Ocala, located in the north-central part of Florida, saw a boom in dressage sports thanks to the increasing number of equestrian facilities in the area. Ocala is famously known for its horse breeding and training facilities.

Alice Stuebling-Salm, Whispering Dream Dressage Center owner, agreed with the observation since she’s seeing a significant increase in demand in horse farms. She added that breeders from Sweden, Holland and Germany have come to Ocala to see how things go and apply it in their areas.

Dressage riders both in the U.S and abroad are flocking in Ocala to take part in USDF and USEF accredited events. Venues such as the Ocala Horse Park have been visited by thousands of enthusiasts all year round.

Equestrian facilities make it easier for dressage riders to transport their horses. They no longer have to haul the thoroughbred from their homes which could be far from the contest venue. Operational expenses are saved just be leaving the horses at facilities located near the dressage areas.

Currently, clinics attended by renowned trainers from the U.S. and abroad are currently being held in Ocala. This development only makes dressage sports even more popular.

A $10,000-worth barrel racing horse was reportedly stolen from a parish in Louisiana while the owners of were out of town. This was revealed by investigators headed by Carnie Burcham of the Livestock Brand Commission.

Burcham said that it is almost impossible for the horse to just get out of the DeSoto Parish stall by herself because the halter and lead ropes were also gone which means someone guided the horse out.

The Smith family, which owns the 16-year old bay mare named “Mimi,” usually keeps their six horses in the ranch located at the northern part of Loganspart. The daughters usually compete in barrel racings events in the state.

Burcham believes that whoever stole the barrel racing horse knew where it was being kept because the stealing took a short amount of time. She added that well-trained horses can easily be sold at a cheaper price. It could easily sell for $1,000 for those who need quick cash.

The investigator revealed that stealing of barrel racing horses in the area is not that uncommon. There were at least six incidents for the past year. Despite the presence of microchips, the horses were never recovered. As of now, the investigation is ongoing with the authorities asking the public for support.

British horse riders are busily preparing themselves for an important dressage event this weekend – the Saumur CDIO which takes place at le Cadre Noir in France. Leading the British team are Olympians Carl Hester and Jane Gregory.

Hester, who hails from Gloucestershire, will ride 16.2hh bay gelding Liebling II while Gregory of Wiltshire will ride Lucky Star. Joining the two are Richard Barrett (Hampshire) and Stephanie Croxford (Derbyshire).

Here are the other British riders that will compete in other dressage events:

CDI Big Tour – Emma Hindle, Judy Harvey and Fiona Bigwood
CDI Small Tour – Dane Rawlins, Emma Hindle, Judy Harvey, Carl Hester, Henriette Andersen
CDIY – Lara Griffith, Charlie Hutton and Rebecca Drane
CDIJ – Alexandria Barr, Phillipa Hutton,
CDIP – Eliza Mason, Georgina Starkie and Fiona Wood

The British dressage team has always been a fierce competitor in this annual event. Hester has won several events in last year’s edition. This will make him the person to beat in this prestigious competition.

Last September, Hester clinched the grand prix honors at Saumur riding Liebling II with a score of 71.16. At that time, he’s taken over the said ride from Anna Rose-Davis for about three weeks. He credited Davis for the outstanding training program.