Will Coleman and Gideon, winners of the 2018 Eventing Prix Invitational. Photo by Lisa Thomas/Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Services.
We are quickly approaching the sixth annual Ocala Horse Properties Eventing Prix Invitational on March 4-5 at Southern Cross Equestrian in Reddick, Florida. Top event riders will face-off over a 1.30-meter show jumping course, which this year will be designed by Chris Barnard for the first time.
The Eventing Prix Invitational has grown in popularity each year and now serves as a highlight of the winter season in Florida. Ocala Horse Properties has returned once again as title sponsor, and event organizers Max Corcoran and Scott Keach are hoping to boost the prize money to $20,000 this year.
The show kicks off on Monday, March 4 with a $1,000 1.15-meter speed class sponsored by Doug Hannum Equine Therapy.
The 1.30-meter class will take place Tuesday, March 5 in a team format. The first round in the 1.30-meter class will determine the team results, and the top 10 combinations — or all pairs that jumped clear in the first round — will return for the second round jump-off.
This year’s team captains are Sara Kozumplik Murphy, Tamie Smith, Lauren Kieffer, Jennie Brannigan, Selena O’Hanlon, Hallie Coon, Justine Dutton and Shanon Baker. EN will confirm the full list of teams soon.
To be eligible to compete, riders must have competed at the Intermediate level or higher in the last 12 months, or have won a CCI5-L*. Horses must have competed at the Intermediate level or higher in the last 24 months.
General admission is free to the public on both days. Brewster Walker Horse Transport is providing free beer, as well as sponsoring a $500 Grooms Award for the best turned-out horse. Food will be available for purchase from Humble Wood Fire Pizza.
VIP tables with six seats are available for $600 in the ringside tent and include an open bar and food from Celebrations Catering, as well as access to the popular after party. Contact Denise Goyea at 617-225-6325 or [email protected] to reserve a VIP table.
Many thanks to Ocala Horse Properties for returning as title sponsor; Light Speed Equestrian for signing on as presenting sponsor; Wordley Martin Equestrian, Peak Performance (Furlong & Associates) and Stellos Electric for being prix sponsors; and Equijet, Stubben NA, Guardian Bedding, HorseFirst and Buckeye Horse Feed for being jump sponsors.
Sponsorship opportunities are still available. Please consider signing on to help the Eventing Prix Invitational reach their goal of giving away $20,000 in prize money this year. Contact Lisa Thomas at [email protected] for more information about sponsorship.
Reach out to Max Corcoran at [email protected] with any questions about the competition.
For those who can’t attend the Eventing Prix Invitational, the main class will once again be streamed on EQTV Network and EN with commentary.
