Horse Care and Barns in St Petersburg, FL

[DressurLeben]

I’m a dressage rider and my family is moving to St Petersburg this July. We’re going to rent an apartment downtown off Central Ave.

What trainers would you recommend in the area? It’d be great if they were at a dressage barn, but I don’t want to be too picky since I know nothing about the area. I’m willing to drive 45 minutes. I’m riding FEI level, so I need a trainer with experience. Classical approach is preferred.

I’m from the Midwest, and I anticipate keeping horses in Florida is way different from what I’m used to. Any tips that I should know right away? Is colic a big problem with the heat and sand? Do the horses get turned out all day? I would imagine that it’s much too hot. Is nighttime turn out popular? What do I need to look out for that would be different from the Midwest?

What farriers and vets would you recommend in the area?

Is it popular for many people to snowbird their horses? If so, which months do they spend up north? My guess is June-September. Are there any shows nearby during the fall-winter-spring months? I’m not talking CDI’s and all the fancy stuff at Wellington. I’m hoping to qualify for USDF regionals, and that’s it.

[Manni01]

Hey! welcome to the area. I live in Sarasota. We don’t have a huge Dressage scene around here but there are some nice trainers. Not sure if you are coming before July to organize things, but if you are we could meet and I could show you around. I think I recommended Jill Hardt. She is in Plant City which is a little way from St. Pete but IMO a great trainer and a super facility. There is another Dressagetrainer maybe a little closer, which I don’t know personally but I can look up her name. Also my trainer lives in Ellenton which might be a little to far away, but she is amazing.
I came from Germany with my horses and yes Florida is very different for horses. But it is manageable.
And we do have a lot of very nice shows around here. I just rode in Orlando last Weekend, very nice show. So you will have lots of Opportunities to qualify for regionals…

[DressurLeben]

Oh! Could you all give me a ballpark price for monthly full board?

I know it’ll vary from place to place. But I’m looking for a barn that will feed, turn out, and clean stalls daily. That is what I mean by “full” board.

[happilyretired]

I’m in Central Florida and board at a very nice dressage oriented barn in Apopka. Monthly board is $850-$900. Not sure that is relevant for St. Pete area but is at least one data point.

[DressurLeben]

Trainers with FEI Experience

Who are the trainers at these places? Any dressage trainers with FEI experience?

Anvil Acres
Annwyn Equestrian Center
Calypso Bay
Circle C Ranch
Cross Creek Equestrian
Foxbrook
Hidden Oaks Stables
La Bella Vita
Lakeview Stables
Misty Farms (aka Deuces Wild?)
Serendipity Farm
Showcase Farm (closed?)
Slippery Brook Farm (closed?)
Stonewood Stables
Straight Forward (h/j only?)
Tarawin Farm (h/j only?)
Westport Equestrian Club

What is the best tack shop in town?

[Trixie_s_mom]

Sent you a message!

[Cinnamon1]

I am just seeing your inquiry and was wondering if you found a barn in your area. I board in Odessa and we would love another student that was interested in training and getting out to shows with us! Call or txt me at 8135417060 and I can tell you more about my farm. Best regards, Lisa