It’s fall in Ocala and that means more horse competitions!
Take a gander at several key fall venues which have scheduled events in the near future.
Ocala Jockey Club 3 Day Event
November 15th- 18th 2018
In its 3rd year, the Ocala Jockey Club, with its 950 acres of rolling hills, has become one of the top CIC1*, CIC2* and CIC3* FEI events in this country for its excellent footing, terrain and spectator visibility from the clubhouse. Over 400 acres of the farm has been developed into a world-class competition venue, attracting top international riders to Ocala during the fall season.
For the 2018 season, the OJC has added a CCI3* division, which will attract even more experienced horse and rider combinations due to the additional length and number of jumps on that specific course. World renowned course designer Mike Etherington-Smith will collaborate with Ocala based Olympic Silver Medalist, Clayton Fredericks on the design of the courses.
Ocala Horse Properties also salutes the OJC for honoring the roots of this property, which was originally a thoroughbred racing farm. The event will honor the Florida thoroughbred by giving a $1,000 award to the top-placed Florida-connected horse and rider combination. For area spectators, this event kicks off the fall season with plenty of entertainment and fun outdoor activities in our beautiful countryside of Marion County.
“An event of this caliber is yet another example of why we call Ocala, Marion County, ‘The Horse Capital of the World’”. Kent Guinn, Mayor of Ocala
For more details on the fall event, please visit their website.
The Florida Horse Park
The Florida Horse Park is also a centerpiece for multiple equestrian disciplines this fall and through the busy season here in Ocala. The horse park is a 500-acre facility which not only will be hosting the Ocala Eventing Series but also holds multiple schooling shows for hunters and jumpers as well.
There’s also breed specific shows for Arabians, mounted games for pony clubbers, clinics, XC schooling, quarter horse/western themed shows and a civil war re-enactment as well.
For all their fall activities, please visit their website.
Majestic Oaks
In August 2017, Ronnie and Marisa DiMauro purchased the 120-acre farm located in Reddick, Florida, midway between Ocala and Gainesville. Future plans for the farm include continuing to provide quality equestrian events and schooling for eventors, as well as expanding the farm into a multi-purpose 120-acre venue for others to utilize and enjoy.
Since purchasing this property, the new owners have kept true to that promise with a series of clinics and schooling events throughout the year. In mid-October, they just held a USEA recognized horse trial, and in mid-November, they will host another schooling horse trial. The cross country course is open 7 days a week to fellow equestrians and has jumps appropriate for elementary through preliminary level horses and riders.
Check out their calendar of events here.
Grand Oaks Resort
Horse Shows in the Park. This venue continues to expand the number of entries and offer an array of hunter and jumper classes, including USHJA recognized classes as well as schooling show classes. This venue runs a series of 10 horse shows throughout the year which begins in January, culminating with the final show November 15th & 16th. There are classes for the short stirrup and pony riders, as well as adult amateur competitors, Marshall & Sterling equitation divisions and jumper classes up through the 1.15m and open jumper levels. This is a great show for riders and horses of all abilities!
Throughout the year Grand Oaks also offers combined training horse trials, driving competitions, dressage shows and dog agility events. In November they will also host the Championships for Dog Luring and the Western Dressage 2018 Championships.
Their location is at Grand Oaks Resorts, located near Lady Lakes, which is approximately 45 minutes from downtown Ocala. The resort features cottages and an RV park for those out of town competitors who wish to make a weekend of their equestrian adventures in Marion County. The resort offers a full menu of amenities, including a pool and spa, outdoor sports, fishing, trail riding, and a wedding and convention center.
Details on all of the Grand Oaks events can be found at GrandOaks.com.
The Ocala Cup World Class Paso Finos
November 16th – 18th, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion
See World Champion Paso Fino Horses compete for over $100,000 in prize money! Classes begin at 9 am Friday and Sunday and 10 am on Saturday. Admission is free! Our highlight classes are Friday and Saturday night around 6:30 pm followed by live bands and entertainment. Horses and Horsepower car show Saturday morning. Championship classes on Sunday, entertainment for the children, food and shopping vendors.
Upcoming Winter Events
Stay tuned for further updates on other horse events as the winter season unfolds at The Horse Park, HITS Ocala, the Ocala Breeders Sales, and area horse races, and as construction progresses at the World Equestrian Center at Golden Ocala! There is also plenty of dressage, AQHA, Arabian, and western shows throughout our region as well – which is why so many horse lovers find their dream farms in Marion County!
