Thumbs up for prize money! Dasha Ivandaeva and DB Cooper after a great Open Preliminary round at Ocala Winter II HT in 2018. Photo courtesy of Dasha.
Question: What makes this beautiful, high-adrenaline sport that we love so much even more exciting? Answer: Putting prize money on the line.
The fine folks at the Florida Horse Park recently announced that jackpot classes will be offered for all levels offered during their Ocala Winter I, Ocala Winter II, and Ocala International Festival of Eventing Horse Trials. Levels vary between each show, but include Beginner Novice through Intermediate as well as Modified. The idea was coined by Event Entries owner, Rick Dunkerton, as one way to bring much-needed cash prizes into the sport.
Competitors can chose to enter the jackpot class at their level for an additional $50 on top of regular entry fee. The $50 from all entrants in the division is pooled and paid out to the top six finishers of that division, with first place taking home 33% of the pot. Not feeling like a high roller? Never fear — there are non-jackpot divisions at every level, too!
Want to save a little money, too? Early bird discount pricing is being offered for the February, March, and April 2020 event dates. You’ll save $20 if you enter the during the first week that entries are open. Entries for the Ocala Winter I H.T. open on December 24th — Merry Christmas!
