Yep. It seems that Ocala, Florida is the horse capital of the country. Live Oak International started 25 years ago as a driving competition, but in 2012 expanded to include jumping and is part of the Longine World Cup Grand Prix. This is the event Pam and I saw on Sunday, and I was totally blown away.
To begin with, it was a picture perfect day, meaning the weather was wonderful (sunny and in the high 70s) but which also means it was lousy for pictures, at least by my standards. I dislike harsh light and prefer overcast or shade, unless I can get some early or late day low sun lighting. Not to be, but these photos are the best I could manage.
What is impressive to me is the incredible athleticism of these horses. Take a gander at these photos and how high these animals can jump! Holy crap. The skill of the rider must also be taken into account, and even a novice like me noticed how the rider isn't just along for the ride, part a part of the synergy of the pair. The lower body muscles needed to compete here were quite evident.
To enter, it costs about $1.000 per contestant. There is prize money to be had though, with the winner of the jumping competition the lion's share of $100,000. Here is the prize form. Not that these folks mind paying a mere grand to enter, or need a $25,000 first prize award. I sense that there is a lot of money here.
This was one of my favorite things to photograph. Ever. I rank it right up there with Savannah's Scottish Games. Pam and I hope to come back next year to spend a few days here, including seeing the driving events.
Live Oak Plantation, by the way, is a HUGE horse operation, and has bred and raced many winning thoroughbreds for many years.
Yep. Pamela is in her element here. She's loving it.
To begin with, it was a picture perfect day, meaning the weather was wonderful (sunny and in the high 70s) but which also means it was lousy for pictures, at least by my standards. I dislike harsh light and prefer overcast or shade, unless I can get some early or late day low sun lighting. Not to be, but these photos are the best I could manage.
What is impressive to me is the incredible athleticism of these horses. Take a gander at these photos and how high these animals can jump! Holy crap. The skill of the rider must also be taken into account, and even a novice like me noticed how the rider isn't just along for the ride, part a part of the synergy of the pair. The lower body muscles needed to compete here were quite evident.
To enter, it costs about $1.000 per contestant. There is prize money to be had though, with the winner of the jumping competition the lion's share of $100,000. Here is the prize form. Not that these folks mind paying a mere grand to enter, or need a $25,000 first prize award. I sense that there is a lot of money here.
This was one of my favorite things to photograph. Ever. I rank it right up there with Savannah's Scottish Games. Pam and I hope to come back next year to spend a few days here, including seeing the driving events.
Live Oak Plantation, by the way, is a HUGE horse operation, and has bred and raced many winning thoroughbreds for many years.
Yep. Pamela is in her element here. She's loving it.
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