Riders Beat the Heat at Jacksonville Equestrian Center During Open Schooling in Indoor Arena

Jacksonville, FL (August 24, 2015)— The spectacular facility at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center is recognized as a top-notch setting for competition, and now many riders are also turning to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center as an ideal location to school their horses. The 80-acre Jacksonville Equestrian Center has opened its doors to riders to use its premier grounds for schooling in the coolness of the impressive 123,000 square foot indoor arena. 

Schooling at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center allows equestrians the chance to introduce their horses to the feel of a major showing venue without the high costs associated with competition. For just $10.00 per one horse and rider, or $20 for a rider with multiple horses, schooling is permitted in the state-of-the art indoor competition venue. Rising seating for 3,770 spectators surrounds the 150′ x 300′ arena, and premium new footing was just installed this summer.

Professional Quarter Horse trainer and AQHA judge Rick Christy enjoys schooling at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, especially with his young horses. He, his wife Kelley, and five of their horses recently spent an afternoon schooling with the entire arena to themselves. The Christys, based in Ocala, Florida with their training and sales business Rick Christy Quarter Horses, appreciate a chance to get out of the weather to school at Jacksonville. “We’ve been coming here in the summer when it is raining and hot to get out of the sun and the mud, ” Rick Christy explained. “It is a very nice facility; it’s worth the drive!” 

Kelley Christy agrees. “It’s a wonderful facility. It is very much like the places that we show.” The couple is familiar with the United States’ top showing facilities— Kelley has been recognized with many prestigious honors throughout her Quarter Horse training and showing career, including winning numerous Top Five awards at the All American Quarter Horse Congress. Rick has judged such major horse shows as the AQHA World Show, the NSBA World Championship Show, the All American Quarter Horse Congress, the Reichert Celebration, and the Southern Belle.

Kelley Christy added, “It’s great to bring the young horses up to the Jacksonville Equestrian Center to get them acclimated to the new surroundings. And, the people in the office here have been wonderful to work with.”

Riders of all disciplines are invited to join these professionals in schooling their horses at Jacksonville. All that is required to school is the small usage fee and a current Coggins certificate.

For riders who would like their horses to experience a more energetic atmosphere while schooling, Community Night Schooling events are held periodically at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. The next one will be on November 24 from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Other upcoming events at the facility include the Ride Lite Dressage show on September 5 – 6, then the Southeast Medal Finals championship jumping competition on September 17 – 20. In October, The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Association 4H Horse Show will take place on the 17th, with prizes available for 4H participants of all riding disciplines. Canines will also show off their skills at the AKC Pals & Paws Agility Trial on October 23- 25. Another highly anticipated event for the town of Jacksonville is the Lee Brice concert, to be held on November 14 at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center.

The Jacksonville Equestrian Center is located at 13611 Normandy Blvd in Jacksonville, Florida. The multi-faceted event center hosts equestrian, sporting, recreational and community events. For information about schooling or attending or scheduling events, visit www.jaxequestriancenter.com or call Penny Gorton at 904-255-4254.