In 1989, Carly Evans was an Animal Science Major at the University of Florida in Gainesville. A college assignment to design a horse facility was the conception of what is now the Alachua County Agricultural and Equestrian Center. The Grand Opening Night in 1991 was the birth of the Canterbury Equestrian Showplace, the first dedicated showground in Central Florida, still thriving in 2025. Providing recognized, high-quality, relaxed, and well-managed shows for the booming Dressage community, Carly and Alan Evans, along with Southeast Horse Shows, continue to be a constant presence in the region.

Carly and Alan Evans continue to manage Southeast Horse Shows, which offers eleven shows throughout the season and highlights the Amateur Competitor each year in the 2025 Region 3 Col. John B. Kimball Adult Amateur Championships.

Canterbury Equestrian Showplace: A Cornerstone of the Community

For nearly 30 years, Canterbury Equestrian Showplace was a central pillar of Alachua County’s equestrian community in Newberry, Florida. Established in 1991 by Alan and Carlie Evans, the 212-acre facility quickly became a regional destination for horse enthusiasts, hosting events almost every weekend and attracting riders across the Southeast.

“When Canterbury first opened, it was the only dedicated showground in north central Florida,” said Carlie Evans. “We were here long before places like the Jacksonville Equestrian Center, the Florida Horse Park, and now The World Equestrian Center in Ocala. We helped transform the area’s equestrian scene beyond backyard trail riding, and I’m proud of Canterbury’s role in that growth.”

Development Threatened Canterbury’s Future

Despite its early success, Canterbury’s future became uncertain as the property changed ownership multiple times. With rapid development in nearby Ocala, Gainesville, and Newberry, large portions of the property were sold to developers. Cross-country fences were replaced with residential homes, leaving only 36 acres with barns and arenas intact.

“It became a struggle to convince the owner to keep it open,” Evans explained. “Maintaining a facility like Canterbury is costly and doesn’t generate much profit. The owner often talked about tearing down the buildings entirely.”

A Grassroots Movement to Save Canterbury

Concerned by the threat of closure, Dr. Susan Milbrath, a retired Florida Museum of Natural History curator and lifelong equestrian, decided to take action. Attending a show at Canterbury in 2017, she noticed housing developments closing in on the venue. Motivated to save the facility, she and a group of friends founded the Preservation of Alachua County Equestrian Spaces (PACES) to rally support.

An economic impact study partnered with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) to conduct an economic impact study. highlighted Canterbury’s significant economic contributions, including 51 jobs, $1.45 million in labor income, and $4.43 million in business revenues. Many events hosted at Canterbury drew participants from across the Southeast, boosting local hotels, restaurants, and businesses.

Six months later, several developments worked in Canterbury’s favor—a newly elected county commission brought in leaders who supported preserving the facility. Additionally, plans for a new county fairground fell through due to wetland conservation restrictions, positioning Canterbury as a viable alternative.

Funding Secures the Purchase

Funds allocated for the fairgrounds and revenue from the Wild Spaces Public Places program—a local tax initiative supporting conservation and park improvements—allowed Alachua County to purchase Canterbury for $3.8 million in 2019. The property was renamed the Alachua County Agricultural and Equestrian Center and designated as the new site for the county fairgrounds. State grants were also secured to help with renovations and infrastructure improvements.

Cost Savings and New Opportunities

Building a new facility would have cost $12-15 million, but preserving Canterbury saved millions while maintaining its legacy. The Evans family was even invited back to help manage the revitalized center. Milbrath and PACES members remain committed to working with county officials to guide the facility’s future. “We’ve already provided suggestions to optimize the site’s operations and efficiency,” Milbrath said. “Our success came from persistence, organization, and acting at the right time.”