Tampa, FL – October 7, 2013 – The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center will be installing brand new, top of the line footing in the Grand Prix Ring, just in time for the Florida Gold Coast and Florida Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Shows. The installation of the new ESI International Competition All Weather Footing will allow the ring to stay in pristine condition throughout all weather and throughout the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show and the Florida Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Show, to be held Dec. 27 – Dec. 31, 2013 and Jan. 1 – Jan. 6, 2014, respectively.
Located on the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, FL, the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center provides competitors with a top quality horse show facility. With the addition of the new ESI International All Weather Footing, competitors will be able to take advantage of the large Grand Prix Ring no matter the weather, and both horse and rider will be reaping the benefits of the highest quality footing.
“We’re starting the installation process by taking out everything that’s currently there and creating a new drainage layer under the arena,” explained Brett Raflowitz of Equestrian Services International (ESI), which will be handling the installation of the new footing.
The ESI International All Weather Footing has proven to be an industry leader and is currently utilized at a number of the nation’s top events including the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, The Devon Horse Show, the Hampton Classic and the Winter Equestrian Festival. The surface provides greater stability and less stress on horses’ legs and joints. The footing can also be easily fluctuated and maintained for all disciplines from hunters and jumpers to western pleasure or reining, making it ideal for events such as the Florida Gulf Coast and Gold Coast Quarter Horse Shows.
“The biggest thing with this new footing in addition to the all-weather aspect is being able to put that extra level of fluff on top of the riding surface,” Raflowitz said. “The horses are the ones who are going to be able to let the riders know the benefit. They’re going to be much more comfortable.”
With brand new, state-of-the-art footing and a total of 12 AQHA Shows, six special events and a full-range of class offerings, entries for the Florida Gold Coast and Florida Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Shows will fill up quickly. For additional entry and fee information, click here and visit www.prohorseshow.com or www.fqha.net.
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Florida Gold Coast and Florida Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Show Circuit Fast Facts
EVENT: Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show and Florida Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Show
WHEN: Gold Coast Quarter Horse Show December 27-31, 2013 and Gulf Coast Quarter Horse Show January 1-6, 2014
WHAT: Two weeks of Quarter Horse shows featuring 12 full AQHA shows and ten full days of events including hunters, equitation, AQHA reining, western pleasure, trail riding, driving, showmanship halter classes, roping, cowhorse, and the newest event ranch pleasure.
WHERE: Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 North US Highway 301
Tampa, FL 33680
WEBSITES: www.fqha.net and www.prohorseshow.com
HIGHLIGHTS:
– AQHA Reining
– Hunters and Equitation
– Driving
– Showmanship
– Halter
THE FACILITY: Bob Thomas Equestrian Center, Tampa, FL
Grand Prix Field 250′ x 350′
Covered Ring 165′ x 300′
Annex Ring 150′ x 275′
Indoor Ring 130′ x 250′
HOTELS:
Hilton Garden Inn
10309 Highland Manor Drive
Tampa, Fl 33610
www.tampaeastbrandon.gardeninn.com
Direct phone for Reservations 813-626-6700
Residence Inn Fairgrounds
9719 Princess Palm Ave
Tampa, Fl 33619
Direct phone for Reservations 813-627-8855
LaQuinta Fairgrounds
4811 US Highway 301 N
Tampa, Fl 33680
Direct phone for Reservations 813-626-0885
Phone for Rates- Pets Free
Sheraton Tampa East
10221 Princess Palm Ave
Tampa, Fl 33610
Red Roof Inn – Brandon
10121 Horace Ave.
Tampa, Fl 33619
Mention horse show for best rate
Direct phone for Reservations 813-681-8484
Pets Stay Free
4 miles to showgrounds
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Tampa
5223 North Orient Road (next to showgrounds)
Tampa, FL
(813) 627-7625
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
www.phelpsmediagroup.com