ Direct//Indirect jobs* *Equine Marion County
SPOTTED HORSES continued from page 13
JOHNNY MCKEEHAN PHOTO
National Spotted Saddle Horse Association (NSSHA) was formed in Murfreesboro, TN in 1979, while the Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders and Exhibitors Association (SSHBEA) was formed in Shelbyville, TN in 1985. The NSSHA focuses on promoting naturally gaited saddle horses with pinto coloration and is adamant about disallowing cruel and inhumane training and showing practices. The SSHBEA is recognized as a horse industry organization; in addition to maintaining a registry, it promotes the breed, and develops rules and regulations governing all aspects of the breed, licensed judges, and affiliated shows. Both associations have fairly similar registration requirements. However, the NSSHA has an open stud book (any breed can be in the horse’s pedigree) and will register horses that are shorter (down to 13.3 hands), although it considers taller horses to be he breed ideal. The SSHBEA has a semi-closed stud book and requires at least one SSHBEA-registered parent. To be eligible for registration, both associations require that horses have Holzwart on her Spotted Saddle Horse mare, Ginger Twist, competing in endurance and competitive trail rides
white above the hocks (at least one two-inch spot not including facial markings) and exhibit the breed’s smooth, four-beat, saddle gait, which may require the submission of a video or inspection by an authorized person. Depending on their pedigrees, many Spotted Saddle Horses are double-registered as Tennessee Walking Horses; some are also registered as National Racking Horses. While they are gaining in popularity, this breed is still relatively unknown in the Central Florida area. Since the breed was developed in Tennessee, the majority of Spotted Saddle Horse breeding farms are in the Middle Tennessee area. However, Spotted Haven Farm in Hudson has a number of outstanding Spotted Saddle Horse breeding stallions. In addition to being some of the best gaited horse trainers around, Spotted Haven Farm often has Spotted Saddle Horses available for purchase. With their herd of highquality Spotted Saddle Horse mares, Spotted Dance Ranch in Brooksville is breeding Spotted Saddle Horses on a small scale. The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association holds shows for gaited horses in the Central Florida area, which include classes specifically for Spotted Saddle Horses. HCD
Spotted Saddle Horse Resources Spotted Saddle Horse Breeders & Exhibitors Association www.sshbea.org National Spotted Saddle Horse Association www.nssha.com Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association www.fwrha.org
JOHN HOLZWART PHOTO
Spotted Haven Farm 727-247-2603 Spotted Dance Ranch 813-482-4028 www.spotteddanceranch.com
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SALLY MOEHRING PHOTOS
OJC Eventing Newbie
24 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Shares Experience By George Weir On Top of the World, Ocala
W
hen my wife and I were looking for a new place to live, one of the chief attractions of the Ocala area was the large amount of equestrian related farms, venues, events, and activities available here. For that reason, I was extremely excited about attending the eventing competition held by the Ocala Jockey Club in November in Reddick. The versatility required of a horse and rider that do dressage, cross country, and show jumping seemed like something wonderful to see. The first thing I noticed upon travelling to the Jockey Club course was the fantastic variety of contrasting scenery in the area. The thick patches of Spanish moss-draped woods through which we drove on the way to the farm made a wonderful contrast with the large grassy vistas that we saw upon arrival. Once we arrived, we received information on the day’s events and we were directed to our parking spot by mounted riders, which was pleasantly consistent with the equestrian theme. Once we got out of our car, we could easily see the clubhouse, but wasn’t sure what else we were looking at or where the activities were to be. Part of that doubt was reduced when we saw our first competitor jump the log prior to the water jump. The uncertainty was further diminished by seeing the second competitor follow the first on that same part of the course. We were really impressed by the incredibly beautiful horses and their riders. The determination to forge through the course was visibly evident on each rider and horse. I noticed that both genders were riders on the course, and mentioned that to a couple of spectators, who happened to know one of the competitors. They shared with us that the sport was one of the few in which men and women compete on equal terms. This was impressive. They also said that Ocala Jockey Club was poising to gain more recognition on the international stage with the event. Next, we wandered toward the clubhouse to see the water jump. Seeing the horses jumping so soon after changing directions following the log jump and then running through the water obstacle made me respect and enjoy the iron resolve of the competitive horse and rider duos even more. Getting through multiple obstacles is certainly a great analogy for life. It also shows the fantastic athleticism of the horses and their pilots. Throughout, we heard an-
nouncements often enough that we were getting an idea of how long some of the competitors were taking to complete the course. Next, we visited the vendor’s village. The Marion therapeutic riders and thoroughbred retirement related booths were there, in addition to some vendors selling extremely elegant looking saddles and tack. The beautiful 1989 Rolls Royce Silver Spur was there for the raffle adding some mechanical horsepower and beauty to the scene, which was much appreciated by this classic car buff. Later, we found a nice shady place to sit down hill from the clubhouse. There, the acoustics were excellent, so we could hear the announcer’s voice clearly as he announced the competitors’ information. We could also see the horses as they leapt through the Ocala Jockey Club-labeled arch and galloped toward the show ring. It was an excellent idea that the announcer gave the name and breed of each horse, in addition to the rider. I think that’s good, first, because it shows respect for the horse, and secondly, each thoroughbred announced reinforces the idea that thoroughbreds can go on to other careers after racing. At lunch time, I visited a food truck offering an array of foods, as the only other truck advertised simply pretzels and lemonade. There were a lot of people so while all were waiting for food, I met a family from Jacksonville that had come with their young daughter. They told me that they weren't involved in equine activities, but had come strictly to see what an equestrian event would be like. I was delighted to make their acquaintance, since they had a program booklet that had been given to them when they paid their admission. The book showed specific information about the venue, course locations, the competitors, and more. The program had quite a bit of valuable information that helped orient and inform novices to the event. The understandable time between each competitor on the course could be well filled with learning the information in that program booklet. After lunch, there was a pause in the action for the hat contest. Upon reflection after the event, I thought this was a great event for horses, riders, and spectators that were already involved in the equestrian industry. As a newcomer to the scene, I loved watching the horses and competitors, and learning about the sport. I have always been worried about thoroughbreds having an end to their careers so early in their lives, so it bears repeating that I was delighted that the eventing community is working to find new careers. The beautiful farm was an added exciting bonus to the day. HCD www.facebook.com/horsecapitaldigest 25
HCD
Equine Events
If you would like your equine event listed in future issues of Horse Capital Digest, email them to: HorseCapitalDigest@ftboa.com. Please put EVENT in the subject line.
December 15-17
December 16 - 17
ESP Holiday II - Hunter/Jumper
True Gift of Christmas Mounted Shooting
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL. For more infor-
9:00 am at L Cross Equestrian Center, 40810 Grays Airport Rd., Lady Lake, FL. Hosted by Florida Peacemakers CMSA Inc. Info: David Larson 540-207-5389,
mation call: (561) 793-JUMP or emil: info@equestri-
dlarson0608@gmail.com or http://www.flpeacemak-
ansport.com
ers.com
December 15 - 17
December 16
Chris Cox Horsemanship Clinic
FTBOA Bus trip to Tampa Bay Downs Races
December 1 - February 11
Grand Oaks Resort, Weirsdale. For more information
From Ocala to Tampa Bay Downs for the 2 three-year-
Winter Horse Festival Grand Oaks Resort, Weirsdale. For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/GrandOaksWinterHorseFestival/ or http://thegrandoaks.com/events
visit: http://thegrandoaks.com/events
old FSS races. It is the City of Ocala and Marion County
DECEMBER
Day at the track. Call 352-629-2160 for details. December 15 - 17 Florida Paint Horse Club
December 13 - 17 Ocala Holiday Classic HITS Post Time Farm, Ocala. For more information visit: www.hitsshows.com or email: info@hitsshows.com
Florida State Fairgrounds, Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL.
POP XC Schooling Florida Horse Park. For more information visit: www.flhorsepark.com or call 352-307-6699
info@floridapainthorseclub.com. Website: floridapainthorseclub.godaddysites.com
December 15 - 16 NBHA Barrel Race Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL. Fri. 6pm, Sat. 2pm, For more information contact Melissa Nancarrow, narrowfarm@gmail.com.
December 16
December 17 POP Schooling Show
December 16 - 17
Florida Horse Park. For more information, visit:
Show Your Horse Western Dressage Show
www.flhorsepark.com or call 352-307-6699
Florida Horse Park. For more information visit: www.flhorsepark.com or showyourhorsellc.com/
December 18
events-calendar/
Ocala Farm Ministries Heartwarming Live Nativity
Agriculture Tip of the Month
6 p.m.; gifts for kids 489 NW 110th Ave, Ocala FL 34482 Chaplain Bob Miller at 352-239-0420
“If the pH of your soil needs to be raised then applying lime may be necessary for best performance of warm season grasses; remember that lime will take approximately 4-6 months to effectively adjust the soil pH. Applying lime in the fall is the best time for summer perennial grasses.”
December 20 - 22 ESP Holiday III - Hunter/Jumper Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, 3400 Equestrian Club Drive, Wellington, FL. For more information call: 561-793-JUMP or emil: info@equestriansport.com
– Caitlin Bainum UF/IFAS Ag. Extension Specialist
December 23 NTRL Team Roping Triple J Ranch, 861 Sinclair Dr., Sarasota, FL. NTRL / USTRC Sanctioned. National Team Roping League: http://www.nationalteamroping.com. United States Team Roping Championships: ben@ustrc.com or www.ustrc.com/Home/
26 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Equine Events Dec. 26- Jan. 1 Green Swamp West Ashley Campout & Riding Triple B Riding Club RSVP required to TripleBRider@yahoo.com Visit http://www.TripleBRiders.club or call Gene at 863-206-5932
JANUARY 2018
December 27 Open Ride Day Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Jacksonville Equestrian Center is open to the public 10am - 4pm to celebrate the Holidays with an open ride day. Riders will need to check-in at the administration office, provide payment, and proof of negative Coggins. The event fee is $10 per rider, and they will receive a wrist band to be able to enter the arena.
January 6 - 7 Twice as Nice Dressage Show Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL. Sat. 8am, Sun. 3pm. For more information, visit www.southeasthorseshows.com
December 28 - 31 Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show Florida State Fairgrounds, Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL. www.floridastatefair.com/ December 29 - 31 Cypress Springs Pony Club Winter Camp For more information, visit: www.flhorsepark.com or call 352-307-6699 December 29 - 31 7th Annual Stopanio Memorial Barrel Race Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, Ocala, FL. For more information visit: keytoheavenranch.com December 30 Open Schooling Horse Show Helen Howarth Park, 6301 94th Ave., Pinellas Park, FL. Halter, English, Western, Gaited & Non Stock Type Classes, Ranch Horse Classes & Speed Horse Classes. Info visit: pinellasparkhorse.com December 30 Moonlight Ride Hosted by Friends of the Little Manatee River State Park. 215 Lightfood Rd, Wimauma 33598 Register 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., ride 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. Limited to 50 riders, RSVP to Judy at jneveridge@gmail.com or call 813-634-8716 Glow lights, no flashlights, $15 fee
January 13 Poker Ride Hike or Paddle
January 5 - 7
Hosted by Friends of the
Florida High School Rodeo Association Florida Horse Park. For more information, visit: www.flhorsepark.com or call 352-307-6699
Little Manatee River State Park
January 10 Ron Ralls On the Road Barrel Horsemanship Clinic Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Wed. 9am - 5pm. Part of the Brie Strong Memorial Barrel Race. For more information: www.eastwest-productions.com January 12 - 14 South Florida Reining Horse Association Florida Horse Park. For more information, visit: www.sfrha.com, www.flhorsepark.com or call 352307-6699
215 Lightfood Rd, Wimauma 33598 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Collect playing cards along the way, $1 for extras Fee $20, lunch included
January 13 Marion County Horse Specialty Club 4-H Show Series Ocala - For more information email: sendmetheentries@yahoo.com or visit: www.horsespecialtyclub.com
Where in Ocala?
January 12 - 14 2018 Brie Strong Memorial Barrel Race Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Fri. - Sun. 8am. For more information: www.eastwest-productions.com January 13 - 14 Horse Shows in the Park Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL. Sat. 8am, Sun. 5pm. January 13-14, 2018 Exmoor Horse Trials Presented by Ocala Ranches 17500 N US Hwy 441, Reddick, FL USEF/USEA Recognized Division: IP, P, PR; USEF Endorsed/USEA Recognized Divisions: T, TR, N, NR, BN, BNR. Contact: Richard Trayford at: richard@ equiventures.com or visit: www.exmooreventing.com January 13 Alston Tract Day Ride Triple B Riding Club. RSVP required to TripleBRider@yahoo.com Visit http://www.TripleBRiders.club or call Gene at 863-206-5932
Can you identify the location of this lawn jockey? Answer in Business Place page 37. www.horsecapitaldigest.com 27
Equine Events January 14, 2018 US Pony Club Qualifying Quiz Rally Florida Sun Farm, Hawthorne, Florida Alex Weiss, Regional Quiz Coordinator 850-925-7908 or 850-544-1500 http://sunshineregionponyclubs.org
January 18 GYPSY VANNER National Championship
January 20 - 21
Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy
Sat. 2 pm at Hardee County Cattlemans Arena,
Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. Thurs. 8am - 6pm For more
507 Civic Center Dr., Wauchula, FL. PRCA / WPRA
information visit: www.FeatheredHorseClassic.com
Peace River ProRodeo Classic
Sanctioned. Info: 941-737-6502, jessica@peaceriverprorodeo.com or www.peaceriverprorodeo.com/
January 19-21 55th Annual Ocala Equine Conference & Equine Foot Symposium Hilton of Ocala – Cutting-edge lectures from world-
2018 OBS Calendar Open to the Public! Stop by to watch, register to bid or enjoy lunch.
Including Horses of Racing Age Section January 24 – 25 Under Tack: January 22
MARCH TWO-YEAR-OLDS March 13 – 14 Under Tack: March 8–10
SPRING TWO-YEAR-OLDS April 24 – 27 Under Tack: April 16– 21
Team Roping NTRL National Finals
class speakers, totaling 25 hours of high-quality con-
Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 13611 Normandy
tinuing education, extensive ultrasound wet lab,
Blvd., Jacksonville, FL. USTRC Sanctioned. United
featuring instruction in small groups from experts in
States Team Roping Championships: ben@ustrc.com
the field. Contact FAEP toll free at (800) 992-3862
or www.ustrc.com/Home/
January 20
January 26 - 27
Western Dressage - WDAFL Education Day & High
Lakeland Pro Rodeo Classic
Point Awards Presentation & Annual Meeting Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W Newberry Rd., Newberry, FL. Ride with WDAFL trainers Lynn Palm, Vickie Rollack, Rachel Ory, Ken Najorka, and Cyril
WINTER MIXED
January 25 - 28
Fri. 7:30 pm, Sat. 2:30 pm at The Lakeland Center 701 W Lime St., Lakeland, FL. PRCA Sanctioned. Info: 863-834-8100 or www.lakelandprorodeo.com
Pittion-Rossillion. Cost to ride is $25 per 45 min. session. Stalls are available for $25/day or haul in for
January 26 - 27
$10/day. Lunch will be available for a $15 pre-pur-
Josey Ranch Barrel Racing Clinic
chase to all riders, auditors and high point awards
Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, New-
participants. Info contact Marie-Frances Davis at:
berry, FL. Fri. 3pm - Sun. 5 pm. For more information,
vicepresident@wdafl.org or visit: www.wdafl.org
contact joseyranch@barrelracers.com
January 20
January 27
Lonesome Dover Mystery Ride & Poker Run Wildwood - Hosted by Blue Moon Ranch Lake Panasoffkee Wildlife Management Trailhead, Hwy 44. 8 a.m. check-in, Fee $25 per horse, plus lunch and chuckwagon dinner $40
KICCO Day Ride Triple B Riding Club RSVP required to TripleBRider@yahoo.com Visit http://www.TripleBRiders.club or call Gene at 863-206-5932
352-578-4947
FEBRUARY 2018 JUNE TWO-YEAR-OLDS & HORSES OF RACING AGE June 12 – 14 Under Tack: June 4 – 9
January 20 - 21 Florida Agriculture and Wildlife Expo Rodeo 7:30 pm at Tampa Bay Regional Airport, 16479 Runway Dr., Brooksville, FL PCA Sanctioned. Professional Cowboy Association: www.pcarodeo.com/
February 1-3 Grandview Invitational-Florida’s Draft Horse Show Florida Horse Park, Contact Karen Cobbs at 260-388-4279 or freshfuel@gmail.com
SELECTED YEARLINGS October 9 OPEN YEARLINGS October 10 – 11 28 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
January 20 - 21 DWPQ Baby It’s Cold Outside Mounted Shooting
February 3
9:00 am at L Cross Equestrian Center, 40810 Grays
Canterbury Open Pleasure Show
Airport Rd., Lady Lake, FL. CMSA Sanctioned. Info:
Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, New-
David Larson 540-207-5389, dlarson0608@
berry, FL. Sat. 9am - 5pm. For more information, call
gmail.com or www.flpeacemakers.com
Sue McKinney 352-435-5733.
Equine Events February 3-4 Meta Baxter Driving Class Learn to drive and train your horse to drive Brought you by the University of Florida FAS Horse Unit. Class offered through Santa Fe College Registration begins January 8 www.sfcollege.edu, or wacahootakj@gmail.com or 225-767-9615
February 10
February 21-24
Hampton Tract Day Ride
TS Mules’ Horsemanship/Mulemanship Clinic
Triple B Riding Club
Spotted Dance Ranch, Brooksville.
RSVP required to TripleBRider@yahoo.com
9:00 am- 4:00 pm each day, Spectators welcome for
Visit http://www.TripleBRiders.club or call Gene at
$25 per day. Information and/or to register:
863-206-5932
www.tsmules.com or www.spotteddanceranch.com or call 813-482-4028
February 16 - 18 February 8-11 Florida Trail Blazers 12th Annual Pig Roast & Poker Ride Eustis - FETCHTEL Lower Wekiva River Preserve Fee $25 adults, kids 12/under- free Contact Jim Lawrence at remaxassoc@gmail.com
Silver Spurs Rodeo Friday & Saturday 7:30, Sunday TBD at Silver Spurs Arena, 1875 Silver Spurs Lane., Kissimmee, FL. PRCA / WPRA Sanctioned. Info: 321-697-3495, silver-
February 23-24 Pasco County Fair Championship Rodeo Fri., 7:00pm, Sat. 2:30 pm at Pasco County Fair 36722 State Road 52, Dade City, FL. PRCA Sanctioned. Info: Pasco County Fair Assn. 352-567-6678,
spursrodeo.com/, facebook.com/pages/Silver-Spurs-
email: office@pascocountyfair.com or pascocounty-
Rodeo/216846058437
fair.com/
February 17
February 23-24
Saddle Up for Charity
Wide Open Rodeo
Diamond “B” Ranch, 21309 Kettering Rd, Dade City
Fri. & Sat. 7:30 pm at Saint Lucie County Fairgrounds
Bonus Poker Ride-Along the route to benefit Pasco
15601 W Midway Rd., Ft Pierce, FL. PRCA Sanc
Posse
tioned. Info: 772-464-2910 or
8:30 a.m. check-in, 10 a.m. ride begins, Fee $30/$35
www.stluciecountyfair.com/
includes event shirt and lunch Bonus poker ride $20, prizes include a Yeti cooler February 8-19 Florida State Fair
Benefits Bridging Freedom & USIAHT
Spotlight
www.pascosheriffcharities.org/saddleup/
Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, 4800 U.S. Highway 301 North, Tampa, FL. Fun for the entire family with
February 17 - 18
Midway rides, food vendors, competitions, events and
Intecollegiate Horse Show – Zone 4
educational & agricultrual exhibits. Horse shows in-
Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, New-
clude the Draft Horse Show, Mounted Police, the
berry, FL. Sat. 8am, Sun. 5pm. For more information,
Miniature Horse Show, Drill Team Competition and
Call Canterbury Showplace at 352-472-6758 or visit
the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales! For more
www.canterburyshowplace.com
info, visit: www.floridastatefair.com/ February 17 - 18 February 9-11
Saddle Life Florida State Championships
Jubilee of Breeds Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL. Fri. 8am - 5pm. For more information, contact Alicia Davis at 352-665-9734 or Canterbury Showplace at 352-472-6758.
Mounted Shooting 9:00 am at L Cross Equestrian
February 10 - 11
February 19
Dressage & Western Dressage Clinic
Sunshine State Mounted Drill Team Event
with Jec Aristotle Ballou
Tampa - Fun, friendly competition, divisions for 4-H
Charlotte Trentelman’s Rebel Ridge Farm, 1001 NE
and sheriff posse teams
105th Ln., Anthony, FL. Info call Rachel Ory at 231-
SSMDTA@hotmail.com
758-2856 or email: rachelleighory@gmail.com
or www.facebook.com/SSMDTA
Center, 40810 Grays Airport Rd., Lady Lake, FL. CMSA Sanctioned. Info: David Larson 540-207-5389, dlarson0608@ gmail.com or www.flpeacemakers.com
OK Dude, a son of top thoroughbred stallion First Dude, appeared at the Frank Stronach UF/IFAS Plant Science Center Open House for Farm City Week with his trainer Lauren Bandi. OK Dude was retired to the Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Farm at Lowell Correctional Institute where he learned 25 trick horse skills in a little over a year before being recently adopted. www.facebook.com/horsecapitaldigest 29
Equine Events February 24
March 17
Colt Creek Stake Park Day Ride
Marion County Horse Specialty Club
Triple B Riding Club
4-H Show Series
RSVP required to TripleBRider@yahoo.com
Ocala - For more information email:
Visit Http://www.TripleBRiders.club or call Gene at
sendmetheentries@yahoo.com
863-206-5932
or visit: www.horsespecialtyclub.com
February 24-25
March 17-18
Twice as Nice Dressage Show II Canterbury Showplace, 23100 W. Newberry Rd, Newberry, FL. Sat. 8am, Sun. 5pm. For more information, contact Carli Evans @ 352-215-0710, or visit www.southeasthorseshows.com
Live Oak International Combined Driving & Show Jumping. 2215 SW 110th Ave., Ocala, FL. Contact: info@liveoakinternational.com
February 24-25 Orange Blossom Festival Rodeo Davie Pro Rodeo Arena, 4271 Davie Rd. Davie, FL Info: 954-680-8005, www. davieprorodeo.com or info@davieprorodeo.com
Southeastern Pro Rodeo Southeastern Livestock Pavillion, Ocala, FL. Competition in saddle and bareback bronc riding, tie down roping, steer wrestling, team roping, barrel racing, and the most dangerous eight seconds in any sport, BULL RIDING. 352-671-8600.
MARCH 2018 Every Friday & Sunday in March The Villages Polo Club 12 Goal Tournament. Every Fri. through 3/30 @ 3pm on Field 1. Every Sun. through 4/1 @ 1pm on Field 2 (Schedule is subject to change.) For more information, visit: www.thevillagesentertainment.com/polo March 1 - 3 Production in the Palms 2018 National Block &Bridle Club Convention A weekend of educational tours, lectures and workshops for agricultural and equine clubs and organizations. Registration deadline Feb. 1. Held at The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, 1500 Sand Lake Rd., Orlando, FL. Info: Rebekka at 386-983-6811 or email: rbrown96@ufl.edu March 3-4 Team Roping: USTRC Florida Championships Held at J 3 Ranch and Arena, 861 Sinclair Dr., Sarasota, FL. USTRC Sanctioned. United States Team Roping Championships: ben@ustrc.com or www.ustrc.com/Home/ March 8-11 Weekend Trail Riding Seminar w/Robert Eversole Spotted Dance Ranch, Brooksville. Various topics related to trail riding. Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen Annual Shindig: Noon on March 10. For more information: Visit: www.spotteddanceranch.com or call 813-482-4028 or visit: www.trailmeister.com 30 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
March 23-24
March 24-25 Tack Shack of Ocala Horsey Yard Sale 481 SW 60th Ave., Ocala, FL. Info: 352-873-3599 or tackshackocala@yahoo.com
HITS OCALA WINTER CIRCUIT January 16-21 Ocala January Classic (I) January 23-28 Ocala January Festival (II)
March 30-31 Santa Rosa County Fair Rodeo Fri. 5 pm, Sat. 12:00 pm at Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds, 8604 Bobby Brown Rd Milton, FL. PRCA / TR Sanctioned. Info: 850-623-1115 or info@srcfair.com
February 6-11 Ocala Winter Classic (IV)
APRIL 2018
February 13-18 Ocala Winter Festival (V)
Every Friday & Sunday in April The Villages Polo Club 8 Goal Tournament. Every Fri. through 4/27 @ 3pm on Field 1. Every Sun. through 4/29 @ 1pm on Field 2 (Schedule is subject to change.) For more information, visit: www.thevillagesentertainment.com/polo April 7 Marion County Horse Specialty Club 4-H Show Series Ocala - For more information email: sendmetheentries@yahoo.com or visit: www.horsespecialtyclub.com April 21-22 Gary Rockwell Clinic Hosted by Palm Partnership Training, Ocala 352-629-3310, lynnpalm.com
January 30-February 4 Ocala Premiere (III)
February 18 FEI Nations’ Cup February 20-25 Ocala Masters (VI) February 27-March 4 Ocala Tournament (VII) March 6-11 Ocala Winter Finals (VIII) March 13-18 Ocala Winter Celebration (IX) March 20-25 Ocala Championship (X) March 25 Great American Million Grand Prix
HCD
HITS GUIDE
History By Tammy A. Gantt
H
ITS, Inc. is a special events management company primarily focused on producing hunter/jumper horse shows. Based in upstate New York in the village of Saugerties, HITS produced its first horse show circuit in Gainesville in 1982. Many consider Florida to be the heart of HITS shows, which were originally produced in Gainesville in the ‘80s and then moved to Ocala in the mid-‘90s to accommodate increasing numbers and the need for rings and stabling. Since then, HITS has grown into a nationwide company with worldclass hunter-jumper circuits in California, Florida, Arizona, New York and Virginia. In 2002, HITS moved to Ocala’s Post Time Farm and created a show jumping haven. Boasting 450 lush acres, the show grounds welcome all levels and kinds, from short stirrup to Olympic athletes, national champion campaigners to local baby greens. HITS produces three of the richest grand prix in the world with the AIG $1 Million Grand Prix in Thermal, Calif., the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala, and the Saugerties $1 Million Grand Prix in Saugerties – all forming the Triple Crown of Show Jumping. The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix in Ocala is planned for March 25 which is the second jewel of the Triple Crown of show jumping. This is a fitting connection in Florida, as the state is also the birthplace of the 1978 American Triple Crown winner in thoroughbred racing, the great champion Affirmed, and served as the early training grounds for 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah. The Grand Prix welcomes international talent from all corners of the world. The HITS Championship also hosts the HITS Saugerties $250,000 Junior/Amateur-Owner Jumper Prix, as well as the crown jewels of the hunter discipline with the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final and the Platinum Performance $250,000 Hunter Prix Final. In 2011, HITS Inc. expanded its event-management repertoire into endurance sports and HITS Endurance was born. Under the HITS Endurance umbrella, both HITS Triathlon Series and HITS Running Festivals present top-notch triathlon and running races throughout the U.S. The FEI Nations Cup found a home at HITS Post Time Farm. Saturday, Feb. 17, offers the second annual “Jump Downtown” event in Ocala’s Downtown Square. That night builds up to the main event on Sunday, Feb. 18, which will feature nine international teams who will battle it out for global fame and their piece of a $450,000 purse in the LONGINES FEI Nations Cup. The key to HITS’ success is its strategy of producing a series of horse shows over continuous weeks, in desirable destinations, with first-class competition facilities and unmatched professional operations. Additionally, HITS offers competitive opportunities for riders in a broad range of ages and skill levels. Thomas G. Struzzieri has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of HITS since its inception. He has served on the Board of Directors of the United States Equestrian Federation as well as its Competition Management Committee. He also served as chairman of USEF Zone 2. HITS has a professional, full-time staff of 35 employees, including a complete administrative staff, located at the company’s headquarters in Saugerties. Their level of experience and dedication guarantees superior execution of the details of all HITS horse shows. HCD www.facebook.com/horsecapitaldigest 31
HCD
HITS GUIDE
Spectator’s By HITS Staff
I
t’s beautiful, it’s impressive and it’s exciting, but if while sitting in the grandstand at a horse show, you find yourself thinking these things, you’re not alone. Have no fear, however, HITS has put together a guide to horse shows for the avid or perhaps not-so-avid spectator. The following will give you an insider’s look at the horse show world and how to navigate all that you will see during HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.
WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING AND HOW TO JUDGE IT:
ESI PHOTO
JUMPERS—Jumper classes, like the March 25 Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, are spectator favorites because they are relatively simple to judge and are based on speed and athleticism. Jumper classes are judged on “faults” and “time.” The standard is cut and dry: You either have the fastest round without faults or you don’t. A fault is a numerical penalty for an error. A horse and rider that knock down a rail or any part of the jump that establishes its height will acquire four faults. If a horse refuses to jump any one of the fences in the course, that also counts as four faults.
A second refusal results in elimination of the horse and rider from the class. Speed becomes important as there is a time allowed set for each course. A time fault is given for each second or fraction of a second that the horse remains on course over the time allowed. A clean round is one where there are no time or jumping faults. If more than one horse goes clean over a course, a timed jump-off or shorter course will determine the winner. Should two or more horses have an equal number of jumping faults in the jump-off, the fastest time will determine the winner. HUNTERS—Hunter classes judge the horse. A hunter should have a long, low, ground-covering stride and jump the fences easily, smoothly and with consistent pace. Hunters are quiet, exhibit good manners both over fences and under saddle and jump courses that involve direct lines and straight-forward fences, usually designed with natural elements and colors. At the conclusion of over -fences classes, hunters are often asked to jog for soundness. They trot in a line in front of the judge before placings are made final. The judge will evaluate the horse’s conformation, health and overall gait both during the class and in the jog. At the end of class, a judge will assign a hunter and its rider a nu-
32 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Guide
TIME ALLOWED – the time, determined by the course designer, that it should take a horse to navigate a jumper course. REFUSAL – a horse that stops in front of a fence and will not attempt to jump it. CLEAN/CLEAR – when the horse and rider complete all jumps on the course without a single jumping or time fault. JUMP-OFF – the riders who have a clean round compete in a timed jump-off over a shortened course to determine the winner of the class. TACK – the equipment used on the horse including the saddle and the bridle. COMBINATION – two or more jumps set close together and designed to be jump with fewer strides in between and judged as one element. LIVERPOOL – a fence set over water or a ditch filled with water that horse and rider must clear. GREEN – a horse, usually young, with little experience. HCD
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ESI PHOTO
merical score out of 100 based on how well they executed the course and how professional they looked doing it. Shiny boots, well-tailored clothes and a smartly groomed horse all count in the hunter ring. EQUITATION—Equitation classes judge the rider on their form, their guidance of the horse, effectiveness of their aids, position of legs, hands and upper body position, and the ability to perform certain tests with style and precision. The rider’s legs should be perpendicular to the ground and quiet with the heel down. Their hands should be supple and follow the movement of the horse’s head. The upper body should be upright, but relaxed with a slight arch in the lower back. The rider’s head should be up and looking forward. Equitation classes are generally judged on the flat at the walk, trot and canter and over fences. Equitation riders, like hunter riders, are assigned a score out of 100 by a judge based on their performance. The highest score wins the blue. Learn these terms and you will be on the way to impressing all your “horsey” friends STRIDE – the amount of ground a horse covers. At the canter, the average stride of a horse is 12 feet. The distances between fences of jumping courses are set accordingly. SCHOOLING – practice or training before competition. The riders practice in a schooling area and are not allowed to practice on the actual course. ORDER OF GO – the order in which the competitors compete over the set course. COURSE WALK – riders walk the course to measure the number of strides their horse will need between each jump. FAULTS – numerical penalties assigned for downed rails, refusals or going over the time allowed.
to show jumping
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HCD
HITS GUIDE
A Guide to the 37 YEARS Since 1982, HITS, Inc., has made its winter home in Central Florida. Hits Ocala is a 10-week circuit running from January 16 through March 25. There are 12 weeks of USEF-Rated shows beginning with the two-week Ocala Holiday Series in December.
A SITE TO SEE HITS Venues are open to the public so fans can catch a glimpse of equestrian stars at HITS Horse Shows in 2018. Location: HITS Post Time Farm, 13710 US Highway 27, Ocala, Florida 34482 Schedule: Wednesday through Sunday; 8 am to approximately 4 pm: Grand Prix events take place at approximately 2 pm every Sunday, as well as select Thursdays and Fridays.
Admission: No admission charge Wednesday through Saturday. On Sunday, general admission tickets are $5. Children 12 and under are free. General Admission: FEI Nations Cup on Sunday, February 18 and the Great American Million on Sunday, March 25, is $10; Children 12 and under are free. General admission tickets will be available at the gate the day of the event. For information on Day VIP passes, please contact the show office at 352.620.2275.
NEW STADIUM NAME The Ocala Horse Properties Stadium will host select special classes each week, including several grand prix, hunter prix, and jumper classics throughout the circuit, highlighted by the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix Sunday, March 25. The Stadium creates a special atmosphere for spectators as well as exhibitors participating in the high level classes chosen for this arena. Hunters will be in the spotlight as well, with two $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derbies, Week IV, February 6-11 and Week X, March 20-25. The World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) week (Week VIII, March 6-11) will also put hunters center-stage with many of the A-Rated Divisions being featured in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium. “With the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, the Grand Prix Ring, Main Hunter Ring and our grass Hunter Field, we have immense flexibility with our schedule week to week,” said Struzzieri. “We really enjoy being able to feature different groups, both hunter and jumper, in the main rings each week and will continue to make that part of our plan.”
VIP TREATMENT Nestled above the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium, the Overlook VIP Club offers the best seat in the house for viewing the featured Grand Prix at HITS Ocala. Reservations for tables of eight are available for the entire 10-week circuit, as well as on a weekly basis. Recent upgrades include sliding glass doors on the stadium side of the VIP Club. Service includes complimentary breakfast and lunch each show day prepared by the expertly trained culinary staff of the Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in Saugerties, N.Y. During the weeks of the Longines FEI Nations Cup™ Jumping, (Feb. 13-18) and the 34 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
HITS 2018 Circuit Great American $1 Million Grand Prix (March 20-25), Executive Chef Giuseppe Napoli will create specialty menus to each day, along with complimentary beer and wine service, included with VIP reservations. To reserve your VIP Table, contact the Show Office at 845.246.8833. The Overlook VIP Club Membership Packages range from $1,500 to $4,000 per week or all ten weeks for $15,000. Circuit VIP guests garner VIP placement.
SHOPPING GALORE The Vendor Courtyard includes all shops located onsite. Located in the same convenient area near the HITS Restaurant, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy at the Vendor Courtyard. Here’s a few: Acuswede - Acupressure products - horse & people Blueberry Hill - Riding Apparel Briar Hill Signworks - Custom Signs Clothesline Laundry - Laundry Services Der Dau - Custom Boots Equine Motorcoach - Equine Motorcoaches Equine Office Invoicing Services Equis LLC - Premium Equestrian Boutique Exceptional Equestrian - Equestrian Boutique Judy’s Tack Shop - Tack Shop Ocala Horse Properties – Realtor Pulse Center - PEMF Therapy and Sales Shadow Trailer - Quality Horse Trailers Sullivan Buick GMC- Buick GMC Dealer Tack Shack of Ocala - Tack Shop Tenney’s Custom Saddlery - Comprehensive Tack Shop The Collection - Riding Apparel The Hunting Horn - Tack Shop The Tack Shelter - Tack Shop TheraPlate Revolution - Revolution Therapy Platforms U-Dump - Dump Trailers Wild Horses - Riding Apparel
THE GREAT AMERICAN MILLION To be held on Sunday, March 25, the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix completes the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping as the second jewel of the coveted series. This will give Ocala competitors an opportunity to compete for the richest prize in show jumping and will serve as an exciting end to the 2018 Ocala Winter Circuit.
THE CUP OF ALL CUPS The FEI Nations Cup™ CSIO5* week will be a $1 Million event for HITS Ocala with over $1 Million in prize money awarded throughout the week. Also new to Nations Cup week this year will be sections for Children’s and Junior Riders. Adding to the FEI schedule for the season, Week VI, Feb. 20-25, will be FEI CSI3* and will feature three FEI classes on the schedule.
COMMUNITY SUPPORT “As for the FEI Nations Cup™ CSIO5*, we couldn’t be more proud than to have been chosen to host that event for the fourth year in a row,” Struzzieri continued. “This honor is not only a testament to HITS ability to run a first-class international show jumping event, but it also reflects the support this event garners from the Horse Capital of the World. The City of Ocala, Marion County and the State of Florida are 100% behind this event, from the local businesses, to the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Marion Country Tourism Development Council and the Florida Sports Foundation, to the spectators who come out to show their love of horse sport."
A NEW LOOK Hunter Ring 2 serves as a second “Main” Hunter Ring. The ring once known as Hunter Ring 6 is the schooling area for Hunter Rings 2 & 3, providing a great warmup space for showing and practicing during the week. In addition, separate paths have been designated for horses and motorized vehicles, new footing has been added to Jumper Ring 1 and ringside shade pavilions have been installed. HCD
HCD
HITS GUIDE
HITS
At A Glance
The following is a brief summary of Show Jumping, the Longines FEI Nations Cup and opportunities for community participation. SHOWJUMPING 101: Jumper classes, like a Nations Cup Grand Prix, are spectator favorites because they are relatively simple to judge and are based on speed and athleticism. Jumper classes are judged on “faults” and “time.” The standard is cut and dry: You either have the fastest round without faults or you don’t. A fault is a numerical penalty for a jumping error. This is how it breaks down: A horse and rider that knock down a rail or any part of the jump that establishes its height will acquire four faults. If a horse refuses to jump any one of the fences in the course, that also counts as four faults. A second refusal results in elimination of the horse and rider from the class. A time fault is given for each second or fraction of a second that the horse remains on course over the time allowed. Speed becomes important as there is a time allowed set for each course. A clean round is one where there are no time or jumping faults. If more than one horse goes clean over a course, a timed jump-off or shorter course will determine the winner. Should two or more horses have an equal number of jumping faults in the jump-off, the fastest time will determine the winner.
HITS will host the $4500,000 Longines FEI Nations Cup HITS Post Time Farm | Ocala • Sunday, Feb. 18
ABOUT THE LONGINES FEI NATIONS CUP • It is the most prestigious Show Jumping series for national teams in the World • HITS will host the only U.S. North American Region qualifier for the Finals in Barcelona, Spain. 36 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
• Features a team competition with four riders per team • HITS will invite nine International teams • The FEI Nations Cup will consist of two jumping rounds: 1) The top 3 riders of the six best-placed participating teams (after the first round) ride the second course. 2) Each team’s lowest score for each round is dropped. Winning team has lowest score from faults. • The FEI Nations Cup boasts a $450,000 prize purse • The FEI events span six days, Feb. 13-18, with classes, including: $35,000 Welcome Stake $35,000 Thursday Prix $300,000 FEI Longines Grand Prix
WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON MARION COUNTY & OCALA? ■ Influx of international rider, trainers, support staff and owners plus media and fans. ■ Increased revenue for local lodging, restaurants, businesses ■ Sizeable spectator audience drawing from areas outside the region ■ Global media attention ■ Opportunity to showcase Marion County as unique environment for highest level of equestrian events, beautiful scenery and visitor friendly destination. ■ Opportunities to get involved: ■ Hospitality and sponsorship Initiatives ■ Community Partnerships ■ Host Family and Farm Tours ■ Business Alliances & Welcome Committees ■ Spectator Audience For further information visit the HITS Show Office.
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38 Horse Capital Digest • December 15, 2017
Give the gift of sponsoring a retired racehorse champion this holiday seasion Pictured: Hemingway’s Key
Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, 801 SW 60th Ave., Ocala FL 34474 CH Registration number (CH8627) issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.