Tag Archives: Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Jacksonville Equestrian Center Hosts 2016 National Team Roping League (NTRL) Finals

Photo courtesy of jimdavisphoto.com.

Jacksonville, FL (January 27, 2016) – For the tenth year in a row, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center and its 80 acres of premier horse facilities will play host to the National Team Roping League (NTRL) Finals. This exciting event will take place on January 28-31, offering fierce competition for qualified team ropers and exciting action for spectators.

Team roping’s top contenders will compete for over $500,000 in cash and prizes over the course of this four-day event presented by Wrangler and Lubrisyn.

The NTRL was founded in 2004, and offers a wide variety of divisions so team ropers of different backgrounds and abilities can participate. According to John Johnson of JX2 Productions, which produces the National Team Roping League Finals, even the high-caliber NTRL Finals will offer competition for ropers of all skill levels. “We’ll have everything from a professional roper to a beginner novice roper there competing,” Johnson said.

Competitors qualify for the NTRL Finals by competing in other team roping events, of which the NTRL offers over 60 per year. The National Team Roping League Finals is the number-one paying team roping event east of the Mississippi, so it isn’t hard to draw a crowd of competitors vying for prizes to this show.

“There will be ropers from as far north as New York and as far west as New Mexico, Oklahoma City, and Texas,” Johnson said. “We cover quite a large area.”

With an anticipated 600 horses, the 2016 NTRL Finals requires a facility large enough to accommodate high numbers. Combined with the favorable Florida weather and a convenient location, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center has been the obvious top choice to host the NTRL Finals for the past 10 years.

“The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a great location for people to get out of the cold during this time of year, but it’s not too far south to be difficult to get to,” Johnson explained.

For team roping fans or anyone else who is interested in witnessing this intense sport first-hand, the Jacksonville Equestrian Center offers free admission and parking throughout the NTRL Finals. Beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, January 28 until 8 p.m. every evening during the event, spectators can see the talented horses and riders in action.

Johnson said, “The NTRL Finals is a great event for anyone who wants to come watch a true cowboy sport that originated in the West. There will be some really outstanding horses.”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a multifaceted facility that is a popular destination for equine, sporting, and recreational events. Equine amenities include an enormous indoor arena, outdoor arenas, and over 400 permanent stalls. Additional RV hook-ups and vendor spaces make it the perfect place for any event. For more information and event listings, 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

The Amazing Feathered Horses Set to Show Off at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center

Photo courtesy of Gail Shrine.

Jacksonville, FL (January 13, 2016) – This weekend, gorgeous feathered horses are moving into the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The 80-acre equestrian paradise in Jacksonville, Florida will host the Gypsy Vanner National Championships and the FL Feathered Horse Classic on January 14-17. Gail Shrine, owner of the Feathered Horse Classic competition series, invites all horse lovers to come view these magnificent animals at the Gypsy Vanner National Championships and FL Feathered Horse Classic, which was founded a decade ago. The event is free to spectators.

Feathered horses, including the Gypsy Vanner breed, are noted for the “feathers” or the long hair that starts below the knees and hocks of the horses and flows around the hooves. These horses also have long, flowing manes and full tails to complete their unique look. Shrine said, “The horses at this show are the most exciting and beautiful horses anyone could ever see. With their fabulous long manes and tails and the famous feather around the hooves, the Gypsy Vanners stand out from any other breed there is. They have a genuine easy going temperament, and are known for being easy to train in all disciplines.”

With free admission and free parking, guests will be able to watch more than 125 horses from all over the United States compete in a variety of equestrian events, including halter, western pleasure, dressage, western dressage, hunter, liberty, driving, English pleasure, trail, and more.

“Everyone is welcome to the Gypsy Vanner National Championships on Thursday the 14th and FL Feathered Horse Championships on January 15-17. The best of the best are at the Jacksonville, Florida show each year!” Shrine announced. “Competitors come from all over the United States, and spectators come from all over the world. We have guests from Dubai, England, New Zealand, and Australia that attend looking for the best quality Gypsy Vanners.”

Visitors will be welcome to walk through the stabling area to see the spectacularly decorated stalls and interact with some of the owners of the horses. “These are the nicest owners one could come across,” commented Shrine. She continued, “The owners and exhibitors love to have spectators cheer them on in the ring.”

This will be the Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s fifth year hosting the FL Feathered Horse Classic and the second year hosting the Gypsy Vanner National Championship. Shrine said, “The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is one of the best facilities we use during our yearly series, which is six shows throughout the United States and the National Championship. The staff at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is very easy to work with and helpful with all situations. The indoor arena is outstanding with lots of ‘WOW factor,’ and is always in top condition. We love the facility and will continue this tradition of celebrating the Champions of the Breed here each year.”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a multifaceted facility on an easily accessible site off major highways in Jacksonville, Florida. Equine amenities include 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 Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a part of a recreational park that includes picnic pavilions, a gymnasium, and an Olympic-size indoor pool. 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

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

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

Jacksonville Equestrian Center’s Ride Lite Dressage Show Gives Competitors a First-Rate Experience

Anna Marek and Unico G win two Grand Prixs at the Ride Lite Dressage Show (Photo courtesy of BJC Photography LLC)

Jacksonville, FL (September 15, 2015) – When 74-year-old Celia Evans, her daughter, and granddaughter drove through the gates of the 80 acres of equestrian paradise known as the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, it was for the same reason that Grand Prix dressage rider Anna Marek also arrived at the facility: the chance to compete for a blue ribbon in the sport that they love. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center in Jacksonville, Florida hosted the Ride Lite Dressage Show this month, offering a first-class showing experience to the dressage community.

Showing at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center was especially exciting for Ride Lite Dressage competitors, as they were some of the first riders to ever enjoy the facility’s newly installed footing. “The new footing in all the rings was very well received – everyone loved it,” commented Carlie Evans of South East Horse Shows, the organization that put on the Ride Lite Dressage Show.

Anna Marek claimed first place in the Grand Prix both days of the competition, aboard her own Unico G – a fourteen-year-old KWPN gelding (Negro x Animo). The pair rode out of both Grand Prix classes as champions with a high score of 73.20 percent. Marek is based out of Williston, Florida, at A. J. Stapleton’s Top Brass Farm, and trains with Anne Gribbons.

“My favorite thing about ‘Nico’ is that we have grown up together, made mistakes together, and had a lot of success together,” Marek said. “I owe so much to this horse. He holds a huge place in my heart!”

Marek was thrilled with the show’s convivial atmosphere and the staff. “The best part about the competition is the wonderful staff and friendly competitors,” Marek said. “Everyone seems genuinely happy for one another. Carlie Evans puts on shows that we want to come back for! I love showing at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The stabling is very well thought out and convenient, and the indoor is a nice escape from the heat in the Florida summer.

Fellow competitor Celia Evans earned a score toward her USDF Bronze Medal at the Ride Lite Dressage Show. Celia Evans, of Dragon’s Lair Farm in Newberry, Florida, rode her granddaughter Morgan Gravely’s thirteen-year-old 14.2-hand homebred Welsh cob, Dragon’s Lair Banner, to first and second places in Third Level Test One. Gravely also earned qualifying scores for regionals on two Dragon’s Lair ponies, Dragon’s Lair Toaster Strudel and Dragon’s Lair Diliyn AP Valiant. Another member of their group, thirteen-year-old Lila Stewart, also qualified for the regional show on PPCL Annabelle in Training Level Test 3. Evan’s daughter Molly Cobb-Smith rode LJE on the Wild Side in the Prix St. Georges. Evans enjoyed the experience of showing with three generations of family dressage riders on several home-bred ponies.

Evans agreed with Marek about the quality of showing at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, adding that, as a competitor for over 20 years and a breeder of Welsh ponies at her Dragon’s Lair Farm, she has attended shows throughout the country and feels that the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is one of the best facilities around.

“It is well planned out,” she said. “The layout is nice, and the indoor coliseum-type arena is very comfortable to ride in. There’s been a lot of thought about everything that went into it, and the footing is phenomenal.”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was happy to host the Ride Lite Dressage competition, and looks forward to upcoming events such as the Southeast Medal Finals hunter, jumper, and equitation competition later this week. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center has served the equestrian community and the local area for ten years. It features not only new footing, but also a giant indoor arena, outdoor show rings, and more than 400 stalls. Located at 13611 Normandy Blvd., in Jacksonville, Florida, the multi-faceted center hosts a variety of events from equestrian and recreational, to sporting and community events. For more information about upcoming events at the center, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-573-3649.

For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Penny Gorton 904-573-364
PGorton@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221

Riders Beat the Heat at Jacksonville Equestrian Center – Open Schooling Offered in Indoor Arena

Rick and Kelley Christy of Rick Christy Quarter Horses enjoy schooling their horses at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Jacksonville, FL (August 24, 2015) – The spectacular facility at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is recognized as a top-notch setting for competition, and now many riders are also turning to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center as an ideal location to school their horses. The 80-acre Jacksonville Equestrian Center has opened its doors to riders to use its premier grounds for schooling in the coolness of the impressive 123,000 square foot indoor arena.

Schooling at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center allows equestrians the chance to introduce their horses to the feel of a major showing venue without the high costs associated with competition. For just $10.00 per one horse and rider, or $20 for a rider with multiple horses, schooling is permitted in the state-of-the art indoor competition venue. Rising seating for 3,770 spectators surrounds the 150′ x 300′ arena, and premium new footing was just installed this summer.

Professional Quarter Horse trainer and AQHA judge Rick Christy enjoys schooling at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, especially with his young horses. He, his wife Kelley, and five of their horses recently spent an afternoon schooling with the entire arena to themselves. The Christys, based in Ocala, Florida with their training and sales business Rick Christy Quarter Horses, appreciate a chance to get out of the weather to school at Jacksonville. “We’ve been coming here in the summer when it is raining and hot to get out of the sun and the mud,” Rick Christy explained. “It is a very nice facility; it’s worth the drive!”

Kelley Christy agrees. “It’s a wonderful facility. It is very much like the places that we show.” The couple is familiar with the United States’ top showing facilities – Kelley has been recognized with many prestigious honors throughout her Quarter Horse training and showing career, including winning numerous Top Five awards at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Rick has judged such major horse shows as the AQHA World Show, the NSBA World Championship Show, the All American Quarter Horse Congress, the Reichert Celebration, and the Southern Belle.

Kelley Christy added, “It’s great to bring the young horses up to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to get them acclimated to the new surroundings. And, the people in the office here have been wonderful to work with.”

Riders of all disciplines are invited to join these professionals in schooling their horses at Jacksonville. All that is required to school is the small usage fee and a current Coggins certificate.

For riders who would like their horses to experience a more energetic atmosphere while schooling, Community Night Schooling events are held periodically at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The next one will be on November 24 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Other upcoming events at the facility include the Ride Lite Dressage show on September 5-6, then the Southeast Medal Finals championship jumping competition on September 17-20. In October, The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association 4H Horse Show will take place on the 17th, with prizes available for 4H participants of all riding disciplines. Canines will also show off their skills at the AKC Pals & Paws Agility Trial on October 23-25. Another highly anticipated event for the town of Jacksonville is the Lee Brice concert, to be held on November 14 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is located at 13611 Normandy Blvd in Jacksonville, Florida. The multi-faceted event center hosts equestrian, sporting, recreational and community events. For information about schooling or attending or scheduling events, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-573-3649.

For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Penny Gorton 904-573-364
PGorton@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221

Jacksonville Equestrian Center Prepares for an Exciting Season

Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

Jacksonville, FL (July 24, 2015) – Eighty acres of horse paradise in Jacksonville, Florida – complete with a giant indoor arena, outdoor show rings, and over 400 stalls – is ready to welcome all riding levels and disciplines for prime events and horse shows this fall. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center has served the equestrian community for the past decade. This year has already been packed full of exciting events and competitions, and the fall line-up promises to be just as successful.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center will ring in the autumn season with the Ride Lite Dressage show on September 5-6. Next up will be the Southeast Medal Finals on Thursday September 17 through Sunday September 20. The Southeast Medal Finals is the championship hunter, jumper, and equitation competition for USEF Zone 4 and ASPCA Maclay Region 3. The 3,700 seats in the indoor arena will be filled with supporters and hunter/jumper enthusiasts watching adult and young riders vie for first place. As the Jacksonville Equestrian Center spent the summer installing new top-quality footing, competing at the facility will be better than ever for the riders this fall. September will close with the First Coast Classical Dressage Challenge schooling show on September 26-27.

In October, the facility will present opportunities for young riders of all disciplines, and dog lovers too! The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association 4H Horse Show will take place on October 17, with prizes available for 4H participants of all riding disciplines. The following weekend, on October 23-25, a smaller four-legged breed will be showing off its talent at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The AKC Pals & Paws Agility Trial will feature AKC registered dogs crawling through tunnels, climbing A-frames, and weaving obstacles.

Already this year, visitors to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center have enjoyed such events as The National Team Roping League’s “Rope for the Truck Event,” featuring ropers showing off their teamwork and roping skills to rope steer. The winner received a brand new truck. In April, over 450 dogs competed in the 2015 CPE National Agility Event. Then horses were back on the scene in May with two back-to-back USDF Region 3 Dressage qualifier competitions.

Penny Gorton, head of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center Business Development and member of the Northeast Florida Equestrian Society, explains: “While our facility is wonderful for hosting equestrian events, from show jumping and barrel racing to rodeos and equestrian expos, we are also a great community facility. It’s exciting to have a venue that can support our community and hold everything from charity events to monster truck shows to RV shows. We have an 80,000 square foot indoor concourse and vendor space, which really means the center has unlimited potential.”

Everyone is invited to be part of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center community by attending the upcoming events, or even by leaving a permanent mark on the facility with the Buy-a-Brick fundraising campaign. “It’s great to see people buying bricks in honor of their loved ones, both two and four-legged,” Gorton said. “The bricks not only become a permanent part of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, but they are an everlasting tribute as well.”

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is located at 13611 Normandy Blvd, in Jacksonville, Florida. The multi-faceted event center hosts equestrian, sporting, recreational, and community events. For information about attending or scheduling events, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-573-3649.

For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Penny Gorton 904-573-364
PGorton@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221

State-of-the-Art Jacksonville Equestrian Center Wraps Up Action-Packed Spring Season

Elizabeth Campbell with Royal Diamant, winners of the Premier Equestrian Sportsmanship Award at the May Day Qualifier One Dressage Show at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center (Photo courtesy of Jacksonville Equestrian Center)

Jacksonville, FL (June 18, 2015) – The Jacksonville Equestrian Center wrapped up a sparkling spring season at their state-of-the-art equestrian center, proving once again that the equestrian center is the “crown jewel” of the park. From team roping to dog agility competitions to dressage horse shows, excitement was in the air as the center held an array of events that drew competitors and spectators from around the country.

During their action-packed season, the 80-acre Jacksonville Equestrian Center hosted The National Team Roping League’s “Rope for the Truck Event.” Ropers showed off their team skills as they worked in tandem to rope steer while also hoping to take home the coveted prize – a brand new truck.

Puppy love was in the air in April during the 2015 CPE National Agility Event, hosted by Pasco Paws Dog Training, also held at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Fans of agility were treated to over 450 dogs jumping, weaving, running through tunnels and climbing A-frames as they took part in agility classes. Thanks to the equestrian center’s 78 RV spaces, dogs and their owners were able to arrive in style, stay on-site and enjoy the many amenities offered by the center.

Kelli Hayes, of Pasco Paws Dog Training and the Trial Chairman for the CPE National Agility Event, commented on her first impressions of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. “We looked at numerous sites in the Southeast United States to hold our event. Our initial planning was about two years prior to the event, and many sites we spoke with were not willing to make a reservation that far out,” Kelli said. “We needed to secure a site before we could move forward in our planning. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center was extremely helpful during that time with booking our reservation and working on the fine details of our contract. That initial customer service made a huge impression on us! And that wonderful customer service was present prior to, during, and after our event.

In May, two back-to-back USDF Region 3 Dressage qualifiers competitions were held at the equestrian center, the May Day Qualifier 1 and 2 hosted by South East Horse Shows. Elegant dressage horses competed at the event while earning scores to compete in the Region 3 Championships coming up in October. Carlie Evans, show manager for the South East Horse Shows, says the location of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is a big draw. “The center has a superior indoor hall, excellent stabling, wonderful staff and great local hotels,” she said. “It’s really easy to get to from 1-10 and 1-95 and the layout of the facility is very convenient for exhibitors.”

“Our 150’ x 300’ indoor Championship Arena boasts excellent footing and seats over 3,700 people,” said Penny Gorton, head of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center Business Development and member of the Northeast Florida Equestrian Society, the non-profit organization dedicated to the success and improvement of the facility. “Additional seating on the floor can increase the seating to 5,000,” Gorton added. “While our facility is wonderful for hosting equestrian events, from show jumping and barrel racing to rodeos and equestrian expos, we are also a great community facility. It’s exciting to have a venue that can support our community and hold everything from charity events to monster truck shows to RV shows. We have an 80,000 square foot indoor concourse and vendor space, which really means the center has unlimited potential.”

This summer activities will slow down while the arena surfaces in the competition areas, both indoors and out are redone. “Our goal to is to be the premier facility in the south eastern United States, so we are constantly making improvements and planning the next phase of this truly amazing complex,” Gorton explained.

Fund raising efforts include a Buy-A-Brick fundraising campaign. “It’s great to see people buying bricks in honor of their loved ones, both two and four-legged,” Gorton said. “The bricks not only become a permanent part of the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, they are an everlasting tribute as well.”

Activities are planned for the local community over the summer months while the arena footing project is underway. In September, The Jacksonville Equestrian Center will be back hosting major events including the prestigious Southeast Medal Championships. The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is located at 13611 Normandy Blvd, in Jacksonville, Florida. The multi-faceted event center hosts equestrian, sporting, recreational and community events. For information about attending or scheduling events, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-573-3649.

For more information, contact:
Jacksonville Equestrian Center
Penny Gorton 904-573-364
PGorton@coj.net
13611 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32221

Meg O’Mara Finesses the Course to Secure the ASPCA Maclay Regionals at Southeast Medal Finals

Meg O'Mara and Vancouver

Jacksonville, FL – September 23, 2012 – The highly-anticipated third and final day of the first Southeast Medal Finals featured the ASPCA Maclay Region Three Finals. A group of 37 skilled riders determined to master Alan Rheinheimer’s course competed for today’s top prize.

Traveling away from the in gate, the course opened with a bold oxer to oxer line. The track turned to the left and over a vertical on the far short end of the arena. From here the riders were asked to rollback to fence #4, a vertical on the diagonal, followed by two options for fence #5 and fence #6. With a turn to the right to fence #7, an oxer, the acuteness of which was determined by the options chosen, the route continued with a bending line to an oxer/vertical two stride. Then, a turn to the right took the riders over a vertical on the far short end, followed by an rollback to fence #10 and a bending line to a combination − a pair of natural verticals, then another bending line to the left to a single oxer headed toward the in gate. A turn to the right and through the center of the arena on the diagonal took the track to the final fence of the course, an oxer.

Continue reading Meg O’Mara Finesses the Course to Secure the ASPCA Maclay Regionals at Southeast Medal Finals

Margaret Collins Earns the Junior Southeast Medal Finals with Flying Changes

Margaret Collins and Samy

Jacksonville, FL – September 22, 2012 – In its second day, the first Southeast Medal Finals received accolades from sponsors, competitors, trainers, family and spectators. It was a day to remember for great fun and top competition.

Today’s highlight was the evening class of 31 juniors competing over a technical and challenging course in the Southeast Medal Finals Class. The course began on the far end of the stadium with a single oxer on the short end and continued to the right a four-stride line on the diagonal. Turning to the left the track created an “S” over fence four, a vertical by the in gate, curving around to fence five, an oxer headed in the opposite direction to a turn to the right, a two-stride pair of natural verticals. The riders then had a gallop to the right to an oxer and a bending line to another two-stride, this time, an oxer to a vertical. At this point in the course, the riders had the option of several different approaches to fence nine. Some took the short route with inside turns and some went for a long gallop around the jumps. Either way, it was a tricky fence to find the right distance and many riders lost points there. After fence nine, the course’s path wound back around to the left to the final line, an oxer to vertical.

Continue reading Margaret Collins Earns the Junior Southeast Medal Finals with Flying Changes