The Third Annual Florida Equestrian Celebration will be held November 17-19, 2006, at the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Considered the largest equestrian exposition in Florida and the Southeast, this year's Celebration will include invaluable educational clinics, workshops and seminars, dynamic horse and rider performances, impressive breed presentations and a trade show that will please even the most prominent shopper.

Famous clinicians and horse experts include Craig Cameron, Richard Shrake, Jane Savoie, Tommie Turvey, Don West, Ross and Dawn Falisi, Dr. KC LaPierre, Dr. Karen Hayes, Phil Rogers, Matt Gable, Ryan Gingerich, The Priefert Hitch Texas Thunder, Debi Metcalfe, Hal Coates and many more.

Spectacular entertainment includes Friday night's distinguished Dinner In The Dirt™ starring Equine Extremist Tommie Turvey. Saturday night will highlight champion bull riders from across the country mounting some of the world's best bucking bulls for the celebration's first Bull Riding Blowout. On Sunday, the Celebration's inaugural show jumping grand prix will debut. Additionally, the Women's Professional Rodeo Association will hold a breathtaking barrel racing competition.

Promoter Gordon Calhoun stated, "We asked folks what they wanted in this year's Celebration. They said equine experts, exciting competition, thrilling entertainment and shopping. Well, this year's Celebration will have something for everyone. It's going to be power packed with thrilling performances from horse hooves to wild bullhorns! You won't want to miss it!"

Day event ticket prices are $17 for adults, $10 for kids (5-12), kids under five are free, and $43 for a family of four (two adults, two kids). Northeast Florida Equestrian Society (NFES) members, seniors, military, and 4-H members (13 and older) receive a $2 discount. Evening entertainment and all VIP tickets are sold separately. For detailed ticket information, visit the Florida Equestrian Celebration website at www.floridaequestrian.com.

The Florida Equestrian Celebration supports the efforts of the Florida equine industry by donating money to the NFES, which in turn supports the Jacksonville Equestrian Center. Key sponsors of the Celebration include Duval Ford, SunTrust Bank and the Seminole Indian Tribe of Florida.

The Florida equine industry is one of the largest in the United States. There are almost 300,000 horses in Florida and 70% of them are used for showing and recreation. The Florida horse industry produces goods and services valued at $2.2 billion annually. Nearby Marion County (Ocala) has the largest horse population of any county in the United States.

For detailed event information, call Calhoun Event Planning Productions at (352) 804-0411 or visit www.floridaequestrian.com. All show applications are downloadable online.


~~~