WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2017 SPRING EDITION facebook.com/thefloridahorse Published by Florida Equine Communications Inc. FTBOA.COM Equestrian Events For All Ocala/Marion County is home to the largest number of horses and ponies, more than any other county in the United States. This ranking led to the moniker The Horse Capital of the World, which the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association trademarked in 2002, en- suring the community’s use of the phrase to pro- mote the region. The diversity of breeds and Florida’s Racing Breeds disciplines make it an ideal setting for any horse fanatic or casual horse lover. $1 Billion direct impact on the state Horses in Florida are more than pretty scenery Over $400,000 in payroll taxes in a pasture. They are economic drivers for our More than 12,000 jobs state and county. The concentration of equines -- Over 20,000 thoroughbreds engage in racing in Florida annually particularly the Thoroughbred breeding and train- Florida is the third leading state in total number of horses behind only Texas and California ing industry in the Ocala/Marion County area -- is Florida ranks second as a breeding region in the U.S. for thoroughbreds strongly supported by a network of equine serv- Florida is one of the top 5 breeding regions in the world ices, such as veterinarians, feed and tack retail- ers, blacksmiths, equine dentists, and major PHOTO MIKE BORCHETTA horse transportation companies. eventing at the Ocala Jockey Club to name a few. This makes Ocala a great place to enjoy Visitors have opportunities to go on a farm tour, Horse Capital of the World® equines by creating opportunities to attend horse take a trail ride through our numerous parks and Ocala/Marion County events like: Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) at forests, enjoy a carriage ride, learn polo, visit an was trademarked in Post Time Farm, the Live Oak world-class carriage equine gallery or museum, attend a thoroughbred 2002 as The Horse Capital of the World after an driving competitions, Longwood’s varied horse horse sale or even a horse race at Ocala Breeder’s American Horse Council study detailed the events, the Southeastern Agriculture Center ac- Sales. The choices are limitless and residents are a county accounted for more horses and ponies tivities, The Florida Horse Park & Exposition Cen- daily part of our one-of-a-kind rural environment than any other in the United States. ter activities, the Gala of the Royal Horses, or found in very few places worldwide. I Florida...the Best State for Business

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7289 • Fax 850-617-7281 Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President e-mail: [email protected] • 407 S. Calhoun 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 The Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • [email protected] www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2016 FALL EDITION • 2 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse Equine Community Partners With Business Leaders to Promote Jump Downtown Jump Downtown, a special event featuring pete in the prestigious Nations Cup. The Nations always been at the forefront. Florida Main Street is the first annual Parade of Nations Horse Celebra- Cup jumping series is equestrian sport’s oldest administered under the state Division of Historical tion, kicks off on the downtown square in and most prestigious team challenge, with na- Preservation, and is also a nationally designated Ocala/Marion County, the Horse Capital of the tional teams from around the globe competing for program of The National Main Street Center, estab- World, on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. one of the most coveted prizes in this discipline lished by the National Trust for Historic Preserva- The family-friendly event is free and open to that is an Olympic event. tion. Ocala Main Street was formed last year by a the public and is sponsored by Ocala Main Street, Horse breeds expected to be in the parade group of Marion County business leaders with as- the Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cog- around the square include: andalusian, appaloosa, sistance from the CEP to get it off the ground. The nition, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Eco- arabian, Belgian, British riding pony, clydesdale, board includes Rusty Branson, Larry Bush, Angie nomic Partnership (CEP), the City of Ocala and drum horse, Florida Cracker horse, foxtrotter, Lewis, Bryce Peek, Tim Rogers and Ted Schatt. Sheltair Aviation along with breed organizational friesian, gypsy vanner, hackney, haflinger, lip- The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Own- assistance from Equine Alliance member Dori pizan, miniature, morgan, mule, Norwegian fjord, ers’ Association trademarked the moniker, Morgan of Farm Credit and CEP equine engage- paint horse, paso fino, percheron, Peruvian paso, Ocala/Marion County Horse Capital of the World, ment’s Louisa Barton. quarter horse, shire, Tennessee walking horse, creating a now high profile signature brand for the The Parade of Nations will honor and welcome thoroughbred, warmblood and a Welsh pony. county. The name came about after it was discov- this year's world-class teams for the prestigious Mark Shuffitt of the UF/IFAS Extension Mar- ered by a national survey of equines that the jumping competition, the Nations Cup, to be held ion County, and an Equine Alliance member will county had more horse and ponies than any other at Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) Post-Tme Farm be on hand doing a live event video on social in the United States. With the wide variety of from Feb. 14–19. Riders from the event will be on media sharing insight from owners of the variety breeds, top equestrians from around the world, hand as visitors cheer for these top athletes from of breeds and event goers. the huge array of equestrian events, the large around the world that descend on Ocala to com- Jump Downtown began as a brainstorm of number disciplines and numerous high profile HITS founder Tom Struzzieri at a Chamber and equine venues and providers, Ocala truly is horse Marion County’s Equines Economic Partnership breakfast a few months capital. The area plays host to a number of high ago. The idea tied in community leaders from the profile equine events annually including HITS, the 18% of the County GDP ($1.6 billion of county’s Ocala and Marion County local government, Live Oak Invitational Competitions, the Ocala $8.7 billion GDP) councils, and charity groups with the goal to Breeders’ thoroughbred sales, equine events at the Thoroughbreds are the majority of any breed showcase equines and welcome riders. Florida Horse Park and the Southeastern Livestock in the county “With loyal support from Marion County and Pavilion among others throughout the county. It Thoroughbreds sold at Ocala Breeders’ Sales the City of Ocala, HITS will once again welcome is also the second largest breeding region in the (OBS) brought $142 million in 2014 show jumping’s biggest players to the Horse Cap- North America for thoroughbreds and one of the OBS buyers came from 42 states and ital of the World to exemplify our continued com- top worldwide. In addition to many Kentucky 18 countries in 2014 $2.62 billion total mitment to growing the sport for exhibitors and Derby runners being trained in the county, the last direct/indirect economic impact spectators alike,” Struzzieri said. racing Triple Crown winner, American Pharoah, Wire to Wire Daily Racing Digest, a daily Diana Schwartz, Director of Ocala Main Street, was trained in the region and carries historical publication in Marion County promoting the is organizing the event as part of the Florida Main Marion County, Florida thoroughbred bloodlines. thoroughbred industry, is the only printed daily Street program, a preservation-based program For more information about the event, call of any breeding region in the world. aimed at revitalizing downtowns in which Ocala has 352-629-8051 ext. 115. I WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2016 FALL EDITION • 3 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse Live Oak Event: World-Class Hospitality and Family Fun In its 26th year, the Live Oak International is the largest combined driving and show jumping equine discipline event in the coun- try held March 9–12. The competitors are some of the leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from Europe and North America in both disciplines. For spectators, Live Oak International of- fers world class hospitality drawing thousands of visitors of all ages. Located in the heart of the event, the Vendor Village showcases work- manship, crafts, art, jewelry or equine mer- chandise. Tailgating gives visitors a bird’s eye of the action near the obstacles of the course for

the driving competition. Reserve a YOU PHOTO PICS OF tented spot where you and your friends can get a clear view of the horses and carriages as they speed through the complicated maze of fences or splash through the water hazards. The best spots be on Sunday, March 12. popular, much anticipated annual event of go fast so act quickly for the Sat- When it was introduced in the season in Ocala. urday, March 11 event by visiting 2012, it was sold out and is a Begun in 1992, the competition was a rel- liveoakinternational.com/. much sought after ticket for sponsors who atively small event drawing a few competitors. Presented by Golden Ocala Golf and host business and community leaders there Chester Weber, who is now co-president of Equestrian Club, the $100,000 Longines FEI today. The event finals are at 1:30 p.m. the event alongside his sister, Juliet W. Reid, World Cup Jumping Qualifier Grand Prix arena In addition, the week features a Saturday is an internationally renowned four-in-hand has a ringside hospitality area, a great place to evening Competitors Party, another highly driver. At that time he couldn’t compete be- cause he was not 18 even though he had been driving since he was 12. In 2012, the world- Combined Driving Event Primer class driving tournament introduced show The event features one, two or four horses pulling a carriage through three distinct events. jumping and it was an instant success. For the Run over several days, the three events test different aspects of horse and driver skill. The first time, a world-class jumping event and a events and basic rules of Combined Driving are as follow: world-class driving event were together at a Dressage – Judged on how well the horse and driver perform together. The driver and world-class horse farm on the same weekend. horse should function as a single unit. There should be no sign of resistance from the horse This year marks the second year of the inclu- as they execute a number of predetermined patterns at different paces. Appearance and neat- sion of the Show Jumping Grand Prix as part ness of the horses, carriage, rigging, and dress of the driver and grooms are also judged. of the inaugural season of the Longines FEI Marathon – Horse and driver put aside the finery of dressage to test their horse, carriage and them- World Cup Jumping North American League. selves over a long-distance, cross-country course riddled with hazards, fences, twists and obstacles. Charlotte Weber’s 5,000 acre Live Oak The driver is scored on how quickly they get the team through the course minus any penalties. Plantation – a leading thoroughbred racing Obstacles – Precision and speed are tested in the obstacles phase. Horse and driver must operation providing breeding, foaling, training navigate a course made of obstacles or cones. Penalties are assessed for knocked-over ob- and racing for over 40 years – is the beautiful stacles during the timed event. setting for the event. The farm’s distinctive Whoever has the best average score through all three events wins the competition. Com- silks of white with red dots and black sleeves bined Driving is one of 10 international disciplines recognized by the Fédération Equestre In- are seen in winner’s circles nationwide from ternationale or FEI. the Breeders’ Cup to Eclipse Awards and Weber has many Grade 1 wins. I WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2016 FALL EDITION • 4 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse SEASON HIGHLIGHTS November DATE EVENT LOCATION ACTIVITIES DISCIPLINE February 14-19 Nation’s Cup Post Time Farm Top international competitors Show Jumping 18 Grande Liberté Horse Show Williston Sylvia Zerbini and her Amazing Horses Horses at liberty 25 Grande Liberté Horse Show Williston Sylvia Zerbini and her Amazing Horses Horses at liberty March 3-5 Paso Fino Ocala Schooling Classic SE Ag Pavilion, Ocala Southern Regional Paso Fino show Breed show 4 Grande Liberté Horse Show Williston Sylvia Zerbini and her Amazing Horses Horses at liberty 8-12 Live Oak Competition Live Oak Plantation Tailgating, events, parties Combined Driving, Show Jumping 13 Horse of the Year Gala Circle Square Florida breeders/owners awards, auctions, dinner Thoroughbred racing 14 -15 Two-Year olds in training Sale Ocala Breeders’ Sales Watch live horse auction, refreshments Top 2YO sale in the world 17- May 18 Polo Matches The Village Matches every Friday and Saturday Polo 18 4-H Horse Specialty Horse Show SE Ag Pavilion, Ocala 4-H Youth competition Horse Show 24 -26 Florida Thoroughbred Florida Horse Park Showcases the talents and Many disciplines Transformation Expo disciplines of thoroughbreds after racing April April Polo Matches The Villages Matches every Friday and Saturday Polo April 1 4-H Horse Specialty Horse Show SE Ag Pavilion, Ocala 4-H Youth competition Horse Show April 17- 22 Under Tack Show Ocala Breeders Sales Future racehorses running for time on track Thoroughbred horse sale April 21-23 Paso Fino Ocala Classic SE Ag Pavilion, Ocala Southern Regional Paso Fino show Breed show April 21-23 Orange Blossom Mini Horse Show SE Ag Pavilion, Ocala Mini horses in shows, vendors, refreshments Breed show April 25-2 Spring Sale of 2-year-olds in training Ocala Breeders Sales Watch a live horse auction, refreshments Thoroughbred horse sale

May May Polo Matches The Villages Matches every Friday and Saturday Visit websites for details regarding ongoing events at the following:

Farm Tours of Ocala http://www.farmtoursofocala.com/ Florida Thoroughbred Museum www.ftboa.com Florida Thoroughbred Gallery www.ftboa.com HITS http://www.hitsshows.com/ocala Gypsy Vanner tours http://gypsygold.com/about-ocala/ Parelli Natural Horsemanship http://www.parelli.com/2017floridacourses.html Palm Partnership Training http://lynnpalm.com/ Southeastern Livestock Pavillion http://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=10339 Florida Horse Park http://www.flhorsepark.com/ Villages Polo Club http://www.thevillagespoloclub.com/

Florida...the Best State for Business

www.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7289 • Fax 850-617-7281 Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President e-mail: [email protected] • 407 S. Calhoun 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 The Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399 www.ftboa.com • [email protected] WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2016 FALL EDITION • 5 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse the Gypsy Gold farm. The tour guide is Dennis Thompson, who discovered this unique breed and Unique Equine Experiences Abound brought it to American soil. His tour includes an overview and introduction to the breed and its It’s not hard to find a horse event almost zaner and Arabian breeds and the event is dedi- history, the unique British Gypsy culture and every day of the week in Marion County. cated to showcasing the amazing beauty and ma- where the breed is today. From there you go on a Here are just a few that are unique. neuvers these horses are capable of, including walking tour of the farm where you’ll meet the those once used on the battlefield. These feats are stallions, mares, foals and various other animals The Grande Liberté Show now known as “Airs Above The Ground.” loved at Gypsy Gold. You’ll also be invited to cre- World Class Equine Ballet For the last 10 years Gasser toured Australia ate a memory of your Gypsy Gold tour with a Sylvia Zerbini is the world renowned liberty and abroad with his various productions, which photo of yourself and one of our beautiful Gypsy horse trainer who was the star of the show Cav- include Gala of the Royal Horses, Lipizzaner’s With Vanner. Horses to share with your friends and alia for five years. Cavalia is a world acclaimed the Stars, Equestra and El Caballo Blanco. Visit also a gift shop of ooks, videos and DVDs, equine themed show that is one of the many galaoftheroyalhorses.com for tickets and schedules. posters, jewelry, model horses and figurines and themed shows produced by Cirque de Soleil. everything Gypsy make it complete. To make a Zerbini performed in the show with her white Farm Tours of Ocala reservation go to GypsyGold.com. horses at liberty. At liberty means the horses run Learn the language of the horse from the experts free and take cues from the trainer. Discover why Marion County is the Horse FREE! Florida Thoroughbred Museum Zerbini now resides in the area and showcases Capital of the World on this tour held Mondays and Gallery her 15 amazing horses in the Grand Liberte show through Saturdays from 8:45 a.m. to noon. See a Kentucky Derby Trophy which is an artistic blend of a herd working to- Tourists visit three world-class equine venues. The birth of the Horse Capital of the World gether to create the ultimate horse ballet. Cavalia Typically a working thoroughbred farm and Ara- began with Needles, a little horse born in the was almost an always-sold-out performance and bian farm are part of the tour in addition to the county, who went on to become the first to win Zerbini’s horse act was one of the reasons why. It Florida Thoroughbred Museum and Gallery, since the Kentucky Derby for Florida. His presence, it is is breathtaking, peaceful and truly shows the thoroughbreds make up the largest number of said, sold more real estate than any realtor. Both bond between human and horse. Tickets are $25 horses in the county. the equine world and non-equine people flocked and the shows run February through March on Tour guides are avid horse-people and long- to see how this land with mineral-rich soil, abun- special Saturdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Call for reser- time residents of Ocala’s Horse Country who take dant spring water and limestone-enriched vations at 941-256-1063. Performances at you behind the scenes of working farms and ven- grasses could produce a top runner from a mod- Grande Liberté Farm, 18552 NE 81st Street, ues to get you up close and personal with equine est bloodline. Today, those bloodlines run Williston FL 32696. athletes and the professionals who train and care through the likes of Triple Crown winner Ameri- for them who share their enthusiasm and knowl- can Pharoah whose ancestors are prominently Gala of the Royal Horses edge of the Marion Country horse scene. To book, featured in the museum, along with the Needles Airs Above The Ground visit FarmToursofOcala.com. Derby trophy. Visitors are so close to the trophy, The creation of world-renowned riding mas- they can take a picture with it. Plus, see a real ter Rene Gasser, who with the experiences of Gypsy Gold Tours speeding ticket issued to the fastest horse in the seven generations, this event could only previ- The Gypsy Vanner breed world. In addition to the museum, the art gallery ously seen at the famous riding schools in Vienna The number one thing to do in Ocala and a is a must-see featuring original paintings by local and Spain. Magnificent stallions and Spanish fla- Central Florida favorite on Trip Advisor, the two- artists of thoroughbred champions through his- menco dancers in authentic vibrant costumes, ac- hour tour allows you to meet the Gypsy Vanner tory. Open Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., companied by the mellow notes of a guitar, bring horse breed close-up and hear the history of the the museum is free. Donations are accepted the sights and sounds of Spain a heartbeat away. breed from its discovery in Great Britain to its which go to the Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Gala of The Royal Horses features a number of growth in the United States. Tours are on farm, a retirement home for old racehorses in performances of the Andalusian, Friesian, Lipiz- Wednesdays, Fridays or Saturdays at 10 a.m. at which prison inmates care for them. n www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse Florida...the Best State for Business FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND CONSUMER SERVICES AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7289 • Fax 850-617-7281 Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President e-mail: [email protected] • 407 S. Calhoun 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 The Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399 Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • [email protected] WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2016 FALL EDITION • 6 www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse