Posted April 9, 2006

'Digging In' at the Florida Horse Park

Ocala, FL - April 8, 2006 - Bring together one of the world's top course designers, the nation's best drivers, some of the most talented jumpers and a couple dozen professional polo players and what do you have? You have one great show. Bring together all the above, plus add a 15-acre amusement park, a virtual polo pony, catered meals and trolleys for transportation around the grounds, and you have one great show at the Florida Horse Park.

Taking place April 7-9, this show has a little bit of everything: CAI-B Sunshine State Combined Driving Event, April 7-9; $100,000 Ocala Jumping Classic, April 7-9; Vendor Village, April 7-9; Virtual Polo, April 7-8; Polo at the Park, April 8; and Dozer Day, April 8.

On Saturday, if you felt like pulling up a seat or settling onto one of the bleachers, show jumpers could be seen clearing 4- to 5-foot jumps in one direction and drivers heading through cross-country hazards in the other. On Sunday, it will be similar, except the drivers will be navigating an obstacle course rather than the cross-country one.

"It was smart for the Florida Horse Park to have several disciplines at the same event," said James Richards, an FEI-level four-in-hand competitor at the CAI-B Sunshine State Combined Driving Event. "The Florida Horse Park is off to a great start."

Marathon Madness

The first competitor to tackle the new combined driving marathon course was a brave Philip Needs in the Intermediate Pony division. But, with barely any hesitation, his pony, April Winnie, splashed into the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association water hazard and tackled each of the gates with ease. Dona Love's Intermediate Horse, Freyda, took her time before carefully stepping into the water, but Miranda Cadwell's pair of Haflingers raced in and out so fast, one had a slight misstep on the way up the ramp. But, the slip didn't create any problems, other than a "little raised portion" Cadwell took the precaution of hosing with cold water.

Carole Dailley of Canada, who competes in the FEI Single Horse division, commented, "The hazards were interesting. There was a variety, both technical and open. The tracks were beautiful, too." Even the last team of the day felt that way. Richards' second navigator, Randell Skipper, said, "Whew, what a ride!" Cadwell said the course had "quality hazards" and was well built.

Tomorrow, the drivers will be competing in the obstacle division, aka "cones."

Jumping Jackpot is Sunday

The jumping portion of the show, called the Ocala Jumping Classic, features $100,000 in prize money, with $40,000 allocated to the Grand Prix being held Sunday, April 9 at about 2 p.m. With a steady parade of riders waiting for their turn, the main ring at the horse park has been in constant action for the past two days. Following an increased number of riders making it to the jump-offs on Friday, course designer Leopoldo Palacios, "made things trickier today," noted Jeff Brandmaier. "Palacios is a top course designer," said grand prix rider Kim Burnette-Mitchell. "It is nice they were able to get someone like him." Burnette-Mitchell also praised the event. "It is so flavorful. How often do you get to see so many things going on at once?" Even though she had put in a couple of long days, she was keen on the idea of watching Polo at the Park on Saturday night. "What a great idea!"

Louise Whitaker of England, who spends three months of the year training with Aaron Vale, said she is "really enjoying it" as is one of her supporters, Andrea King. "It is nice to have a competition here while we're still in the area," said King. "Thank you to all the sponsors for doing this and making it possible." When asked if they plan on coming back next year, it was a definite, "Oh, yeah!"

The Big Dig

If you took a short walk, you would have been at the entrance to Dozer Day. Benefiting the Children's Home Society of Florida, Dozer Day is big-time fun for little kids. The rides: heavy equipment such as bulldozers, cranes and backhoes. The thrill: getting to sit in the machines and "dig in."

The favorite ride? "Well, that all depends on which kid you're talking to," laughed Bob James, the director of development at the Children's Home Society. "We want all the kids to have a unique opportunity." He said the money raised will go toward child abuse prevention and intervention services in Marion County.

Still to Come

If heading to the Florida Horse Park tomorrow, there is still plenty to be seen. The obstacle portion of the combined driving will start at about 9 a.m., followed shortly thereafter by show jumping classes. The $40,000 Ocala Jumping Classic Grand Prix will be held at about 2 p.m. The Vendor Village will be open for shopping all day and food will be available, as well.

For ongoing results of the driving event or for show details, visit www.flhorsepark.com.