By Shaneen Kohler

Ocala, FL - April 19, 2006 - It's here. Only five months after the Florida Horse Park held its initial three-day event, it is hosting an internationally recognized one: the FEI-recognized CCI**/CCI* Florida International 3-Day Event, April 20-23. Jumping right to a two-star — which means higher fences, harder courses, more advanced dressage movements and more FEI-regulated rules — the horse park staff is taking on this new challenge with the enthusiasm it has with all of the events since its "debut" in November with the Ocala Horse Trials and Sunshine State Driving Event.

"Not only does this two-star event help us meet the qualifications needed to put in a bid for a four-star, which is one of our goals, it puts the Florida Horse Park into a whole new category," said Tom Warriner, chairman of the park's board. "Now, the Florida Horse Park's existence and attributes are being recognized by people involved in eventing worldwide."

Shelley Lambert, the park's event organizer, added, "It is a big step for the park and the staff has worked hard to ensure it will appeal to not only the competitors and people in the horse industry, but to the community. We want to encourage the community to be involved and have organized a lot of activities and exhibitions that families and spectators can enjoy."