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Florida
Horse Park Debuts with Successful Events - The Ocala Horse Trials
and
the Sunshine State Driving Event.
Florida Horse Park:
Ocala Horse Trials presented by Seminole Feed
Compiled
by Summer Best
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"It
was really exciting to see the first horse make the first
jump and see that horse finish the cross-country course,"
said Florida Agriculture & Horse Park Authority Chairman
Tom Warriner. Just seconds before his comments, the first
rider completed the cross-country course at the Florida
Horse Park's inaugural event, the Ocala Horse Trials presented
by Seminole Feed, Nov. 5-6. "I'm speechless,"
Warriner said.
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World
Class Athletes Add Olympian Touch
Olympian, sponsor and competitor Darren Chiacchia concurred.
"I had this vision about six months ago when the park
was just wide open scrub fields, and when I drove in (Nov.
5), I saw that vision realized. It's here and it's transformed!"
Chiacchia attributes its success to the team. "You don't
do something like this without a great team," he said.
"I think it is the best team in the country today.
"While the park is still in the "embryonic stage,"
Warriner had no complaints about the initial events, which
consisted of the Ocala Horse Trials, Nov. 5-6, and the Sunshine
State Driving Event, Nov. 6.
"I really can't fault the event, and it is a wonderful
site," said rider Paul Delbrook of Ocala. Spectator Debbie
Herold of Walaha agreed. "The facility is fantastic.
They've done a great job." Canadian Olympic Team Coach
Peter Gray said, "The flow of the course was perfect."
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Designed by Olympic Gold Medallist, David O'Connor, the cross
country course was a spectators and competitors delight. "The
jumps are beautifully constructed and imaginative and the
water jump is spectacular." Gray, who also has a farm
in Ocala, added: "Ocala has become such an important
training area. To have a venue like this is huge."
Opportunity of a Lifetime
The inaugural event offered a couple of riders the opportunity
of a lifetime: the chance to be the first to officially compete
at the "new" horse park. Brent Leytem of McIntosh,
Fla. was the first rider to enter one of the five competitive
rings at the event when he rode Chanticleer in the dressage
phase of the Preliminary Rider division.
While the music playing in the background had Chanticleer
excited, "It was fantastic because Chanticleer was able
to stick to the task and I was able to keep him under control,"
said Dr. Leytem, explaining that Chanticleer likes to "buck
to the music." Dr. Leytem ended up fifth on Chanticleer
following an "exhilarating" cross-country run on
Day 2, where they tested their skills through the Ring of
Power Construction site, Seminole Feed Corner, the Florida
Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association Water Jump
and the Florida Department of Agriculture's Citrus Stand,
to name a few. For Dressage competitions coming up in 2006,
world class footing is scheduled for the dressage arenas.
First Horse on Cross Country
The first rider to test the cross-country course was Kristine
Gallagher of Bloomfield, Connecticut. in the Beginner Novice
division. Gallagher was riding Sportsfield Pete, a 12-year-old
Irish Sporthorse owned by Samantha Lendl of Bradenton, Florida.
Lendl flew Gallagher down to Florida just to compete at the
event, which Gallagher said "was run really well. I thought
the horse park was great and will definitely be competing
here again." She said the water jump seemed "pretty
intimidating" when she walked the course, but it ended
up riding "pretty nice."
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She said
was very nervous before jumping the first jump, Great American
Insurance Group's "Welcome to the Park," even though
the significance of it didn't cross her mind until the night
before. "Then I started thinking about being the first
rider instead of my riding." However, she managed to
shut out those thoughts and concentrate on the course. "Once
I got started the course was great!" she said. Even the
Ring of Power Construction Site Gallagher reached the finish
line with only one stop at jump six.
These were just two of the firsts for the Florida Horse Park,
which has been on a whirlwind preparation schedule for the
past few months. As Warriner said, "Seeing sponsors sitting
in front of the jumps they sponsored, that was a dream a few
months ago, and it is a reality today." |
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History of the Park
The Florida Horse Park and Agricultural Authority was formed
by the Florida Legislature in recognition of the fact that
the horse industry was so much a part of Marion County's identity.
Many years have passed since the actual formation of the "Park"
and perhaps only now have recent events shed a light on just
how we can serve our state and county by developing this true
international venue.
The Ocala/Marion County Chamber of Commerce, the original
founder of the idea of the "Park," never lost the
dream or the understanding of what such a venue could bring
to this community. Together with the FTBOA, their combined
leadership not only kept the flame alive, they've now fostered
a partnership with the United States Equestrian Federation.
The USEF is the body that directs high performance and Olympic
bound competitors. Formally the USET, the USEF and the USEA
(United States Eventing Association) will direct the development
of the next Olympic Training and Selection Center at the Florida
Horse Park.
Finally, the champion is identified in an arena that appeals
to everyone. The "Park" will host the best of the
best in World and Olympic-level equine sports competition
and the celebration of our nation through team and individual
competition. The "Park" will also become the top
trail-riding destination in the country. Both of these champions,
and all equestrian disciplines and breeds in between, will
represent Ocala/Marion County on local to global markets for
the Florida Horse Park, whose time has come.
For details about the Florida Horse Park, visit www.flhorsepark.com
or call (352) 620-0757. |
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