Tag Archives: Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Community/Charity

Florida RV Trade Association Regional Chapter Donates $15,000 to Jacksonville Equestrian Center

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Left to right: Harold Bullington, Ken Lloyd, Peggy Fuller, Patti Tebow, Jerry Tempio, Joanne Connell, and Penny Gorton. (Photo courtesy of SDPhotography)

Jacksonville, FL (July 8, 2016) – After the Northeast Florida Chapter of the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) spent years enjoying the success of its annual Jacksonville RV Show at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, the FRVTA decided to give back to the center in a big way. The FRVTA recently donated $15,000 to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to go towards making improvements to the already exceptional facility, which hosts everything from FRVTA RV shows to dog agility trials to major equestrian events year round.

According to the FRVTA Region 6 Treasurer, Gerard (Jerry) Tempio, “The decision for the FRVTA to make this donation was based on trying to help the community and the partners that help FRVTA grow in northeast Florida.”

Thanks to the generous donation, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center will be able to amplify RV accessibility at the center, ultimately adding more dual-amps for RV use at the center’s south parking lot, which currently offers 78 parking pads.

The donation is a result of several years of quality partnership among the FRVTA, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, and the support of the public, who have flocked to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for previous FRVTA events.

“We’re just happy that the public has supported our two regional RV shows every year, which has really put us in a good financial position to make the donation,” Tempio said.

Speaking on behalf of the Northeast Florida Equestrian Society (the board that manages the Jacksonville Equestrian Center), Joanne Connell expressed her gratitude. “This is huge for us, and the board is so grateful!”

Connell explained that the donation – which the board hopes to double through a matching grant – will have the ability to make a strong, positive impact on the community.

“Working along with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, these types of donations help us to make capital improvements that will attract more people, bring in additional shows and events, and generate more economic impact of the west side of the city,” Connell said.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is currently a popular destination for local Jacksonville residents as well as people throughout the southeastern U.S. The facility often opens its riding arenas to the public, and the Olympic-sized swimming pool, miles of trails, golf course, and recreational park that surround the center are available year-round. On weekends, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is bustling with horse shows, dog agility competitions, 4-H events, or concerts. Along with its impressive outdoor amenities on 80 beautiful acres in Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center features a massive 123,000 square foot indoor coliseum and horse barns with over 400 permanent stalls.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is actively seeking additional donors to make further capital improvements, including an open-air covered area, two additional rings, a schooling area, and a livestock cover.

For more information about the Jacksonville Equestrian Center or how you can help the facility impact the northeast Florida community, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-255-4227.

For more information about FRVTA, call the association at 813-741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.

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

Community/Charity, Equine Assisted Therapy

Jacksonville Equestrian Center Helps Hope Therapy Riders Prepare for Florida State Special Olympics

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Photo courtesy of Rebecca Davenport.

Jacksonville, FL (July 6, 2016) — Ever since mother and daughter duo Marianne and Rebecca Davenport founded Hope Therapy in Middleburg, Florida 15 years ago, they have been working tirelessly to improve the lives of children and adults with special needs by using equine-assisted activities and therapy. This spring, the Davenports turned to the nearby Jacksonville Equestrian Center for help with preparing their riders for the Florida State Special Olympics Equestrian Championships.

“Before going to the Special Olympics, we wanted to get the riders and horses familiar with a big facility like the one we would be going to for the competition,” said Rebecca Davenport, the Occupational Therapist and Program Director at Hope Therapy. “At the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, we were able to set up a trail course and expose them to the different environments and things they would see. Being able to practice with a covered arena was also helpful. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a beautiful facility.”

The Special Olympics provides sports training and competition opportunities to athletes with intellectual disabilities around the world. When it came time for Hope Therapy riders to compete in the Florida State Special Olympics Equestrian Championships, their training paid off well.

“Our riders collectively earned a Gold, Silver, and Bronze medal. We were really excited,” said Davenport. “The whole weekend was wonderful, but the best part was seeing the smiles on the faces of the riders when they held up their medals! They were so excited, just grinning from ear to ear. It was great seeing how happy and proud of themselves they were.”

Hope Therapy is a leading hippotherapy program in Northeast Florida, and is the area’s only Premier Accredited Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl.). The organization is committed to providing high quality services and excellence in programming, and plans to use the facilities at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center again in the future to provide children and adults with therapeutic riding experiences. Hope Therapy also provides several programs for active duty, disabled, and retired service men and women.

Hippotherapy uses horses as therapy treatment for people with special care needs. The movement of the horse encourages muscle action and can improve balance. Additionally, positive psychological, social, emotional, and behavioral effects can be seen in people who use hippotherapy.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was thrilled to host Hope Therapy students and instructors as they prepared for the Florida State Special Olympics. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is home to a state-of-the-art, 123,000 square foot indoor coliseum, multiple outdoor arenas, barns with over 400 stalls, and trails for equestrians to enjoy. The 80-acre facility is also part of a recreational park that features an Olympic size indoor pool, an 18-hole golf course, and regulation softball fields.

Located just off of I-95 in Jacksonville, Florida, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center hosts recreational, sporting, and community events year round. For more information about the facility, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at (904) 255-4227. For more information about Hope Therapy, please visit www.hopetherapy.org.

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

Competitions, Western/Reining

Wild Horses Transformed in Extreme Mustang Makeover at Jacksonville Equestrian Center

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Marsha Hartford-Sapp and her Mustang partner Freedom (Photo courtesy of SDPhotography) 

Jacksonville, FL (May 13, 2016) – This past weekend, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center was host to genuine American Mustangs and their trainers as they showcased their newfound partnerships to a packed house. The Extreme Mustang Makeover, which is designed to test both human and horse for their ability to learn quickly and make the most out of a small period of time, was presented by the Mustang Heritage Foundation. Each participating trainer had just 100 days to transform a wild mustang into a star performer that would impress the judges and the crowd. Spectators then had the opportunity to bid on a piece of America’s equine heritage at the end of the competition.

Youth competitors adopted their Mustang partners before the event, and showed off how far they had come together in 100 days. Adult competitors auctioned off their Mustangs at the end of the Extreme Mustang Makeover weekend. The competition included classes such as Handling and Conditioning, Trail, and Freestyle. Adult competitors all vied to be selected to compete in the Top Ten Freestyle Finals that took place directly before the Mustang auction. A first place prize of $25,000 and a custom-made Gist belt buckle was at stake for the winner. Alongside nine other spectacular performances, Marsha Hartford-Sapp and her Mustang partner Freedom brought the crowd to their feet with a bridleless riding exhibition and other impressive acts. Hartford-Sapp and Freedom were named winner of the Extreme Mustang Makeover.

The Extreme Mustang Makeover is a unique event produced by the Mustang Heritage Foundation, a non-profit organization. Kyla Hogan, the director of marketing for the Mustang Heritage Foundation, explained, “The Mustang Heritage Foundation’s mission is, with the help of the Bureau of Land Management, to increase the rate of adoption of excess mustangs that are in holding facilities. We had 24 adults and 16 kids competing at the Extreme Mustang Makeover in Jacksonville.” This means 40 more wild Mustangs were transferred from holding facilities to good homes.

Dan Russell, who was onsite representing the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), explained, “The Extreme Mustang Makeover events show people that Mustangs are good horses. Mustangs are the horses that the original cowboys rode in the 1800s. There are roughly 50,000 horses on the range right now and an almost equal amount being cared for in holding facilities. They’re taken off the range into holding facilities for different reasons – forest fires, droughts, over-grazed land – and we’re just looking for somebody to give them good homes.”

Taylor McIntosh and Sonora (Photo courtesy of JRPR)
Taylor McIntosh and Sonora (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Taylor McIntosh, the 2014 Extreme Mustang Makeover champion from just outside of Auburn, Alabama, made it into the Top Ten Freestyle Finals with his assigned Mustang, Sonora, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s competition. McIntosh shares in the Mustang Heritage Foundation’s admiration of the strength of Mustangs’ spirits. “At first I did this to gain exposure, but now that I’m doing this for my third year I can really say it’s all for the love of the Mustang,” McIntosh shared. “Sonora is a smart horse – and that can be both a good and a bad thing – but she’d tried so hard at everything I asked her to learn. I love that about her.” McIntosh and Sonora’s Freestyle performance included McIntosh standing in the saddle, and Sonora lying down.

The youth trainers at the Extreme Mustang Makeover were as excited about the Mustangs as the adults, and also delivered impressive performances. After Ruthann Strickland competed with her adopted Mustang, two-year-old Battle Beau, she explained, “I did this because I wanted a challenge. I’ve never trained a horse before. I really like him, but he can be a handful! I love his personality. He’s a goof and can be very sassy – we’re working on that,” she laughed.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was thrilled to host the Extreme Mustang Makeover to help bring awareness to the public about the wild Mustangs and Mustang adoption. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is known as a family-favorite destination for equestrian and recreational events all year long. The 80-acre facility is easily accessible from major highways in Jacksonville, and features an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 stalls. There are also miles of riding, hiking, and biking trails accessible from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

For more information and to find out about other upcoming events, 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

JRPR, Western/Reining

Team Roper Wins a New Dodge Truck at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center

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Photo courtesy of SDPhotography.

Jacksonville, FL (May 5, 2016) — For the 11th year, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center proudly hosted the National Team Roping League (NTRL) Truck Roping Competition in Jacksonville, Florida. The fan-favorite event encouraged team ropers from all over the southeastern United States to compete for the chance to win a 2016 Dodge 3500 Dually (four-door edition). The event paid out $150,000 in prizes over the course of three days of competition. In total, five hundred teams entered. Denver Ivester of Clarksville, Georgia with his horse Nova earned the most points and was able to drive the new truck home.

John Johnson, President of JX2 Productions, the company that produces the NTRL Truck Roping competition and multiple other western events, values the centralized location of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. “It is a good location to draw the southeast and Sarasota and Miami area. It is a great draw for people on the Atlantic seaboard, and now is a great time of year here because it is not so hot.”

Team roping tests the teamwork of two horse and rider combinations as they work in tandem to lasso a steer. At the NTRL Truck Roping competition, the 55 fastest teams out of 500 entries roped to win the new Dodge truck. The final two teams then returned for a third time for a tie-breaking round. Riders could enter up to 20 times each. “We then go through and take each person and, depending on how many times they rode and where they placed, we total up their points. Then the person with the most points is the one who wins the truck,” explained Johnson.

This year, the winner of the truck was Denver Ivester of Clarksville, Georgia. Ivester, with the help of his new mare Nova, competed twenty times in the competition and accumulated enough points to earn the brand new truck. “I just got Nova about four or five weeks ago,” said Ivester. “I have been roping for twenty years, and she is already the best roping horse that I’ve ever had!”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was happy to congratulate Ivester on his win, and to host all horses and riders throughout the competition. The facility has developed an outstanding reputation for hosting family-friendly and exciting events all year long, which are open to the public. Events range from team roping to dressage to dog agility competitions and more.

The month of May will continue its excitement at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center this weekend when the Extreme Mustang Makeover comes to town. The Extreme Mustang Makeover tasked participating riders to transform a wild Mustang into a well-trained horse in just 100 days. The competition is designed to test both human and horse for their ability to learn quickly and make the most out of a small period of time.

The competition will take place on Friday, May 6 and Saturday, May 7. The winner of the Extreme Mustang Makeover will win a $25,000 grand prize and a custom made Gist belt buckle, and all Mustangs will be available for adoption after the event.

To see the excitement yourself or to adopt one of the competing Mustangs, head to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center this weekend. Preliminary classes (all day Friday and on Saturday until late afternoon) are free to watch. Tickets for the Top 10 Freestyle Event on Saturday evening ($16.50) are available here.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a favorite destination for equestrian and recreational events. The 80-acre facility is easily accessible from major highways in Jacksonville, Florida, and features an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 stalls. There are also miles of riding, hiking, and biking trails accessible from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. For more information and to find out about other upcoming events, 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

JRPR, Western/Reining

Tickets Available Now for the Extreme Mustang Makeover at Jacksonville Equestrian Center

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Jimbo Albritton and Penney (Photo courtesy of SDPhotography)

Jacksonville, FL (April 25, 2016) — With less than two weeks to go until the start of the Extreme Mustang Makeover at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on May 6-7, Mustang trainers like Jimbo Albritton of Penney Farms, Florida are preparing for action.

Each trainer participating in the Extreme Mustang Makeover has been tasked with transforming a wild Mustang into a very rideable, outstanding performer in just 100 days. The Extreme Mustang Makeover is designed to test both human and horse for their ability to learn quickly and make the most out of a small period of time.

The competition at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center will begin with an opportunity for spectators to meet the trainers and the horses on Friday morning, before competitors gather in the main arena for show prep. Next, each trainer and Mustang duo will compete in several classes. Friday’s classes will include Handling and Conditioning, Youth Classes, and an Adult Trail Class. On Saturday, coffee and donuts will be provided in the morning before further Mustang exhibitions and award ceremonies.

Spectators can enjoy free admittance to the event on Friday and until 4:45 pm on Saturday. After 4:45, the competition will really get serious. The top 10 Mustang and trainer pairs will be announced, and they will head into the Top 10 Freestyle Finals – where they can strut their stuff and show off what they learned in their own personal style. The Extreme Mustang Makeover Freestyle Finals are known for jaw-dropping performances; past Freestyles have featured riders standing in their saddles, roping, obstacles, and more.

As competitors work to put a few more days of training on their assigned Mustangs, participant Jimbo Albritton feels lucky that he and his Mustang mare, Penney, hit the ground running. Albritton says, “It was the luck of the draw that I was assigned Penney.” Even from the beginning, the sweet-tempered mare seemed to act more like a puppy dog than a fiery Mustang.

But despite Penney’s sweet disposition, she’s had a lot to learn these past couple of months. “Everything is going right and it’s been a dramatic change since the first day,” Albritton commented about Penney’s progress. “She’s a lot more quiet and we’re going places. Her skill level has drastically increased.”

As Albritton prepares for show time, he’s now focused on perfecting those skills. “I really want to refine a couple of things,” he said. “I want to make lead changes more solid. I’d like her to be a touch quieter and a little more solid in her overall performance.”

On the line – for Albritton and everyone competing in the Extreme Mustang Makeover challenge – is a $25,000 award and custom-made Gist belt buckle for the winner.

But even as Albritton vies for the flashy reward, he plans on keeping things simple and sticking to the basics. When asked about his plans if he qualifies for the Top 10 Freestyle Finals, he said, “My main plan is to do simple things great, instead of doing a lot of complicated things not so great. We’re going to stick to a reining pattern – some spins and stops – and see if she’ll lay down for us.”

At the end of the day, whether Penney nails her spins or her stops, Albritton is grateful for the time he’s spent with his lucky little mare and, most importantly, he hopes that his work with Penney leads to her finding her forever home, as all Mustangs will be available for adoption after the event.

To see the excitement of the event yourself or to adopt one of the competing Mustangs, head to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for the May 6-7 events. Preliminary classes are free to watch. Tickets for the Freestyle event ($15.00) are available here.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a favorite destination for equestrian and recreational events. The 80-acre facility is easily accessible from major highways in Jacksonville, Florida, and features an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 stalls. There are also miles of riding, hiking, and biking trails accessible from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. For more information and to find out about other upcoming events, 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

Awards, Dressage, JRPR

Wanda Wiggins Inducted into The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club

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Wanda Wiggins and Dusine (Photo courtesy of Maria Croft)

Clinches Adult Amateur High Score at Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Jacksonville, FL (April 1, 2016) – Wanda Wiggins just accomplished one of the rarest feats in equestrian competition. With her long-time equine partner Dusine, Wiggins joined The Dressage Foundation’s Century Club – a club of horse and rider pairs whose combined age totals 100 years or more. A true role model for equestrians of all disciplines, Wiggins and Dusine competed with elegance in their Century Ride at the recent Northeast Dressage Association (NFDA) Freestyle Challenge and Warm-up for DOTFC competition at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, Florida. In addition to completing their Century Ride, their score of 75.313 percent earned the pair the Adult Amateur High Point award at the show.

In her 71 years, Wiggins has lived a full life for which she had three goals: to become a flight attendant, to meet her prince charming, and to own a horse. This year, she celebrated her 50-year wedding anniversary with her prince charming, whom she met while working as a flight attendant. Her prince charming had then bought her a horse.

It seems as though Dusine was destined to become Wiggins’ horse. “It was such a miraculous thing that I even got her,” explains Wiggins. Wiggins had been on a business trip to New Orleans when she discovered Dusine. “We fell in love immediately.” After making an offer to purchase Dusine, Wiggins learned that another person had already entered into a contract for the beautiful mare, who Wiggins describes as her “own Black Beauty.” Thankfully for Wiggins, the other buyer wasn’t able to complete the purchase. That was nineteen years ago. The rest is history – a beautiful story of horse-and-rider bonding, dressage shows, and a happy ending – though reaching this happy ending hasn’t been easy.

A three-time cancer survivor, Wiggins has relied on the now 29-year-old Dusine through each recovery experience. Wiggins spoke of the bond she developed with Dusine during those trying times, saying, “It is a motivation to keep going when you have these awesome animals that expect you to be there and expect you to take care of them.” And so Wiggins has been there every day for Dusine, despite all odds.

As Wiggins’ and Dusine’s ages now total 100, they embarked on the journey toward their Century Ride at the Northeast Florida Dressage Association’s recent show at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. To join the Century Club, a horse and rider must perform a dressage test of any level in front of judges. The rider must first submit an application to The Dressage Foundation, and The Dressage Foundation will send a ribbon to be presented to the horse and rider during their Century Ride. An award bearing the pair’s names is then presented to the Century Club Team to forever immortalize the newest Century Club duo.

Wanda with her husband Dennis. Photo: Teri Rehkopf/HorsesintheSouth.com
Wanda with her husband Dennis. Photo: Teri Rehkopf/HorsesintheSouth.com

Unfortunately, in the days before Wiggins and Dusine arrived at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center for their Century Ride, Dusine began showing real signs of feeling her age. Wiggins was unsure if they would be able to compete, but Dusine began feeling better just in time. Right before Wiggins and Dusine entered the show ring, the president of the North Florida Dressage Association read one of Wiggins’ favorite Bible scriptures, Isaiah 30:15, aloud. “When she read that, I felt such a calm and a peace,” says Wiggins. “I was praying that we would mount up on eagles’ wings and float through the test. I have to tell you, that is what we did. Dusine performed wonderfully – she felt like my horse from ten years ago.” When the test finished, Wiggins could tell her partner shared her pride in their combined accomplishment.

To commemorate the momentous occasion, the North Florida Dressage Association presented Wiggins with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and Dusine with a lovely neck ribbon. “They went out of their way to make that a special time,” says Wiggins.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was happy to host Wiggins’ momentous Century Ride in its spacious indoor stadium. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a multi-use facility that hosts events such as hunter/jumper shows, barrel races, dressage shows, horsemanship clinics, and more. Even for non-equestrians, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center makes sure to keep something on the calendar for everyone, with canine shows, concerts, and community events regularly taking place. For more information, 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

JRPR, Western/Reining

Barrel Racers Feel Some Irish Luck at Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s NBHA Shamrock Showdown

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Photo courtesy of SDPhotography.

Jacksonville, FL (March 24, 2016) – Riders of all nationalities were feeling a bit of Irish luck as they headed to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center this past weekend to vie for an equestrian’s version of a pot of gold at the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA)’s Shamrock Showdown.

The annual competition invited riders to compete in senior and junior barrel racing exhibitions for their share of the prize money. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center, an 80-acre multifaceted facility in Jacksonville, Florida, was excited to once again host the event in its enormous indoor stadium.

The fun-filled Shamrock Showdown proved a great opportunity for a family outing as it offered free parking and admission to spectators. With several hundred talented horse and rider pairs competing each day of the competition and rows of barrel racers’ favorite merchandise in the vendor areas, the event was a must for equestrians.

Known for its laid-back and yet exciting atmosphere, many spectators and riders alike find themselves celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the Shamrock Showdown year after year.

Ivy Grieb, from Green Coves Springs, Florida, is one of those people. Grieb has been coming to the show for the past seven years.

“The arena and the facilities at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center are amazing,” she said. “The practice arena is nice and the atmosphere around here is great.” To Grieb, years of competing at the Shamrock Showdown could never get old. “I just love barrel racing!”

Edie Neal, from Webster, Florida, on the other hand, brought her horse Gizmo to the show for the first time this year, and had an equally positive experience. This was four-year-old Gizmo’s first major show, and the Jacksonville Equestrian Center proved to be a great place to kick off the gelding’s career.

“He did really well,” Neal said. “Being that this was his first show, he was awesome. He’s very calm for a four-year-old.”

With the Shamrock Showdown under their belt, Neal is excited for what lies ahead.

“Probably by end of this year, I’ll want to pick up our time,” she explained. “Right now, we’re not running fast because we’re working on proficiency and getting around the barrels the right way, so right now we’re taking it slow. I took him here to get seasoned before we start going faster. This was a great experience for him.”

Ansley Herrin and her family traveled from Hortense, Georgia to compete with her horse Allie, who she’s owned for just a year. This was their second Shamrock Showdown together, and Herrin hoped to see improvements in their ride after spending a year working together since their first time around the barrels. “I am nervous,” she admitted as she prepared to enter the stadium, “But Allie loves what she does.”

The exhibition’s winners included Sabra Moore, Kenny Hodges, Kalie Ruthledge, and Ron Lattimer, among others. All of them clearly had a bit of Irish luck (as well as a lot of skill!) on their side.

Today, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is transforming the barrels and western saddles to dressage rings for the facility’s next event, which will take place on Saturday, March 26. This will be the Northeast Florida Dressage Association (NFDA) Schooling Show, which will include a special Freestyle Challenge. Visit http://www.jaxequestriancenter.com/events/ to find out more about this show and other upcoming events.

Events at The Jacksonville Equestrian Center range from barrel races to dressage shows to horsemanship clinics and more. Even for non-equestrians, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center makes sure to keep something on the calendar for everyone, with canine shows, concerts, and community events regularly taking place. For more information, 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

JRPR, Western/Reining

Atlantic Coast Stampede Rodeo: It’s Not Too Late to Get Your Ticket

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Photo courtesy of Tom Thomson.

Jacksonville, FL (March 2, 2016) – This weekend, the entertainment and excitement of an authentic Western rodeo will be in full gear at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. People of all ages are welcome to come enjoy the show on March 4-5 in Jacksonville, Florida. The two action-packed days of rodeo thrills will feature top cowboys and cowgirls in fierce competition, old-fashioned family western entertainment, and a full rodeo program of rough stock and timed events.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is bringing the Atlantic Coast Stampede, presented by Cinch Jeans & Shirts, into town for the first time in Jacksonville’s history. Rodeo competition is known as America’s #1 extreme sport, and will surely not disappoint the audiences this weekend.

“Rodeo is a lifestyle,” says Bill Fitzgerald of Western Events Rodeo Consulting and Event Planning of Franklin, Tennessee, promoter of the Atlantic Coast Stampede and an All American Pro Rodeo Series board member. “It’s about God, Family, Country, and Community. We love bringing rodeo fun – clowns, bull and bronc riding, and trick riders – to families and kids. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a wonderful, state-of-the-art facility and its folks have been great to work with. It’s the first time we’ve brought this rodeo to Jacksonville, but it won’t be the last!”

To find out more about the Atlantic Coast Stampede at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and see the exciting preparations for the rodeo, stay tuned to WJXT News 4 Jax, Jacksonville’s Channel 4, this week. Bill Fitzgerald and Jill Lauber of Western Events Rodeo Consulting and Event Planning are being interviewed by WJXT News 4 Jax, and the channel will begin a live feed of the rodeo preparations at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center on Thursday March 3 at 11 am.

To get a ticket for the Atlantic Coast Stampede presented by Cinch, visit http://www.atlanticcoaststampede.com/. General admission seating for the event will be $15, general admission for children ages 10 and under will be $10, and all reserved seating will be $20. The show starts at 8 pm on both days, and doors open at 6 pm. A portion of the proceeds from Friday’s performance will benefit the northeast Florida chapter of Wish for our Heroes, and Saturday’s performance will benefit Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Competitors who you won’t want to miss in the rodeo include Dustin Equsquiza of Marianna, Florida, who currently ranks fifth on the Header Team Roping boards; two Georgia leaders in the All-Around Standings – Justin Thigpen (who also heads the Tie-Down Roping standings), and Alexander ‘AJ’ Blaze (who also tops the Bull Riding leaderboard); and Bareback and Saddle Bronc standings leaders Joshua Michael Cragar of Tennessee and Eddie Parlier of Alabama.

The 80-acre Jacksonville Equestrian Center is easily accessible from major highways in Jacksonville, and features an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 stalls. There are also miles of riding, hiking, and biking trails accessible from the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The facility is a part of a recreational park that includes picnic pavilions, a gymnasium, and an Olympic-size indoor pool.

Learn more about the exciting events coming to Jacksonville Equestrian Center, and how to host an event at this multifaceted facility, by visiting 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

JRPR, Western/Reining

Atlantic Coast Stampede Rodeo: America’s #1 Extreme Sport Comes to Jacksonville

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Photo courtesy of Tom Thomson.

Jacksonville, FL (February 29, 2016) – Hold on to your 10-gallon hats, rodeo fans, because The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is bringing the Atlantic Coast Stampede, presented by Cinch Jeans & Shirts, into town for the first time in Jacksonville history for two action-packed days of rodeo thrills. On March 4-5, the Southeast’s top cowboys and cowgirls will go head-to-head competing in America’s #1 extreme sport at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA), the Atlantic Coast Stampede promises Old West family fun plus an action-packed program of rough stock and timed events.

“Rodeo is a lifestyle,” says Bill Fitzgerald of Western Events Rodeo Consulting and Event Planning of Franklin, Tennessee, promoter of the Atlantic Coast Stampede and an All American Pro Rodeo Series board member. “It’s about God, Family, Country, and Community. We love bringing rodeo fun – clowns, bull and bronc riding, and trick riders – to families and kids. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a wonderful, state-of-the-art facility and its folks have been great to work with. It’s the first time we’ve brought this rodeo to Jacksonville but it won’t be the last!”

Among the stars on the southeast IPRA standings expected to compete are Florida hometown favorite, Dustin Equsquiza of Marianna, who currently ranks fifth on the Header Team Roping boards, and two Georgia leaders in the All-Around Standings – Justin Thigpen (who also heads the Tie-Down Roping standings), and Alexander ‘AJ’ Blaze (who also tops the Bull Riding leaderboard). Bareback and Saddle Bronc standings leaders Joshua Michael Cragar of Tennessee and Eddie Parlier of Alabama will also be competing.

While rough riders and rough stock entertain audiences, an equally important contribution will be taking place behind the pens at Friday’s ‘Armed Forces Night’, sponsored by Swisher International, and Saturday’s ‘Children’s Night’, sponsored by 99.9 Gator Country. Each night will see a portion of rodeo proceeds go respectively to benefit the northeast Florida chapter of Wish for Our Heroes and Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

“Each night we will make a check presentation in the arena to each charity,” said Fitzgerald. “These charities are the two best reasons why everyone should come to the Atlantic Coast Stampede.”

For more information and tickets for the Atlantic Coast Stampede presented by Cinch, visit www.atlanticcoaststampede.com. General admission seating for the event will be $15, general admission for children ages 10 and under will be $10, and all reserved seating will be $20.

Learn more about the exciting performances and special guests coming to Jacksonville Equestrian Center and how to host an event at this multifaceted facility by visiting 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

Community/Charity, Western/Reining

“Let’s Cowboy Up” at Jacksonville Equestrian Center by Giving Back to Local Community Charities

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The Jacksonville Equestrian Center will host the exciting Atlantic Coast Stampede on March 4-5 (Photo courtesy of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center)

Jacksonville, FL (February 9, 2016) – The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is honored to announce that on March 4-5, they will host the Atlantic Coast Stampede, presented by Cinch Jeans & Shirts.

The rodeo is sanctioned by the International Professional Rodeo Association (IPRA) and delivers old-fashioned family western entertainment and a full rodeo program of rough stock and timed events with cow folk from across the southeast competing in America’s #1 extreme sport. Featured events include Friday ‘Armed Forces Night’ sponsored by Swisher International, with a portion of the rodeo proceeds going to the northeast Florida chapter of Wish for Our Heroes, and Saturday ‘Children’s Night’ sponsored by 99.9 Gator Country, with a portion of the rodeo proceeds benefiting Wolfson Children’s Hospital.

“Each night we will make a check presentation in the arena to each charity,” said Bill Fitzgerald of Western Events Rodeo Consulting and Event Planning of Franklin, TN, promoter of the Atlantic Coast Stampede, and All American Pro Rodeo Series board member. “Wish for Our Heroes was selected because there’s no better feeling than giving back to the heroes who protect our country and give us the freedom to do everything we do, and hospitals that help children are also near and dear to our hearts, which is why we will also be raising support for Wolfson Children’s Hospital.” They’re the two best reasons why everyone should come to the Atlantic Coast Stampede this March at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. “It’s about God, Family, Country, and Community. When we come in we build an event that people want to come back to year after year. We love bringing rodeo fun – the clowns, the bull riding, trick riders, the bronc riders – to families and kids,” Fitzgerald continued.

“The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a great, state-of-the-art facility and the people here have been great to work with. It’s the first time we’ve brought this rodeo to Jacksonville but it won’t be the last,” said Fitzgerald.

For more information and tickets for Atlantic Coast Stampede presented by Cinch, visit www.atlanticcoaststampede.com.

Learn more about the exciting performances and special guests coming to Jacksonville Equestrian Center and how to host an event at this multifaceted facility by visiting 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