Every winter, as snowflakes start to fall and the temperatures drop, horse owners up north begin to eye Florida with that special gleam in their eyes. "Why am I shoveling snow when I could be watching palm trees sway by the arena?" they wonder, not so rhetorically. The solution? Load up your horses, grab some sunscreen, and head south for the ultimate winter escape: a season of horse shows, show jumping, and sunny skies in Florida!
The options are endless, really! Wellington International boasts Holiday Festivals, Charity events, WEF Premiere events, hunters, jumpers, dressage, oh my! It’s worth the trip to catch just one of these amazing shows!
Check out their event page and follow these steps for a hassle free getaway!
Step 1: Pack Your Bags (and Your Horse’s Entire Wardrobe)
Florida might have warm weather, but that doesn’t mean your horse’s luggage will be light! Somehow, you’ll need to bring everything they own. Fly sheets, five pairs of brushing boots, and enough saddle pads to stock a tack store—because who knows when your horse might decide that only a navy pad will do for schooling. Don’t forget the treats, either; those palm trees won’t be the only things with leafy snacks in Florida!
Step 2: Gearing Up for Show Season (A.k.a. Embracing the "Florida Vibe")
Arriving at a Florida showground is like stepping into horsey paradise. Think endless arenas, miles of trails, and riders with tans so convincing you’ll wonder if they were born in the saddle under the Florida sun. Of course, you’ll need to channel your own “Florida vibe.” Expect to see show jumpers galloping with a tropical flair—are those flamingo socks peeking out from someone’s boots? Absolutely.
Pro-tip: In Florida, you can wear that favorite neon-pink jacket and say it’s for “safety”—really, it’s all about the style points.
Step 3: Show Jumping and the Art of "Florida Heights"
Winter circuits in Florida, like the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF), take show jumping to the next level. Every year, horses and riders gather from all over to jump courses that seem taller and wider than they do back home. Blame it on the palm trees or maybe just the lack of snow-covered ground, but something about that Florida sand gives jumpers a little more spring in their step. Riders call it “Florida heights” – where a simple crossrail suddenly feels like you’re headed for the Olympic Trials.
Step 4: The Weather (Perfect for Sunbathing, Sometimes for Riding)
Florida winter weather is the stuff of dreams for those escaping the snow—think sunny, breezy, and a light jacket at most. That is, until one of Florida’s famous 10-minute downpours hits, and you realize you forgot to waterproof your boots. But don’t worry: in Florida, the arenas dry almost as fast as you can say “sunburn,” and the show goes on!
And let’s not forget about the ever-present sunscreen, unless you want a stylish “rider’s tan” that’s a mix of farmer’s tan and helmet visor outline. You might come back from Florida looking like a raccoon—but a warm raccoon.
Step 5: Navigating the "Florida Crowd"
The horse community in Florida is a mixed bag of equestrian royalty, snowbirds with their trusty steeds, and locals who know every grain of sand on the showgrounds. Be ready to spot Olympians warming up in the same ring as you and riders discussing the intricacies of their horses’ favorite coconuts at the local smoothie bar.
Step 6: The After-Show Beach Rides
If there’s one thing every horse lover should experience, it’s a beach ride with their steed under the Florida sun. Imagine the thrill of galloping along the shoreline, the waves splashing up in a glorious arc, and your horse going full-on “black stallion.” Of course, there’s also the very real possibility that your horse will see the waves, get extremely suspicious, and turn the whole thing into a show-jumping lesson on sand dunes.
So, this winter, instead of shivering in the snow, consider packing up your horse, your tack, and a sense of humor. Florida’s calling! Who knows? You might just come back to the barn with a new tan, a blue ribbon (or two!), and some unforgettable stories that don’t involve shoveling a frozen water trough.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to find my snow shovel.
-April
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