March 26, 2006

Florida Horse Park Taking on the Stars
By Shaneen Kohler

In April, the Florida Horse Park will be taking on the stars, the type that signify an event is recognized by the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) and riding and driving stars from at least five different countries. A two-star eventing competition, the Florida International 3-Day Event, will mark the first time an internationally-recognized three-day event has been held at the site. Also called the Festival of the Horse presented by the Star Banner, this event will follow closely on the heels of a combined driving event that will be a qualifying event for the World Equestrian Games being held in Germany this summer. The CAI-B Sunshine State Combined Driving Event is one of only seven internationally-recognized driving events being held in the United States in 2006.

But the fun does not stop there! With zest that is unrivaled, the staff at the horse park is organizing the park’s first polo tournament, a show jumping event with a monstrous purse, a live and silent auction, catered lunches and dinners and unique presentation ceremonies.

That line-up puts April in the Florida Horse Park record books as a first-time bonanza: the first time for internationally-recognized events, the first time for a polo tournament AND the first time for a show jumping event.

The Time is Now

“Build it and they will come,” said Tom Warriner, chairman of the horse park authority, about its future. “Now it has been built and they are coming.”

By the droves, they are coming. Everybody is anxious to see the park’s transformation, the world-class footing, and the Olympians who have been competing there regularly. Many are eager to get in on the “ground floor,” as well, which is how the new $100,000 Ocala Jumping Classic came about, April 7-9. Jay Hayes, who competed for Canada at the 1992 and 2000 Olympics, said he saw a “real need” for another horse show facility in Florida. “I think that the horse sports in general and the jumping, in particular, have grown exponentially in the last few years and will continue to do so.” He envisions the Florida Horse Park as the next prime site for competition in Florida, partially because of its location and staff and also because of its footing. “Just like they say, ‘No foot, no horse,’ I say, ‘No footing, no horse show.’”