There was definitely lots of show jumping action at the Live Oak CSI-W on March 10-12, with Todd Minikus winning the Longines FEI Ocala World Cup Qualifier; Â Andrew Ramsay topping the $35,000 Sovaro Grand Prix aboard Stranger; Jessica Springsteen turning on the speed to win the qualifier for the grand prix, the $35,000 Hollow Creek Farm Speed; and Sharn Worldey topping a class sporting a very unusual pair of stirrups, which reporter Ann Glavan found out all about.
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But Live Oak is also one of the prettiest venues around, so we pulled out a few of Ann Glavan’s favorite images from the weekend…
Andre Thieme rocked the gorgeous Conbalou back on his hocks to prepare for a careful fence.
Charlie Jacobs and Calanta flew across the sky in an opening class.
Owner of the Live Oak plantation, Chester Weber wears many hats at the Live Oak International, switching between competing in the driving competition and running the show jumping classes.
Manuel Torres and Christofolini H made for a pretty picture cantering in front of the massive Live Oak trees from which the farm takes its name.
The Express Clydesdales put on a show for spectators on Sunday.
Live Oak hosts a driving competition as well, with preliminary through FEI four-in-hand levels. This four of Friesians were stepping in time on the marathon course! Gerben Steenbeek drove the Stonecreek Friesians.
Studs were important for competitors to keep their footing on the grass.
Live Oak trees provide shade, a great name for the horse show and a natural jungle gym!
Riders entered the grass ring through this archway. Live Oak is a single-ring horse show and featured just five show jumping classes over its three-day stretch.
Spectators set up to watch the marathon driving on Saturday morning.
Lucy Deslauriers and Hamlet placed second in the $10,000 Waldron Private Wealth Power And Speed class.
Who wouldn’t be grinning while warming up in this beautiful field? Lucy Deslauriers and Hamlet get ready to head into the ring.
There are tents, and then there are these tents.
Marilyn Little and Corona, who won two classes at last year’s Live Oak International, placed sixth in this year’s $35,000 Sovaro Grand Prix.
Grooms and horses waited in the shade for their turn in the ring.
Express Clydesdales of Oklahoma City, Okla., were on hand for the weekend to meet spectators and perform their eight-in-hand wagon show.
These larger-than-life horses greeted spectators on their way into the show grounds.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning for driving in Ocala.
All kinds of different breeds were on display in the driving competition, like this Fjord pony Sweetwater’s Zorah Belle driven by Leslie Berndl.
Fair food abounded across the show grounds.
Loose horse! Luckily it’s just the Longines pony.
