Fox Lea Farms, in Venice, Florida, is bustling with activity as AQHA and NSBA exhibitors combine a love for mild weather with a passion for competition during the farm’s Winter Circuit and Fun In The Sun Futurity slated for later this week. Many competitors made their way from Tampa where the Gold and Gulf Coast circuits offered a full slate of AQHA competition.

The show started on Sunday, with Showmanship, Halter, Equitation and Hunter Under Saddle classes. Western Riding classes started off today’s competition and will be followed by Horsemanship and some Western Pleasure classes. Tuesday features over fences classes and Trail competition. After an off day on Wednesday, attention turns to futurity classes as the Sun In The Sun Circuit takes center stage featuring a wide range of Hunter Under saddle and Western Pleasure classes. AQHA competition returns on Saturday and Sunday to wrap up the Fox Lea Circuit.

With the new year came new pairings for competition as well as some long-time partnerships.

Under the guidance of Whitney Ridge, Denise Spinelli White of Branford Connecticut is attending Venice for the second year showing her new gelding, Hes A Good Dresser.

“We left up north where it’s freezing out and come here just because I love to show,” Denise said. “I just purchased Levi at the Congress so this will be our first year showing.” Denise and Levi will compete in Novice Amateur Showmanship, Trail, Western Pleasure and Horsemanship events.

Gavin Patterson of Frankfort, Ohio purchased Only The Best Chocolate in December. The new team, under the guidance of Lakins Quarter Horses, will compete in Performance Halter Mares and Western Pleasure.

“I am really looking forward to 2018, the start of my Amateur career and for our future and what we can accomplish.” Patterson said.

Adria Smith, of Allen Texas, returned to the show pen for the first time since having cervical spine surgery in July of 2017. She and her show partner, A Lazy Holiday compete in Amateur Western Pleasure under the guidance of Starnes Quarter Horses.

“I haven’t been in the saddle since the Madness in May so I’m very excited and nervous to get back in the show pen,” she said. “It’s a nice show with warm weather. I like all of the people here and being able to go to the beach and all of the restaurants, it’s just a great place.”

Trainers also mentioned the excellent conditions of the Venice facility.

Ashley and Kenny Lakins brought six horses for their facility in Wilmington, Ohio to compete in Venice for the first time.

“It’s such a beautiful facility, the footing is impeccable, the rail and pen is nice and big and the weather seems to be really nice,” Ashley said.

Maggie Grandquist of Pilot Point, Texas, is attending the show for the third straight year.

“I like this facility because everything is outside and you get to ride your horses just about anywhere,” Grandquist said. “It’s good to bring the young ones down here because there are so many great places to ride.”

Brian Bennett, of Sweet Shop Performance Horses located in Pickerington, Ohio, is attending for the fourth straight year.

“With nine horses, it’s great because there are lots of places to ride here,” he said.

Judges for this year’s event include: Andrea Simons, Kelly McDowall, Jim Searles, Liz Baker, Ryan Kail, Kathryn Kope, Brent Tincher, Tanya Green, Tina Anderson, Tracy Willis, Will Knabenshue, Steve Meadows, Rick Christy, Scott Hofstetter, Robin Swinderman, Pam Hunt and Dacia Johnson.

Complete results from the Florida Gold and Gul Coast Circuits are posted here and results from the Fox Lea Circuit are being added as they become available: https://www.anequineproduction.com

InStride Edition will post live results from the Fun In The Sun Futurity on Facebook on Thursday and Friday.

For a look at the full schedule Click Here