Tampa, FL – October 19, 2016 – The Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse show, riding a new wave of popularity that last year saw a dramatic increase of nearly 3500 entries, returns to the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds on Wednesday, December 28 and will run through December 31, 2016.
Because of that unprecedented growth, under the direction of returning manager Mark Harrell Horse Shows, the event earned the distinction of being named one of the top 15 American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) shows for 2015. The Florida Gold Coast event last year welcomed nearly 6100 AQHA entries from coast to coast, as well as additional National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA) and non-AQHA entries for a grand total of 7,563 entries. That number is up from 4,056 total entries in 2014 – noting that remarkable increase of more than 3,500 entries.
In addition to being the perfect place to welcome in the New Year, exhibitors this year can look forward to a number of much anticipated improvements, highlighted by the brand-new, all weather footing and the extensive and well planned drainage systems installed in all of the outdoor rings at Tampa Fairgrounds, thus ensuring perfect footing no matter the conditions.
In addition to the improvements to the facility, there have been additions to the Show Bill as well. Look for a number of new classes including Slot classes for horses with $2500 or less in earnings and/or less than 25 points as of January 1, 2016. This will be open to all breeds, just make sure you enter by 5 p.m. the night before the class is scheduled to show. There is a $2,000 entry fee for each class. If there are 10 or more entries, the winner receives a hefty payday of $10,000. If there are less than 10 entries, the payback will be adjusted. (These classes are NOT NSBA approved.)
In addition to these outstanding prizes, make plans to attend this year’s New Year’s Eve party. It promises to be one of the great parties of the year and a great way to usher in 2017.
Immediately following the Florida Gold Coast Quarter Horse Circuit and beginning on January 2, 2017, competition at the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center will continue with the Florida Gulf Coast Circuit.
