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Ocala/Marion County is home to the largestnumber of horses and ponies, more than anyother county in the United States. This ranking,led to the moniker The Horse Capital of theWorld®, which the Florida Thoroughbred Breed-ers’ & Owners’ Association trademarked in 2007ensuring the community’s use of the phrase topromote the region. The diversity of breeds anddisciplines make it an ideal setting for any horsefanatic or casual horse lover.

Horses in Florida are more than pretty sceneryin a pasture. They are economic drivers for ourstate and county. The concentration of equines --particularly the Thoroughbred breeding and train-ing industry in the Ocala/Marion County area -- isstrongly supported by a network of equine serv-ices, such as veterinarians, feed and tack retail-ers, blacksmiths, equine dentists, and majorhorse transportation companies.

This makes Ocala a great place to enjoyequines by creating opportunities to attend horseevents like: Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS) atPost Time Farm, the Live Oak world-class carriagedriving competitions, Longwood’s varied horseevents, the Southeastern Agriculture Center ac-tivities, The Florida Horse Park & Exposition Cen-ter activities, the Gala of the Royal Horses, or

eventing at the Ocala Jockey Club to name a few. Visitors have opportunities to go on a farm tour,

take a trail ride through our numerous parks andforests, enjoy a carriage ride, learn polo, visit anequine gallery or museum, attend a thoroughbredhorse sale or even a horse race at Ocala Breeder’sSales. The choices are limitless and residents are adaily part of our one-of-a-kind rural environmentfound in very few places worldwide. �

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICESAdam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7289 • Fax 850-617-7281 e-mail: [email protected] • 407 S. CalhounThe Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONLonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • [email protected]

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EquestrianEvents For All

Published by Florida Equine Communications Inc. FTBOA.COM

Florida’s Racing Breeds$1 Billion direct impact on the stateOver $400,000 in payroll taxesMore than 12,000 jobsOver 20,000 thoroughbreds engage in racing in Florida annuallyFlorida is the third leading state in total number of horses behind only Texas and CaliforniaFlorida ranks number 2 as a breeding region in the U.S. for thoroughbredsFlorida is one of the top 5 breeding regions in the world

Horse Capital of the World®

Ocala/Marion County was trademarked in2007 as The Horse Capital of the World® afteran American Horse Council Study detailed thecounty accounted for more horses and poniesthan any other in the United States.

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The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ andOwners’ Association (FTBOA), in conjunctionwith the Florida Department of Agriculture, re-cently launched a new outdoor campaign pro-moting ownership of thoroughbreds born andraised in the Sunshine State.

The billboard caption reads “Join the Win-ner’s Circle! Own a Florida Thoroughbred” andfeatures the $5 million Breeders’ Cup Classicwinner Mucho Macho Man, who was named the2013 Florida-bred Horse of the Year. TheFlorida-bred climbed to worldwide fame afterwinning the closest Breeders’ Cup Classic inhistory. He edged his rival barely by the tip ofhis nose at the finish line, making it the unfor-gettable Fan Moment of the Year. The bill-boards also feature the FTBOA logo and the“Fresh from Florida” logo. The campaign is anexample of the FTBOA promoting the Floridathoroughbred both inside and outside of thestate of Florida. Billboards are located along I-95 South coming into the state, I- 10 east southof Tallahassee, I-75 South, near the Hwy 326

exit just north of Ocala and in Atlanta.The FTBOA also promotes thoroughbred

ownership and thoroughbred breeding throughtheir awards programs. The programs havegrown and will hit an all-time high of 20% forbreeder awards and for stallion awards in 2017.

The FTBOA has developed an Online OwnerToolkit of important resources for those inter-ested in thoroughbred ownership, atwww.ftboa.com. The site provide quick links toforming an equine business model; owner edu-cation; how to select a team (trainer, jockey,agent); how to acquire a thoroughbred via claim-ing, auctions, private purchases from breeders,or investing in a managed syndicate; tax issues;operating costs & insurances; estimating train-ing costs, veterinary services, farriers, race daycharges; understanding racing officials, in-quiries, objections, steward’s lists, starter’s listsand vet’s lists; terminology; and resources. Po-tential and new thoroughbred owners are en-couraged to contact the FTBOA [email protected] or 352-629-2160 or at 801 SW

60th Avenue, Ocala for a complimentary copy ofthe latest Farm & Services Directory and for acomplimentary copy of the latest Florida Horsemagazine to learn more. �

Join the Winner’s Circle Own a Florida Thoroughbred

Live Oak International Marked25th Anniversary in 2016

For one week, international equestrian ath-letes, corporate sponsors, patrons, volunteers,officials and spectators are brought together toenjoy the magnificent Live Oak Plantation. Inaddition to the equine events, the week featuresa Saturday evening Competitors Party and is ahighly popular, much anticipated annual event.Started in 1992, the show was a relatively smallevent drawing a few competitors. Over theyears, the show’s reputation has grown andnow hosts national championships and regu-larly is used for placement on the U.S. Com-bined Driving Team.

In 2012, the world-class Driving Tourna-ment introduced Show Jumping and it was aninstant success. For the first time, a world-classjumping event and a world-class driving eventwere together at a world-class horse farm onthe same weekend. In 2016, the Show JumpingGrand Prix, part of the inaugural season of theLongines FEI World Cup™ Jumping NorthAmerican League, was added. The show nowboasts being the largest equine event of its kindin the country and counts among its competi-tors some of the leading drivers, riders, train-ers, coaches and owners from Europe andNorth America in both disciplines. �

Marion County’s Equines18% of the County GDP ($1.6 billion of county’s $8.7 billion GDP)Thoroughbreds are the majority of any breed in the countyThoroughbreds sold at Ocala Breeders’ Sales (OBS) brought $142 million in 2014OBS buyers came from 42 states and 18 countries in 2014 $2.62 billion total

direct/indirect economic impactWire to Wire Daily Racing Digest, a daily publication in Marion County promoting the

thoroughbred industry, is the only printed daily of any breeding region in the world.


A new International Three-Day event kicksoff in Ocala on Thanksgiving weekend, Novem-ber 24-27. The event features top hospitality forvisitors, families and businesses who want toentertain clients. Admission to the event is freeand all three days offer activities and shoppingin addition to the horse competition. TailgatingVIP hospitality tickets are also available atwww.OJC3DE.com.

The 950-acre Ocala Jockey Club was devel-oped as a family-oriented thoroughbred horsefarm community located on the rich soil of thecounty. The Clubhouse is the hub for thestunning sunsets, great food, ambienceand tranquil views over the farm in alldirections. Owners Pavla and Erik Ny-gaard are building on the thoroughbredtradition of the farm and creating aworld-class eventing center for internationalcompetitions, training and teaching, the No-vember event is just one of those opportunities.

“It’s important for top-level thoroughbredsto continue to train at the Ocala Jockey Club,but we saw an opportunity for the farm’s sizeand rolling hills to be showcased with a cross-country experience to rival the best in theworld,” said Pavla Nygaard, president of theOcala Jockey Club. “As many thoroughbredsretire from racing careers into the hands ofeventers who prize the thoroughbreds’ staminaand athleticism, a Three-Day Event at the OcalaJockey Club and special prize fund for top-plac-ing Thoroughbreds provides a great opportu-nity for the two disciplines to bridge together.

“We are delighted to be a driving force in theadvancement of eventing in Florida and lookforward to building on the advantages our areaoffers competitors from around the world. Ourinaugural event this fall will surely be the rightplace at the right time and with the right team!”said Richard Trayford, CEO of Equiventures,whose well known shows are held at the FloridaHorse Park and is the instrumental organizer to

the event’s inauguration.With its unique winter climate and terrain,

Ocala is fast becoming a global center of ex-cellence for the sport of eventing. With sun-shine and average high temperatures of 79degrees in November and hundreds of horsefarms servicing diverse horse disciplines, Ocalahas been growing as a major winter location forequestrians and is ideal for a prestigious desti-nation equestrian competition.

It is home to the eventing coaches of sev-eral Olympic squads, including Team USA,Canada and Mexico, and many top internationaleventers have farms there including David andKaren O’Connor, Clayton Fredericks, LeslieLaw, and Bruce Davidson – all Olympic medal-ists representing three continents. Six 4* levelriders made the Ocala Jockey Club townhomestheir winter home in the 2015/2016 winter sea-son, with two of them also boarding their stringof horses at the facility for the winter.

Recently competitors from Europe havealso been spending the winters in Ocala, andFlorida has a vibrant competition calendar withevents from Wellington to Tallahassee. �

Hospitality on the Farm

1956Florida-bred Needles

Ocala, Marion County’s

first Kentucky Derby winner

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FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONLonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603www.ftboa.com • [email protected]

Florida...the Best State for Businesswww.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

SEASON HIGHLIGHTSNovemberDATE EVENT LOCATION ACTIVITIES DISCIPLINE11-13 Southern Regional Paso Finos Southeastern Ag Pavilion Spectators, refreshments Paso Fino Horse Show

24-27 Three Day Eventing Ocala Jockey Club Tailgating, shopping Show Jumping, Cross Country, dressage

27 Gala of Royal Horses Peninsula Farms Spanish horse musical show Amazing dressage feats

26 – Dec 31 Horse Country Carriage Co. Ocala Downtown Square Historic District Horse Drawn Carriage rides

December1-4 to March 26 Horse Shows in the Sun Post Time Farm Horse Show Spectators, shopping Show Jumping, Hunter, Jumper

2-4 Horse Driving Trials Grand Oaks Resort & Museum Free admission, spectators, gift shop Combined Driving Event

17 Combined Test Longwood Equestrian Games Dressage test and then jump a show jumping course Dressage, Show Jumping

January1-31 Horse Fever Artists: Now? Marion Cultural Alliance Art exhibition

23 Under Tack Show Ocala Breeders’ Sales(OBS) Future racehorses running Thoroughbred horse salefor time on track

24 Championship Stakes racing Ocala Breeders’ Sales Horse racing, refreshments, wagering Thoroughbred horse racing

25-27 Winter Mixed Sale Ocala Breeders’ Sales Watch live horse auction, refreshments Thoroughbred horse sale

February14-19 Nation’s Cup Post Time Farm Top international competitors Show Jumping

March8-12 Live Oak Competition Live Oak Plantation Tailgating, events, parties Combined Driving, Show Jumping

14 -15 Two-Year olds in training Sale Ocala Breeders’ Sales Watch live horse auction,refreshments Top 2YO sale in the world

24 -26 Florida Thoroughbred Florida Horse Park Showcases the talents and Many disciplinesTransformation Expo disciplines of thoroughbreds after racing

Visit websites for details regarding ongoing events at the following:

Farm Tours of Ocala http://www.farmtoursofocala.com/Florida Thoroughbred Gallery www.ftboa.com

Gypsy Vanner tours http://gypsygold.com/about-ocala/Palm Partnership Training http://lynnpalm.com/

Florida Horse Park http://www.flhorsepark.com/

Florida Thoroughbred Museum www.ftboa.comHITS http://www.hitsshows.com/ocala

Parelli Natural Horsemanship http://www.parelli.com/2017floridacourses.htmlSoutheastern Livestock Pavillion http://www.marioncountyfl.org/home/showdocument?id=10339

HITS, Inc. recently announced that theUSEF Board of Directors has selected the HITSOcala Winter Circuit as the host of the NationsCup CSIO-4* for the third consecutive year. Theinclusive show schedule will continue to giveadditional opportunities to National and Inter-national competitors in February 14-19, 2017.

Throughout the Nations Cup Week at HITSPost Time Farm, HITS will offer an upgraded hos-pitality experience in the Overlook VIP Club fea-turing ringside seating, as well as beer and wineservice and the culinary art of Executive ChefGiuseppe Napoli of The Tavern at Diamond Millsin Saugerties, New York. VIP tables are expectedto sell out and reservations are encouraged. ForOverlook VIP Club information and bookings,contact Chris Mayone at [email protected].

“Hosting the Nations Cup for the thirdstraight year is an honor that we do not takelightly,” said HITS President and CEO TomStruzzieri. “It truly speaks for the quality of theevent in Ocala for the past two years, and to begiven the opportunity to host the Nations Cup

again is very exciting for us.”The Nations Cup Jumping series is eques-

trian sport’s oldest and most prestigious teamchallenge, with national teams from around theglobe competing for one of the most covetedprizes in this Olympic discipline.

HITS has already begun working with theOcala and Marion County local government,councils, and related groups to ensure that theevent garners the same level of attention andsupport that it has in previous years.

“With loyal support from Marion County andthe City of Ocala, HITS will once again welcomeshow jumping’s biggest players to the HorseCapital of the World to exemplify our continuedcommitment to growing the sport for exhibitorsand spectators alike,” continued Struzzieri.

Last year, the 2016 Nations Cup at HITSOcala garnered over 5,000 on-site spectators,as well as an unprecedented figure of nationaland international media attention. The 2015event was ranked as the second highest in na-tional and international media interest for its

overall division in the official 2015 FEI NationsCup™ Media Report.

“Now, with two years of experience, we cancontinue to make Nations Cup Week an ex-traordinarily special week for both the exhibitorand the loyal spectators of Marion County,”continued Struzzieri. “They say the third time’sthe charm – and we are certain the 2017 eventwill live up to the expectation of excellence thatHITS is recognized for.” n

WIRE TO WIRE.NET SPECIAL 2016 FALL EDITION • 5


FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATIONLonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • [email protected]

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idahorse

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Nations CupTM Returns to HITS Ocala

2016-17 HITS Show DatesOcala Holiday PremiereDecember 1-4

Ocala Holiday ClassicDecember 14-18

Ocala January Classic - l -USEF Premier / 5*January 17-22

Ocala January Festival - ll -USEF Premier / 5*January 24-29

Ocala Premiere - lll -USEF Premier / 5*January 31 - February 5

Ocala Winter Classic - lV -USEF Premier / 5*February 7-12

Ocala Winter Festival - V & Nation’s CupFebruary 14-19

Ocala Masters - Vl -USEF Premier / 5*February 21-26

Ocala Tournament - Vll-USEF Premier / 5*February 28 - March 5

Ocala Winter Finals - Vlll-USEF Premier / 5*March 7-12

Ocala Winter Celebration - lX -USEF Premier / 6*March 14-19

Ocala Championship - X & Great American $1 Million Grand Prix

March 21-26.

AFFIRMED AND AMERICAN PHAROAHA local favorite horse isOcala-born Florida-bred Affirmed (immediate left),the 11th Triple Crown champion.

The 12th Triple Crown winnerAmerican Pharoah (far left) isalso connected to our regionhaving trained in Citra andhas Florida rich bloodlines.FI

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The program gives inmatesan opportunity to learn equineskills so they can find farmemployment after release.The farm celebrated its 15thyear anniversary in 2015 togreat success highlighted by aremarkable 99% recidivismrate. Our retired racehorsespositively change lives. The farmis funded by Florida Thorough-bred Charities, a subsidiary ofFlorida Thoroughbred Breeders’and Owners’ Association.

CH Registration number (CH8627) issued by the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer ServicesA COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY

CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Make Your Holiday Donation Now!

Name Amount

Address

Phone E-Mail

Would you like to donate on a regular basis by sponsor a retired champion at the farm? �� Yes

Second Chance Farmat Lowell Correctional Institute

Mail to Florida Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, 801 SW 60th Avenue, Ocala FL 34474

wire to wire.net special 2016 fall edition …tential and new thoroughbred owners are en - couraged...

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