Everything Equine: Equine Industry Expo

Equine Industry Expo Success

BY LOUISA BARTON,

Equine Initiative Director at the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, Farm Realtor and Host of the Horse Talk Show on the Sky 97.3

In March, the Chamber and Economic Partnership (CEP) held an Equine Industry Expo at the Downtown Market. The event was part of the Equine Initiative at the CEP, presented by Pyranha. This event morphed from a parade held in downtown Ocala the past few years to an event that really helped our community understand all the moving parts involved in making Ocala the Horse Capital of the World. It was educational and a wonderful experience for all ages.

The stalls provided by Fredericks Equestrian and sponsored by Larsen Hay were a wonderful addition, as people could stop by and learn about the horses individually and meet them face to face. Entrepreneur and equestrian Abbey Slaven, who is also a CEP board member, did an amazing job stepping in to emcee this event. As we grow the event in the coming years to a 20-horse breed exhibit and more equine industry learning experiences and demos by professionals, I think it will draw even greater crowds to learn more and hopefully grow the interest of our youth in the opportunities available for the many equine industry career opportunities.

The CEP staff and volunteers were joined by equine professionals from Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital and Complete Care, the Equine Performance Innovative Center, Ocala Breeders Sales, de Meric Training and Rice Horse Stables. Eddie Esparza, EQDT, was able to give a very interesting equine dental demo, and Master Farrier Jack Montgomery showed spectators how to trim and shoe a horse. A total of 13 equine industry entrepreneurs joined us to showcase their inventions and creations, as Ocala leads as the launching pad for new equine business, centered around the CEP’s equine incubator.

The Historic Stagecoach, sponsored by Larsen Hay, was a big hit as always. The “Pony Corral” provided and sponsored by Miller and Sons Plumbing (who, by the way, always step up to support the equine industry events) included a photo booth area and fun family activity area that was a favorite for families with young children. The Equus Inn provided a tasteful VIP area for our sponsors to enjoy with a Carpet One red carpet area for photos.

The event program was well put together by First Impression Printing and the incredible signage and banners by Locographics helped visitors find their way around. Thank you always to our Equine Initiative Committee with presenting sponsor Pyranha, who are always involved in making this community and the equine industry here the best it can be. In future years, I see the schools, colleges and technical institutes getting even more involved in this event, as the CEP moves forward to engage the younger generations in a huge industry here in Ocala that is rapidly growing all the time.