Trail Rides and Events

HORSES N’ HEROES ~ OCALA LIVESTOCK PAVILION

The Horses Horses Horses Gala to benefit Horses N Heroes was held on July 11th & 12th at the Ocala Livestock Pavilion. This was a great chance for the FFTA to help a local charity, as well as to introduce the public to the Fox Trotter. They had quite a line up consisting of Lipizzans, Paso Finos, Mustangs, Quarter Horses, Arabians, Appaloosas, Lusitanos, Gypsy Vanners, Mules, Tennessee Walkers, Fresians, Peruvians, Jumper Horses and of course, the Missouri Fox Trotter. As more and more spectators started coming by, what started out as a table full of information about the Fox Trotter ended up almost empty … seeing that made everyone sure that the weekend was a success. With that being said, we have a very special thank you for Marilyn Johnson who volunteered her time at the FFTA booth. (Not a bad day for Marilyn, her name was drawn for the raffle—enjoy the quilt!) Saturday there was a 4 minute presentation of the Fox Trotter and a 30 minute educational segment held by Jim Woodward, Michael O’Neal & Big Mac’s Silverado. Sunday was the Parade of Horses, where the group was able to show the audience how versatile the Fox trotter can be. They were really strutting their stuff out there - look one way and see the infamous Fox Trot, look the other & you could see the canter, while in the middle they had the versatility going strong. There was another instructional segment Sunday afternoon, and then the weekend was over. While packing things up, you couldn’t help but think, what a wonderful weekend it had been for the FFTA and the Missouri Fox Trotter.

A huge THANK YOU goes to Carl & Linda Balyeat, Cailean & Michael O’Neal, Jim & Kathie Woodward for making yourselves available for this event. One look at these pictures and it’s obvious that the FFTA was VERY well represented.

 

The Gathering             Written by Stephanie O’Neal

   The Gathering was held at The Rocking Horse Ranch in Altoona on April 17 - 19. My family & I attended the dinner at last year’s Gathering, but were unable to get there for the trail ride and entertainment. If I had only known then what I do now.

    What started off as a hazy morning turned into the most beautiful day. The trail ride was amazing. After   riding through the forest we came to a big lake, I think the horses were more excited to see this than we were. As you can see from the pictures it was a lot of fun. When we returned from the ride, we were greeted by the Lake County Mounted Posse. They rode into our view in formation, taking the time to introduce each of them and their horses. Some older horses, some young ones and many different breeds, but all of them great. After their introduction, they showed us the many obstacles that they train with. Everything from the seesaw we are      accustomed to seeing to shooting off firecrackers in a barrel while standing next to it, the horses hardly moving a muscle. It’s something that is probably not thought about much and even unappreciated at times, but after watching them and hearing all that they do - most as volunteers - it really puts it all into perspective.

    Lastly, they showed us some things about mounted shooting. They played through a couple different scenarios starting off slow and then got faster. They had the guns, the outfits, the whole nine yards. For those of you that haven’t watched it before, it will make you want to watch no longer - only participate.

    Can’t forget to mention the tack and centerpiece auctions. Our thanks go out to Michael O’Neal and Ross Harper for their help. We couldn’t have done it without you and look forward to next year. Tom Zimmer won the raffle for the saddle … he was REALLY surprised.

    After a wonderful afternoon, it was time for dinner. The caterer was GREAT. Not only at dinner but lunch as well. There was definitely no harm done when they were chosen. Conversations were plentiful as was the food. Good friends & good food, what’s better than that! Dinner wrapped up and it was time to head out. I want to thank everyone involved for a wonderful time. The Gathering is without a doubt something not to be missed. And thanks for sharing it with us.