Equestrian vacation - Tampa/Sarasota

[The_Centaurian]

I have the most wonderful problem in the world-- how do I spend 2 days to myself in West Florida this November? I am doing the beach thing with family and the arts thing for work, with two whole days of freedom to ride in between.

I love trying new disciplines, might still be horse shopping, and can go anywhere along the West FL coast.

I would love to stay on site somewhere horsey-- bunk w/the working students, for example, or something like the equestrian accommodations you see in VA.

Thanks!

[Kwill]

I would love to hear an answer to this, my in-laws live in this region and I always am interested in horsey stuff there.

[Manni01]

Welcome to the beautiful Sarasota area (I am not so familiar with the Tampa area) but there are certainly some horsey things going on in Sarasota. One huge recommendation would be this…https://cponies.com/our-beach-horses/
She does a great job with it and its fun!!! Another fun thing I can recommend is this https://www.facebook.com/hvfpoloschool/?fref=ts
Then I dont know whether you are more into Dressage or jumping but I could certainly connect you with the dressage szene in our area. You are welcome to shoot me a PM any time

[The_Centaurian]

Manni, Dressage and jumping are always welcome; these are familiar equestrian endeavors, and always a joy. I love your other suggestions, too!

Polo, yes! I play at home, and it’s incredibly addictive-- it’s pretty funny that the nicest people are sometimes the most aggressive players. http://www.sarasotapolo.com/polo/learn.cfm

I have lived in Florida my entire life and have never gone beach riding! The one listed above looks really nice; I saw another beach riding outfit in Bradenton that might also be good. http://www.beachhorses.com/

I also found a barn for Saddlebreds and gaited horses in Tampa, something I have always wanted to try! http://fivegaitstables.com/

South Creek Foxhounds won’t quite be in season during my trip, but it definitely belongs on the list http://www.southcreekfoxhounds.com/

I just love trying different equestrian sports-- I have never tried working cattle, driving, reining, speed games, gaited horses, or vaulting-- all of these are on the bucket list.

Not to mention the great venues I want to visit! Rome, Aachen, Spruce Meadows…

[MunchingonHay]

drive up to The Villages and go to http://thegrandoaks.com/ Gloria Austin started this facility and it is now run by someone else. (long story)

I would arrange to either take a lesson with Thorston or Elizabeth if possible. Just hanging out in the restaurant will most likely get you invited on a drive or a horsey opportunity. (it is about an hour or so from Tampa)

I am in Tampa and have been spoiled as there is not much here after living in places like Ocala, Middleburg, etc. where there is always something going on.