Spent the weekend here during the annual Jeeptoberfest celebration. So many Jeeps! The big horse pavilion was full of vendors with lots of free swag. Carnival food and drinks available. Spent most of the day watching Jeepers test their skills on the obstacle course. Watched a young girl tackle The Wall. Very impressive. This event happens every October and is highly recommended!

Back again to watch granddaughter compete in games competition. Facility is conveniently located about 10 minutes off I75, near numerous restaurants, and is a high quality equestrian destination. They have it all--multiple rings/competition facilities and practice/warm up areas; covered stalls with everything you could need; adequate parking areas (unpaved) and the facility is always well maintained. We intend to come up for the Grandview Invitational one of these years as it looks quite exciting.

We were here to watch granddaughter participate in mountain games competition. The facilities are incredible---housed on 300+well groomed acres ,it has plenty to interest most horsemen whether it be cross country , trail riding, rodeo style events (barrel racing, cutting...) or games and jumping competitions...They have a huge covered arena, several outdoor arenas, jumper arena, multiple stables with modern stalls available for a modest daily fee, wash racks and much more. We loved it and will return . Only drawback there is very little shade available and they have only one large restroom but have placed numerous port-a-potties around the property (not a fan of these!!!). Park is very convenient less than 2 miles off I75 and there is plenty of restaurants and fuel stations in the immediate area at the junction of I75.

We attended the Grandview Invitational this year at the Florida Horse Park. The event is in its third year but due to Covid we delayed until this year to attend. The arena is well protected from rain and the sides are open with wind blowing through but you are sitting close to people in bleachers if that is a sensitivity. Looking at google maps, there appears to be several entrances in to the park, and google marks the park entrance at a closed entrance. For this event, enter from SW 16th Ave. We decided to arrive a little early - just before 10am. My husband has a handicap to deal with so we always have to worry about getting him a place to sit. Since we had no experience, we went ahead and bought the VIP tickets due to the guaranteed seating with that option. It also offers close up parking. I mention this for two reasons. 1) The show starts at noon. If you arrive at the park early, say 10am, you will have your pick of seating. 2) You also will be parked very close to the arena and will not need VIP parking. We have a handicap placard and that gets you as close as possible for parking, even closer than VIP. Bleachers surround the entire arena and many people just bring their own chairs and place them right up against the ring barriers, so they are as close as you can get. So I am not sure for us that we benefited from VIP tickets, but if someone arrives closer to show start time, knowing that you have a guaranteed seat would be a comfort. The show started late this day because there were still so many people waiting to come in and most seats were then occupied so I could see the advantage there. The bleachers are metal bleachers and something you will feel more and more as the show goes on. On our day, a cold front had moved in and we had 54 degree winds blowing on us for hours. It took us an hour to warm up in the car going home so definitely think about comfort. So what did we do for two hours prior to the show? The barns are open to visitors... and wow wow wow. People were so friendly and allowed us to touch and stare at their magnificent animals. We watched them at every step of the process, cleaning the stales, feeding, giving baths, brushing, painting feet, braiding manes and tales with ribbons and flags, wiping down noses and mouths and putting on that impressive equipment. Many of the handlers had to stand on step ladders and tables to reach the tops of these amazing horse. The nature of these animals is quite remarkable. So many people around them and they just calmly stand there. The owners, handlers and workers were so respectful, professional and patient, being asked every silly question we could think of. We were allowed to touch these beautiful animals, but the horses decided for themselves. Some horses liked their ears rubbed, others elsewhere on their face or muzzle, and others turned their backs. All the people I saw remained very respectful. It takes about two hours to get a team ready. The show has many classes and although it is a small show compared to some elsewhere in the country, you really have to admire what the Grandview people have done to bring something like this to Florida. To see the 6 horse teams come in to the arena is such a thrill. I really couldn't imagine the hours it must have taken to train these horses and drivers to work as a team like they do. When they finish showing each heat, they were all lined up right out side the arena and you could walk amongst them, as they calmly waited to return to the ring. Lots of picture taking opportunities. It really is an intimate experience where you get up close and personal. It was obvious that the top priority was to ensure the horses were comfortable, safe, and show ready. Loved it and highly recommend it. Thank you so much to all who were so welcoming, patient, and allowed us to approach your equipment and horses. What an experience! If you have a horse lover with you, be sure to leave some time to check out the World Equestrian Center (WEC) (exit 40 to 80th Ave), if possible before 4pm, since many days there is jumping and various shows/competitions going on. Their page has the ongoing events.

The Grandview Invitational is by far the most exciting event of the year. The exciting part is watching the 8-horse wagons running at full speed in the arena. breathtaking. Watching Clydesdales and Friesians -- those HUGE horses -- work in precision is a treat.