19/08/2024
I had a lot of fun making this!! As I was driving down my driveway and watching our neighbors fix their fence for their new clients arriving this winter and seeing all the barns and places being rented out for the season. It feels like Christmas which made me think of Twas the Night Before Christmas. Which led me down this path....
'Twas the eve of the season, in Ocala's warm air,
Where the horse folks descended, with time to prepare.
The paddocks were trimmed, and the fences stood tall,
Ready to welcome each horse, big and small.
The property owners, with hammers in hand,
Repaired all the fences, on their Florida land.
Rentals were listed, and barns quickly filled,
With the promise of horses, the air gently thrilled.
Feed stores were buzzing, with hay stacked to the brim,
And the smell of fresh grain filled the stables with vim.
Fly spray and hoof oil, brushes and tack,
Were loaded in trunks, and packed to the back.
Trailers were loaded, their lights shining bright,
As the long hauls to Florida commenced through the night.
The roads led them south, to that equestrian haven,
Where Ocala's rich soil would welcome each raven.
The vets prepped their clinics, with medicines near,
And farriers readied their anvils with cheer.
Tack shops displayed bridles and saddles with pride,
As riders equipped for the journey they'd ride.
From HITS to World Equestrian Center, the shows lay in wait,
For the thrill of the courses, the rush of the gate.
The nights would be filled with hoofbeats on sand,
In the Horse Capital’s heart, where dreams are so grand.
The fields would soon echo with laughter and cheer,
As riders and horses made memories dear.
In Ocala’s bright pasture, under skies wide and blue,
The winter would bloom with each gallop anew.
Gather your helmets, your boots, and your gear,
For the season in Ocala is finally here.
Here’s to the trainers, the riders, the steeds,
May this season bring victories and meet all your needs.
