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View Full Version : Ocala Schooling Day....another option?

wannabegifted
Jan. 13, 2009, 01:39 PM
Well... for obvious reasons we opted to not go school at Ocala today (well, obvious to us here in northeast Florida!) I'm not sure if it actually was held or not, but it wasn't worth the slipping risk...

This question is posed for those "in the know" about Ocala... is it possible to go there to school privately?

Honestly the only reason I ask and the ONLY thing I need right now is access to the water jump. We have been going to Rocking Horse, but Ocala is the only other water jump access I can think of in north Florida. I am in the process of working with the Oaks at Lake City, but I am not sure what their deal is currently. Canterbury wont turn on the water unless there are 8 or more schooling. Blah!

Anyway, I am more than happy to pay the full schooling fee, even if it is to only school the water jump (and I am talking training level and below water).

Thanks!
nextyear
Jan. 13, 2009, 03:09 PM
Wed. the 14th of Jan. they are schooling not many showed for Tues because of the weather.
austin
Jan. 13, 2009, 09:20 PM
the footing held up well. just sandy, not slick. of course we were wet as drowned rats. there were some lovely driving horses there too. our event horses were very interested in them. :)
wannabegifted
Jan. 14, 2009, 08:11 AM
ug... unfortunately I can't take off of work that quickly... anyone else know if there will be another option?
Jaegermonster
Jan. 14, 2009, 03:04 PM
I think I"ve posted this for you before but Misty Morning Hounds has a water complex. It's not at the level of the one at the horse park but it's very nice and open whenever you want to use it if you call first.
www.mistymorninghounds.com
One Star
Jan. 15, 2009, 01:56 AM
Sorry that the weather didn't cooperate for you on Tuesday; we did hold the schooling anyway and a few hardy souls braved the much-needed rain. We also held a second schooling day on Wednesday in fairness to those who didn't want to come out and play in the puddles on Tuesday. But sadly, there will not be another opportunity for you to school over the terrain and in the water before our February 13 event. There is no private schooling at the Park; in between our events and schooling days the grounds crew and course builder move the jumps, mow the tracks, repair the footing, and prepare for the course designer to come out and create the next course. Sorry it didn't work out for you this time. Have you tried calling Longwood to see about schooling in their water?
wannabegifted
Jan. 15, 2009, 08:20 AM
JAeger - Yes you have posted that, and we've been there a couple times, but as you stated, it isn't quite the level that I am looking for (and it is hard to coordinate getting it filled, for the life of me I couldn't get it turned on last time).

One-Star- Have you checked your PM's?
NeverTime
Jan. 15, 2009, 08:23 AM
What about the water complex at Longwood? Is outside schooling allowed there?
Jaegermonster
Jan. 15, 2009, 10:18 AM
JAeger - Yes you have posted that, and we've been there a couple times, but as you stated, it isn't quite the level that I am looking for (and it is hard to coordinate getting it filled, for the life of me I couldn't get it turned on last time).

One-Star- Have you checked your PM's?

It's just a ball valve in the corner, you just turn it. But ok. I wasn't sure what level you were schooling at.
One Star
Jan. 15, 2009, 11:52 AM
What about the water complex at Longwood? Is outside schooling allowed there?

Yes, I've been several times. That's why I suggested it to Erika.

Longwood South

(352) 351-5030
10011 Nw Highway 225a, Ocala, FL 34482
One Star
Jan. 15, 2009, 11:53 AM
JAeger - Yes you have posted that, and we've been there a couple times, but as you stated, it isn't quite the level that I am looking for (and it is hard to coordinate getting it filled, for the life of me I couldn't get it turned on last time).

One-Star- Have you checked your PM's?

Yes, I just haven't had the time to formulate a thoughtful reply yet. I'll pass it on, though. :)
NeverTime
Jan. 15, 2009, 12:13 PM
Yes, I've been several times. That's why I suggested it to Erika.

Longwood South

(352) 351-5030
10011 Nw Highway 225a, Ocala, FL 34482

Sorry! Missed that in your reply. Their water complex has questions for every level through advanced. It's really nice ... and really ... BLUE
maxxtrot
Jan. 15, 2009, 12:38 PM
to school at longwood, you have to be an insured trainer before betsy will let you school. not sure how many people you would need to go. i know i have talked to ralph hill about getting a group together to go with him,actually it was ralph's idea for me to get a group together, so, who's in? i am
wannabegifted
Jan. 15, 2009, 02:36 PM
One Star - Great, looking forward to hearing from you.

Too bad Green Acres is gone

and yes, that is why I am not going to longwood, because there is no outside schooling without approved trainer.

Jaeger- I don't know, maybe the ball valve was stuck, but both my mother and I tried to get it to turn and it wouldn't. I know where it is, I just couldn't get it on.
Jazzy Lady
Jan. 15, 2009, 03:55 PM
I find the water at longwood to be really deep and not so great for green horses. For horses that are seasoned it's fine and there are some great questions. The back water is shallower, but REALLY mucky.
Windy Willow
Feb. 9, 2009, 11:16 PM
Well if you were anywhere nearby I could introduce you to the famous "DipVat" where many many tales of woe have been passed down through the years in our hunt . Its one heck of a water crossing and will definitely measure up to any eventers schooling for watercrossing. Definitely lots of questions :) maybe too many..........
I've only came off twice in 14 years going up it.

Think.... Deep slippery embankment going into water and up out of it , the depth depending on how much rain we've had .Its about 5ft wide at widest crossing.At times there can be a nice current One year a horse was saved when one of our whips jumped in and cut the standing attachement with a knife. and saved the horse:eek:

I've been on three hunts that three people were hurt going across it.I don't think its anyones fav crossing and we always moan when we hear the hunts heading towards the dip vat.

I do like playing in water with my horses tho.
Jaegermonster
Feb. 9, 2009, 11:19 PM
I've been through the dipvat a couple of times. One time a friend was with me and it was very very muddy, made more so after many many horses had gone through ahead of us.
Her horse flipped over backwards on top of her (he got mired down in the mud coming out)
and she broke her collar bone. it wasn't fun.
Windy Willow
Feb. 9, 2009, 11:25 PM
I remember a guest broke their collarbone it seems. I may of been there that day. It was maybe four or five yrs ago? NO its NOT FUN!

I thought they were going to build a bridge across it but they havent yet.
Jaegermonster
Feb. 9, 2009, 11:34 PM
Yes it was several years ago.
I doubt there will be a bridge, Marty is too macho for something as wimpy as a bridge.
Windy Willow
Feb. 9, 2009, 11:49 PM
Haha Well it would be solely for the benefit of him...enabling him to keep up in his SUV...I can see it now, riders having to go off the sides of the bridge... either that or get runned over!:D
c_expresso
Feb. 11, 2009, 08:46 AM
At Longwood I am pretty sure you need a certified instructor...... try Willow Run Farm too. Or Kyle Carter's farm is great for schooling.