Horse Capital Digest January 2012 by Florida Equine Publications

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HORSECAPITAL

DIGEST

801 S.W. 60th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34474-1827 Telephone: 352•732•8686 / Fax: 352•867•1979 E-Mail: summer@flequine.com www.horsecapitaldigest.com BUSINESS MANAGER Patrick Vinzant

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS EDITOR Sarah White

PUBLISHER Florida Equine Publications, Inc.

(A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’Association)

Executive Office - 801 S.W. 60th Avenue • Ocala, Florida 34474 FEP BOARD OF DIRECTORS Phil Matthews, President/Board Chairman Brent Fernung, 1st Vice President Francis Vanlangendonck, 2nd Vice President Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer CEO & EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT – Lonny T. Powell CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER – Caroline T. Davis

FTBOA OFFICERS AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS Fred Brei, President Brent Fernung, First Vice President Phil Matthews, Second Vice President Sheila DiMare, Secretary Bonnie M. Heath III, Treasurer DIRECTORS Joe Barbazon Craig Bernick Dean DeRenzo Roy Lerman Diane Parks

Linda Appleton Potter George Russell Jessica Steinbrenner Charlotte C. Weber Eddie Woods

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Lonny T. Powell Advertising rates available upon request. All rights reserved. Reproduction of contents without permission prohibited. Opinions expressed in Horse Capital Digest are those of the individual authors and are not necessarily those of the editors and owners of this publication. Horse Capital Digest attempts to print reliable results and entries. We are not responsible if the information reported to us is in error.

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Januar y 2012

HORSECAPITAL

CONTE DIGES T

COVER STORY

A Warm Welcome

A look at what’s new and noteworthy in 2012

Hit The Beach New bistro offers food and fun, 14 convenient to HITS Post Time Farm

In Every Issue

about the

cover

Kent Farrington and Top Gun winning the 2011 $100K DeLuca Toyota Tundra Grand Prix © ESI Photography Brought to you by Horse Capital Digest in Ocala/Marion County, The Horse Capital of the World®.

3 12 27 32

HITS Ocala Map HITS Bits News Bits Calendar of Events

NTS Features

Farm Management

Conserving water on the farm

Equine Metabolic Diseases

Is your horse just fat, or could it be something more?

Scenes From the Show

19 & 22

Practically Speaking New uses for old stuff

Eclipse Awards

Florida-breds bask in the spotlight

Horse Fever is Back

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss out on seeing the 10th anniversary herd!

AWarmWelcome ritches and boots are not uncommon attire in the restaurants and grocery stores of Ocala at any time of year, but a marked increase in sightings of Tailored Sportsmans and the like is one of the first clues that the influx of even more of us horse-crazy people has begun. There are other signs, such as more duallys in the parking lots, having to wait for a table at a favorite restaurant, and, well, actual signs displayed on store fronts that read, “Welcome Back, HITS!” or something along those lines. The energy and excitement your arrival creates is palpable. And thrilling events such as the Grand Prix classes attract even non-horsey spectators, serving as an introduction to the special magic of equestrian sport. In short, we want you to know that those welcome signs are in earnest – we love having you as our customers, parttime residents, and friends.

HITS 3’ HUNTER PRIX

HITS Ocala has the honor of hosting the first of the 33 qualifying classes for the all new $250,000 HITS 3’ Hunter Prix Final, which will take place at HITS-on-the-Hudson in Saugerties, N.Y., alongside the third annual Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and the renewal of the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. HITS also welcomes the National Professional Horsemen’s Association’s (PHA) Medal and the Marshall & Sterling Junior Medal Final to the last weekend of showing in Saugerties in 2012 – creating a true year-end finale. “After seeing the response and success that we’ve had with the Million and the $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, it’s clear that these events are revitalizing the sport and exciting our cusHere’s a look at what’s new and noteworthy at the tomers,” said Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. “With the addition of the $250,000 3’ Hunter Prix, we are creating HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in 2012. The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is kicking off in its new opportunities for an audience of riders who, until now, usual fashion this year at HITS Post Time Farm, with two didn’t have the chance to compete in a year-end final of this weeks of pre-circuit competition beginning with the Ocala magnitude. I feel strongly that, through these programs, we January Classic (Jan. 18-22) followed by the Ocala Janu- are rebuilding and establishing a new level of show jumping.” Qualifying classes for the 3’ Hunter Prix will be offered ary Festival (Jan. 26-30). But in addition to the familiar features that draw competitors year after year – the ex- throughout the nine-month season at all five HITS circuits. ceptional amenities and staff, the stellar lineup of classes Riders will have nine opportunities to qualify in Ocala for and competitors, and the welcoming atmosphere, just to the newest offering from HITS, with prize money ranging name a few – there are many exciting new events and ac- from $1,500 to $5,000. Continuing to set the standard for American show jumping tivities on tap for the 2012 season. higher and higher, HITS After seeing the response and success that we’ve had with the Million and is proud to offer hunter, the $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, it’s clear that these events are revitalizing the jumper and equitation riders the opportunity to be sport and exciting our customers. With the addition of the $250,000 3’ Hunter part of a major final and is Prix, we are creating new opportunities for an audience of riders who, until excited to present HITS Ocala riders an early now, didn’t have the chance to compete in a year-end final of this magnitude. chance at qualifying. —Tom Struzzieri, HITS President and CEO. To keep the 3’ HITS Hunter Prix focused on its target audience, there will be significant cross entry restrictions for qualifying classes during the season as well as OCALA PREMIERE HITS has added a week of A-rated competition, the Ocala the Final. Detailed specifications and qualifying requirePremiere (Jan. 31-Feb. 5), bringing the circuit to nine weeks ments are available online at HitsShows.com. of non-stop hunter/jumper action. The added week fills what used to be the off week between the pre-circuit shows and AND MORE… the rated circuit. The first week will be A-rated, and Weeks HITS is excited to announce a number of new special II-VII are AA-rated. events and entertainment this year, including: “It’s such a popular circuit, to have the opportunity to • Outfit of the Week, sponsored by Animo, will be feaexpand it is great. We’ve had an overwhelmingly positive tured in the Overlook VIP Club each week. response from the competitors; they’re very excited,” said • Pfizer Horse Owner Event, Saturday, Feb. 25, 6-9 p.m. Lisa Engel, HITS’ Corporate Sponsorship and Marketing in the Overlook VIP Club. All are welcome to attend. There representative. will be an informative lecture on preventative equine health

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WHAT’S NEW?

A look at what’s new and noteworthy at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in 2012 care followed by a dinner and live music! • Arenus Overall Athlete Award – Nominations start during the pre-circuit and can be made in the show office. The winner will be announced Week V. • Showing of the movie “Secretariat” on Friday, Feb. 17, for the whole family and a special reception Saturday, Feb. 18, in the HITS restaurant, where Kate Chenery Tweedy will introduce her book, “Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, and The Legend,” which honors “America’s Super Horse.” • Charles Owen Helmet Awareness Week is slated for Feb. 8-12.

RETURNING HIGHLIGHTS THE EXCITING COMPETITION HITS Ocala Winter Circuit continues to be a qualifying hot spot for other divisions of HITS’ championship weekend in New York. Grand Prix riders will have 16 chances to qualify for the 2012 Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix, including the season capstone $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Group on Sunday, March 18. Hunter riders will have nine Devoucoux Hunter Prix qualifiers with prize money ranging from $2,500 $10,000 as they compete for a spot in the 2012 Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final. Marshall & Sterling Insurance continues their sponsorship of the Marshall & Sterling League for its 22nd consecutive show year. The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit will host a full line-up of Marshall & Sterling League Divisions. It’s the perfect time to become a member of the Marshall & Sterling League and start earning points to qualify for the National League Finals. The Thoroughbred Hunter Series also returns to the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit this year, thanks to the generosity of its many sponsors. The 3’classes are open to horses of any age that are registered in any stud book recognized by The Jockey Club. These and other special classes, plus the depth and breadth of classes and divisions offered make HITS Ocala Winter Circuit the destination of choice for equestrians at all levels.

THE LOCATION

Andre Thieme had three Grand Prix victories at the 2011 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, including the $50,000 HITS Grand Prix on his mount, Cesar (pictured). Thieme qualified for the 2011 Pfizer Million Grand Prix and flew in from Germany to Saugerties, N.Y., in September, taking home the top prize with his own horse, Aragon Rouet.

ESI PHOTO

Ocala/Marion County – Horse Capital of the World ® – has more horses and ponies than any other county in the U.S., according to the USDA, making it a mecca for the horse industry. Equestrian goods and services are abundant, from feed, hay

Warm Welcome and bedding, veterinary and farrier services, trucks and trailers, to tack and other related products. The amenities and supporting industries, plus mineral-rich pastures and temperate winters make this an ideal location to ride, train and compete horses, in the winter and year-round.

Show on Saturday, March 10, followed by Purina Mills’ Kids Day, presented by Local Edge on Sunday, March 11, the Arenus Rising Star Challenge Karaoke Night on Friday ,March 2, and the Team Barber Exhibition Party on Friday, March 16.

THE LEARNING The Education Station continues to provide

services on site for student riders participating in the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit to help them stay on track with their school curriculum. HCD For dates and more information on all the events, awards and entertainment of the 2012 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, see pages 12-13 in this issue, or go online to HitsShows.com/Ocala.

THE FACILITY

LARA SHEPARD PHOTO

Aside from continuing to offer competitive stabling, feed and bedding prices, HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala provides riders with ample space for stabling, competing, training and riding all within the same property. Permanent stabling at HITS Ocala is in high demand thanks to 22 permanent barns spread throughout the facility, while tents provide an additional 2,000 stalls when needed. HITS Post Time Farm also boasts lovely furnished condos and a number of houses available for rent, located on and around the show grounds, and nearly 100 permanent turnout paddocks.

THE FOOD HITS Post Time Farm offers one of the best on-site food service pavilions around. Grab some lunch and find a grassy spot on the berms or sit in the bleachers to watch some of the world’s best show jumping in the heart of the Marion County. Additionally, HITS has once again teamed up with a number of dining partners to cater unique lunches in the Overlook VIP club and sponsor special events such as the Pfizer High Performance Riders Dinner and the HITS Ocala Sponsor Reception.

THE GOODS The vendor courtyard at HITS Post Time Farm features more than a dozen shops offering quality equestrian gear, apparel, jewelry and souvenirs.

THE AWARDS HITS is always looking for an opportunity to recognize the achievements of the individuals who make it all possible; that includes competitors, horses, grooms, and even dogs. Awards such as the Exclusive Top Dog, the Leading Mare (sponsored by Equine Medical Center of Ocala, Stallion Services), the Grooms Award (sponsored by Odor-No-More), and more, are back again thanks to their generous sponsors.

THE FUN Returning entertainment includes Country 103.7 FM The Gator’s HITS Welcome Party at the Hilton on Sunday, Feb. 12, the World of the Horse Exhibition on Feb. 26, the Purina Mills Pre-Prix Party and Horseless Horse

HITS Ocala Vendors 2012 BARN & BARN PRODUCTS ■ Amberway Equine Brian Lynch 248.431.1875

CLOTHING, ACCESSORIES & GIFTS ■ 98Cows.com Don Woodward 727.867.0884 ■ Animo 303.317.3484 USAnimo.com ■ Blueberry Hill Ardath Hastey 561.578.0051 ■ Briar HillLarry Smith 800-750-6079 ■ The Collection Robin Petix 585.739.7096 TheCollectionOnlineStore.com ■ Der Dau Custom Boots Jose Der 718.336.4513 DerDau.com ■ Design Works Zorka Pondell 810.678.3537

■ HITS Souvenirs Located at Mona’s Monograms ■ Ronald Ravan Jeweler Ronald Ravan 770.539.3466 ■ Rose Hollow Kendall Clark 936.271.2505 ■ Wild Horses, Ltd. Elaine Riley 617.734.0408

EMBROIDERY & ENGRAVING ■ Mona’s Monograms Mona Garray 860.649.1272 MonasMonograms.com

GOLF CART RENTAL ■ Dever, Inc. 859.455.9586 DeverInc.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS & VIDEO ■ Official HITS Photographer ESI Photography Glen Burgess 978.319.3449 ESIphoto@yahoo.com ■ CatchRide LLC Katherine Breunig 214.532.0199

■ Diligence Enterprises Pam Hill 240.626.0129

TACK & SADDLERY

■ Gifted Paddock Shirley Crawford 615.512.7007

■ Antares Sellier France 800.250.9284 AntaresSaddle.com

■ The Custom Fox John Pfeiffer 734.854.1111 CustomFox.com ■ CWD Precision Saddles 818.859.7708 CWDSellier.com ■ Devoucoux, Inc. 800.847.7785 Devoucoux.com ■ FarmVet Christian Currey 888.837.3626 FarmVet.com ■ The Hunting Horn Shelly Shaulinski 585.385.9690 TheHuntingHorn.com ■ Judy’s Tack Shop Judy Orbesen 901.755.5314 Judystackshop.net ■ The Tack Shelter, Inc. Dennis Bermack 732.303.0055 TheTackShelter.com ■ Tenney’s Custom Saddlery Jim Tenney 813.780.8016 ■ Voltaire Design 845.875.4438 VoltaireDesign.com

Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Farm

Situated on 100 grassy acres in northeast Marion County,

The farm is operated in conjunction with the Florida Department of Corrections and Marion Correctional Institution and all the horses are cared for by female inmates from the Lowell Correctional Institute. The women, all non-violent offenders, spend their days learning barn management skills including grooming, feeding, doctoring, and physical therapy and they help teach the horses new disciplines. It’s a symbiotic relationship whereby the horses learn the skills they need to go on to new careers and the inmates learn about teamwork and trust. At the conclusion of the year-long program, having successfully passed 22 written tests covering all aspects of horse care, inmates graduate with a vocational certificate in equine care technology. Upon their release, some of the graduates have gone on to work in the industry as grooms and stable managers. Two famous Florida-bred champions permanently reside at the farm: Carterista, the 1993 Florida Champion Turf Horse and winner of eight stakes races, and Shake You Down, the 2003 Florida Champion Sprinter and winner of nearly $1.5 million.

Meredith Woods Photos

the Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Farm is home to more than 50 Florida-bred ex-racehorses. All of the horses arrive at the farm after their careers on the racetrack are over. Sure, their racing days are behind them, but after rest and retraining, many of the horses at the Florida TRF are ready for adoption. Many go on to enjoy second careers in dressage, trail riding, jumping, pleasure riding and other uses. Even those horses that are not rideable may find adoptive homes as companion animals. As more horses are adopted into new homes, more spaces are available for horses to join the Florida TRF program.

The Florida TRF currently has a waiting list for incoming Thoroughbreds. In order to join the list, the horse should be a Florida-bred Thoroughbred, coming straight from the track. The horse should be retired due to age or physical condition. Contact Florida Thoroughbred Charities for more information at 352-629-2160. A donation is requested along with each horse accepted into the program. Founded in 2001, the farm is supported though the concentrated efforts of Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association, Florida Thoroughbred Charities, Ocala Breeders’Sales Company, Gulfstream Park, Calder Race Course, Tampa Bay Downs, the Florida Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association, the national Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, as well as by many individuals who contribute through donations and fundraising efforts. For more information on adopting a retired Florida-bred racehorse, please contact the FTBOA offices at 352-629-2160. Since 1990 Florida Thoroughbred Charities, the non-profit, charitable arm of the FTBOA has raised more than $3.5 million for a variety of community and Thoroughbred industry causes. Much of the fundraising efforts are made possible due to the support FTBOA and FTC receive from corporate sponsorship.

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com

2012 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Special Events Make sure to check HITS’website regularly for updates to the schedule!

Every Monday it’s Mondays at the Mall! The Paddock Mall will offer specials for HITS every Monday during the 2012 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit – don’t miss it! Spend your Mondays at the Paddock Mall located on Hwy. 200, 3100 College Rd., Ocala.

January 31-February 5 Week I: Ocala Premiere

February 7-12 Week II: Ocala Winter Classic February 8-12

Sunday, February 12

HITS Welcome Party Sponsored by The Gator 103.7 FM, 6-10 p.m. HITS Ocala’s Official Radio Station, The Gator 103.7 is hosting a Welcome HITS Party at The Hilton, located at 3600 SW 36th Avenue, off Hwy. 200. All are welcome to attend – complimentary music, food and drink. Don’t miss this party because it’s going to be a HIT!

February 14-19 Week III: Ocala Winter Festival Friday, February 17

Movie Night – 7 p.m. Bring the family to the Grand Prix arena and watch “Secretariat”! Saturday, February 18

Charles Owen Helmet Awareness Week

Special Reception at the HITS Restaurant honoring Secretariat at 7 p.m.

Representatives from Charles Owen Helmets will be on hand to educate riders on the importance of properly fitted, approved riding helmets. Make sure to fill out a Charles Owen Riders’ Pledge and enter to win a free Charles Owen Helmet. Winner announced Sunday.

Presented by Kate Chenery Tweedy, author of “Secretariat’s Meadow – The Land, The Family, The Legend.” Meet the author and some of Secretariat’s exercise riders and learn about the great red stallion that became the 1973 Triple Crown Winner and “America’s Super Horse.” Complimentary reception – all are welcome to attend!

Thursday, February 9

HITS Ocala Sponsor Reception at Cuvée Wine and Bistro, 6-9 p.m. – invite only HITS welcomes its sponsors to the Ocala Winter Circuit with a special reception at Cuvée Wine and Bistro located at 2237 SW 19th Ave. Rd., Ocala. This is an invitationonly event for our valued HITS sponsors and is graciously hosted by Cuvée Wine and Bistro. The reception will start at 6 p.m. Contact Lisa Engel at Lisa@hitsshows.com for more information.

February 21-26 Week IV: Ocala Masters Thursday, February 23

Pfizer High Performance Riders Dinner at Ipanema, 7-10 p.m. – invite only HITS and Ipanema welcome all Grand Prix competitors on the road to the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix in this special invitation-only event at Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse at 2023 S. Pine Ave., Ocala.

The reception starts at 7 p.m. Please email Lisa Engel at lisa@hitsshows.com for more information. Saturday, February 25

Pfizer Horse Owner Event, 6-9 p.m. All are welcome to join Pfizer in the Overlook VIP Club. There will be an informative lecture on preventative equine health care followed by a dinner and live music! Sunday, February 26

World of the Horse with special on-site broadcast by The Gator 103.7 FM – 11 a.m. Numerous breeds of horses will be represented in a colorful parade sure to delight all horse lovers. The action takes place in the Grand Prix ring prior to the $50,000 Strongid C 2X Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health. Special exhibitions, booths and demonstrations will take place during the day celebrating the World of the Horse. Stay tuned for more details!

February 28-March 4 Week V: Ocala Tournament Friday, March 2

Arenus Rising Star (Karaoke) Challenge at the HITS Restaurant 6-8 p.m. The Musical Equestrian takes a break from the saddle and picks up the ‘mike.” Come to the Exhibitor Party sponsored by Arenus – have fun and share your talent – Get ready now and pick your song! Three prizes awarded: Best Brand Song – the person who sings the best song incorporating an Arenus product in it like SORENO-MORE or Assure, Charisma Award – best effort, most entertaining, most fun performance, such as blending in horse show lyrics to a known song, and Rising Star Award – best overall singing. Judging will be done by the crowd on the night of the competition.

March 6- 11 Week VI: Ocala Winter Finals Friday, March 9

The Purina Mills Pre-Prix Party and Horseless Horse Show – 5 p.m. All are welcome to the Purina Mills Pre-Prix Party Friday night in the HITS Overlook VIP Club to enjoy food, fun and entertainment. Don’t miss the Horseless Horse Show – sign up information to be posted. Fun for everyone! Sunday, March 11

Purina Mills’Kids Day, presented by Local Edge, with The Gator 103.7 FM on-site – 11 a.m. Live music, bounce house, petting zoo, arts, crafts and more. There will be plenty to delight!

March 13-18 Week VII: Ocala Celebration Friday, March 16

Team Barber End of Circuit Barbeque Bash

than 2 p.m. This is your last chance of the season to watch world class show jumping – don’t miss it!

Ocala 2012 Special Awards: Week I - VI Awards Weekly Exclusive Top Dog Award Submit a photo of your Hardest Working Show Dog Sunday through noon Saturday.

Week V Awards Arenus All Around Athlete Award Awarded to the Horse (and rider) at competitions that most represents the best qualities in the sport including: best condition and overall muscle fitness and balance; best natural ability and movement to perform the sport; best attitude demonstrating enjoyment of the sport; best effort in competing; best connection/communication with rider in understanding and performing the sport; best traits including personality representing an ambassador for the sport. Nominate your favorite horse/rider combination for the season and drop in the box at the Arenus display.

Week VII Awards HITS’ Official Veterinarians, Team Barber, sponsor this good old-fashioned country cookout, complete with barbeque and live music! The party is from 68 p.m. in the HITS restaurant and all are welcome to attend the Grand Finale party of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit! Sunday, March 18

$100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance, The Gator 103.7 FM on site The jumps are big and so is the prize money! Make sure to get to the show early to check out HITS’ Official Radio Station, The Gator 103.7 FM broadcasting live on site. The Antares Sellier Parade of Champions kicks off about 1 p.m. and the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance Company will start no earlier

Antares Sellier Parade of Champions The HITS Overall Circuit Champions will be recognized by HITS Sponsor Antares Sellier in the annual Parade of Champions, set to take place in the Grand Prix arena prior to the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix, presented by Great American Insurance. The Ocala Style of Riding Award presented by Ocala Style Magazine Awarded to the rider who exhibits the best American style of riding

and possesses the respectful, dignified, courteous and workmanlike manner of a true sportsman on the 2012 Ocala Winter Circuit. The Leading Mare Award, presented by Equine Medical Center of Ocala Stallion Services Awarded to the most winning mare in Grand Prix competitions during the entire 2012 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. The leading mare will win a free embryo transfer from Equine Medical Center of Ocala’s Stallion Services, performed by Dr. Corey Miller. The Catena Leading Hunter Rider New this year, the Leading Hunter Rider will be awarded a beautiful, handcrafted watch from Catena, USA. Details in the show office! The Groom’s Award, sponsored by Odor-No-More The Groom’s Award is chosen through popular vote. The voting box is in the show office along with entry forms. Voting takes place Pre-Circuit through Saturday, noon, Week VI. One vote per person per groom. The groom with the most votes wins! Overall HITS Ocala PMI Exclusive Top DogAward Voting is by individual email vote and begins Sunday, Week VI and closes by noon, Saturday Week VII. Platinum Performance Leading Grand Prix Rider Award Platinum Performance recognizes the most winning Grand Prix rider over the entire 2012 HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Circuit.

VIP Restaurants serving in the Overlook Club on Sundays: Week I: Ipanema Brazilian Steakhouse 2023 S Pine Avenue, Ocala www.ipanemaocala.com Week II: Cuvée Wine and Bistro 2237 SW 19th Ave. Rd., Ocala www.cuveewineocala.com

Week III: Cody’s Original Roadhouse 2505 SW College Road, Ocala www.codysoriginalroadhouse.com Weeks IV–VII: TBA

Ocala will soon offer competitors and spectators a new, friendly bistro where they can refuel, relax and have fun.

Hit the Beach ight down the road from HITS Post Time Farm, at the corner of U.S. Hwy. 27 and Hwy. 326, the Self family has been feverishly preparing for the grand opening of The Beach Ocala, set for the end of January – just in time for the HITS season. “It’s a gamble in this economy, but small businesses help put people to work. We want to give people jobs,” said Mary Self. Jesse and Mary Self have made the annual trek from Annapolis, Md., with their two sons, Matthew and Jesse, and daughter Katrina, for 13 years to winter in Florida and show at HITS. The Selfs have a small farm near the show grounds. “Katrina started showing when she was 10 years old. We love it here and hopefully will retire to Ocala,” Mary explained. Katrina now attends law school at the University of Florida, but is on hand helping prepare the restaurant. Katrina and Mary are also busy getting horses ready for the show ring. The Beach Ocala is designed with the equestrian competitor in mind. They plan to offer daily breakfast specials and a full line of delectable coffees and espressos. Lunch and dinner will bring out an array of soups, salads, flatbread pizzas and pressed sandwiches. The menu items will be prepared with all natural, high quality ingredients.

Opening soon, The Beach Ocala is easily accessible by golf cart from HITS showgrounds.

“Taste and quality matter to our family and we want that for our customers,” said Mary. But the taste bud extravaganza does not end there. The Beach Ocala will have a full-service bar and package store to a quench the toughest arena-dust thirst. From TGIM (Thank Goodness It’s Monday), featuring margaritas, mojitos and martinis, to Wine down Wednesday with half price wine bottles, to Friday night karaoke, there’s plenty to entertain during the week. Weekends will start with a Sunday morning Bloody Mary drink bar. Customers will be able to design and mix their own Bloody Mary from a wide range of ingredients. Weekend afternoons will energize with live acoustical entertainment and large flat-screen TVs will pipe in the Grand Prix from Wellington. Sunday night they’ll cap off the weekend with a DJ to celebrate the end of the show week. With its close proximity to the show grounds, The Beach Ocala is easily accessible by golf cart, and the golf cart parking lot is equipped with power so customers can recharge. The bistro is pet-friendly as well, allowing patrons to enjoy a meal or beverage on the “Dog-Friendly Deck.” HCD

Join the fun at The Beach Ocala – no sunscreen required! The Beach Ocala is located at 13201 West Hwy. 326, Ocala. Hours of operation are: Mon.-Wed., 11a.m. - 2 a.m.; Thurs. - Sun., 7 a.m. - 2 a.m. For more information visit The Beach Ocala on Facebook at facebook.com/thebeachocala or call 352-351-0371.

PHOTOS BY DANETTE PHILPOT

By Danette Philpot

Water H

That collected water can also be used for a variety of things, helping to cut down on your groundwater use. This water is perfect for watering your plants and flowers on the farm, or it can also be used to water your track and riding rings. You could get really “green” and cover the barn roof with vegetation, helping to soak up the rain (avoiding puddles) and treating any rainwater runoff naturally to help eliminate excess sediments and nutrients. Gulleys and ditches on the farm. Vegetation is a great natural soaker of rain water and can also help slow water’s speed of travel. Planting shrubs, bushes and grass in areas that normally

Consider this fact: Seventy-five percent of the Earth is water, but only a little more than 2 percent of that is fresh water, and almost two-thirds of that 2 percent is locked up in the ice caps and glaciers. are a path for rain flow will help break up the “river” that can be caused in a storm. Additionally, you can also use this new vegetation in a “pretty” way to help spruce up your barn area. Lastly, gravel in excessive travel areas can work nicely as a sort of “permeable pavement” for soaking up a bit more water. Consider this fact: Seventy-five percent of the Earth is water, but only a little more than 2 percent of that is fresh water and almost twothirds of that 2 percent is locked up in the ice caps and glaciers. That certainly doesn’t leave much for us all to drink! Hopefully these ideas have given you a good start on ideas for water savings and/or better ways to use the water already taken out of the aquifer. As always, keep up the good management practices! HCD PHOTO COURTESY JAMIE COHEN

appy New Year! Hopefully, the year has started out nicely and everyone is getting used to some cooler temperatures. Preserving water quality to help protect our beautiful springs and aquifer is a topic routinely mentioned, but I rarely discuss how to USE LESS water on the farms (or even in your homes, for that matter). Let’s start with basics. Check all faucets, hose sprayers and nozzles, automatic waterers, toilets and pipes for leaks. Do you want to f ind out how much water comes from that leaky equipment? To learn the answer, go to: http://ga.water.usgs.gov/edu/sc4.html. This is the USGS—Science for a Changing World website. This interesting and very informative link takes you to a page that calculates how much water is lost from your home (which can be easily made to work for barns). It also has lots of other very interesting facts about water and water use. There is even a good quiz about water knowledge. I’m depressed to say that I didn’t score too well, so I guess I still need more education, too! Regarding automatic waterers, they can be a good choice to help save water (as opposed to throwing out unused water from buckets), but I am old-school and will always prefer filling buckets so I know how much my horses are drinking. If you are like me and refuse to switch, then try using the unused bucket water by adding it to your stall waste if you compost, which will cut down on adding additional potable water, or by using it on your landscaped areas instead of watering them from a hose. A big barrel can be used to hold all of the water that is dumped out of the buckets. This barrel of water can then be held until needed, for things like bathing the horses. Rain barrels placed at the end of the barns can collect the water that normally drains from the gutters on the roof, instead of just letting it drip to the ground, potentially creating puddles and excess runoff in those bad Florida summer storms.

FARM MANAGEMENT

Schedule a Farm Call: Jamie A. Cohen Farm Outreach Coordinator UF IFAS/Marion County Extension Service 352-671-8792 • jamiecohen@ufl.edu

Is My Horse –or Does He Have a By Sarah M Reuss, VMD, DACVIM University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine besity is becoming a more well-recognized disease in all of our domestic animal species. It can be either a cause or effect of other disease conditions or problems. Obesity can worsen orthopedic conditions such as arthritis and may predispose horses to laminitis. It may be due

to simple overfeeding for the amount of exercise being performed, or it may be due to an actual disease condition. The two diseases that can cause abnormal weight gain or distribution in horses are Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS, also referred to as insulin resistance) and Equine Cushing’s Disease (also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, PPID). Cushing’s disease is due to dysfunction at the level

The two diseases that can cause abnormal weight gain or Equine Care

Just Fat? Metabolic Disease? of the brain. There is damage to the hypothalamus, an area of the brain that produces a hormone called dopamine which is supposed to suppress the pituitary gland. When this suppressive factor is no longer present, the pituitary gland (specifically the pars intermedia portion of the pituitary) begins to secrete increased amounts of several hormones (e.g., ACTH, MSH, B-endorphin) that cause some of the clinical signs directly as well as an increase in cor-

infections, infertility, increased sweating, and/or persistent lactation in mares. Testing for PPID is a common source of confusion and debate. The baseline ACTH is the most common screening test. This test involves just taking a blood sample, so there is no risk to the horse. The main problem with the test is that there is known seasonal variation in ACTH in horses with levels being higher in the fall. The “gold standard”

distribution in horses are Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Equine Cushing’s Disease. tisol release from the adrenal glands. The pituitary gland continues to enlarge with functional adenomas (small tumors). These can become large enough to compress other areas of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus resulting in some loss of their function as well. The Cushing’s disease that we see in horses is different than that seen in dogs or people, so PPID is the preferred term for the disease in horses. PPID is generally seen in older horses. The average age is 19-21, but it has been diagnosed in horses as young as 7. The prevalence increases drastically after 30 years. It is more common in ponies than horses. PPID causes changes in the fat and muscle distribution in affected horses. Fat accumulates in the crest of the neck, tailhead, over the eyes, and in the sheath. At first, horses may have more overall weight gain but over time, they lose the muscle along their topline leaving more of a potbellied appearance. One of the most telltale signs of PPID is called hirsuitism which is an excessively long hair coat that does not shed out normally. Laminitis or founder can affect up to 80 percent of horses with PPID. The mechanism is unclear, but this painful condition may be the ultimate cause of death in PPID affected horses. Other signs that you may notice in a horse with PPID are increased thirst, increased urination, lethargy, increased appetite, change in temperament, recurrent

test for PPID is the dexamethasone suppression test. This test involves drawing a baseline blood sample, administering dexamethasone, and then repeating a blood draw at 15 and 19 hours. There is some risk to this test as the administration of dexamethasone has been linked to the occurrence of laminitis in some horses. Other tests include a thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test, combined dexamethasone-thyrotropin-releasing hormone stimulation test, and domperidone challenge test. Resting cortisol levels are not a good test as there is a lot of normal variation in all horses. Treatment of horses with PPID involves both management and drug therapy. Regular deworming, dental, and foot care is necessary due to some of the clinical signs seen with the disease. Body clipping is also very useful for horses that do not shed out normally. Good quality hay and feed with high nutrient density should be fed. Equine Senior is a good option for many of these horses if they require a concentrate to maintain adequate body condition. The primary drug currently used in the treatment of PPID is pergolide. This is an oral drug with minimal side effects, but it must be handled and stored carefully. Other drugs that have been used include cyproheptadine, bromocriptine, and trilostane. Herbal treatments such as chaste berry have been advocated,

Is My Horse Just Fat?

body weight per day. The hay should be low in nonstructural carbohydrates. This can be confirmed via forage analysis or by soaking hay for at least 30 minutes prior to feeding it. A vitamin and mineral supplement should also be considered. Exercise is very important for the horse not undergoing an active laminitic bout, and should consist of 30 minutes of trot and canter four to seven times per week. Most EMS horses can return to some degree of pasture once they have lost weight, however horses with recurrent severe laminitis may be safest in a dry lot. Grazing muzzles can also be very useful. Turnout should occur in the early morning or late at night when grass sugar content is the lowest. Historically, many horses with EMS have been treated with levothyroxine (Thryo-L) a thyroid supplement. While these horses do not have actual thyroid dysfunction, short term supplemental thyroid hormone will increase insulin sensitivity and weight loss. Weight loss will only occur, however, if calories are also restricted, so levothyroxine may be prescribed for three to six months to accelerate weight loss while other management changes are instituted. Metformin is another drug used in people with insulin insensitivity that has been looked at for the treatment of horses with EMS. So far, the studies that have been performed have conflicting results. Herbal supplements such as magnesium, chromium, and cinnamon have not been shown to alter insulin sensitivity in horses. While horses with EMS are often treated with thyroid hormones, the existence of true hypothyroidism in the horse is controversial. Historically, hypothyroidism has been linked to obesity, laminitis, anhidrosis (non-sweating), recurrent tying up, and decreased fertility. In all of those cases, however, ac-

but there is no scientific proof that they are effective in horses with PPID. Equine Metabolic Syndrome should be suspected in any overweight horse described as an â&#x20AC;&#x153;easy keeper.â&#x20AC;? EMS is seen in horses over 5 years of age and is most common in ponies, Morgans, Arabians, and Fjords but can be seen in any breed. There is current research looking for a genetic marker, but this appears to be a disease with a genetic predisposition that is brought on by management factors. Most horses with EMS are obese with a body condition score greater than 7 out of 9. They will also have regional fat distribution like horses with PPID but will not have the muscle loss. Horses with EMS often present for spontaneously occurring laminitis that may occur in association with pasture or feed changes. Diagnosis of EMS is dependent on the measurement of serum insulin, as insulin resistance is part of the syndrome similar to Type II diabetes in people. A resting serum insulin concentration can be performed as a screening test, but the horse must be fasted overnight prior to the blood sampling. Blood glucose is checked at the same time, but most horses maintain a normal blood glucose even with insulin resistance. If this test is equivocal, a combined glucose-insulin rest can be performed. An oral sugar test using Karo syrup has also been developed. Horses with EMS may develop PPID as they get Equine Metabolic Syndrome and PPID remain a older. In other species, obesity has been associated source of confusion and frustration for many owners with a chronic inflammaand veterinarians. Differentiating between the two tory state which may cause diseases can be difficult. The age of onset, appearance PPID at a younger age. Horses with EMS should be of the haircoat, and presence of muscle loss may all monitored carefully for help in addition to blood tests. muscle atrophy, hair coat abnormalities, alterations in metabolism, and exacerbation of hyperinsulinemia tual hypothyroidism could not be documented, and or laminitis. If these develop, testing for PPID most of these horses more likely suffered from PPID should be performed, as horses can have both dis- or EMS. To truly diagnose thyroid dysfunction, a thyroid stimulation test would have to be performed. eases. Equine Metabolic Syndrome and PPID remain a Unlike PPID, there is no direct pharmacologic treatment for EMS. The bulk of treatment is dietary source of confusion and frustration for many ownand management. Horses with EMS should go on a ers and veterinarians. Differentiating between the weight reduction diet. This includes no grain and a two diseases can be difficult. The age of onset, apdry lot or small paddock. For the f irst two weeks, pearance of the haircoat, and presence of muscle they should receive 1.5 percent of their current body loss may all help in addition to blood tests. Manweight per day in hay. Weeks 2-6, they should be fed agement is a significant part of both diseases, with 1.5 percent of their ideal body weight per day in hay. the main goal being to prevent secondary complicaAfter that, they should receive 1 percent of their tions such as laminitis. HCD

Scenes from the Show PHOTOS BY DANETTE PHILPOT

It’s been even warmer than usual in Ocala this winter, but early

HITS arrivals had to bundle up during a brief cold snap that descended on Ocala while they were preparing for the HITS Ocala pre-circuits.

1) Irish Jack Russell Pearlz finds a sunny spot to warm up. 2) Germaine Edelmann of Rexford, N.Y., is getting acquainted with her new mount, Gonasse, a 6-year-old Belgian Warmblood. “This is my second season here. Last year was great!” said Edelmann. 3) Scott Walker offers encouraging words to his riders from atop his mount, Baroness, a Canadian Warmblood. 4) New arrivals Maryann Cunningham and Turtle, an Oldenburg mare, enjoy a ride in the sunshine. 5) Rider Kelsey Landrigan and Nancy Di Gregorio praise 4-year-old mare Linka for a job well done. Linka is a Canadian Sport Horse owned by 4 Jay Di Gregorio. 5

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Scenes

PHOTOS BY DANETTE PHILPOT

from the Show

6) David Tromp of New York pilots

ZiDane Z, an 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, over a jump. 7) Sam Walker and his Welsh-cross pony, Kohl, execute a canter. 8) Chloe, a Jack Russell who hails from Top Call Farm in Ocala, sports a trendy coat to ward off the chill. 9) Dee Walker rides Satino, a Dutch Warmblood gelding, and gets him accustomed to the new surroundings. 10) Colt Ellerman of Topeka, Kan., just celebrated his 4th birthday. He is keeping busy trying to attach a lead rope to his dog Ferdinand while bulldog Fred looks on.

PRACTICALLY SPEAKING

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repurpose f necessity is the mother of invention then frugality must be the sire. Long before the slogan “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without” became the mantra of American consumers during World War II, farmers had been observing this timeless practice. One of the first things I learned on the farm was to fix what needed to be fixed using whatever was available on site. Just because something was broken didn’t mean you needed to drive all the way into town and buy a replacement. More importantly, some repairs such as a cracked water line or broken gate hinge need to be performed immediately. Most horse farms I’ve worked on had a shop with a few basic tools (hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.) as well as a storage area for items such as baling wire, hay string, cracked water buckets, broken boards and posts, tires, inner tubes and lots of other stuff no longer good for its original purpose. Nearly all horse farmers can fix most anything, at least temporarily, with a little ingenuity, duct tape, baling wire, a hammer and whatever can be scavenged from the “junk pile.” Similar to a pressure bandage, water line leaks can be stopped with rubber strips cut from old inner tubes secured with baling wire. A broken gate hinge can also be repaired with baling wire. “Reduce, reuse, recycle” and “repurpose” are popular ways to say what farmers have long considered a normal way of life. Following are a few examples of on-farm recycling: ■ Cracked water buckets can be use to carry fence repair or welding supplies. ■ Fifty-gallon food grade barrels make great dry, rodent/bug resistant feed storage containers. Non-working chest type freezers can also be used. ■ Five-gallon food grade pails with lid are great for dry, rodent-proof mineral and/or supplement storage. ■ Chain link fencing or old tires chained together make a great pasture drag. ■ Old fiberglass car top carriers provide waterproof storage. ■ Use two or five pound coffee cans in the shop for storing nails, fence staples, screws, washers, etc. ■ Bleach or detergent bottles can be cut to make feed scoops. ■ Old inner tubes make excellent hose and plumbing splices. ■ Feed sacks make good garbage bags for barn trash.

■ Old industrial conveyer belts can be cut to fit stall, wash rack or trailer mats. ■ Vinyl billboard material can be used to provide ultraviolent waterproof protection for outdoor equipment storage. ■ Even an old bathtub can be used as an attractive planter. Also, consider checking out local salvage centers for building supplies. Used RV or mobile home trusses are just the right size for a storage shed roof. I even knew an old horse farm manager that converted his ex-wife’s van into a smokehouse. Even though many items around the farm can be One of the first things easily reused for other purposes, some things like I learned on the farm used horse shoes are more difficult to recycle unless was to fix what you’re a proficient welder or inventive blacksmith. Horse shoes aren’t usually put with the other trash or needed to be fixed dumpsters destined for the land fill. Some farriers do using whatever was recycle used horse shoes, but many horse farms and available on site. Just training centers accumulate a large number of shoes over a period of years. because something By the time you count labor and a trip to the recywas broken didn’t cle center, it’s usually not worth the effort for the mean you needed to amount of money paid for scrap steel and aluminum. I once knew a farrier who gave his apprentice apdrive all the way into proximately 600 pounds of used shoes. The apprentown and buy a tice decided to sell the scrap steel and buy new bar replacement. stock for forge practice. He spent most of a day loading and hauling the shoes and received a grand total of $40 and some change. With that thought in mind, the UF/IFAS Marion County Extension Service along with Ocala Recreation and Parks Discovery Center will provide horse farmers with an opportunity to recycle their used horse shoes. Help set the record for most horse shoes recycled. Bring your used shoes to EarthFest/Arbor Day on Saturday, April 28, and enjoy all the activities and live entertainment. If you can’t make it to EarthFest, call the Extension Service at 352-671-8400. by UF/IFAS Marion County Also, watch for “Lucky U’ Livestock Agent horse shoe collection sites Mark Shuffitt around Marion County. Proceeds will benefit the Ocala Farm Ministry. Since Ocala is “Horse Capital of The World,” we might as well be horse shoe recycling capital too. HCD

Big Night for Florida Florida-bred Musical Romance (at right) named champion Filly and

Mare Sprinter; Havre de Grace is Horse of the Year By MICHAEL COMPTON horoughbred racing’s best were honored on Jan. 16 at the 41st annual Eclipse Awards ceremony at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. At the end of the nearly three-hour event, a female walked away from the ceremony with Horse of the Year honors for the third consecutive year as Havre de Grace earned the 2011 title, following in the footsteps of Rachel Alexandra in 2009 and Zenyatta in 2010. A winner in 5 of 7 starts in 2011, Havre de Grace earned more than $1.6 million on the season for Rick Porter’s Fox Hill Farms and trainer Larry Jones. She won the Azeri Stakes (G3) and the Apple Blossom Stakes (G1) at Oaklawn Park. She beat the boys in the prestigious Woodward Stakes (G1) at Saratoga over the summer and returned to her division to romp in the Beldame Invitational (G1) in October. She concluded her season with a game fourth-place finish against males in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1). In her final race of 2011, she defeated Acclamation at the polls, receiving 166 first-place votes for Horse of the Year to runner-up Acclamation’s 26 votes. “It is some kind of thrill to win an award I I want to thank could only dream about 10 years ago,” said Ocala Stud for Porter. “As many of you in this room know, I’ve seen the lows and the highs of this game. breeding a great Havre de Grace is the highest. There’s no horse and selling question in my mind that she deserves this her to us. honor. I want to thank Larry and Cindy Jones —Bill Kaplan for their horsemanship and for making this happen. I hope we can do it again in 2012.” In addition to her Horse of the Year award, Havre de Grace was voted champion Older Female as well. “I could talk a long time about all the thrills she gave us last year,” said Porter. “She gave us, our family, friends and all her fans a lot of excitement. It didn’t take me long to fall in love with her at the sale. She had an incredible year in 2011. I’m blessed to own her. I will always cherish this award.” The Sunshine State basked in the Eclipse spotlight. Florida-bred Musical Romance, bred by Ocala Stud and sold at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. (OBS), was honored as the Eclipse champion Female Sprinter for co-owner and trainer Bill Kaplan and Adam Lazarus’ Pinnacle Racing Stable. The daughter of the late stallion Concorde’s Tune sold at Florida-bred OBS for $22,000. She enjoyed a banner season in 2011, Musical Romance capped off by an emphatic triumph in the Breeders’ Cup Filly

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BREEDERS’ CUP LIMITED PHOTO

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Animal Kingdom

Havre de Grace

“

As many of you in this room know, I’ve seen the lows and the highs of this game. Havre de Grace is the highest.

”

—Rick Porter

sic (G1), was named champion 3-year-old filly. She made seven starts last year at six different tracks. In addition to taking down top prize in the Ladies Classic, she also won the Alabama Stakes (G1) and the Black-Eyed Susan Stakes (G2). Following her Breeders’ Cup win she was sold for $8.5 million to Florida’s Besilu Stables of Benjamin Leon. Royal Delta’s trainer, Bill Mott, received the Eclipse Award as the leading trainer. Mott notched two Breeders’ Cup victories. In addition to saddling Royal Delta in the Ladies Classic, he lead over Drosselmeyer to win the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) 24 hours later. It was the third Eclipse Award for Mott, who also won it in 1995 and ’96. Champion 2-year-old colt went to Hansen. The son of Tapit won the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) in November, beating two other finalists, Union Rags and Creative Cause. Co-owner Dr. Kendall Hansen accepted the award. Two-year-old filly honors went to undefeated My Miss

LANG PHOTO

and Mare Sprint at Churchill Downs. Also numbered among her scores was a dramatic victory in the rich Presque Isle Masters Stakes (G2) at Presque Isle Downs last September. “This is for all the people in barn 50 at Calder,” said Kaplan from the podium. “It’s for all the unsung heroes—the grooms, exercise riders, blacksmiths and vets. I want to thank Ocala Stud for breeding a great horse and selling her to us. I also want to thank jockey Juan Leyva. This award is proof to the world that a little guy can invest a little and make it to the top.” Lazarus also took time to acknowledge the founding father of Thoroughbred partnerships, Cot Campbell of Dogwood Stable, who received the Eclipse Award of Merit earlier in the evening. “All of us in this room share common characteristics,” he said. “Number one, we love this game. Number two, we have to be gamblers. Without Cot’s idea of creating partnerships I would not be standing in front of you tonight.” Musical Romance secured 131 first-place votes, comfortably turning back runner-up Hilda’s Passion, who received 53 votes. Champion 3-year-old male, Animal Kingdom, also boasts Florida ties. The Team Valor International homebred is a son of Stonewall Farm Ocala stallion Leroidesanimaux (BRZ), who was Eclipse champion turf horse as a 5-year-old in 2005. Animal Kingdom won the Vinery Racing Spiral Stakes (G3) at Turfway Park and captured the Kentucky Derby (G1) in his initial try over a traditional dirt track. He finished second in the Preakness Stakes (G1) and was injured in the Belmont Stakes (G1). He won the Eclipse by a narrow vote, edging Caleb’s Posse by a vote of 114-111. Mark Polivka of Team Valor accepted the award. Royal Delta, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Clas-

COADY PHOTO

at Eclipse Awards

Animal Kingdom also boasts Florida ties. The Team Valor International homebred is a son of Stonewall Farm Ocala stallion Leroidesanimaux (BRZ), who was Eclipse champion turf horse as a 5-year-old in 2005.

Eclipse

AWARDS

Aurelia. Co-owner Barbara Banke, the widow of Jess Jackson, accepted the award along with George Bolton. My Miss Aurelia is named for Bolton’s mother, Aurelia. “Jess loved this sport,” Banke said. “He pulled me in and hooked me. This is especially sweet for our family. We raised this filly and she has always been special to us. Jess named her.” Bolton followed Banke to the microphone and addressed the gathering. “This is such a tribute to Jess,” he said. “She was a star as a 2year-old in training in Ocala. It’s rare to have a horse go the gate

four times and get better each time. This is special. Thank you.” Male Turf Horse went to Cape Blanco. Perfect in three U.S. starts in 2001, Cape Blanco won the Man o’War Stakes, the Arlington Million and the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic Invitational, all Grade 1 events for Mrs. Fitri Hay, Derrick Smith, Susan Magnier and Michael Tabor. Stacelita (FR) earned Female Turf Horse honors for owner Martin Schwartz. Trained by Chad Brown, Stacelita captured the Beverly D. Stakes (G1) and won 10 of 18 lifetime races before being retired at season’s end. “It’s been a special experience to share this with my family,” said Schwartz. “She is a beautiful racehorse who took us on a magical carpet ride. She won six Grade 1 races in her career. She is one of a select few to have won Grade 1 races in three consecutive years.” Male Sprinter went to Amazombie, winner of the Breeders’ Royal Delta (at top) Cup Sprint (G1). The California-bred runner is a son of forand My Miss Aurelia mer Florida sire Northern Afleet. He won four graded stakes (below) in 2011, including the Ancient Title Stakes (G1) at Santa

Anita. Trainer and co-owner Bill Spawr accepted the award. Fellow Cal-bred Acclamation took home honors for champion Older Male. The son of Unusual Heat reeled off five straight wins during the season, culminating with a win in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar. “After 55 years in the business, this is pretty great,” said Old English Rancho’s Bud Johnston. “This is a family business for us. My father started the business in 1938. It’s been a family affair for many, many years. This is an exciting moment. The greatest part of this business is the people.” Nineteen-year-old Kyle Frey was named champion Apprentice Rider. Ramon Dominguez was named champion Jockey for the second consecutive year. Outstanding Breeder for the 8th time and 7th time in the last eight years was Frank This is such a Stronach’s Adena Springs Farm. Adena tribute to Jess. She Springs-bred runners won 455 races in 2011 and earned $14.6 million. was a star as a Owner of the year went to Ken and 2-year-old in training Sarah Ramsey. The Ramseys won the in Ocala. It’s rare to award in 2004. have a horse go the Rapid Redux received a special Eclipse gate four times and Award for his record-setting on the racetrack. In winning his 19th race of the year get better each on Dec. 13, he equaled Citation’s all-time time. —George Bolton record. On Jan. 4 of this year he extended his remarkable win streak to 22 straight with a victory at Laurel. Owner Robert Cole accepted the award. “I claimed him for $6,250,” Cole said. “I turned him over to trainer David Wells and he turned him into a priceless horse. David and Rapid Redux were perfect in 2011.” The Eclipse Awards are voted on by Daily Racing Form, the National Turf Writers and Broadcasters and the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. HCD

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BREEDERS’ CUP LIMITED PHOTO

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PALMER PHOTO

Royal Delta, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Ladies Classic (G1), was named champion 3-year-old filly.

Sullivan GMC Truck signs on as the Official Vehicle of HITS Ocala and title Grand Prix sponsor HITS is proud to announce that Sullivan Buick GMC of Ocala is the new title sponsor of the $100,000 Grand Prix at the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit. The highly-anticipated class has been the season fi-

nale of the circuit since 1999 and has included winners such as Tracy Fenney, Kent Farrington, Laura Linback, Aaron Vale and Ian Silitch. HITS’ Post Time Farm in Ocala will have a select inventory of vehicles from Sullivan Buick GMC on site, giving exhibitors an upclose look at the best Sullivan Buick GMC has to offer. For those interested in a test drive or more of their extensive inventory, Sullivan Buick GMC is conveniently located at 4000 SW College Rd. (Hwy. 200) and welcomes all HITS patrons.

Riders4Helmets nominated as finalist for 2012 equestrian social media award Helmet Awareness Campaign Recognized for Efforts to Educate Equestrians on Helmet Safety The popular helmet awareness campaign Riders4Helmets has been recognized for their efforts to educate equestrians on helmet safety, by reaching the finals of the 2012 PagePlay Equestrian Social Media Awards (EMSA’s). The campaign was founded as a result of U.S. Olympian Courtney King-Dye’s accident and aims to educate equestrians on the benefits of wearing a properly fitted and secured, certified helmet. The Riders4Helmets website attracted over 90,000 unique visitors from 40 countries in 2011 alone. The final voting stage for the EMSA Awards is now open and Riders4Helmets is seeking your vote in order to further spread the word of

the campaign on a global level. Since founding the campaign in March 2010, Riders4Helmets has hosted three safety symposia and two International Helmet Awareness Days. The most recent symposium was streamed live, with visitors from around the globe tuning in to listen to the informative speaker presentations. International Helmet Awareness Day 2011 attracted support from over 500 retailers globally, who sought to educate their customers on all aspects of helmet safety. “We are extremely honored to have been voted through to the finals of the 2012 EMSA Awards, especially in such prestigious company,” said Lyndsey White, co-founder Riders4Helmets. “We are grateful to all of our followers who continue to spread the message of helmet safety and are especially appreciative of support from Courtney King-Dye. Rather than allowing her accident to be labelled a tragedy, King-Dye was a catalyst for a global movement in helmet wearing.” To vote for Riders4Helmets who are a finalist in category 13, “Most Informative” of the EMSA’s, please visit www.equestriansocialmediaawards.com/ voting. For more information on the Riders4Helmets campaign, visit www.riders4helmets.com. You can also follow the campaign at www.facebook.com/riders4helmets and http://twitter.com/riders4helmets.

12th Annual Horses for Hospice Trail Ride Hospice of Marion County, Inc. will hold its 12th Annual “Horses for Hospice” Trail Ride Sat., Feb. 18, on the Central Florida Greenway at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the first ride leaves at 9:15 a.m. Riders travel from as far as Jacksonville and Tampa to spend two to three hours on the trail. Following the ride, participants can enjoy lunch by Tommy’s BBQ, live entertainment by Bordertown, and door prizes. Proceeds from this event will benefit Patient Care Programs. The minimum donation to ride is $30. Wagons are welcome; $30 for driver and $10 per passenger. Horse lovers who are unable to ride may purchase a $10 ticket to enjoy lunch and entertainment. For more information or to register, call 352-854-5218 or visit the Hospice of Marion County website at www.hospiceofmarion.com.

USEF Accepting Nominations for Open International At-Large Seat on Board of Directors There is currently a vacant International At-Large Director seat on the United States Equestrian Federation’s Board of Directors. Nominations for this seat are currently open through Jan. 31. In order to be eligible for nomination, an individual must have international experience, which means one who demonstrates an understanding of and embraces the critical importance of the Federation’s role in international sport. Please see USEF Bylaw 331 for more information regarding eligibility: http://www.usef.org/doc u men ts /r u le Book/2011/02-bylaws.pdf. The nominee should include a narrative describing his/her international experience and how their participation on the USEF Board would benefit the organization. Please send nominations to the USEF offices to the attention of Georgie Green,

Chair, USEF Nominating Committee at boardnominations@usef.org. The Nominating Committee will meet and select its nominee by Feb. 17. A special Board Meeting will be noticed for the week of March 19 for the purpose of conducting this election. This meeting will be held telephonically and nominations from the floor will be accepted on the call. USEF Executive Director Lori Rawls is the staff liaison to the Nominating Committee; please feel free to contact her with any questions at lrawls@usef.org.

Applications Now Accepted for Free Vaccines through Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign Equine rescue and retirement facilities are invited to apply for free vaccines through the Unwanted Horse Veterinary Relief Campaign (UHVRC), a program sponsored by the American Association of Equine Practitioners and Merck Animal Health. The deadline for applications for spring vaccines is Feb. 1. The campaign, which was established in 2008, provides free equine vaccines to rescue and retirement facilities in the United States. To date, more than 15,000 horses have been vaccinated through the program.

Qualifying facilities are provided with vaccines to protect against eastern equine encephalomyelitis (EEE), western equine encephalomyelitis (WEE), rabies and tetanus, as well as equine influenza and equine herpesvirus. To qualify for donated vaccines, facilities must have 501(c) (3) tax-exempt status and abide by the AAEP Care Guidelines for Equine Rescue and Retirement Facilities. Rescue and retirement facilities are required to work with an AAEP-member veterinarian when applying for vaccinations. For more information, or to download an application, visit www.uhvrc.org. For questions regarding the application process, contact Dana Kirkland in the AAEP office at (800) 443-0177 or dkirkland@aaep.org.

USEF names Horses of the Year and Equestrian of the Year To cap off a record-setting year, dressage superstar Steffen Peters added one more record to his résumé Jan. 14 at the United States Equestrian Federation’s Pegasus Awards dinner. He became the first person to score the USEF’s Equestrian of the Year title three times. Peters (San Diego, Calif.) won the top honor in 2008 and 2009 based largely on his accomplishments with Akiko Yamazaki’s phenom

SmartPak Releases Top Ten Horse Names for 2011 Got a “Buddy” in your barn? You’re not alone! SmartPak, the nation’s leading equine online and catalog retailer, and creator of the patented SmartPak™ supplement feeding system, has released the Top 10 List of the most popular horse names for 2011. Leading this year’s list is “Buddy,” which regained the first-place position it owned in 2009, bouncing back from a ninth-place finish in 2010. Rounding out the top three are returning champions “Jack” and “Max.” The Top 10 List is drawn from the more than 50,000 horses that are fed their supplements in SmartPaks each day. Custom-packed to meet the needs of each horse, every daily dose SmartPak is labeled with that horse’s name – making feeding mistakes virtually impossible, and giving the company unique insight into naming trends among well-cared for horses. There are no newcomers to the Top 10 List this year, as the seventh through 10th place names have each appeared in the list at least once before. However, “Rocky” and “Cody” stand out as perennial favorites, with seven appearances each since 2001, the first year supplements became available in daily dose SmartPaks. Standouts not making the Top 10 List for 2011, but deserving recognition for their uniqueness are “Terrorizer,” “Sweet Cornflake,” and “Divas Wear Prada.” SmartPak’s Top Ten Most Popular Horse Names for 2011: 1. Buddy 6. Bella 2. Jack 7. Chance 3. Max 8. Blue 4. Rocky 9. Teddy 5. Beau 10. Cody “As riders ourselves, we look forward to the Top 10 List every year,” said Colby Balazs, SmartPak’s Vice President of Marketing. “It’s a great feeling knowing that these are real horses that we’re making a difference for every day. Plus it’s always fun to see if our own horses’ names made the list.” To start ordering SmartPaks for your horse (and join the Class of 2012 horse names) head to SmartPak.com or call 1-800-461-8898 today! To check out the Top 100 List, visit SmartPak.com/Top100.

Ravel – but in 2011, Ravel had some help. Peters capitalized on his first trip to the Pan American Games and scored Team and Individual Gold in a tremendous effort with Jen and Bruce Hlavacek’s Weltino’s Magic. From California to Aachen, Germany Peters was undefeated in 2011 with the now 9-year-old Westphalian gelding. Both Ravel and ‘Magic’ scored at the 2011 Collecting Gaits Farm/USEF National Dressage Championships in Gladstone, N.J. in September sweeping the Grand Prix and Intermediaire I divisions respectively. Peters won all six classes in the effort and secured his Pan Am spot with Magic in the process. The trip to Mexico proved worth the miles as Peters and Magic dominated at the Guadalajara Country Club. Peters also won the William C. Steinkraus Trophy, awarded to an equestrian in an Olympic discipline, for the third time. As a result, he was one of six equestrians in the running for the USEF’s top honor. The Becky Grand Hart Trophy was presented to Four-In-Hand Driver Chester Weber. The Becky Grand Hart Trophy is presented to international-level non-Olympic athletes. Weber had a banner year with his team, winning four CDEs in the in the United States. He took his team to Europe and won at CAIO Veces, CAI Altenfelden and CAIO Riesenbeck. He was the

Reserve USEF National Four-in-Hand Driving Champion. Chester also spent a significant amount of time serving as a chef d’equipe. He commandeered a Bronze-medal winning performance at the 2011 FEI World Pony Team Championships and a 10th-place U.S. Team finish at the FEI World Pair Championship. Also, for the first time, the USEF crowned two horses with its highest honor, one from an International Discipline and one from a National Discipline. Neville Bardos and Sjoerd were named 2011 Horses of the Year at the USEF annual Horse of the Year celebration Jan. 13. Honored for their accomplishments in 2011 their roads through the last 12 months, while both exceptional, have been very different. Trapped in a burning barn for 45 minutes, Neville Bardos made a miraculous recovery from injuries sustained in a fire that claimed the lives of six other horses at his rider Boyd Martin’s barn in West Grove, Pa. The now 13-year-old Australian Thoroughbred gelding won the USEF National CCI3* championship in 2009 and was 10th at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games – leading the U.S. effort. Neville defied the odds and made a miracle trip to the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials in England in September. He rocketed around the cross-country course clean and

fast and finished seventh at the world’s toughest CCI4*. In 2011, he was also second at the Red Hills Horse Trials in the CIC3*(in March), and fourth in the Advanced at the Millbrook Horse Trials in August. Sjoerd’s year on the National circuit was one of insurmountable success. Xena Vimercati’s Friesian stallion won and won and won. He transcended divisions, riders and classes. He was honored for his confirmation and presence in the ring and with his panache and personality he garnered fans everywhere he went. He was undefeated in 2011 in the Halter division. Sjoerd was named World or Grand National Champion 14 times in 2011. He also added four World/Grand National Reserve Champion titles to his list. Four other horses were named Horses of Honor, including Starr Light (Arabian), CHThe Daily Lottery (Saddlebred), Weltino’s Magic (Dressage) and Coral Reef Via Volo (Jumping). James C. Wofford (Upperville, Va.) collected Lifetime Achievement accolades in front of legions of his fans. A lifelong servant and student of the sport he was a multiple medal-winning eventing rider, coach, trainer, author, AHSA president, administrator, broadcaster…and legend. For a complete list of winners go to www.usef.org.

Horse Fever Celebrates its 10th Anniversary With

A New Herd

f you’re returning to Ocala for another winter show season, you’re probably familiar with the horses of the 2001 Horse Fever public art project – many of which can still be seen around town – but you may not know we got a whole new crop at the end of last year. Horse Fever’s 10th anniversary herd of 27 horses trotted into place all around Ocala in September 2011. The collection of life-sized fancifully painted horses, presented by Marion Cultural Alliance and sponsored by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), will be on display at various locations until March. On March 23, the horses will be rounded up and sold at auction during the Live Oak International Combined Driving Event at Live Oak Plantation. The lead horse in the herd is FTBOA-sponsored “World Champ” painted by Sharon Crute, who also painted “Champ,” the prototype in the original project.

Each horse is created by a local artist and is paid for by a corporate or private sponsor who chooses the location. A panel of art professionals, which was assembled by Dr. Leslie Hammond at the Appleton Museum of Art, chose the portfolio of designs from more than 200 artists’ submissions. Total proceeds from the auction of the 2001 herd of horses were shared between Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) and the buyer’s charity of choice. In the years since, MCA has continued to work to fund the arts, with more than $250,000 in grants and scholarships awarded to the local arts community above and beyond the endowment funds. Following are the 10th anniversary horses and their locations. More information about each horse, images, and an interactive map can be found online at Ocala.com/horsefever.

1) “Brick City” by Margaret Watts Sponsor: E.L. Foster Location: Downtown Square

9) “The Forest King” by David D’Alessandris Sponsor: Angie Lewis - State Farm Location: 1122 NE 36th Ave.

14) “Mask~Herd~rade” by Lisa Russo Sponsor: Ocala Breeders’ Sales Co. Location: 1701 SW 60th Ave.

2) “Freedom Is Not Free” by Linda Happel Zysko Sponsor: Foxfire Realty Location: 615 E Silver Springs Blvd.

10) “Hubble Horse” by Kelli Money Huff Sponsor: Georgia Floors Direct Location: 1420 SW 17th St.

15) “Clockwork Fury” by Mark Hershberger Sponsor: The Ocala Sanctuary Location: 5590 NW Hwy. 225

11) “Cuddly” by Paul Ware Sponsor: Arnette House Location: First Avenue Bank, 910 SW 1st Ave.

16) “Luce Dipinto” by Kent Weakley Sponsor: Great American Insurance Location: Ocala Star Banner, 2121 SW 19th Ave. Rd.

12) “Sunny” by Carlynne Hershberger Sponsor: Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital Location: 4747 SW 60th Ave.

17) “Horse Feathers” by Jacquelyn Modesitt Schindehette Sponsor: Ocala Stud Location: 4400 SW 27th Ave.

13) “Iris” by Jay Rosen Sponsor: Ocala Eye Location: 1500 SE Magnolia Ext.

18) “Wild Abandon” by Brynn Barnett Sponsor: Lifestyle Solutions Medical Spa Location: 2139-B NE 2nd St.

3) “Race Day” by Kimberly Samson Sponsor: Ocala Traditions Location: Ocala Traditions, 405 E Silver Springs Blvd. 4) “Inspiration” by Mary Verrandeaux Sponsor: On Top of the World Location: Circle Square Commons, 8395 SW 80th St - 80th Ave. 5) “Ten Years From Above” by Kent Weakley Sponsor: Benefit Advisors Location: 1724 SE 17th Ave.

19) “Ocala Luna” by Diane Cahal Sponsor: Hilton of Ocala Location: 3600 SW 36th Ave.

6) “Quarter Horse” by Gene Hotaling Sponsor: Live Oak Foundation Location: Downtown Square

20) “Passing Through” by Celeste Stadler Sponsor: 12th Street Gang Location: 1230 SE 12th St.

7) “Urban Art” by Kayleb Higgins Sponsor: Jenkins Hyundai Location: 1602 SW College Rd.

21) “Event Full” by Linda Ballantine Brown Sponsor: College of Central Florida Location: Webber Center, 3001 SW College Rd.

8) “Horseplay” by Sally Ann Lyle Sponsor: Fran Marino Location: 2600 SW 42nd St.

22) “Broken Beauty” by Stephanie Giera Sponsor: Renstar Medical Research Location: ihmc, 15 SE Osceola Ave. 23) “Parrot~dise” by Barbara Porzio Sponsor: Latinos y Mas Location: 2030 South Pine Ave. 24) “Wild Fire” by Nancy Ihasz Sponsor: GoldMark Farm Location: 5290 NW 130th Ave. 25) “Mistaken Identity” by Gary Borse Sponsor: Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute Location: 2020 SE 17th St. 26) “Celebration” by John Breen Sponsor: Marion Cultural Alliance Location: 23 SW Broadway St. 27) “World Champ” by Sharon Crute Sponsor: FTBOA Location: Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association 801 SW 60th Ave.

World Champ Sponsored by Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association Painted by Sharon Crute

HORSECAPITAL DIGES T

EventsCalendar JANUARY January 21-22: New Smyrna Beach – Central Florida Arabian Winter Classic at Silver Sands Arena. Contact Cheryl Van Deusen 386-566-4820 or www.companionarabians.com January 21-22: Miami – Miami Winter Festival Paso Fino Show at Tropical Park. Contact Martha BourneSarmiento 305-216-3765 or www.floridapfha.org January 22: Morriston – Galloping Green Thumbs Gardening Club, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com January 22: Morriston – Ladies Dressage, group ride with Master Trainer Laurie L. Wolf, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com January 23: Bronson – The Great Adventure Drill Team meeting. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dawn Warsing 352486-2599 or rthoma14@bellesouth.net January 23: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6:30 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395 January 23: Williston – Puttin On the Bitz Drill Team Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com

Ongoing: Royal Riding Academy Assn. 352/463-0047 Inverness – Parelli Study Group. Contact: Trina Romeo. 352/341-1774 Hillsborough and North Manatee Counties – Guided trail rides on State Park trails. “Little Manatee River Riders” by reservation only. 813/642-0431. Panama City – Bay County Horseman’s Assoc. monthly trail rides, meetings. 850/596-2545 or www.baycountyhorseman.org Marion County Horseman’s Association 2nd Thursday of each month. Marion County Horseman’s Association meeting 7 p.m. at Marion County Agriculture Center (SE Livestock Pavilion). Contact Sandy Brown 352/358-9840. Millwood Polo Club Every Saturday practice games. Spectators and polo players are welcome. Call Debbie 352/591-3162 for scheduled game times or polo and/or riding lessons.

January 24: Ocklawaha – Barrel Practice, M/C Arena (Moss Bluff) 352/288-6950 January 24: Morriston – Saddle Singers Mounted Singing Drill Team Practice, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com January 24: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Horseman at 6 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information January 24: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Drill Team at 8 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information January 24: Wellington – USEF Rated Equitation Show at the Ridge at Wellington. Contact Nona Garson 908-839-3859 or www.theridgefarm.com January 25-29: Wellington – WEF 3 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Contact David Burton, Jr. 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com January 25-29: Green Cove Springs – Jacksonville Winter A to Z at the Clay County Agricultural Center and Fairgrounds. Contact Alexis Newman 904-9932053 or www.nfhja.com January 25-29: West Palm Beach – Wellington Classic Sunshine Challenge/World Dressage Masters 5* Palm Beach at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Contact Noreen O’Sullivan 561-227-1570 or www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com January 25-29: Pensacola – Pensacola Winter Finale III at the Escambia County Equestrian Center. Contact Bob Bell 843-768-5503 or www.classiccompany.com

January/February 2012 January 28: Morriston – British Riding School, youth group ride and mounted games with BHS certified instructor Adam Gonzales. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com January 28: Morriston – Equestrian Spirits 4H Horse Club, 2 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com January 28: Live Oak – Saddle and Spurs Riding Club Speed Events at Suwannee County Coliseum. Call: Mike Estrella 386/208-8013 or Mary Gerhouser 386/364-6551 January 28: Gilchrist Riding Club, FFA Alumni Rodeo Arena Show at 9 a.m. 352/542-8939 or 352/4631100 January 28: Ocala – Florida Horse Sale at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Contact Pat Sanders 352-544-0170 January 28: Bushnell – SEC Open Show at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-303-4325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com January 28: Jacksonville – NBHA Barrel Race at Rainbow Riders at 1p.m. Contact Paul Stanley 904879-6023 January 28: Dade City – NBHA Barrel Race at Double R Farm at noon. Contact Dennis Rogers 813-2415930 January 28-29: Apopka – Snowbird’s Paradise Show in Orlando at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact Gayle Witty 352-357-9696 or www.orlandodressage.com

January 26: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395

January 28-29: Ocala – Florida Reining Horse Association Clinic at the Ocala Equestrian Complex. Visit www.ocalaequestriancomplex.com for more information

January 26-29: Jacksonville – National Team Roping League Finals at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Visit www.ntrlinc.com or www.jaxevents.com for more information

January 28-29: Weirsdale – A Day of Clinics at the Grand Oaks Resort. Visit www.thegrandoaks.com for more information

January 27: Ocklawaha – M/C Arena Exhib. 7 p.m., show 8:30 p.m. 352/288-6950, msmiss3@mpinet.net

January 28-29: Tampa – PCHA Horse Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information

January 27: Williston – Florida Outlaw Mounted Shooting Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com

January 29: Morriston – Galloping Green Thumbs Gardening Club, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

January 27-28: Canal Point – Dupuis Piney Pig Endurance Ride. Contact Megan Savory 772-2884901 or pineypig@yahoo.com

January 29: Morriston – Ladies Dressage, group ride with Master Trainer Laurie L. Wolf, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

January 27-29: Altoona – Rocking Horse Winter I Horse Trials at Rocking Horse Stables. Contact Jeanne Merrill 352-669-9982 or www.rockinghorseht.com

January 29: Bushnell – IHSA Show at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-3034325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com

EventsCalendar January 30: Bronson – The Great Adventure Drill Team meeting. 6:30 – 8 p.m.. Dawn Warsing 352486-2599 or rthoma14@bellesouth.net

February 3: Ocklawaha – M/C Arena Exhib. 7 p.m., show 8:30 p.m.. 352/288-6950, msmiss3@mpinet.net

February 4: Bushnell – Open Clinic Day at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-3034325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com

January 30: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6:30 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395

February 3-4: Apopka – Fox Cry Horse Show at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information

February 4: Altoona – Dressage, Stadium & Cashback Jumpers Schooling Show at Rocking Horse Stables. Visit www.rockinghorseht.com

January 30: Williston – Puttin On the Bitz Drill Team Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com

February 3-5: Newberry – The Jubilee of Breeds at Canterbury Showplace. Contact Carlie Evans 352215-0710 or www.canterburyshowplace.com

February 4: Starke – NBHA Barrel Race at Bradford County Riding Club at noon. Contact Paul Stanley 904-879-6023

January 31: Ocklawaha – Barrel Practice, M/C Arena (Moss Bluff) 352/288-6950

February 3-5: Tampa – AQHA Horse Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information

February 4: Branford – NBHA Barrel Race at Suwannee River Riding Club at 12:30 p.m. Contact Beckie Lewis 352-538-4433

February 4: Morriston – British Riding School, youth group ride and mounted games with BHS certified instructor Adam Gonzales. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 4: Lake Helen – West Volusia Saddle Club Speed Show at the Lake Helen Equestrian Facility. Visit www.westvolusiasaddleclub.com for more information

January 31: Morriston – Saddle Singers Mounted Singing Drill Team Practice, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com January 31: Wellington – USEF Rated Equitation Show at The Ridge at Wellington. Contact Nona Garson 908-839-3859 or www.theridgefarm.com January 31: Newberry – Fantazia Circus at Canterbury Showplace. Visit www.canterburyshowplace.com for more information January 31-February 5: Ocala – Ocala Premiere at HITS Post Time Farm. Contact Thomas Struzzieri 845-246-8833 or www.hitsshows.com

FEBRUARY February 1-5: Wellington – WEF 4 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Contact David Burton 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com

February 4: Morriston – Equestrian Spirits 4H Horse Club, 2 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 4: Davie – Florida Association of Amateur Cowboys, Inc. JACKPOT TEAM PENNING Entry fees $120 per team, 40% pay back, all fresh cattle, sign up book will open 2 p.m. sharp, first run 4 p.m. sharp. Contact Triple Cross Ranch, 1300 South Flamingo Road, Davie, FL, 954/434-221 February 4: Hamilton Co. Riding Club 2 fun games & cloverleaf. Meeting at 1 p.m., games at 2 p.m. Jan Kinsey 229/247-8303

February 2: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395

February 4: Punta Gorda Horseman’s Assn. Performance & H/J Shows at Carmelita Park. Contact: Performance 239/825-4533, Speed 941/639-4278, www.thepgha.homestead.com

February 2: Altoona – Altoona Trail Riders meetings at 7p.m. Contact: Sue Rogers at 352/669-1048

February 4: Tallahassee – Leon Co. Horsemen’s Assn. shows. 850/576-LCHA (5241)

February 2: Tavares – Lake Co. Horsemen’s Assoc. meets at 7 p.m. at the Bragg Center. Contact: Dawn Cobb 352/516-9226 or DQH@aol.com

February 4: Plant City – Turkey Creek Arena Open Speed Show. 813/737-1312

February 2: Madison County Trail Riders. 850/9736054 February 2: Apopka – Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information February 2-4: Ocala – Bureau of Land Management Mustang Sale at the Ocala Equestrian Complex. Visit www.ocalaequestriancomplex.com for more information February 2-5: Wellington – Wellington Dressage Show. Contact Lloyd Landkamer 612-290-8523 or www.dressageshowinfo.com February 2-5: Ocala – Sunshine State Combined Driving Event. Contact Susan Gilliland 813-6773040 or s_gilliland@email.msn.com February 3: Morriston – Poetry in the Paddocks Open Mic Poetry, 7 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 4: Gilchrist Riding Club, FFA Alumni Rodeo Arena Hwy 129. Speed Show Point Series at 9 a.m. 352/542-8939 or 352/463-1100 February 4: Leon County Horsemen’s Association – Judging starts at 10:00 Halter, Gaited, English, WP, $4.00 members $5.00 non-members $30 jackpot for English Pleasure and Western Pleasure classes. Speed starts at 5 p.m. Poles, cones, texas barrels, clover leaf barrels, arena race. $75 added 3-D barrels. 188 Horseman’s Association Road, Tallahassee Florida, Dad Sadberry, President, 850/576-9296 February 4: Baker County Horsemanship Association – rides at 7 p.m. – located off Hwy 121, Macclenny, FL at Baker County Fairgrounds; Point series ongoing on arena games with high point prizes, Ride all games $3.00. Members wishing to participate with no points added ride free. Family membership dues $24/yr/family. Club offers arena events, trail rides, future NBHA shows planned, member discounts on club sponsored shows, youth mentor

February 4: Plantation – Plantation Acres Saddle Club Horse Show at Plantation Equestrian Center. Visit www.pasaddleclub.com for more information February 4-5: Venice – American Dressage Concours I and II at Fox Lea Farm. Contact Kimberly Aldrich 941-480-1100 or www.foxleafarm.com February 4-5: Wellington – Hunter Equitation (4th) and Jumper (5th) Schooling Shows at The Ridge at Wellington. Visit www.theridgefarm.com for more information February 5: Morriston – Galloping Green Thumbs Gardening Club, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 5: Morriston – Ladies Dressage, group ride with Master Trainer Laurie L. Wolf, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 5: Lakeland Dressage Assn. meetings. Jennifer Tomlinson 863/619-2469 February 5: Bushnell – Youth Show Hosted by Sumter County 4H at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-303-4325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com February 6: Bronson – The Great Adventure Drill Team meeting. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dawn Warsing 352-4862599 or rthoma14@bellesouth.net February 6: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6:30 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395 February 6: Williston – Puttin On the Bitz Drill Team Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com February 6: Apopka – Central Florida Dressage general meeting 6:30 potluck 7 p.m. meeting. 352/483-1491 February 6: Riverview – Triple B Riding Club meets at the Riverview Civic Center. Vicki 813/651-5953 or Mary Lou 813/759-8255 or Jim 863/858-3107

EventsCalendar February 6: Morriston – Six Legged Theatre Company EquiTheater Rehearsal/Meeting, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 7: Ocklawaha – Barrel Practice, M/C Arena (Moss Bluff) 352/288-6950 February 7: Morriston – Saddle Singers Mounted Singing Drill Team Practice, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 7: The Arredondo Dressage Society 352/377-5751 www.arredondodressage.org February 7: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Membership Meeting at 7 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 7: Zephyrhills – Monthly meeting of Cowboys for Christ Suncoast Chapter at Village Inn 7 p.m. Everyone is welcome. www.cowboyaforchristfl.com February 7: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Drill Team at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 7: Wellington – USEF Rated Equitation Show at The Ridge at Wellington. Contact Nona Garson 908-839-3859 or www.theridgefarm.com February 7: Weirsdale – Moonlight Ride-In, Trailer-In, and Hayride at The Grand Oaks Resort. Visit www.thegrandoaks.com for more information February 7: Apopka – Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information February 7-12: Ocala – Ocala Winter Classic at HITS Post Time Farm. Contact Thomas Struzzieri 845246-8833 or www.hitsshows.com February 8-12: Wellington – WEF 5 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Contact David Burton, Jr. 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com February 8-12: Newberry – Equestrian Regatta Week 1 at Canterbury Showplace. Visit www.canterburyshowplace.com for more information February 9: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395 February 9: Ft. Myers -The SW Florida Dressage Assn. meeting. Contact: Michelle Gerlach 239/731-5434, email: christozan@aol.com or Missy Johnson 863/675-3877 email: sandneedle@worldnet.att.net February 9: Jupiter – Gold Coast Arabian Horse Club of FL. meeting. Contact: Nancy Brann 561/7465418 February 9: Ocala – Marion County Horseman’s Association meeting 7 p.m. at Marion County Agriculture Center (SE Livestock Pavilion). Contact Sandy Brown 352/358-9840

February 9-10: Tampa – Draft Horse Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 9-12: West Palm Beach – Wellington Classic Spring Challenge at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Contact Noreen O’Sullivan 561-227-1570 or www.wellingtonclassicdressage.com February 10-12: Ocala – Winter II Horse Trials at the Florida Horse Park. Visit www.equiventures.com for more information February 10-19: Kissimmee – Osceola County Fair at the Osceola Heritage Park. Visit www.ohpark.com for more information February 11: Morriston – British Riding School, youth group ride and mounted games with BHS certified instructor Adam Gonzales. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 11-12: Tampa – Paso Fino All Breeds Horse Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 11-12: Plantation – Heritage Horse Shows Horses in the Park at the Plantation Equestrian Center. Visit www.heritagehorseshow.com for more information February 12: Morriston – Galloping Green Thumbs Gardening Club, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 12: Morriston – Ladies Dressage, group ride with Master Trainer Laurie L. Wolf, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 12: Pasco Co – Suncoast Trail Riders club meets at Serenova in Pasco County Highway 52 and Hays Road. Contact: John 352/797-0829

February 11: Morriston – Equestrian Spirits 4H Horse Club, 2 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 13: Bronson – The Great Adventure Drill Team meeting. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dawn Warsing 352486-2599 or rthoma14@bellesouth.net

February 11: Punta Gorda Horseman’s Assn. Speed Shows at Carmelita Park. Contact: Gayle Rogers 941/637-8097

February 13: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6:30 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395

February 11: South Georgia Trail Riders. 850/9736054 February 11: Perry – Taylor Co. Horseman’s Assn. Speed Event Shows. Roping Fri. nights before speed show. Last Sat./mo Roping. Sign-up 4 p.m., rope 5 p.m. Contact: 850/584-6876 February 11: Live Oak- Saddle and Spurs Riding Club Speed Events at Suwannee County Coliseum. Call: Mike Estrella 386/208-8013 or Mary Gerhouser 386/364-6551 February 11: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Saddle Series Speed Show at 9am. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 11: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Jackpot Barrels. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 11: Ocala – Our Village Market at the Florida Horse Park. Contact judymg@gmail.com or www.flhorsepark.com February 11: Bushnell – Southern Draft Horse Association Draft Horse Pull at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-303-4325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com

February 13: Williston – Puttin On the Bitz Drill Team Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com February 13: Morriston – Sunshine Advocates for Sound Horsemanship (SASH) Sound Gaited Horse Club Non-Mounted Meeting, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 13-17: Tampa – Mounted Police Horse Training and Competition at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 14: Ocklawaha – Barrel Practice, M/C Arena (Moss Bluff) 352/288-6950 February 14: Morriston – Saddle Singers Mounted Singing Drill Team Practice, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 14: Sarasota – Alpha Dressage Assoc. meeting: Betty Brown 941/378-5581 February 14: Pensacola – Five Flags Arabian Horse Assoc. monthly meeting. 850-995-8562

February 11: Brooksville – NBHA Barrel Race at Head N Heel Ranch at noon. Contact Tammie Rogers 813-241-5931

February 14: Panama City – Bay County Horseman’s Assn. monthly meeting 7 p.m. 850/769-4741 or www.baycountyhorse.org

February 11-12: Apopka – Sweetheart Cup at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact Gayle Witty 352-3579696 or www.orlandodressage.com

February 14: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Horseman at 6 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information

February 11-12: Venice – Open Hunter/Jumper Shows at Fox Lea Farm. Visit www.foxleafarm.com for more information

February 14: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Drill Team at 8 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information

EventsCalendar February 14: Wellington – USEF Rated Equitation Show at The Ridge at Wellington. Contact Nona Garson 908-839-3859 or www.theridgefarm.com

February 17-28: Ocala – Southeastern Youth Fair and High School Rodeo at the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion. Contact Denise Deen 352-629-1255

February 14-19: Ocala – Ocala Winter Festival at HITS Post Time Farm. Contact Thomas Struzzieri 845246-8833 or www.hitsshows.com

February 18: Morriston – British Riding School, youth group ride and mounted games with BHS certified instructor Adam Gonzales. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 15: Morriston – Music School Free Open Arena Schooling with DJ, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 15: Ocala – Cross Country Schooling Day and Jumper Ring Rental at the Florida Horse Park. Contact Partners of the Park 508-612-0224 or www.flhorsepark.com February 15-19: Wellington – WEF 6 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Contact David Burton, Jr. 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com February 15-19: Newberry – Equestrian Regatta Week 2 at Canterbury Showplace. Visit www.canterburyshowplace.com for more information

February 18: Morriston – Equestrian Spirits 4H Horse Club, 2 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 18: Baker County Horsemanship Association – rides at 7 p.m.—located off Hwy 121, Macclenny, FL at Baker County Fairgrounds; Point series ongoing on arena games with high point prizes, Ride all games $3.00. Members wishing to participate with no points added ride free. Family membership dues $24/yr/family. Club offers arena events, trail rides, future NBHA shows planned, member discounts on club sponsored shows, youth mentor

February 16: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395

February 18: Trail ride 1 p.m. Jan Kinsey 229/2478303

February 16: Morriston – The Natural Healthy Horse Lecture Series, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 18: Brooksville – The Croom Trail Horse Riders meet at 9 a.m. at “Twin Ponds Trail Head” Withlacoochee Forest. Contact: Becky 352/796-2521, Debbie 352/797-9823

February 16: Newberry – Springhill Equine Senior Horse Seminar at Canterbury Showplace at 7 p.m. Visit www.canterburyshowplace.com for more information February 16: Tampa – Draft Horse Pulls at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 16: Apopka – Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information February 16-19: Wellington – Florida Dressage Classic. Contact Lloyd Landkamer 612-290-8523 or www.dressageshowinfo.com February 17: Tampa – Miniature Donkey Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 17-19: Altoona – Rocking Horse Winter II Horse Trials at Rocking Horse Stables. Contact Alice Andrews 352-669-9982 or www.rockinghorseht.com February 17-19: Weirsdale – Grand Oaks Classic Pleasure Driving Competition at The Grand Oaks Resort. Visit www.thegrandoaks.com for more information February 17-19: Apopka – Seminole County 4H Show at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information February 17-19: Kissimmee – 128 Silver Spurs Rodeo at Silver Spurs Arena. Visit www.ohpark.com for more information

February 18: Hudson – Pasco Horsemen’s Assoc. Show. Contact: 727/868-8011, Pleasure 727/8199191, Speed 727/379-5578 February 18: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Pleasure Show/Hunter Show. Contact Kelly Saylor (western) 352-817-0441 or Edd Lookingbill/Rene Dodd (hunter) 352-622-5535 or 352 4259424 or www.willistonhorsemans.com

February 18: Ocala – Horses for Hospice Trail Ride at the Florida Horse Park. Contact Hospice of Marion County 352-854-5218 or www.hospiceofmarion.com/news.html February 18: Jacksonville – Northeast Florida Dressage Association Schooling Show at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Visit www.nfladressage.org for more information February 18-19: Ocala – The 3rd Annual Equine Challenge Hosted by the Florida Reined Cow Horse Association at the Ocala Equestrian Complex. Visit www.ocalaequestriancomplex.com for more information February 18-19: Bushnell – SEC Hunter, Jumper, Dressage Show at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-303-4325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com February 18-19: Tampa – Miniature Horse Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 18-19: Tampa – Lawnmower Races at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information February 19: Morriston – Galloping Green Thumbs Gardening Club, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 19: Morriston – Ladies Dressage, group ride with Master Trainer Laurie L. Wolf, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 19: Ocala – STRIDE Dressage Show at the Florida Horse Park. Contact STRIDE Dressage www.stridedressage.org or www.flhorsepark.com

EventsCalendar February 19: Lake Helen – West Volusia Saddle Club 4D Show at the Lake Helen Equestrian Facility.Visit www.westvolusiasaddleclub.com for more information

February 23: Apopka – Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information

February 25-26: Newberry – Twice as Nice Dressage II at Canterbury Showplace. Contact Carlie Evans 352-215-0710 or www.canterburyshowplace.com

February 20: Bronson – The Great Adventure Drill Team meeting. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dawn Warsing 352486-2599 or rthoma14@bellesouth.net

February 23-26: Dade City – Little Everglades International Combined Driving Event. Contact Susan Gilliland 324-489-6586 or www.littleevergladesranch.com

February 26: Morriston – Galloping Green Thumbs Gardening Club, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 20: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6:30 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395 February 20: Williston – Puttin On the Bitz Drill Team Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com

February 23-26: Tampa – Florida Reining Horse Association Show at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center. Visit www.bobthomasequestriancenter.com for more information

February 20: Winter Haven – Florida Sport Horse Club meeting at St. John’s UMC. Contact: Gene Naasko 863/206-5932 or Rae Gayer 863/984-0499

February 24: Ocklawaha – M/C Arena Exhib. 7 p.m., show 8:30 p.m. 352/288-6950, msmiss3@mpinet.net

February 21: Ocklawaha – Barrel Practice, M/C Arena (Moss Bluff) 352/288-6950

February 24: Williston – Florida Outlaw Mounted Shooting Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com

February 21: Morriston – Saddle Singers Mounted Singing Drill Team Practice, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 21: Five Flags Arabian Horse Association (FFAHA) meeting at Carnley’s Family Diner on Pine Forest Road just south of the I-10 intersection at 7 p.m. Contact 850/478-2161 February 21: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Drill Team at 6:30p.m.. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 21: Williston – Williston Horseman’s 4H at 6:30 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 21: Ocala – STRIDE Dressage Riding & Driving Club meets at 7 p.m. Contact: Member at Large Polly Butterworth 353-351-2782 www.stridedressage.org February 21: Wellington – USEF Rated Equitation Show at The Ridge at Wellington. Contact Nona Garson 908-839-3859 or www.theridgefarm.com February 21: Jacksonville – Open Schooling in the Main Arena at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Visit www.jaxevents.com for more information February 21: Apopka – Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information

February 24-26: Loxahatchee – Welcome Back to White Fences I at White Fences Equestrian Center. Contact Adam Pollak 561-790-6406 or www.whitefencesflorida.com February 24-26: Lady Lake – 2012 Sun Spot Color Classic at the Lady Lake Equestrian Center. Contact Whizzer Baker 352-302-9128 or www.floridapalomino.com February 25: Morriston – British Riding School, youth group ride and mounted games with BHS certified instructor Adam Gonzales. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 26: Morriston – Ladies Dressage, group ride with Master Trainer Laurie L. Wolf, 1 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 27: Bronson – The Great Adventure Drill Team meeting. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Dawn Warsing 352486-2599 or rthoma14@bellesouth.net February 27: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6:30 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395 February 27: Williston – Puttin On the Bitz Drill Team Practice. Contact Linda Woulf 529-0641 or www.willistonhorsemans.com February 28: Ocklawaha – Barrel Practice, M/C Arena (Moss Bluff) 352/288-6950 February 28: Morriston – Saddle Singers Mounted Singing Drill Team Practice, 6 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com February 28: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Horseman at 6 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information February 28: Williston – Williston Horseman’s Association Junior Drill Team at 8 p.m. Visit www.willistonhorsemans.com for more information

February 25: Morriston – Equestrian Spirits 4H Horse Club, 2 p.m. Amik Run Equestrian Center, (352) 528-5298, amikrunfl@aol.com

February 28: Wellington – USEF Rated Equitation Show at The Ridge at Wellington. Contact Nona Garson 908-839-3859 or www.theridgefarm.com

February 25: Live Oak- Saddle and Spurs Riding Club Speed Events at Suwannee County Coliseum. Call: Mike Estrella 386/208-8013 or Mary Gerhouser 386/364-6551

February 28: Apopka – Black Stallion Literacy Project at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information

February 25: Gilchrist Riding Club, FFA Alumni Rodeo Arena Show at 9 a.m. 352/542-8939 or 352/4631100

February 28-March 4: Ocala – Ocala Tournament at HITS Post Time Farm. Contact Thomas Struzzieri 845-246-8833 or www.hitsshows.com February 29: Ocala – Cross Country Schooling Day and Jumper Ring Rental at the Florida Horse Park. Contact Partners of the Park 508-612-0224 or www.flhorsepark.com

February 21-23: Wellington – GDF National 1. Contact Lloyd Landkamer 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com

February 25: Bushnell – SEC Open Show at the Sumter Equestrian Center. Contact Colleen Martin 352-303-4325 or www.sumterequestriancenter.com

February 21-26: Ocala – Ocala Masters at HITS Post Time Farm. Contact Thomas Struzzieri 845-2468833 or www.hitsshows.com

February 25: Apopka – Florida Walking & Racking Horse Show at the Clarcona Horse Park. Contact 407-886-6255 for more information

February 22-26: Wellington – WEF 7 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Contact David Burton, Jr. 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com

February 25: Orange Park – NBHA Barrel Race at Clay Mavericks Saddle Club at 1 p.m. Contact Paul Stanley 904-879-6023

February 29-March 4: Wellington – WEF 8 at the Palm Beach International Equestrian Center. Contact David Burton, Jr. 561-793-5867 or www.equestriansport.com

February 23: N. Ft. Myers – Southern Stars Yth. Mtd. Drill Team practice at 6 p.m. Riders 6-18 welcome. Contact: 239/454-4395

February 25-26: Venice – Florida Dressage Concours I and II at Fox Lea Farm. Contact Linda Aldrich 941480-1100 or www.foxleafarm.com

February 29-March 4: Williston – FITS Endurance Ride. Contact Gail Ransco 607-368-4011 or spanky@infoblvd.net

February 29-March 3: American Morgan Horse Association National Convention at the Hilton Hotel at the Walt Disney World Resort. Visit www.fmha.net for more information

(ex•cel•lence) noun

the fact or state of excelling; superiority; distinction; possessing good qualities in high degree. For the fifth consecutive year,

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352.732.8858 The Florida Horse is the official publication of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association www.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

Publisher: Richard Hancock • Editor in chief: Michael Compton Business manager: Patrick Vinzant • Art director: John Filer Administrative assistant: Beverly Kalberkamp

Your

Florida Horse Park Resolutions f you’re reading this column any time after the first week of January, there’s a strong chance that you, like every other mortal in the universe, have already broken a new year’s resolution or two. It’s a predictable process, one that experts speculate occurs because we set the bar too high and too unrealistically. They’re probably right. In our emotional determination to accomplish major change, we tend to visualize radical, quick results that, realistically, take hard work AND time. But wait! This year – if you resolved to get involved in a new activity, to watch a new sport, to give back to your community or industry, to volunteer, to explore new places or learn a new skill – we have great news. The 500-acre Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park, located in south Ocala, offers family-friendly opportunities for everyone. Want to see something new? Come to the Park and watch a boisterous and entertaining Jack Russell Terrier race, or soak in the beauty of a dressage horse performing a high-level test in the show ring. Cheer on cross-country riders in three-day eventing, or visit the Park for a professional BBQ event. Want to learn something new? Rent a horse from Cactus Jack’s trail rides, and ride the famous Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenways. Don’t want to ride a horse? Take a hike—literally—on a foot trail. Come to a clinic at the Park, or swing by the office and we’ll show you the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Comprehensive Master Plan – a blueprint for developing the Park into an even larger economic driver than it is even today. Want to get involved? The Park has a myriad of volunteer opportunities, from light office duties and marketing projects to outdoor maintenance and carpentry needs. Volunteers are needed at horse shows, with parking for large events, and so much more. We value your unique gifts, and we are thrilled when you are able to share them with this worthy project. Want to invest financially? As a 501 c3 corporation, any donation to the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority or the Foundation for the Florida Horse Park is 100% tax deductible. For those interested in large gifts, we have multiple legacy giving opportunities for barns, arenas and other buildings, and we would love to share more with you about these opportunities at your convenience. Resolutions, it turns out, can begin any day. I think today is a good day – how about you?

You make ALL the difference. Sincerely,

Happy Trails, Connie Duff Wise, Chairman of the Board Florida Horse Park