Darragh Kerrins and Emir / Photos by Carrie Wirth.
Olympians and Amateurs Benefit from Citrus Series Format
Wellington, FL – February 20, 2014 – Citrus Series Horse Shows at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center at Okeeheelee Park provide the perfect setting for trainers to bring their developing horses for an easy-going outing and for amateurs to gain confidence over both hunter and jumper courses. The second Tuesday afternoon show was held on February 18 and was attended by horses and riders from a wide range of levels and abilities, all who benefited from the unique format.
Lynn Caristo Forgione brought her student Robert Matz and Wise Guy to compete in the .80m-.85m jumpers. Matz is the son of Michael and Dee Dee Matz. Michael Matz is one of the country’s most beloved and successful equestrians. He represented the U.S. at the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal and won the Gold Medal at the 1979 Pan American Games and won countless grand prix events.
“We were very pleased with the facilities and we were very pleased with how he rode,” said the elder Matz. “His pony was one that my wife got and both his older brother and his older sister rode. Now he’s the third rider and he’s doing his job.”
Carina Peterson from North Brookfield, Mass. brought her 8-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding, Believe in Miracles, to Citrus Series for some show ring experience in the 1.0m jumpers.
“This is his second outing in Florida,” said Peterson of her horse, ridden by trainer Kalie Butcher. “I love the show grounds; it is good for him to get out and get experience. We’ll be back on Saturday.”
Top international riders like Darragh Kerrins and Maarten Huygens returned to Citrus Series the show to put some rounds in on their up-and-coming jumpers.
The unrated show was developed by trainer and Wellington Quarantine owner James Lala in response to the requests he has heard from trainers, owners and riders over the years. Citrus Series offers options for warm-ups and do-overs so that riders can accomplish a great deal in one ridiculously affordable show outing. It is the perfect way to prepare developing horses and riders for the bigger, AA circuits, like WEF.
Citrus Series returns on Saturday, Feb. 22 for hunter, jumper and equitation classes and is adding two Tuesdays next month on March 11 and March 18.
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:
Saturday, Feb 22, 2014 – Hunters, Jumpers & Equitation
Tuesday, March 11 and March 18, 2014 – Hunters & Jumpers in the Afternoon and after Dark under the Lights
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