Ocala Horse Shows welcomes your to equestrian paradise and the finest schedule of horse shows in Ocala. Ocala is equestrian country in every sense of the word. Here, many of the nations top equestrian horse breeders perfect their craft, producing thoroughbred race horses as well as virtually every other breed of horse. Horse farms create stunning vistas of endless green grass accented by black horse fencing and majestic oak trees. A visit to a one of the several horse farms open to the public is a must.
Florida Horse Park, an attraction in itself, is the center of horse shows for North Central Florida. Skilled jumpers or disciplined dressage riders compete for ribbons almost every weekend.
Winter months bring professional riders to the famous Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) circuit has been performing at Hits Post Time Farm from mid January to mid March for over 30 years. The Ocala area includes Marion, Alachua, Levy, Suwannee, Sumter counties.
Staying in the Ocala area? Visit Travel Ocala for complete hotel, car rental and attraction reservations.
Feb 9, 2012
Jennifer Alfano Guides Sting to Comeback During HITS Ocala I
Ocala, FL
The first week of SBS Farms' six-week stay at HITS Ocala was filled with nothing but success as professional rider and trainer Jennifer Alfano guided Sting to his comeback. The talented team executed the $5,000 Devoucoux 3'3" Hunter Prix with consistency and precision, riding to the coveted championship spot. Alfano also rode numerous mounts to the top awards in the hunter divisions, while student Grace Weidner exhibited Castell in the Large Junior 16-17 Hunters, leaving the ring with high scores across the board.
It seems as though Sting, after taking some time to recuperate, is finally hitting his stride in the new 2012 year. Alfano and Sting took control of the $5,000 Devoucoux 3'3" Hunter Prix, taking the course with a smooth ease. "He was really good, the courses were nice and he jumped great," Alfano described. "It was so nice to have Sting back after having him out for a while. He was really smooth going around, everything matched, he's such a fun horse and I am so happy to have him back."
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Feb 7, 2012
Introducing the USEF Equestrian College Search
A new search tool from USEF
The search for the right college can be a frustrating and overwhelming time for young adults. With all of the options and information available these days it can be difficult for a student to narrow the search to schools that fit them best, especially for young equestrians. To help make the process easier the United States Equestrian Federation has created the USEF Equestrian College Search to help guide students in making an informed decision about their education. The Search, in addition to asking the usual questions about location, size, and scholarship information, asks equestrian specific questions that will help inform students, parents, coaches, and advisers of equine study and equestrian sport programs that colleges across the country offer.
Students are encouraged to view the Search at www.usef.org/collegiatesearch and find the right college for them! Please feel free to contact Terra Schroeder, National Affiliates Representative, at tschroeder@usef.org or 859-225-6952 if you have any questions.
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Feb 7, 2012
Tracy Fenney celebrates her birthday with a first and second place finish in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, at the Ocala Premiere
Ocala, FL
racy Fenney couldn’t have had a better week in Ocala to kick-off the rated circuit. After an impressive victory in Thursday’s $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, aboard MTM Farm’s MTM Timon, she celebrated her birthday on Sunday with a first and second place finish in the $50,000 EMO Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health, on MTM Farm’s MTM Centano and MTM Timon, respectively.
“What a great week,” said Fenney of Flower Mound, Texas. “This is our first week back and I couldn’t have asked for a better start. Today’s weather was gorgeous, the horses are happy and winning on your birthday is always fun.” More info...
Feb 7, 2012
Easy Equine Vision Tests
Vision Loss in Horses
Horses can cope remarkably well with vision loss. Stories of blind horses traveling familiar paths at a full canter aren't just urban legends. This ability to adapt has a downside, however: It can make it difficult to detect changes in your horseâ s vision until they are fairly advanced.
Vision loss can go undetected in horses for weeks or even months as it progresses, so check his eyesight regularly to catch developing problems early. These simple equine vision tests will help you safely assess just how much your horse can see.
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Feb 7, 2012
Help for Your Horse to Trail Ride AloneJulie Goodnight helps our reader get her horse safely out on the trail alone, minus the company of other horses.
Julie Goodnight
Photo by Heidi Nyland
Question: I love trail riding on my 8-year-old Appaloosa gelding, but I don't often have anyone to ride with me. When he's not with another horse, he will only go so far from the barn before putting up an escalating fuss. I don't want to get hurt, so I usually give in and return to the barn. Can you give me some advice on how to get my horse to accept going out on the trail alone?
Missy Hendon, South Carolina More info...
