Tag Archives: Fiddler’s Turkey Run

Barrel Racers Fill the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for the 14th Annual Fiddler’s Turkey Run

Photo courtesy of SDPhotography.

Jacksonville, FL (December 8, 2016) — Horses and riders from as near as the southeast United States and as far as Canada descended on Jacksonville, Florida for the 14th Annual Fiddler’s Turkey Run, held at the end of November at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. More than 600 entries vied for over $106,000 throughout the three days of barrel racing competition.

The Fiddler’s Turkey Run has been held for the past seven years at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, and has continued to grow every year. Paul Stanley, who assists Sabra O’Quinn in managing the Fiddler’s Turkey Run, said, “This is a great facility with plenty of stalls and RV hookups. We’ll be back next year!”

Many riders are already looking forward to a return trip in 2017 to the facility, which boasts a 3,500-seat 150′ x 300′ indoor arena, several outdoor arenas, and over 400 permanent stalls. Longtime Fiddler’s Turkey Run entries as well as new faces to the competition enjoyed the experience at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center this year.

“This was my first time here at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, and I love it. This is a beautiful facility,” said Kaitlin Chieca of Vero Beach, Florida. “The grounds are wonderful. The people have been fantastic – this is a class act!” Chieca competed two horses at the Fiddler’s Turkey Run – her own “Jacob,” and Heidi Thompson’s “Pinkie.” She was happy with her results, especially as this was only her third show ever on Pinkie. Although for Chieca, the highlight of the weekend wasn’t the scores, but the trip around the barrels.

“The adrenaline rush when you shoot out of the alley way – there’s nothing like it,” Chieca explained. “It can be a little scary, but it’s worth it every time. There’s something about riding something this big and being in control of it – it’s just the craziest feeling. It’s awesome!”

Eleven-year-old Kaitlyn Sims of Elkton, Florida shares Chieca’s passion for barrel racing. Sims was the big winner Sunday in the Fiddler’s Turkey Run Open, turning in a blazing time of 15.08 aboard her Quarter Horse, Specta Goodtime. The pint-sized jockey has been riding since she was two years old and competes in junior rodeos as well as the barrel racing shows. Why spend so much time in the saddle? “I like being able to go fast,” Sims explained.

Sims and her mother, Jennifer Lee-Sims, are no strangers to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. “We love this facility because it’s close to home,” said Lee-Sims. “We try to come to all the big events that they have here.”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was thrilled to once again host the Fiddler’s Turkey Run and all of its talented barrel racers. Sponsors for the Fiddler’s Turkey Run included Equine Medical Center of Ocala, Santa Fe Horse Transport, Wrangler, Formula 1 Noni, Sebelle Dymmek, Triple Crown Feed, Formula 707, 5L Performance Horses, and Seminole Equine Products.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s 2016 calendar has several more exciting events planned before the end of the year, including the USDAA Pals & Pals Agility Trials on December 9-11, and Community Night Schooling on December 20. Parking and admission for spectators is free for all events.

For more about the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and to find out how to host your event at this multifaceted facility, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call (904)-255-4254.

Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Debbie Stegner (904)-255-4215
dstegner@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd,
Jacksonville, FL 32221

Jacksonville Equestrian Center Celebrates Holidays with 13th Annual Fiddler’s Turkey Run

Photos courtesy of SDPhotography.

Jacksonville, FL (December 4, 2015) – The Jacksonville Equestrian Center hosted an equestrian version of a “turkey trot” to celebrate Thanksgiving this past weekend. Instead of runners racing off extra holiday calories, horses and riders poured into the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for a barrel racing extravaganza on November 26-29, 2015. Fiddler’s Trailer Sales sponsored the event, which is now in its 13th consecutive year. The Fiddler’s Turkey Run was an immense success, featuring $95,000 in prize money, and plans to return to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center next year.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center has become a popular event venue for a variety of equestrian sports. The facility came under new management last year, and has since invested in significant upgrades to its venue, which includes several outdoor riding rings and a 3,500-seat 150′ x 300′ indoor stadium. The indoor stadium was used for the Fiddler’s Turkey Run last weekend.

Young Laney Robinson earned the fastest time around the barrels at the Fiddler’s Turkey Run, who was awarded a beautiful pair of silver spurs donated by Amanda Weekley. The Fiddler’s Turkey Run was a WPRA sanctioned barrel racing competition. Although competition was fierce, the show organizers made sure there was also some “just for fun” competition in the form of a potato sack race!

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center will continue to host equestrian events and other community-focused events throughout the rest of the year. This weekend will feature the Winter Dressage on the First Coast equestrian event. Riders will compete with their horses in the equestrian sport of dressage on December 5 and 6. The following weekend, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center will welcome the USDAA Pals & Paws Agility Trial. Spectator admission and parking are free for those wishing to watch canine athletes in action on December 11-13.

Fiddlers2For more about the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and to find out how to host your event at this multifaceted facility, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-255-4227.

For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Penny Gorton 904-255-4227
PGorton@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221