The Florida Horse Park Hosts 2nd Annual Festival of the Horse
Equestrian News Release

Combines fundraising efforts with Kids Central, Inc.

The Florida Horse Park again brings to Ocala elite equestrians to compete at the Festival of the Horse: An International 3-Day Event April 18-22, 2007 presented by the Ocala Star-Banner. The weekend will feature some of the best riders in the world competing in dressage, cross country jumping and show jumping. This year, The Florida Horse Park has partnered with Kids Central, Inc. to bring even more exciting events to the weekend through a joint fundraising effort.

Over the course of the weekend, spectators will enjoy all the fast-galloping, high-jumping, hoof-pounding and excitement of extreme horse competition. Plus, festivalgoers will have the chance to enjoy a kids “Field of Dreams” presented by The New York Yankees with fun children’s activities, tailgating at thrilling polo matches and an elegant “Day at the Park” luncheon featuring a silent auction. And the Ocala Runners’ Club will organize the first annual People Chase: Clear the Jumps, Avoid the Bumps, a 3-mile obstacle race to take place at the Park on Friday evening. The entire weekend is full of family friendly activities, food and shopping that you won’t want to miss.

The funds raised through this joint effort will help fund construction of housing for teens transitioning out of foster care, as well as the ongoing development of the Florida Horse Park.

If you would like to support this event, please contact the Margaret Rowell at Florida Horse Park at 352-307-6699 or Lynn Routh at Kids Central, Inc. at 352-873-6332.

Kids Central, Inc. is the nonprofit agency selected by the state of Florida to coordinate child protection services in Citrus, Hernando, Lake, Marion, and Sumter counties. As the lead agency for the Department of Families and Children (DCF) District 13, Kids Central is committed to promoting the welfare of children through abuse/neglect prevention services, in-home care, foster care, and adoption.


Official Provisional Timeline of Activities:

Wednesday, April 18th
10:30 Competitor Briefing
3:00 1st Horse Inspection for CCI**/*
6:00 Welcome Softball and Pizza Party for Everyone!

Thursday, April 19th
7:30am Test Ride in Both Arenas
9:00-4:00 CCI**/* Dressage Competition

Friday, April 20th
9:30:00-4:00 CCI**/* Dressage Competition
5:30 Ocala Runners’ Club PeopleChase 3-Mile Obstacle Race
6:00 Post Run Party

Saturday- April 21st
8:00-4:00 CCI**/*Cross Country Competition
11:00-3:00 Field of Dreams presented by The New York Yankees
10:30-3:30 Tailgating at the Polo Field
11:00-11:45 First Polo Match: Briggs & Cromartie versus Sag Harbor
12:00-12:30 Polo School Exhibition
12:45-2:45 Main Polo Event: Joan Pletcher, Realtor versus HydroMentia
11:30-1:30 “Day at the Park” Champagne Luncheon to benefit Kids Central and the Florida Horse Park at the tent near the polo field.
6:00 Competitor and Volunteer Party at the Equine Medical Center of Ocala Sponsors’ Tent. BBQ Dinner, DJ and Dancing! Tickets for sale at the Horse Park office.
All day Dog Lure Competition and Dog Races, Vendor Village-food & shopping

Sunday- April 22nd
8:00 3rd Horse Inspection for CCI**/*
10:30-3:00 CCI**/*Show Jumping Competition
11:30 Multi-Breed Demonstration
The Gypsy Vanner
The Standardbred Pleasure Horse
The Trick Horse with Carole Fletcher
12:30 The Running of the Hounds, Misty Morning Hounds
12:00-2:00 Sponsor Luncheon in the Equine Medical Center Tent sponsored by Martin Collins Surfaces and Footings, LLC
3:30 Awards Ceremony for CCI**/* sponsored by Martin Collins Surfaces and Footings, LLC
All day Vendor Village-food & shopping