STRIDE Dressage and Driving Ocala Schooling Show Series 2025/2026 - Mary Phelps

The STRIDE Dressage Club of Ocala, established in 1989, serves as the backbone for Dressage in Central Florida. The club addresses the needs of its thriving community by adding Driving and Western Dressage to its popular schooling show series at the Florida Horse Park. Well-run, organized, affordable shows with quality judges, footing, and stabling provide an excellent training ground for riders, drivers, trainers, grooms, and officials. It’s a unique opportunity for amateurs, young horses, and to showcase horses for sale.

Stay tuned as we continue to develop and report on this series, announcing judges, officials, and course designs.

Save the Dates and Come Early

Saturdays are for learning, and Sundays are for Showing. Stay tuned as we will begin to add more info as plans become booked.

October 18-19
December 6–7
January 3–4
February 14–15
March 21–22

Dressage and Driving – A Comfortable Combo

The Florida Horse Park is uniquely positioned to offer the space and stabling to accommodate both driving and ridden dressage, keeping them nearby yet separate. The Live Oak Arena, developed for Driven dressage through a generous donation from Live Oak Stud in Ocala, serves as the location for Driven Dressage, adjacent to the cross-country fields where cones and marathon obstacles are incorporated into the schooling element of the shows.

American Driving Society Driven Dressage Medal Program

Beth Reiselman and Dawson ADS Dressage Silver Medalists

The Driven Dressage portion of the show series, recognized by the American Driving Society, brings added value, enabling drivers to earn points toward the ADS Driven Dressage Awards program. Plans are currently underway to hire recognized ADS Judges who will meet the criteria for members to earn their scores towards ADS Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal status, as well as other year-end awards.

Western Dressage Welcomed and Growing

In response to growing interest and participation, STRIDE has proudly expanded its offerings to include western dressage. STRIDE’s shows give western dressage competitors a place to test their skills and earn scores. The shows count toward the WDAFL (Florida chapter of WDAA) medal program, offering added value and incentive for riders dedicated to their advancement in the sport.

Saturdays Are for Learning

Stride show organizer Kathy Zeigler loves her Westen Dressage

Educational and schooling options will be introduced for early arrivals settling in on Saturdays, including course walks, test drive opportunities, cross-country schooling, and demonstrations.

For the ridden dressage portion, options are being explored with clinicians, judges, and trainers utilizing the facilities to further prepare for Sunday’s classes, making the most of the reasonable rates provided by the Club and the Florida Horse Park.

Sponsors and Support

Established in 1996, The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park is a 500-acre, multipurpose facility and one of Central Florida’s premier venues for equine, agricultural, educational, and sporting events.

With the support of state funding, sponsorship, educational grants, and private donations, the FHP has maintained a long-standing relationship and commitment to the STRIDE Dressage Club.

Mary Phelps Equine Insurance With Markel

Select Mary Phelps Equine Insurance Specialist when filling out your on-line form.

Florida Horse Park board member Mary Phelps, a long-time equine insurance specialist with Markel Corp, sees the value in supporting the efforts of STRIDE Dressage. Phelps is also an FEI 3* Driver, having competed in two FEI World Driving Championships for Ponies, with her pony four-in-hand Driving Team known as “The Flying Gangsters.”

“This location is one of the most comfortable and user-friendly venues central Florida has to offer the equestrian community. A significant amount of work, donations, and development have been invested in the Park over the last few years, transforming it into a world-class facility. This is the perfect place to develop dressage talent in a positive, affordable, and well-managed series of shows. I am grateful that Markel recognizes and is working together with me and the Horse Park to support this effort. “

Stay tuned as we continue to develop and report on this series, announcing judges, officials, and course designs.

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