A rider competes at Barnstaple South. Photo courtesy of Lisa Madren.
If you’re local to the Ocala area, aka what has quickly become the eventing Mecca of North America, you’ll want to circle some dates on your calendar for Barnstaple South’s forthcoming Jackpot Series. This monthly series of schooling events – featuring cross country schooling days, combined tests, fix-a-test rides and unrecognized horse trials perfect for gaining experience at the lower levels – will also include a new partnership between Barnstaple South and neighboring property HITS Ocala.
Thanks to the collective brainpower of Barnstaple owner Derek Strine and HITS Ocala owner Tom Struzzieri, the use of footed rings at HITS will be made available for some of the phases during the Barnstaple Jackpot series. With HITS catering mostly to the winter and spring hunter/jumper crowds, this arrangement will provide the opportunity for eventers to make use of the HITS rings through the summer and fall. The remainder of the Jackpot series dates are as follows:
- June 27
- July 18
- Aug 15
- Sept 12
- Oct 9
- Nov 21
- Dec 4
This first Jackpot Series schooling event will occur this Sunday, May 23 and you can find out more information on the day’s schedule here (if you’d like to enter, you can still do so today, but don’t wait as the entries will close today!). For entry information, click here.
In addition to regular three-phase schooling divisions, for an additional $10 on your entry you can participate in a Jackpot division, which will see the winner take home a chunk of the prize money. At just over $100 for a Training level entry, it’s a great price for an opportunity to get in some practice and have the opportunity to ride in the well-maintained HITS arenas – and have a shot at winning some cash.
“I built this facility for the green horse and the green rider, so it’s green to be able to offer these opportunities all through the year,” Barnstaple owner Derek Strine commented. You can learn more about his vision for his Florida property here.
