We were contemplating doing the new WEC show circuit in Ocala this winter, but they only have 2 dates slotted through the entire season, so it looks like we are going to be doing the Venice Equestrian Tour.
Any experience with the circuit, facilities, pricing etc?
Any feedback would be helpful!
Yes, Fox Lea’s circuit is run very professionally. By far my favorite facility because it is not so busy and crowded, but the jumps and management are A+. Price wise… Cheaper than WEF but comparable to say, HITS Ocala? Still expensive but I mean it is an A show circuit option in S FL during season so they have the market to charge whatever they pretty much want. Turn outs are available- very small but usually let grown up with nice grass before the circuit. You can look up their exact pricing on their website, which they update frequently. Bottom line: I would absolutely recommend it!
Aren’t all their winter shows B rated?
I can’t seem to find a listing of show dates, have they made one up yet? It would be interesting to see how much it would cost do show there.
SCI- yes they are marked “B” but offer pretty much as many A rated divisions as B. Not sure how USEf or the show management decides what the rating is, but they have many A rated division options, which was what I meant. Thanks for pointing that out!
In case anyone wants the link, event calendar here gives you pages and downloads for all this past years dates and show info: http://www.foxleafarm.com/SHOW%20EVENTS%202017.htm – I think they did decide 2018 dates but they are posted on their FB page. Or maybe I was imagining things, would have to go check…
To clarify, for Sueby-- The “show info” links will lead you to a prize list and entry form with fees too.
2018 CALENDAR FOR VET:
Venice Equestrian Tour Kickoff, Competition #335001 for January 17-21, 2018
Venice Equestrian Tour I, Competition #333307 for January 24-28, 2018
Venice Equestrian Tour II, Competition #333308 for January 31- February 4, 2018
Venice Equestrian Tour III, Competition #333309 for February 7-11, 2018
Venice Equestrian Tour IV, Competition #333310 for February 14-18, 2018
Venice Equestrian Tour V, Competition #333326 for February 21-25, 2018
Venice Equestrian Tour VI, Competition #333327 for February 28- March 4, 2018
Dates taken from their website! I was not imagining things! Braiding optional too, which is great because braiders are about $150 for mane/tail per day when I went in 2016.
Sueby, quick tally: Stall (back barns or tents) and fees- $320ish
Divisions are $175-$225. I did two in a “week” with break/hack ($40ish per class) days in between because my mare was young and green.
In 2016, I stayed in the main barn and did not split or buy a paddock ($250). I think by bill from the show grounds was over 1k. Plus trainer fees and braiding-- I do not have a groom or let the barn groom touch my horse. Golf cart rental, food, hotel if you are from out of town (I lived close enough to commute) or RV hookup fee, horse transport (I have my own rig). It was a 2k “week”, at least, for me. Imagine closer to 3k for those staying in hotels (S. FL in winter :eek:) and paying for other luxuries/services.
Thanks for all the information, I appreciate it!
Full prize list and dates.
http://www.foxleafarm.com/2017%20VET…OOK%202017.pdf
Splitting a camper slot with a barnmate/best friend.
Thank you all for the feedback! Happy to hear people are loving the circuit.
Happy to hear all the positive feedback on VET…Fox Lea Farm is right in our backyard and we love going there – and the winter circuit has been great!
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