The threat of thunderstorms and heavy rain couldn’t keep horse-lovers away from Saturday’s Spring Social and Young Horse Expo. The event, hosted by Sakura Hill Farm and Prosperity Farms, gathered approximately 60 people together and raised about $750 for the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.
Located in the heart of Florida’s horse country, the 50-acre Prosperity Farms was a perfect and picturesque venue for the event. The Williston, Fla. farm is a breeding and training facility dedicated to warmblood sport horses and ponies. Andrea Hayden and the staff provide excellent care, nutrition, and training for the horses there.
Sakura Hill Farm, who co-hosted the event with Prosperity Farms, strives to breed international quality jumpers and A-circuit hunters. They are located in Gainesville, Fla. and owned and operated by the Sakurai family. The farm has quite a wonderful collection of horses, many of which were shown at the event, including several very nice 2011 foals.
During the event, horses were presented to the guests while professional Irish show jumper Marcus Rhatigan emceed. Horses were shown in-hand then let loose to trot, canter, and some free-jumped to the delight of the crowd.
After the young horses and broodmares were shown, Cristobal Castro wowed the audience with a bridle-less riding performance. He and his sweet chestnut mare Crispeta walked, trotted, and cantered a few figures around the ring. Castro guided her using just subtle cues and leg aides. As if that wasn’t amazing enough, they took a few turns through the jump chute, jumping everything with ease.
Of course the highlight of the event was the foals. Five mares with young 2011 foals at their sides were met by some “Awww”s and loads of enthusiasm from the guests. One colt with a rather unique face marking seemed to be a crowd favorite. His name? Cat in the Hat. His face marking looks just like the Dr. Suess character.
While this was going on, people were also looking through the silent auction items and making donations in exchange for chances to win the great prizes. The silent auction benefitted the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA). The group had volunteers on hand to help at the event, answer questions and educate guests on the equine-based therapy program. They have been around since 1985 and boast 100 clients from five counties and over 180 volunteers, 16 program horses, 7 nationally certified riding instructors and 2 full-time staff. A worthy cause, MTRA offers people with physical, mental, and emotionally disabilities the benefit of horseback riding and carriage driving therapy. More information on the MTRA (and how you can help) can be found here (http://www.mtraocala.org).
Victoria DeMore Photography was the official event photographer for the 2011 Spring Social and Young Horse Expo. Photos can be seen both on their Facebook page and also through their online proofing site. Print prices have been discounted specially for this event. To purchase any prints, you can order through that proofing site. In addition, half of any monies made from the sale of these photos will go to the MTRA.
Monica Sakurai did a fantastic job coordinating the event and running many of the horses through the ring. It was a successful event that brought many horse-lovers together and helped a great cause. Plans for next year’s Spring Social and Young Horse Expo are already underway. Keep your eyes out for it and go next year, you won’t be disappointed!
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