Fox Lea Farm to Host 10th Annual "Show Jumping Under the Stars" Grand Prix Series During Venice Equestrian Tour
Running since 2015, the nine-week horse show series attracts horses and riders from across North America for spectators to enjoy, from beginners to Olympic veterans.
This year’s series will offer several feature events for local residents, with proceeds benefitting local charities.
Running since 2015, the nine-week horse show series attracts horses and riders from across North America for spectators to enjoy, from beginners to Olympic veterans.
This year’s series will offer several feature events for local residents, with proceeds benefitting local charities.
Fox Lea Farm, Southwest Florida’s premier family-owned horse show facility and one of the largest sports tourism economic drivers for Sarasota County, announced the 10th anniversary of the Venice Equestrian Tour (VET) Winter Horse Show Series, offering over $1,000,000 of prize money. With support from Visit Sarasota County, this annual nine-week Hunter/Jumper series will feature Show Jumping Under the Stars every Friday night, where spectators can watch world-class talent as they compete for a chance for a piece of the $25,000 purse.
“Fox Lea Farm is looking forward to welcoming exhibitors and spectators alike to the 10th year of the Venice Equestrian Tour,” said Kim Aldrich Farrell, COO of Fox Lea. “We are excited about our many upgrades, including state-of-the-art footing in the competition arenas and a new pavilion for an elevated experience for our spectators and charity partners. We are anticipating record attendance numbers for this 10th anniversary of our winter show circuit!”
The milestone anniversary follows significant renovations made by Fox Lea Farm in 2023/2024, including the addition of a new spectator pavilion and synthetic footing in the main competition rings, now recognized as the second-largest horse show ring in Florida. Beginning January 15, shows will run every Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through March 16, with the featured event, Show Jumping Under the Stars, running every Friday night throughout the circuit.
“Fox Lea’s 10th anniversary of 'Show Jumping Under the Stars' highlights their vital role in bringing world-class horse shows to our community,” said Peter Harvey, Director of Sports at Visit Sarasota County. “These events not only bring our community together, but they generate significant economic benefits for Sarasota County by bringing participants from around the nation to visit our region. We look forward to many more years of this incredible partnership.”
Event support comes from the Florida Sports Foundation, Equine Healthcare International, and Hassinger Equine Sports Medicine.
“We are excited to welcome everyone back after what has been a difficult year for our community as we continue to recover from a record setting hurricane season,” said Laurie Birnbach, Director of Community Relations at Fox Lea. “Support for our charity partners from our events will have a greater impact than usual, and we are looking forward to a great winter series.”
Show Jumping Under the Stars will take place every Friday from January 17th through March 14th, 2025. The $5,000 National Hunter Derby starts at 3:30pm, the $24,999 Grand Prix starts at 7pm. Free Parking, Admission $10 with proceeds benefitting our partner charities each week. VIP tables available. For more information or sponsorship opportunities, go to our website at www.FoxLeaFarm.net or contact 941-320-2018.
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About Fox Lea Farm
Established in 1983, Fox Lea Farm, founded by David and Linda Aldrich, has evolved into a premier family-owned horse show facility spanning 46 acres in Venice. Renowned for its "Grass Roots to Grand Prix" Hunter/Jumper series, featuring over $1,000,000 in prizes annually, Fox Lea Farm also hosts special events, AQHA shows, and the widely acclaimed Venice Equestrian Tour Winter Hunter/Jumper Circuit since 2016. Today, it proudly hosts over 42 events annually, embodying a commitment to safety, enjoyment, and community support. Visit www.foxleafarm.net for more information.
About Visit Sarasota County
Visit Sarasota County (VSC) is the official tourism marketing entity and primary provider of visitor information for Sarasota County where tourism is the top industry. Through programs and partnerships, VSC makes Sarasota County a better place by promoting our community on the world stage. These efforts bring together over 500 partners to keep visitors coming, local businesses open and residents employed all year. VSC is accredited by the Destination Marketing Accreditation Program, a program of the Destination Management Association International (DMAI). To learn more, visit www.visitsarasota.com.
Media Contact
Visit Sarasota County
Elizabeth Knight