from staff
This year’s Third Annual Florida Equestrian Celebration at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center will feature plenty of the attractions that have made the event popular as well as something new — bull riding. Considered the largest equestrian exposition in Florida and the Southeast, this year’s event — which is Nov. 17-19 — will include educational clinics, workshops and seminars, dynamic horse and rider performances, impressive breed presentations and a trade show that will please even the most prominent shopper.
Several famous clinicians and horse experts will be on hand, including Craig Cameron, Richard Shrake, Jane Savoie, Tommie Turvey, Don West, Ross and Dawn Falisi, Dr. K.C. LaPierre, Dr. Karen Hayes, Phil Rogers, Matt Gable, Ryan Gingerich and others.
Friday Night’s “Dinner In The Dirt” starring equine extremist Tommie Turvey is one of the event’s highlights. Champion bull riders from across the country take the stage Saturday night, mounting some of the world’s best bucking bulls for the celebration’s first “Bull Riding Blowout.” Sunday, the first show jumping grand prix will debut.
“We asked folks what they wanted in this year’s celebration,” said promoter Gordon Calhoun. “They said, ‘Equine experts, exciting competition, thrilling entertainment, and shopping.’ Well this year’s celebration will have something for everyone. It’s going to be power-packed with thrilling performances from horse hooves to wild bullhorns.”
The Florida Equestrian Celebration supports the efforts of the Florida Equine Industry by donating monies to the Northeast Florida Equestrian Society (NFES), which in turn supports the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The event supports other non-profit organizations such as the Justice Coalition of Jacksonville.
“We are excited to attend the Celebration this year and look forward to a wonderful weekend of good old wholesome family fun,” said Justice Coalition Executive Director Ann Dugger. “We encourage the Jacksonville community to come out and support this grand event.”
Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $10 for kids (5-12), and kids under 5 are free. It’s $43 for a family of four (two adults, two kids). NFES members, seniors, military, and 4-H members (13 and older) receive a $2 discount. Evening entertainment and all VIP tickets are sold separately. For detailed ticket information, visit the Florida Equestrian Celebration Web site: www.floridaequestrian.com.
This year’s key sponsors include Duval Ford, SunTrust Bank, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractors and the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida.