March 17, 2006

Florida Horse Park Winds Up for the Next Step
By Shaneen Kohler

The excitement is almost tangible, the atmosphere is charged and the enthusiasm levels are exceeding anything thought possible. Want to feel it, too? You can. It is highly contagious and just requires a visit to the Florida Horse Park in Ocala.

Joan Pletcher, a prominent real estate agent in Florida and a sponsor of the Florida Horse Park, sums it up: “Everybody has such a good outlook and is so excited about the Florida Horse Park and its future. It is catching.”

Since the debut of the “new” Florida Horse Park in November, the park has continued on its path toward becoming a prominent site for equestrian-related events of all disciplines and breeds. With each new show, the support for the endeavor grows and it gets one step closer to becoming a venue for the highest-ranked, internationally recognized events in the world. The Kentucky Horse Park is a prime example of the type of influence this status would have for the surrounding economy. According to a study completed in 2004, “The Kentucky Horse Park had an economic impact of $163.7 million in total expenditures into the Kentucky economy in 2003, generating direct expenditures of $100.2 million, and indirect expenditures of $63.5 million.” John Nicholson, executive director of the Kentucky Horse Park, said the Kentucky Horse Park is “one of the commonwealth’s great success stories.”

The Florida Horse Park is capable of achieving the same success, with the support of the community, the state and additional sponsors.

The park’s first internationally-recognized events will be in April, and sponsorship opportunities are not only available, they are needed.

According to Margaret Rowell, Director of Development, “I know that people believe in the park and want it to happen. Now is the time for them to support it.”

The United States Equestrian Federation is already in the ‘arena’, along with many other national and local supporters and sponsors. The USEF has designated the horse park as an official USEF training site, which will be used to prepare teams for the Olympic and World Equestrian games. The next training session is scheduled for April 17-19.

Companies, farms, equine groups and individuals have stepped forward and donated funds, products, equipment and time. A&S Mowers donated the use of Dixie Choppers to mow the 500-acres. Members of Team Ocala have joined together to from a united front to support the park. Marion Therapeutic Riding Association has supplied countless volunteers to help keep the events running smoothly.

The park even offers specific projects you can sponsor. For example, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association funded the building of the water obstacle. “You can help choose the project you want to support. You can even watch it being constructed. We like to include the sponsors in the process,” said Rowell. Currently, they are building a Custom Window Systems jump that is being designed by an employee of the company in corroboration with the course designer at the park.

Sponsorship packages can be customized to suit any level and any type of contribution. Some of the specific events that need sponsorships are the park’s first show jumping competition, “$100,000 Ocala Jumping Classic,” and its first internationally-recognized combined driving event, “Sunshine State Driving Event,” both April 7-9, and “The Festival of the Horse,” April 20-23. They are also holding a live and silent auction during “Polo at the Park,” April 22, and are looking for donations.

In the form of funding, the park has received about $2 million in donations, so far. But, about $15 million is needed to complete the project and turn the park into a self-supporting entity. The events help support the park, but it needs continued support to further develop, said Rowell. “The support of the whole community and donors at every level will make the park as successful as it has the potential to be.”