Florida Horse Park Debuts with Successful Event -
The Ocala Horse Trials

World Class Athletes Add Olympian Touch

Olympian, sponsor and competitor Darren Chiacchia concurred. “I had this vision about six months ago when the park was just wide open scrub fields, and when I drove in (Nov. 5), I saw that vision realized. It’s here and it’s transformed!” Chiacchia attributes its success to the team. “You don’t do something like this without a great team,” he said. “I think it is the best team in the country today.”

While the park is still in the “embryonic stage,” Warriner had no complaints about the initial events, which consisted of the Ocala Horse Trials, Nov. 5-6, and the Sunshine State Driving Event, Nov. 6.

The jubilant atmosphere at the event was almost palatable and the comments from the riders and spectators were unanimous. “I really can’t fault the event and it is a wonderful site,” said rider Paul Delbrook of Ocala. Spectator Debbie Herold of Walaha agreed. “The facility is fantastic. They’ve done a great job.” Canadian Olympic Team Coach Peter Gray said, “The flow of the course was perfect.

Designed by Olympic Gold Medallist, David O'Connor, the cross country course was a spectators and competitors delight. "The jumps are beautifully constructed and imaginative and the water jump is spectacular.” Gray, who also has a farm in Ocala, added: “Ocala has become such an important training area. To have a venue like this is huge.”