Citrus Series Attracts International and Local Regulars

Wellington, FL - March 14, 2014 - Citrus Series Horse Shows at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center at Okeeheelee Park is establishing an ever-growing group of regular attendees. Comprised of both International and local riders and trainers, this new group of regulars agree that Citrus Series has built an ideal setting for professionals to bring their developing horses for an easy-going outing and for amateurs to gain confidence over both hunter and jumper courses.

The first of two March Tuesday afternoon shows was held on March 11 and was attended by horses and riders from a wide range of levels and abilities, all who benefited from the unique format.  

Bertrand Le Griffon trains hunters and jumpers alongside his wife Denielle Gallagher-Le Griffon, an international dressage rider at Remapo Equestrian Center in Suffern, NY. He brought Annie McFee to show two young horses, Le Griffon returned with Annie McFee after experiencing the February Citrus Series show. He knew the facility because his wife had competed in dressage at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center.

"I think it's great because I have a lot of young horses," said Le Griffon about the Citrus Series shows. "It's very easy and relaxed for the young horses to get in the ring and learn with no pressure. We have the time to do the right thing."

"I like the big ring because even the big horses have room to turn and all the lines are easy, the jumps have these beautiful flowers and walls and the footing is very good," said Le Griffon. "I think it's great to use this facility for the jumpers, and I just really love the Citrus Series. We rode two horses last week and I' m going to bring maybe four next week, we're very excited about it."

Robert Matz from Coatesville, PA and trained by Lynn Caristo Forgione returned with his horse Wise Guy to compete in the .80m-.85m jumpers. Matz is the son of famed international grand prix rider turned successful racehorse trainer, Michael Matz and his wife, Dee Dee Matz. Dee Dee Matz shared how much she appreciates how easy it is to show at Citrus Series, to know when you show and get in and out in a reasonable time frame.

Regulars Darragh Kerins, Maarten Huygens and Morgan Kennedy brought several horses. Kevin and Diana Babington and Sissy Wickes also returned with developing horses.

Join the fun at Citrus Series when it returns on Tuesday, March 18 and on Saturday, March 22 for hunter, jumper and equitation classes.

About Citrus Series Horse Shows
The unique features of the show are designed to help trainers, developing horses and riders achieve their goals affordably. Professionals and adults may ride ponies. If time permits, competitors can do do-overs to make sure the horse and rider leave the ring with a positive learning experience. A user-friendly class schedule and sale horse identifiers provide an opportunity to market sale horses.

Owners, breeders, riders, trainers and their assistants are encouraged to bring their up-and- coming horses and riders to come experience Citrus Series, at Jim Brandon Equestrian Center. Okeeheelee Park is a close, convenient high-quality facility. Jim Brandon Equestrian Center is located just three miles /five minutes from the intersection of 441 and Forest Hill Boulevard.