The USEA has already posted the provisional schedule for 2016 horse trials (scroll down). If you’re heading to Ocala for the winter, you’ll be aware of the typical horse trial offerings at the Florida Horse Park, Rocking Horse, Red Hills, and a new venue, Three Lakes at Caudle Ranch.
But going south for the winter isn’t just about competing. It’s about developing your horse and enriching your riding education, and there’s no better place for that than Ocala. With the huge number of horse show professionals that congregate here, there is ample opportunity to take lessons from some of the world’s best– in eventing, dressage, and show jumping.
A plethora of other activities are also available. Does your horse need more experience in the show jumping arena? Longwood Farm hosts jumper classes every Tuesday, from Dec 1 through March. All levels are offered, from 2′ up to 4′. There are “Twilight Dressage” shows as well, if you horse needs some extra time in the lettered confines. See the Longwood Equestrian Games web page for details.
Along with recognized horse trials, the Florida Horse Park has regular unrecognized events and schooling shows. Partners of the Park organizes 3-Phase, dressage, and jumping classes. More show jumping practice is available at “Jumping Under The Stars,” held in the new covered arena under the lights. There’s always something going on here, and it’s a great place to bring the young horses for a field trip. Check out the FL horse park calendar for upcoming events.
Ready to learn some more? Longwood is also the site of the USEA’s ICP Symposium (Feb 16-17) and the USEA Future Event Horse and Young Event Horse Seminar. Another excellent learning opportunity is to attend the US or Canadian winter training sessions. Where else can you watch top-notch riders getting world-class coaching, for free?! Take notes, soak up the knowledge, and take it home with you to practice with your horse.
The world of HITS
If you want to get serious about your show jumping, one of the country’s biggest hunter/jumper series is just down the road at HITS Ocala (Prize List). Classes are offered at all levels, and $1000+ prize money is available in 1.2m+ divisions. Many of the jumper classes are offered mid-week, starting on Wednesdays, so you can have your weekends free for other activities. Be aware, though, slipping into the rated hunter/jumper pond is not cheap. You and your horse horse will need USHJA registration (Equine Canada members are exempt), even if you are already members of the USEA and USEF. The membership fees are $75 per horse, and $70 per person (or pay $30 per show if you choose not to register yourself).
Competing in the jumpers at HITS costs $50-65 per class, for most levels. However, beware of extra fees added to your entry: between USEF drug & meds, starter fees, office fees, and ship-in fee, you will pay $206 in along with the classes you enter. Want to play in the big levels, 1.2m (3’11″) or above? Add a $175 nomination fee, for the chance to win prize money.