Hcd jan22 2016

Horse Capital Digest 3

Janaury 22, 2016

HORSECAPITAL DIGEST

CONTENTS COVER STORY Capturing the Spirit

20

The trials and successes of Marion County’s Deb Connor are detailed in the film “A Sunday Horse”

24 Tips on Farm Management

26 Local Horsewoman carries the banner in battle vs. Decoupling

about the

cover

8 Guide to HITS 10 Events Calendar 12 From the Grandstand 14 Equine Health Entry Requirements

22 Nations Cup 29 HITS Custom Barns 30 Summarizing HITS

Reddick’s Debi Connor, portrayed by Nikki Reed in the movie “A Sunday Horse,” clears a jump.

Brought to you by Horse Capital Digest in Ocala/Marion County, The Horse Capital of the World®.

4 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

on

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Ocala, Florida 34474 • (352) 732-8858 e-mail: info@wiretowire.net • www.ftboa.com Brock Sheridan Mike Mullaney Tammy A. Gantt John D. Filer Antoinette Griseta Emily Mills, Nancy Moffatt Jeff Powell LONNY TAYLOR POWELL CAROLINE T. DAVIS PATRICK VINZANT

Florida Equine Communications, Inc. (A corporation owned by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association)

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George Russell Lonny Taylor Powell Joseph M. O’Farrell III Gil Campbell Sheila DiMare Fred Brei Phil Matthews, DVM Barry Berkelhammer, Mark Casse, George Isaacs, Richard Kent, Milan Kosanovich, Roy Lerman, Diane Parks, Jessica Steinbrenner, Charlotte C. Weber, Greg Wheeler PAST PRESIDENTS Don Dizney, Harold Plumley, Stanley Ersoff, John C. Weber,MD, Douglas Oswald CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/ ASSISTANT TREASURER Caroline T. Davis ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ BUSINESS & OPERATIONS MANAGER Patrick Vinzant ASSISTANT VICE PRESIDENT/ MEMBER SERVICES & EVENTS DIRECTOR Tammy A. Gantt EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/ ASSISTANT SECRETARY Becky Robinson MEMBERSHIP SERVICES & EVENTS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Sally Moehring AWARDS, REGISTRATIONS & PAYMENTS Sheila Budden

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 7

What’s Going On

A Guide to the HITS 2016 Circuit H

ITS Ocala is a 10-week circuit, running from Jan. 19 through March 20.

POST TIME STADIUM The Post Time Stadium will host select special classes each week, including several grand prix, hunter prix, and jumper classics throughout the circuit, highlighted by the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix Sunday, March 27.

Post Time Stadium is an exciting addition to create a special atmosphere for spectators as well as exhibitors participating in the high level classes chosen for this arena.

SHOPPING GALORE The Vendor Courtyard was enlarged and enhanced to include all shops located on-site. The

added space and improved electric service allows both vendors and shoppers to have a more enjoyable experience throughout the circuit.

Located in the same convenient area near the HITS Restaurant, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy at the Vendor Courtyard.

VIP TREATMENT The Overlook VIP Club will be open all 10 weeks of the 2016 Ocala Winter Circuit. Located ringside, overlooking the Grand Prix Ring and Main Hunter Ring, the Overlook Club will serve breakfast and lunch throughout the show circuit. Menus will be designed by the chefs of The Tavern at Diamond Mills in Saugerties, N.Y. Overlook Club table holders will also enjoy reserved seating and light food and beverage service during events in the Post Time Stadium.

THE GREAT AMERICAN MILLION To be held on Sunday, March 27, the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix completes the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping as the second jewel of the coveted series. This will give Ocala competitors an opportunity to compete for the richest prize in show jumping and will serve as an exciting end to the 2016 Ocala Winter Circuit.

A NEW LOOK Hunter Ring 2 is now much larger, serving as a second “Main” Hunter Ring. The ring once known as Hunter Ring 6 will become the schooling area for Hunter Rings 2 & 3, providing a great warm-up space for showing and practicing during the week. HCD 8 Horse Capital Digest • Janaury 22, 2016

Welcome

to HITS Ocala 2016 A brief overlook of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit in 2016 W

e are pleased to announce that HITS Ocala, Jan. 19 – March 20, will be a 10-week USEF-rated circuit this year. All 10 weeks have been USEF National- or Premier-rated Hunters. All shows count toward the Horseware Ireland Grand Circuit Awards, Marshall & Sterling Insurance League, and the HITS Championship in Saugerties, N.Y. this September.

The Great American $1 Million Grand Prix returns to the stage in the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium on Sunday, March 27. The second jewel of the HITS Triple Crown of Show Jumping debuted with great success in 2014 and we look forward to treating exhibitors and spectators alike to another tremendous event!

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*, an official World Ranking Competition, will take place Friday, Feb. 19 during the Ocala Winter Festival.

Over $400,000 was offered in the FEI Jumper division throughout the week, including $200,000 in the Nations Cup and $150,000 in the Grand Prix. The Overlook VIP Club offered a unique hospitality experience including world-class culinary presentation, complete with complimentary beer and wine service.

The Ocala Horse Properties Stadium is the full-time Grand Prix Ring. The stadium, located on HITS property just across 137th Avenue, opened to rave reviews two years ago. The former Grand Prix Ring is Jumper Ring 1 and provided a second Feature Jumper Ring for horses and riders moving up the ranks.

The Overlook VIP Club has been at the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium for the entire circuit, serving breakfast and lunch each show day throughout the circuit. The former VIP area was replaced by a lovely cafĂŠ serving breakfast and lunch, with covered seating overlooking Jumper Ring 1 and the Main Hunter Ring.

Footing in all the Hunter Rings and Hunter Schooling Areas has been redone to match the footing in the Main Hunter Ring. Follow the progress on our Facebook page.

The safety and well-being of your horses, and peace of mind for you, is our top priority. Over the past year, HITS has been at the forefront of implementing a standard Equine Health Protocol at all its shows. The Bio-Security Plan and Required Vaccination Protocol that HITS developed is being emulated across the country. Please be sure to review the requirements as printed in the prize list, and check HitsShows.com prior to your arrival to review the most up-to-date information.

With $3 million in prize money and qualifiers for all the HITS Championship classes, HITS offers something special for everyone, every week. HCD

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 9

EventsCalendar JANUARY Jan. 19-24: Ocala January Classic l. HITS Show-

Jan. 26-31: Ocala January Festival - lI. HITS Show-

Horse Trial. Spectators free. On-site vendors. Free to

or email: info@HitsShows.com

public. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475. For

Jan. 27-28: Ocala – 10:30 a.m. – OBS January Winter Mixed Thoroughbred Sales. OBS Sales Pavilion,

Jan. 23 – 30: Osceola County - The 20th Anniversary

Feb. 12-14: Ocala – 8 a.m.-5 p.m. – Equiventures

grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com

January 2016

1701 SW 60th Ave.

more information contact Richard Trayford at (352) 425-7709 or visit www.equiventures.com Feb. 16-21: Ocala Winter Festival V. HITS Showgrounds. Featuring the $273,000 FEI CSIO-4* Divi-

Great Florida Cattle Drive begins at Whaley Ranch Jan. 29-31: Ocala – Josie Barrel Racing Clinic. Florida on Canoe Creek Road (CR 523) for this re-enactment of the Cracker Cowboy experience presented

sion and the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup (Feb. 19). At Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475. Discover and register for this 3-day clinic at www.barrelracers.com

by the Florida Agricultural Museum, Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee and the Florida

Jan. 30: Kenansville – Noon - The Cows Come Home Trails End Cow Culture Celebration, Free and open

Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Adto the public, New Silver Spurs Rodeo Arena on vance RSVP required at www.greatfloridacat-

HITS Showgrounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com Feb. 17: Ocala – 7 p.m. –Jumping Under the Stars.

Florida Horse Park located at 11008 S. Hwy 475.

For more information go to www.flhorsepark.com

Canoe Creek Road. tledrive16.org or call 407-314-2347.

Jan. 24: Ocala – 8 a.m. – STRIDE English, Western

Feb. 19: Ocala – 5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. – Breeches &

FEBRUARY

Blue Jeans Charity fundraising Event. Ocala Breeders Sales, 1701 SW 60th Ave. Featuring band

and Driving Dressage Show. Florida Horse Park,

Feb. 2-7: Ocala Premiere lll. HITS Showgrounds. For

Weeds of Eden with live music, great food, cash

11008 S. Hwy 475. On site vendors. Free to public.

more information visit HitsShows.com or email:

bar, raffle, live auction, silent auction and hundreds

Visit www.stridedressage.org to learn more

info@HitsShows.com

of great items to win. For information call Second

Jan. 26: Ocala – 1 p.m. – Ocala Breeders’ Sales Day

Feb. 9-14: Ocala Winter Classic lV. HITS Show-

of Champions Races. OBS training track and ITW

grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com

building. 1701 SW 60th Ave., Ocala

or email: info@HitsShows.com

Wind Thoroughbred Project at 352-250-2874 Feb. 20: Morriston – Run for the Ribbons Horse Show for Thoroughbreds and now all breeds. Presented

by Cedar Lock Farm, 14650 NW Hwy 464B. For entry forms and more info visit www.cedarlockfarm.com Feb. 21: Melbourne - Space Coast Arabian Horse Club Open Pleasure Show. Wickham Park Equestrian Center. Visit www.spacecoastarabian.com for details.

Feb. 23-28: Ocala Masters Vl. At HITS Showgrounds.

Featuring the WCHR Week and $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby (Feb. 27). At HITS Showgrounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com

10 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

EventsCalendar MARCH March 1: Hallandale – Pedigree & Conformation Clinic. A Pedigree & Conformation Clinic at Gulf-

March 8-13: Ocala Winter Finals VIII. HITS Showgrounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com

the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix (March

or email: info@HitsShows.com

27). At HITS Showgrounds. For more information

stream Park. The all-day event is an intensive course concerning thoroughbred pedigrees and conformation. While geared to racehorses, the clinic

March 9 -11: Ocala – 10:30 a.m. – Ocala Breeder’s

ing track, Airport Road, 1701 SW 60th Ave.

tional event features various topics for prospective,

March 14: Ocala – 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ & Owners’ Association Fifties Flashback Gala. Circle Square Cultural Center. For

new and established thoroughbred owners and

tickets call 352-629-2160

breeders. Register at www.toba.org March 15-20: Ocala Winter Celebration - IX. FeaturMarch 1-6: Ocala Tournament VII. HITS Show-

ing the $100,000 Sullivan GMC Truck Grand Prix

grounds. For more information visit HitsShows.com

(March 20). At HITS Showgrounds. For more infor-

or email: info@HitsShows.com

mation visit HitsShows.com or email:

March 6: Ocala – 8 a.m. – STRIDE English, Western and Driving Dressage Show. Florida Horse Park, 11008 S. Hwy 475. On site vendors. Free to public.

visit HitsShows.com or email: info@HitsShows.com

Sales Under Tack shows. OBS grounds at the train-

is valuable for those in hunter/jumper and dressage sports who are using thoroughbreds. This educa-

March 22-27: Ocala Championship - X. Featuring

Post Time Farm hosts RMI shows in 2016 RMI Mid-Florida Spring Fling – USEF AA Hunter/Jumper Horse Show at HITS Post Time Farm – May 20-22 RMI Mid-Florida Spring Encore – USEF AA Hunter/Jumper Horse Show at HITS Post Time Farm – June 3-5 For information about these or any other RMI horse shows: www.rushshows.com or rushshows@aol.com or 904-396-4106

info@HitsShows.com March 15-16: Ocala – 11 a.m. – OBS March Selected Sale of 2-year-olds in training. OBS Sales Pavilion

Visit www.stridedressage.org to learn more

Children’s and Adult-Amateur Hunter Team Competition

ONGOING Florida Thoroughbred Museum & Gallery, 801 SW 60th , Ocala 34474, open Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1 p.m. and

Team competition is coming to the Children’s and Adult Amateur Hunter ring in 2016.

This summer USHJA will hold its inaugural Children’s and Adult Amateur Hunter Regional Championships.

Riders will compete as teams and individuals and will have the opportunity to earn Zone Horse of the Year Championship points.

The championships will be held by region

this summer: North (Zones 1, 2 and 5), South (Zones 3 and 4), Central (Zones 6 and 7) and West (Zones 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12).

Qualifying is already underway, and riders must apply by their region’s deadline to have Ch/AA Hunter points from competitions, including HITS shows, count toward qualifying for this new and exciting Hunter Championship.

For more information, to check the qualifying list or to apply, visit www.ushja.org/ ChAAHunter.

holidays). Free and open to the public. For information, call 352-629-2160

FREE CLINIC The USHJA Zone 4 Hunter Committee is hosting a free clinic for Zone 4 members with FEI Level Judge and Course Designer Randy Roy on Feb. 15.

The clinic will take place at the Jim Brandon Equestrian Center in West Palm Beach and four height sections will be offered, from 2’6” to 3’6”.

To inquire about open spots and auditing, e-mail freezone4clinic@att.net. www.horsecapitaldigest.com 11

From the

A spectator’s guide to show jumping

By HITS Staff

At the conclusion of over -fences classes, hunters are often asked to jog for soundness. They trot in a line in front of the judge before placings are made final. The judge will evaluate the horse’s conformation, health and overall gait both during the class and in the jog.

At the end of class, a judge will assign a hunter and its rider a numerical score out of 100 based on how well they executed the course and how professional they looked doing it.

Shiny boots, well-tailored clothes and a smartly groomed horse all count in the hunter ring.

EQUITATION— Equitation classes judge the rider on their form, their guidance of the horse, effectiveness of their aids, position of legs, hands and upper body position, and the ability to perform certain tests with style and precision.

The rider’s legs should be perpendicular to the ground and quiet with the heel down. Their hands

I

t’s beautiful, it’s impressive and it’s exciting, but I just don’t get it. If, while sitting in the grandstand at a horse show, you find yourself thinking these things, you’re not alone. Have no fear, however, HITS has put together a guide to horse shows for the avid or perhaps not-so-avid spectator. The following will give you an insider’s look at the horse show world and how to navigate all that you will see during HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

Great American $1 Million Grand Prix, are spectator favorites because they are relatively simple to judge and are based on speed and athleticism.

Jumper classes are judged on “faults” and “time.”

The standard is cut and dry: You either have the fastest round without faults or you don’t. A fault is a numerical penalty for an error.

A horse and rider that knock down a rail or any part of the jump that establishes its height will acquire four faults. If a horse refuses to jump any one of the fences in the course, that also counts as four faults.

A second refusal results in elimination of the horse and rider from the class. Speed becomes important as there is a time allowed set for each course.

A time fault is given for each second or fraction of a second that the horse remains on course over the time allowed. A clean round is one where there are no time or jumping faults.

If more than one horse goes clean over a course, a timed jump-off or shorter course will determine the winner. Should two or more horses have an equal number of jumping faults in the jump-off, the fastest time will determine the winner.

HUNTERS—Hunter classes judge the horse. A hunter should have a long, low, ground-covering stride and jump the fences easily, smoothly and with consistent pace. Hunters are quiet, exhibit good manners both over fences and under saddle and jump courses that involve direct lines and straight-forward fences, usually designed with natural elements and colors.

12 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

ESI PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT YOU’RE WATCHING AND HOW TO JUDGE IT: JUMPERS—Jumper classes, like the March 27

Grandstand should be supple and follow the movement of the horse’s head. The upper body should be upright, but relaxed with a slight arch in the lower back.

The rider’s head should be up and looking forward. Equitation classes are generally judged on the flat at the walk, trot and canter and over fences.

Equitation riders, like hunter riders, are assigned a score out of 100 by a judge based on their performance. The highest score wins the blue.

Learn these terms and you will be on the way to impressing all your “horsey” friends STRIDE – the amount of ground a horse covers.

At the canter, the average stride of a horse is 12 feet. The distances between fences of jumping courses are set accordingly.

SCHOOLING – practice or training before competition. The riders practice in a schooling area and are not allowed to practice on the actual course.

ORDER OF GO – the order in which the competitors compete over the set course.

COURSE WALK – riders walk the course to measure the number of strides their horse will need between each jump.

FAULTS – numerical penalties assigned for downed rails, refusals or going over the time allowed.

TIME ALLOWED – the time, determined by the course designer, that it should take a horse to navigate a jumper course.

REFUSAL – a horse that stops in front of a fence and will not attempt to jump it.

CLEAN/CLEAR – when the horse and rider complete all jumps on the course without a single jumping or time fault.

JUMP-OFF – the riders who have a clean round compete in a timed jump-off over a shortened course to determine the winner of the class.

TACK – the equipment used on the horse including the saddle and the bridle.

COMBINATION – two or more jumps set close together and designed to be jump with fewer strides in between and judged as one element.

LIVERPOOL – a fence set over water or a ditch filled with water that horse and rider must clear.

GREEN – a horse, usually young, with little experience. HCD

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 13

Post Time Farm | Ocala, Florida

Equine Health Entry Requirements P

rotecting the health of your horse and other horses at HITS Ocala Winter Circuit is of the utmost importance to HITS. To that end HITS has implemented required biosecurity measures to decrease the risk of introduction and/or spread of contagious or infectious disease at its shows.

Horses must arrive only between the hours of 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily. Off-hours arrival must obtain permission from show management by calling 352-620-2275 24 hours prior to arrival.

Andre Thieme

UPON ARRIVAL TO POST TIME FARM, ALL HORSES MUST HAVE:

Signed by the owner/agent/trainer verifying that the horse has been healthy with no sign of infectious disease and has not had a fever above 102°F within 72 hours (3 days) of arrival. An Event Participation Declaration Form is available in this prize list and at HitsShows.com.

A new Event Participation Declaration Form must be filed each time the horse enters the property. Horses stabled off the property that “ship-in” on a regular basis must comply with this requirement as well as additional requirements noted on the following pages. Visit HitsShows.com for further details.

PROOF OF VACCINATION A signed statement from the attending veterinarian that the horse has been vaccinated against the following: Within 6 months (180 days) of each show: Equine Influenza Within 3 months (90 days) of each show: EHV 1 and EHV 4 If a vaccination will expire during one of the shows, the horse must receive its new vaccination prior to being issued a competition number for that show.

PRESENTATION OF HEALTH REQUIREMENTS The Equine Health Requirements are required for all horses entering the show grounds both showing and non-showing.

14 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

ESI PHOTO

A COMPLETED EVENT PARTICIPATION DECLARATION

These documents must be filed in the Show Office before any competition numbers will be issued. In addition, random checks for equine health requirements will occur. Be sure to keep a copy of all of your horse’s equine health requirements in an easily accessible spot (in your tack room or tack trunk, truck or trailer) to ensure you can comply with this requirement. The results on all required papers must indicate the horses’ registered (show) name.

Any horse not accompanied by these documents will be directed to the Show Veterinarian to obtain the required documents and/or vaccinations, and/or will be placed in quarantined stabling until the proper documents are obtained. Any horse showing signs of fever/illness/stress is subject to examination by HITS officials and/or the Show Veterinarian, who may, at their sole discretion, place the horse in quarantined stabling or take further action if deemed necessary.

See Rules and Regs for more information, and visit HitsShows.com for the most up to date requirements. HCD

Though certainly not a surprise, it is still always amazing to see our in-state thoroughbred industry numbers in terms of how they fit with and relate to Florida’s economy. A recent 2013 conservative study conducted by nationally acclaimed pari-mutuel and gaming economists Cummings & Associates of horse breeds from the pari-mutuel industry based in the Sunshine State provided a handful of very impressive equine economic impacts including:

■ $1 billion per year of Economic Impact ■ More than $400 million expended per year in local salaries and payroll taxes ■ More than 12,000 jobs ■ An annual economic impact state-wide far in excess of coveted baseball spring training

Florida...the Best State for Business

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Lonny T. Powell, CEO and Executive Vice President 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL 34474 • 352-629-2160

SALLY MOEHRING PHOTO

Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • info@ftboa.com www.ftboa.com • www.facebook.com/thefloridahorse

FLORIDA DEPT. OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES Adam H. Putnam, Commissioner • 850-617-7341 • Fax 850-617-7331 e-mail: Christopher.denmark@freshfromflorida.com 407 S. Calhoun • 416 Mayo Building, Tallahassee, FL 32399

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FLORIDA FARM/BUSINESS NAME: ________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________ FLORIDA FARM/BUSINESS PHONE: ————————————— FARM/BUSINESS FAX:____________________________ WEBSITE: ______________________________________ EMAIL: ____________________________________________ OWNER OF FARM/BUSINESS: ____________________________________________________________________________ MANAGER OF FARM: ________________________________ MANAGER’S PHONE: ________________________________ BARN PHONE: ______________________________________________________________________________________ ACREAGE: __________________________________________________________________________________________ SIZE OF TRAINING TRACK: ______________________________________________________________________________ SERVICES OFFERED: __________________________________________________________________________________ STALLIONS STANDING: ________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________________ VISITING POLICY: ____________________________________________________________________________________ VISITORS WELCOME FROM __________________ TO ________________ VISITORS PLEASE CALL FOR APPOINTMENT ❏ NO VISITORS ❏

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RETURN TO: THE FLORIDA HORSE • 801 SW 60TH AVE., • OCALA, FL 34474 For more information: 352-732-8858 • Fax: 352-629-3603 or 352-867-1979 Attention: Antoinette Griseta

Edge Brewing Steps Up Repeats as presenting sponsor of Furusiyya Nations Cup SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – ITS Inc. is pleased to announce that Edge Brewing Barcelona will be the presenting sponsor of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup for the second consecutive year. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup will take place at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala on Friday, Feb. 19. The international team show-jumping event will be known as the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona.

International fame and big money is up for grabs with a total purse in excess of $270,000 offered in the FEI jumper division throughout the week, including $100,000 in the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup. “We greatly value our partnership with Edge Brewing Barcelona and we’re excited to welcome them back as a sponsor for a second year,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri. “It’s thrilling to host more international teams in Ocala for this year’s Nations Cup.” Edge Brewing Barcelona, an international award-winning American craft brewery, was established in 2013 by two Americans in Barcelona, Spain, which is also the host city for the 2016 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup World Finals for an unprecedented fourth year in a row.

The company will officially release its exclusive Edge Brew-

H

ing Equestrian craft-beer line during the 2016 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup at HITS Ocala. All of Edge Brewing Barcelona's profits from this line of beers will be donated to equine-based charities.

This year’s recipient charity is Horses-N-Heroes, an Ocalabased non-profit organization dedicated to providing an equine learning and mentoring experience for young girls who come from families with extreme financial constraints.

“Edge Brewing Barcelona is excited to team up with HITS to host such a prestigious event in Ocala, while also raising awareness about the great things that can be accomplished by combining our love of horses with the power of community,” said Scott Vanover, owner and brewer at Edge Brewing Barcelona.

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup series is one of show jumping’s most prestigious events. The series is comprised of seven regions with 20 qualifying events in many countries. Forty nations will seek a place at the 2016 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup final in Barcelona this September, but only 18 elite teams will qualify for the final. The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup CSIO4*, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, in Ocala, is the only Nations Cup final qualifier in the U.S. For more information and a complete schedule of classes and events, visit www.HitsShows.com. HCD

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 19

Inspirational film profiles trials, successes of Debi Connor

Capturing the

By Mike Mullaney

D

FILE PHOTOS

Poster for the movie “A Sunday Horse”

etermination, faith, resilience and courage are the ingredients to a compelling saga told in the upcoming movie “A Sunday Horse.”

Nikki Reed of “Twilight,” Linda Hamilton of “The Terminator,” Ving Rhames of “Pulp Fiction” and William Shatner of “Star Trek” shine in the telling of Debi Connor’s inspiring tale of success against the odds, her unwavering determination and strength in overcoming a near-fatal accident and her sense of purpose in relaying her story to any

20 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

and all open minds and hearts.

The horse-loving daughter of a hard-edged, one-time backup pro football quarterback who played in an era when the game’s stars barely reached a five-figure salary, Ms. Connor could only dream of owning a show horse.

Gifted athletically, she traveled from her hometown of Virginia Beach, Va., south to Delray Beach, Fla., to what she then thought was the fantasy of an endless summer: riding horses and, as an avid surfer, riding waves.

But a dream came to her one night, advising her to return to Virginia Beach, where she would come upon a horse that would change her life.

Not long after her return, the dream came to life when she happened upon the owner of a seemingly incorrigible thoroughbred named “Hell Hole Swamp,” a horse as unpleasant and potentially dangerous as the region of South Carolina for which he was named.

After some give and take, the owner’s tough negotiating stance softened in the face of the young lady’s persistence and compassion for a horse who may have been headed to slaughter, and Debi became the proud owner, trainer and doting mother-figure of an unwanted, seemingly untalented, intractable rogue.

Per her dream, she renamed the horse “The Evangelist,” and the unlikely duo – neither of whom was to the manor born – embarked upon a mission that would stand the show-circuit establishment on its head.

Success followed unexpected success, but a taxing campaign began to wear on The Evangelist, and Debi, still with limited means, needed to find a second horse to share the load on the busy event schedule.

And once again, serendipity played a role.

A load of horses whose undistinguished racetrack careers had just ended were for sale and Debi once again happened upon a diamond in the rough, picking out a thoroughbred named Stillaspill.

The owner of this mare stuck to his guns until he and Debi finally agreeing upon a $1,500 deal. She put up $500 and, after finding two partners, the deal was struck with her retaining 1/3 ownership and rights to ride and train.

Renamed Touch of Class, she went on to surpass The Evangelist in the estimation of aficionados, but Debi would not be part of that mare’s greatest accomplishments: While Touch of Class was training for the sport’s greatest prizes, Debi was thrown from a mount in an exhibition for inner-city children at the farm of Franklin, Tenn., farm of Herman Valentine.

As Touch of Class continued her training toward a series of brilliant performances as part of the winning American

Spirit team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, Debi was emerging from a 10-day coma and immersed in an arduous and painful recovery process.

The relationship between Debi and Mr. Valentine is especially interesting. An African-American involved in a sport not known for its heterogeneous constituency, Mr. Valentine worked his way up from modest means to make his fortune in the computer-services industry, gaining multi-million dollar contracts with the US Navy while never forgetting those less fortunate. He would be recognized with a Presidential Citation as Entrepreneur of the Year in 1983, during Ronald Reagan’s first term.

The exhibition for those children, the one in which Debi was injured, was a regular event at his farm.

Beautifully scripted throughout by co-producer Fred Kuehnert and Susan Rhinehart, the crisp dialogue in “A Sun-

day Horse” clarified the kindred spirits of Ms. Connor and Mr. Valentine, as portrayed by Ms. Reed and Mr. Rhames.

A lovely score by David and Eric Wurst runs throughout the film, which opens with a depiction of Ms. Connor’s daily drive to work and Ms. Reed’s narrative, touching upon her character’s not-always disciplined early adulthood. Peter Green’s photography of that drive acts as a metaphor for Ms. Connor’s personal journey, an Odyssey that brought her from hardscrabble beginnings to the bucolic beauty and hard-working, but immensely rewarding, life she now enjoys near Ocala.

Cast and crew’s credentials to capture the essence of the sporting life are solid as the equine connection extends not only through Ms. Connor – the executive producer, in partnership with William Earon and Allan Kassirer – but also to Mr. Shatner, a lifelong enthusiast who owns and breeds American Saddlebreds, and on to director Vic Armstrong, who, before finding his career in film work, had quit school at 14 to become a steeplechase jockey. His father coached British equestrian teams in preparation for the Olympics.

“A Sunday Horse” – winner of a Winnie Award at this year’s Equus Film Festival in New York – premiered shortly before Christmas with two showings to select audiences hosted by Paul Bulmahn’s GoldMark Farm in Ocala. General release is planned for April. The film was produced by Ronnie Clemmer, in association with Global Pictures Media. HCD

Scene from “A Sunday Horse,” from left, Deena Dill, Linda Hamilton, Ving Rhames, Nikki Reed and Gary Grubbs

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 21

Furusiyya FEI Nations SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – ITS Inc., home of the Triple Crown of Show Jumping, is pleased to announce the return of the Federation Équestre Internationale (FEI) Furusiyya Nations Cup

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CSIO-4* to the Ocala Winter Festival, Feb. 16-21, the fifth week of the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit.

Boasting a $100,000 prize purse, the namesake Nations Cup, presented by Edge Brewing Barcelona, will offer the only

ESI PHOTOS

Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Team Ireland's Kevin Babington and Shorapur at the 2015 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup

22 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

Cup back where it belongs stateside chance to qualify for the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup Jumping Finals in Barcelona, Spain, later this year.

“Hosting the country’s only official FEI Nations Cup is an honor we do not take lightly. Last year, HITS Ocala far exceeded all expectations and, with months of preparation already underway, we plan to do the same in 2016,” said HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

•the $5,000 Welcome Stake and the $34,000 Thursday Prix on Thursday, Feb. 18; •the $100,000 Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup on Friday, Feb. 19; •the $34,000 HITS Jumper Classic on Saturday, Feb. 20, and •the $100,000 Ocala Grand Prix on Sunday, Feb. 21.

A complete schedule is available at HitsShows.com.

Throughout the FEI Nations Cup Week at HITS Post Time Farm, HITS will offer an upgraded hospitality experience in the HITS Ocala far exceeded all expectations.

Overlook VIP Club, featuring ringside seating and complimentary beer and —HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri wine, as well as the culinary art of Executive Chef Giuseppe Napoli of The Tavern at Diamond Mills in Saugerties, N.Y. VIP tables are expected to sell out and reservations are en“With loyal support from Marion County and the City of Ocala, HITS will welcome show jumping’s biggest players to the couraged.

Horse Capital of the World to exemplify our continued commitFor Overlook VIP Club information and bookings, contact ment to growing the sport for exhibitors and spectators alike.”

The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup will take place Friday, Feb. 19 Chris Mayone at Chris@HitsShows.com. HCD at 1 p.m. The HITS Organizing Committee and the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) will invite 13 nations to participate in Nations Cup competition. The riders representing the U.S. will be chosen according to the approved selection procedures, using the Rolex/USEF Rider Ranking List, and by U.S. Chef d’ Equipe Robert Ridland.

Acclaimed course designer Alan Wade, of Tipperary, Ireland, has been selected by HITS to develop and design the field-ofplay that will be used on Feb. 19.

“The Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup competition is the cornerstone of the sport of show jumping and it is an honor to design the course at HITS Ocala,” said Wade.

“For an athlete, it is a great privilege to be chosen to represent your country in any sport, but in show jumping, representing your country adds to the pressure and excitement of competing in this class. Unlike all other show jumping competitions, where athletes are competing for themselves, in the Nations Cup, they are representing themselves, their team and their country.”

Throughout the HITS Ocala Nations Cup Week, over $270,000 in prize money will be given away in the FEI Jumper division, in addition to over $90,000 total prize money in nationally ranked classes.

“Now, with a year of experience, we can make Nations Cup Week a week that is more inclusive to both national and international riders,” continued Struzzieri. “The Ocala Winter Festival show schedule with expanded class offerings, including a $25,000 SmartPak Grand Prix on Thursday, will reflect that inclusiveness.”

Spanning four days of competition, Nations Cup Week at HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala will host several notable classes in the FEI Jumper Division.

“

”

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 23

Reviewing topics for a strong New Year

FARM M a n a g e M e n t

A Positive & Productive Setup I

t is almost hard to believe, that 2015 has come and gone. It was a fantastic year for the Florida racing industry, as probably the greatest race horse of our time, American Pharaoh, got his start in this state. Plenty of things happened in 2015, setting up 2016 to be busy, positive and productive for the equine industry. Let’s review topics that we covered last year, beginning with some outstanding web links. nformation available ranges from financial resources, manure management and pasture management to manure to energy/alternative energy systems. Be sure that any information be gleaned from trusted, sciencebased sources. While there are certainly several excellent options out there, one avenue that can always be trusted stems from university systems. When .edu is part of the web address, the information is absolutely coming from scientifically-based university research.

The North American Manure Expo in Chambersburg, PA. focused extensively on improving sustainability for farms; horse farms, crop farms and other livestock all had experts available for discussion. Stall construction from Bamboo wood (a highly renewable wood) and composting horse manure to reuse as superior bedding and/or a soil amendment to improve pastures and riding areas was explained. Either can be a viable option for anyone having a barn looking to improve overall sustainability.

Erosion. This topic can bring nightmares to some farms.

Certainly, some types of farm/home property are more susceptible than others because of the slope of the land, farm layout, soil type, etc., but it is bad for us all because, besides being a potentially expensive hassle to fix, it can carry pollutants (like excess nutrients, oils and additional sediments) to the water. Maintaining healthy vegetative cover is always the best first step to avoid erosion. Please use caution with any excess application of herbicides along fence lines, plant additional seed, trees and shrubs (especially great at the top of a slope) to keep all soil areas covered. This is an especially critical step around any waterways. These few key management practices can dramatically stop erosion from becoming a demon.

As good vegetative cover helps curtail erosion and slow-release fertilization of the grass and ground cover

I

24 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

areas (need determined through routine soil testing) can help supply necessary nutrients in a controlled-release manner. Recent fertilizer technology advances have resulted in new products that slowly release nutrients specifically into the root zone, improving efforts to minimize potential overall fertilizer nutrient loss from the root zone while maximizing plant uptake. Commercial fertilizers are often water-soluble, quick-release fertilizers (QRFs); while these are predictively readily available for plants when properly placed in soil, they can become a serious problem where nutrient leaching is a serious concern in highly unpredictable, hi-leaching/flooding events, like those found with Florida’s heavy rains and hurricanes. Correct nutrient management utilizes a combination of fertilizer type, application rate, application time, and application placement and slow-release fertilizers are one outstanding management option.

Let’s not forget that 2015 was declared the, “International Year of the Soil” by the United Nations. Globally, up to 50,000 sq. km of soil are lost each year (equaling the size of Costa Rica), meaning keeping farmland as pastures can be very beneficial for water purification, climate change, etc. It can take up to1000 years to produce only two or three centimeters of topsoil, so composting horse manure/bedding and then spreading it back on the ground really helps to nurture the soil, improving it for plants, horses, the water, etc. Just ONE TEASPOON of healthy soil contains more living things than all of the people on the planet!

Hopefully, this refresher gives ideas that can assist the farm’s management to be more effective. To schedule a FREE, non-regulatory farm visit, please contact me or your local Extension agent. As always, keep up the good management practices! HCD

Jamie Cohen • 352-671-8792 Farm Outreach Coordinator UF IFAS/Marion County Extension Service jamiecohen@ufl.edu.

Paddock Clubat HITS 2016 PADDOCK CLUB FEATURES UPGRADES IN 2016 The Paddock Club overlooks the Ocala Horse Properties Stadium and offers the best seats to view all the feature Grand Prix at HITS Ocala. eservations for tables of eight are available on a weekly basis. Upgrades include a new frame tent with solid surface floor and new china dishes. The Paddock Club is open throughout HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, from Jan. 19 through March 20. Service includes complimentary breakfast and lunch each show day prepared by the expertly trained culinary staff of the Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern in Saugerties, N.Y. During the week of the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup T (Week V, Feb. 16 through 21) and the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix (March 27), the Culinary Institute of America alumnus Executive Chef Giuseppe Napoli created

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specialty menus to be served in the Paddock Club each day, along with complimentary beer and wine service, included with VIP reservations.

The Paddock Club VIP Membership Packages are $1,500 per week for weeks I, II, III, IV, VI, VII, VIII, IX; $4,000 per week for Week V featuring the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup, $4,000 per week for Week X featuring an additional day of VIP service, with dinner served during the Great American $1 Million Grand Prix on Sunday, March 27. To reserve your VIP Table in the Paddock Club, contact Hospitality Coordinator Chelsea Dwinell at 617–888–2357 or email Chelsea@HitsShows.com.

www.horsecapitaldigest.com 25

DRIFTING Out

Managing Editor for Florida Equine Communications

Youth Carries The Banner T

When Laurine said “It’s in my blood,” she was talking about thoroughbreds, but she could also be talking about her zest for a fight.

he youthful and fighting spirit of the Florida thoroughbred industry is embodied in Laurine FullerVargas, which is something that will soon be discovered by the state lawmakers and those lobbyists who seek to “decouple” thoroughbred racing from the state’s “racinos.”

Her bona fides are easy to list: A trainer, breeder, broodmare manager, show-horse competitor and Massachusetts’ youngest licensed owner at the age of 12, her father was a jockey, her mother is a trainer and her grandfather was a breeder, owner and trainer.

Her husband is a licensed jockey, he the son of Triple Tiara-winning jockey Abigail Fuller, whose father Peter was one of the more interesting characters this sport ever produced: Harvard graduate, Kentucky Derby-winning owner (sort of), son of a Massachusetts governor and Golden Gloves heavyweight champion of New England, and someone who fought in the courts long after his Dancer’s Image was disqualified from winning the 1968 Kentucky Derby.

When Laurine said “It’s in my blood,” she was talking about thoroughbreds, but she could also be talking about her zest for a fight.

Believing that her off-the-track thoroughbred was scored unfairly when competing in the show ring against warmbloods, her energy and sense of fair play led her to create a welcoming environment for an all-thoroughbred show-horse competition, cleverly named “Run for the Ribbons,” which she hosts at her Cedar Lock Farm in Morriston.

She, her husband and her best friend Cara McKeon – all of whom are 20-something – witnessed the agonizing death of the thoroughbred industry in Massachusetts and they are bound and determined not to let the same thing happen in Florida.

And decoupling, if passed by the Legislature, could prove to be the death knell of the sport here.

To that end, they are looking forward to stepping into the ring with anyone who threatens Florida’s thoroughbred breeding and racing industry, which is something that decoupling threatens to do.

26 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

Laurine has written Gov. Rick Scott and has told him that to expect a petition with 1,000 signatures. On her own initiative, she has approached not only leading local industry leaders, but also the incoming northern horsemen.

Expert at the art of social media, Laurine and her partners, either electronically or in person, come armed with the facts and figures, derived from FTBOA studies, such as: • a direct economic impact beyond $1 billion; • more than $400,000 in payroll taxes; • more than 12,000 jobs directly involved in the racing industry statewide; • nearly 20,000 full- and part-time jobs, either directly or indirectly involved in the equine industry, in Marion County, and • more than a $2.6 billion, indirect and direct economic, impact in Marion County alone.

Not only has she approached horsemen but she has also met with the peripheral businesses supported by the equine economy, such as restaurants and hotels.

From Dade and Broward counties, to the Bay Area and up to Ocala and Marion County, she has been struck by the fact that these businessmen are uniformly unaware of the threat that decoupling poses, not only to the equine industry, but to their own businesses as well.

“It’s amazing,” she said. “The peripheral businesses aren’t tied on to the importance of this issue. I don’t think that people are getting it … maybe that’s because there just isn’t enough information out there, but it’s important to at least try to get them that information … to rally the community.”

Those with Internet can sign a virtual petition after clicking into www.change.org/p/florida-governor-rickscott-andy-gardiner-say-no-to-decoupling-in-florida-toprotect-the-horse-racing-industry-and-state-s-economy.

As of Thursday morning there were 974 signatures, with the goal of 1,000 by this weekend, after which she will send the signatures on to Gov. Scott.

For more information on the economic impact and importance of the equine industry, click into www.ftboa.com/aboutus/why-florida-bred. HCD FILE PHOTO

by Mike Mullaney

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Membership and Benefit Details at www.ftboa.com

FLORIDA THOROUGHBRED BREEDERS’ AND OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION Tammy Gantt, Director of Membership Services/Events 801 SW 60th Ave. • Ocala, FL. 34474 • 352-629-2160 • Fax: 352-629-3603 • www.ftboa.com • tgantt@ftboa.com 40631

■ Replays www.FTBOA.com FTBOA Member library Brought to you by

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HITS Custom Barns offer elite opportunity SAUGERTIES, N.Y. – ITS Inc. is pleased to announce that HITS Custom Barns are now available for the 2016 show seasons.

Clients may book reservations to make HITS Post Time Farm in Ocala or HITS Desert Horse Park in Thermal, Calif., their permanent or semi-permanent home.

“Having a HITS Custom Barn is really a no-brainer,” said Mike McCormick of MTM Farms. “HITS has allowed us to customize an already beautiful barn and landscape into exactly what we want. It’s convenient to be on campus in a barn all your own, especially when you have 20–30 horses. We are really excited about this opportunity.”

Exhibitors and trainers may build a personal

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barn that feels like home right on HITS property. Barns can be set up in any fashion, customized to the needs of a client or business.

HITS Custom Barn clients may also extend their stay past the show season if they so desire. No matter the extent of one’s stay, private barns provide an opportunity for clients to feel as at-home as possible while traveling.

“We want to provide our clients with the highest-caliber of options available, which includes the ability to make HITS home, throughout the show season and year-round,” said HITS President and CEO Thomas Struzzieri.

“Custom Barn clients will have barns that are customizable for their needs that offer – as with all HITS products and services – the

most advanced equine amenities available.”

Barns are available on a five-year lease and can be built with 24 or more stalls. Features include: • Center aisle barns with doors • Paved aisles • 12 x 12 foot stalls with rubber mats • 40 x 80 foot paddocks with four-board fencing (two included with each barn) • Bathroom, laundry room, feed room • Insect misting system For more information regarding pricing and customization, contact Kristen Vale-Mosack at HITS Post Time Farm: Kristen@HitsShows.com or Asia Manning at HITS Desert Horse Park: Asia@HitsShows.com, or call the HITS corporate office at 845-246-8833. HCD

Check out Who has What to offer

HITS Ocala Vendors 2016 From riding apparel and horse show necessities to fine art, jewelry and luxury clothing, the Vendor Courtyards at HITS offer quality shopping at a variety of stores and boutiques. The public is welcome to shop the Vendor Courtyard.

SMARTPAK Supplements Courtney

BACK ON TRACK Therapeutic Riding Apparel Shelly

lisa@ocalahorseproperties.com

cbruso@smartpak.com

roc_mix@comcast.net

NOBLE OUTFITTERS Equestrian Apparel

PLATINUM PERFORMANCE Supplements Amy

OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS Horse Capital Digest

OCALA HORSE PROPERTIES Real Estate Lisa

julias@nobleoutfitters.com

amy@platinumperformance.com

Florida Equine Communications 352-629-2160 (Official HITS weekly publication) www.horsecapitaldigest.com 29

Summarizing

HITS

ond that the horse remains on course over the time allowed. Speed becomes important as there is a time allowed set for each course.

A clean round is one where there are no time or jumping faults. If more than one horse goes clean over a course, a timed jump-off or shorter course will determine the winner. Should two or more horses have an equal number of jumping faults in the jump-off, the fastest time will determine the winner.

The following is a brief summary of Show HITS will host the $200,000 Jumping, the Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup and Furusiyya FEI Nations Cup opportunities for community participation.

HITS Post Time Farm | Ocala • Friday, Feb. 19

SHOWJUMPING 101: Jumper classes, like a Nations Cup Grand Prix, are spectator favorites because they are relatively simple to judge and are based on speed and athleticism. Jumper classes are judged on “faults” and “time.” The standard is cut and dry: You either have the fastest round without faults or you don’t.

A fault is a numerical penalty for a jumping error. This is how it breaks down: A horse and rider that knock down a rail or any part of the jump that establishes its height will acquire four faults If a horse refuses to jump any one of the fences in the course, that also counts as four faults.

A second refusal results in elimination of the horse and rider from the class.

A time fault is given for each second or fraction of a sec-

ABOUT THE FURUSIYYA FEI NATIONS CUP • It is the most prestigious Show Jumping series for national teams in the World • HITS will host the only U.S. North American Region qualifier for the Finals in Barcelona, Spain.

• Features a team competition with four riders per team • HITS will invite nine International teams • The Furusiyya Nations Cup will consist of two jumping rounds: 1) The top 3 riders of the six best-placed participating teams (after the first round) ride the second course.

2) Each team’s lowest score for each round is dropped. Winning team has lowest score from faults.

• The Furusiyya Nations Cup boasts a $200,000 prize purse • The FEI events span five days, Feb. 16-21, with classes, including: $34,000 FEI Jumper Prix $34,000 FEI Jumper Classic $150,000 FEI Grand Prix

WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON MARION COUNTY & OCALA? ■ Influx of international rider, trainers, support staff and owners plus media and fans.

■ Increased revenue for local lodging, restaurants, businesses ■ Sizeable spectator audience drawing from areas outside the region ■ Global media attention ■ Opportunity to showcase Marion County as unique environment for highest level of equestrian events, beautiful scenery and visitor friendly destination.

■ Opportunities to get involved: ■ Hospitality and sponsorship Initiatives ■ Community Partnerships ■ Host Family and Farm Tours ■ Business Alliances & Welcome Committees ■ Spectator Audience For further information please contact: Amy Agricola at Amy@hitsshows.com or 352–502–896 30 Horse Capital Digest • January 22, 2016

Sign the Petition Today

at www.change.org or at the FTBOA office

to Decoupling