Annie McFee and Telux / Photos by Ann Glavan.
Trainers and Riders Get Hooked on the Convenience and Affordability
Wellington, FL – March 14, 2014 – Citrus Series Horse Shows at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center at Okeeheelee Park is establishing an ever-growing group of regular attendees. Comprised of both International and local riders and trainers, this new group of regulars agree that Citrus Series has built an ideal setting for professionals to bring their developing horses for an easy-going outing and for amateurs to gain confidence over both hunter and jumper courses.
The first of two March Tuesday afternoon shows was held on March 11 and was attended by horses and riders from a wide range of levels and abilities, all who benefited from the unique format.
Bertrand Le Griffon trains hunters and jumpers alongside his wife Denielle Gallagher-Le Griffon, an international dressage rider at Remapo Equestrian Center in Suffern, NY. He brought Annie McFee to show two young horses, Le Griffon returned with Annie McFee after experiencing the February Citrus Series show. He knew the facility because his wife had competed in dressage at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.
“I think it’s great because I have a lot of young horses,” said Le Griffon about the Citrus Series shows. “It’s very easy and relaxed for the young horses to get in the ring and learn with no pressure. We have the time to do the right thing.”
“I like the big ring because even the big horses have room to turn and all the lines are easy, the jumps have these beautiful flowers and walls and the footing is very good,” said Le Griffon. “I think it’s great to use this facility for the jumpers, and I just really love the Citrus Series. We rode two horses last week and I’m going to bring maybe four next week; we’re very excited about it.”
Robert Matz from Coatesville, PA and trained by Lynn Caristo Forgione returned with his horse Wise Guy to compete in the .80m-.85m jumpers. Matz is the son of famed international grand prix rider turned successful racehorse trainer, Michael Matz, and his wife, Dee Dee Matz. Dee Dee Matz shared how much she appreciates how easy it is to show at Citrus Series, to know when you show and get in and out in a reasonable time frame.
Regulars Darragh Kerins, Maarten Huygens and Morgan Kennedy brought several horses. Kevin and Diana Babington and Sissy Wickes also returned with developing horses.
Join the fun at Citrus Series when it returns on Tuesday, March 18 and on Saturday, March 22 for hunter, jumper and equitation classes.
About Citrus Series Horse Shows
The unique features of the show are designed to help trainers, developing horses and riders achieve their goals affordably. Professionals and adults may ride ponies. If time permits, competitors can do do-overs to make sure the horse and rider leave the ring with a positive learning experience. A user-friendly class schedule and sale horse identifiers provide an opportunity to market sale horses.
Owners, breeders, riders, trainers and their assistants are encouraged to bring their up-and-coming horses and riders to come experience Citrus Series, at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center Okeeheelee Park, a close, convenient, high-quality facility. Ship-ins are welcome at no cost and permanent day and overnight stalls are available. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located under three miles/five minutes from the intersection of 441 and Forest Hill Boulevard.
Call us at: (561) 906-6668 if you need a shipper.
For entries rates, go to: Showgroundslive.com or call (561) 906-6668.
For more about the Citrus Series, go to: www.citrusseries.com.
2014 Citrus Series Fast Facts:
What: New high-quality horse show series especially for developing horses and riders.
Where: Jim Brandon Equestrian Center
7500 Forest Hill Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL
When:
Tuesday, March 11 and March 18, 2014 – Hunters & Jumpers Starting at 11 a.m. and after Dark under the Lights
Saturday, March 22, 2014 – Hunters Jumpers and Equitation with an 8 a.m. start
Contact Information:
Before Show
Telephone: (561) 906-6668
Email: jdlala@aol.com
During Show
Show Office: (859) 608-3709
Fax: (866) 285-9496
Stable Office Telephone: (561) 906-6668
Entries: Showgroundslive.com
Officials:
Manager: Lala Land Productions, LLC, James Lala, (561) 906-6668, jdlala@aol.com
Secretary: Susie Morrissey
Farrier: Ignacio Cardenas
Judge: Dee Thomas, USEF “R”-rated
Directions to Jim Brandon Equestrian Center:
FROM I-95
Exit Forest Hill Blvd. Go west on Forest Hill Blvd. for approximately six (6) miles. After passing Pinehurst Dr., make the next left into Okeeheelee Park South.
FROM the NORTH on FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE
Exit #97 – Southern Blvd. After toll booth, turn left onto Pike Rd. (South). Make a left onto Southern Blvd. (East) and go to Jog Road. Make a right onto Jog Road (South) to Forest Hill Blvd. Make a right onto Forest Hill Blvd. (West). After passing Pinehurst Dr., make a left into Okeeheelee Park South.
FROM the SOUTH on FLORIDA’S TURNPIKE
Exit #93 – Lake Worth Rd. and go east to Pinehurst Dr. Make a left onto Pinehurst Dr. (North) and go to Forest Hill Blvd. Make a left onto Forest Hill Blvd. (West). Make the next left into Okeeheelee Park South.
FROM the WEST on FOREST HILL BLVD.
Cross over Florida’s Turnpike and make a right into Okeeheelee Park South.
Carrie Wirth for Phelps Media Group, Inc. International
MEDIA CONTACT:
Phelps Media Group, Inc.
12012 South Shore Blvd #105
Wellington, FL 33414
561-753-3389 (phone)
561-753-3386 (fax)
pmginfo@phelpsmediagroup.com
PhelpsMediaGroup.com