Posted: February 23, 2006

Pros Picking Florida Horse Park as Training Ground for Young Horses
By Shaneen Kohler

After only its third horse trials, and its second this year, the Florida Horse Park is becoming known as a prime spot for training young horses. The footing, the location, the timing and the caliber of the cross-country course are all reasons riders are giving for choosing to make events at the horse park part of their winter training schedule.

According to Olympian Darren Chiacchia, the horse park offers something that is priceless for young horses: confidence. “The main arena has the newest and latest in European footing, which is so great for the younger horses to increase their confidence. Nothing takes away confidence more than poor footing,” said Chiacchia. “Good footing helps the horses feel good about their dressage and their show jumping abilities.”

Chiacchia is on the horse park’s board and is one of its strongest supporters. He has competed in all three of the park’s horse trials and in the dressage show held in January. He competed seven horses at each of the two horse trials held at the park this year: Ocala Winter I, Jan. 20-22, and Ocala Winter II, Feb. 17-19.