Tag Archives: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair 4-H & Open Horse Show

Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair 4-H & Open Horse Show Brings over 70 Riders

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Richardson.

Jacksonville, FL (October 28, 2015) – “The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is awesome. We love the facility and have every expectation of returning with our horse show next year,” said Jessica Altum, 4-H Animal Science program coordinator and horse show supervisor for the 2015 Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association 4-H & Open Horse Show. The show was held this October at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, Florida.

The annual Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association 4-H & Open Horse Show hosted more than 70 4-H, FFA (Future Farmers of America), and Open riders. The young riders, all between the ages of eight through 18, competed in English, Western, Speed, and Trail divisions at the 80-acre equestrian and recreational venue’s spacious indoor and outdoor arenas.

The entire horse-centered property was buzzing with young competitors and their families and supporters. “We used the indoor arena for our Speed, Halter, English, and Western divisions. An outdoor arena was used for our trail class,” said Altum. The over 400 permanent stalls at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center played host to a stall decorating contest, boasting the creativity of the 4-H clubs and all who made the facility home for the weekend. The 78 RV hookups on-site at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center were available to anyone who wanted to camp near their horses.

“The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is really moving in an upwards direction,” commented Altum after the show. “The footing has gotten much better, and we always appreciate all the support they give us in 4-H.” Altum said this was the third horse show she has been a part of at the facility. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center came under new management just over a year ago, and has invested in significant upgrades to its venue – including new footing for its riding rings and 3,500-seat, 150′ x 300′ indoor stadium.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center will continue to host equestrian events and community-focused events throughout the rest of the year. Most recently, the AKC Pals and Paws Agility Trials is took place on October 23-25. The November calendar includes the First Coast Classical Dressage Challenge Schooling show, Backwoods Country Jam Concert with Lee Brice (Opening artist will be Maddie and Tae), and Fiddler’s Turkey Run Barrel Racing Competition. In December, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and its new management will wrap up the successful year with the Winter Dressage on the First Coast Competition, and USDAA Pals and Paws Agility Trials. For more about the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, at 13611 Normandy Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, 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