2020 Tom Powers Triple Futurity Christmas Challenge
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By Delores Kuhlwein
If you thought the Tom Powers Futurity was a vacation with horses before, hold on to your hats, folks.
Before you even think about the horse show part, picture this: You can be part of history by attending one of the first shows to be held at the new World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida–a location already considered to be the Horse Capital of the World. If you haven’t seen the photos of the multi-million dollar facility, get ready to drool. If you can picture yourself in an equine facility fit for a king, with a horse, that’s what it will feel like.
The move wasn’t originally on Tom Powers’ radar, but COVID-19 restrictions were making event planning an impossibility. He had called just about every facility in the country that could accommodate the event to no avail. But then, he received a game-changing call from Mary Roberts, who developed the property with her husband, Larry Roberts. “Mary called me and asked if we would like to show in Ocala,” Tom Powers explains.
The rest, as they say, was history, and preparations began for the 2020 Christmas Challenge at a facility that boasts 4,000 acres, a 4-star hotel, 1.5 million square feet of riding space including four climate-controlled arenas, two grand outdoor arenas with stadium seating, and 17 outdoor arenas with premium footing. Visitors will also enjoy manicured grounds, climate-controlled stalls, barns and arenas, plus 24-hour security, shopping, fine dining, an RV Park, and an on-site chapel. And that’s just the short list.
“Everything is designed for the comfort, safety and convenience of the horses and exhibitors,” explains Dominique Powers. “The footing in the rings is the best you can have, and everything is top notch and designed with care–from the temperature-controlled stalls to the security-enhanced tack rooms. This is a place where people are going to feel safe and comfortable.”
“From someone who’s been showing horses for 60 years, I’ve never seen a facility close to the quality, the expansiveness, and elaborate nature of this facility,” Tom says. “They have done an exemplary job and the Roberts family should be commended.”
A Show for Everyone
