Ocala Horse Properties Returns as Title Sponsor for 6th Annual Ocala Eventing Prix Invitational

The Ocala Horse Properties’ Eventing Prix, being held March 4th & 5th, has evolved over the years to become one of our communities most loved events. The entry list showcases top equestrian talent from the US, Canada, England, New Zealand and Australia, proving why our region is a hotbed for international horse sport.

The Eventing Prix Invitational was created by incoming USEA President, Max Corcoran, and Olympic show jumper, Scott Keach, in 2013. This event, held at their Southern Cross Equestrian, showcases Marion County’s top-level event riders show jumping against the clock, in an effort to win team and individual prize money.

Monday, March 4th is the 1.15m Welcome Class and Tuesday, March 5th, features the 1.30m Ocala Horse Properties’ Eventing Prix! This year promises to be tremendously entertaining, with an early list of world class entries assuring that the competition will be fierce!

OHP’s Roots Are Deep Within Our Ocala Eventing Community

That commitment to Eventing is why OHP steps up year after year to support this type of event! Over the past several years, this format of show jumping competition for event riders has become popular throughout the USA because it offers prize money and showcases the sport of eventing to a wider audience. The OHP Eventing Prix Invitational exemplifies the bond between riders, owners and supporters in the Marion County region and the goal is to see this event thrive for years to come.

The team at OHP is comprised of dedicated horse people with a passion for Eventing. The Desino Brothers relocated to Ocala nearly 2 decades ago, originally coming here in 2002 for the winter training season. In 2005 Rob and Chris invested in a large horse property that backed up to the O’Conners, permanently relocating to Ocala from New York State. Soon after settling in Ocala, their dedication to the sport evolved into their passion for providing quality real estate services to this niche market, and the rest is history!

In speaking with management at OHP, Rob Desino pointed out that the dedication they bring to this event is rooted in loyalty to the sport and the people. “Eventing is still in our blood and without eventing we wouldn’t be in Ocala. We like giving back to people who appreciate what we’ve done for the sport.”

A perfect example of that loyalty within relationships is OHP’s ownership of top level horses for Liz Halliday-Sharp, who competes in the Eventing Prix. Liz and her husband Al originally met the Desino’s while shopping for property in Ocala. That businesses relationship evolved into friendship, and the team at OHP began to observe Liz’s work ethic and competitive talent. Today, OHP owns syndication shares in several of Liz’s Horse Power Equestrian horses, including Deniro Z and Cooley Moonshine.

Matt Varney added that their dedication to this particular event is due to the draw it has within the Ocala community. He began working with the Desino Brothers in 2010 at Wellington Equestrian Realty, traveling back and forth to manage Ocala real estate transactions as that business grew.

Today he and his wife Courtney own a horse farm in Ocala and call this area home. “We enjoy being here year round due to the open space. Courtney is an accomplished upper level dressage rider and FEI veterinarian, and Ocala offers the ability to run thriving businesses in farm country while having easy access to many incredible competitions venues.”

Matt expanded upon OHP’s choice to align themselves with the Eventing Prix, as they’ve also supported larger shows at the Ocala Horse Park, Longwood and HITS.

“We’ve had to choose which sponsorships would be most effective for us. The intimate nature of the OHP Eventing Prix has always appealed to us because it gives us a chance to interact with many of the riders and owners that we welcome back every season.”

“For many years we didn’t see much growth in our real estate business within the eventing community, but we’ve stuck with it because we believe in the sport’s future here in Ocala. We want to challenge people to sponsor events like this and get involved, which in turn makes Ocala a better market for all riders. There are plenty of other companies and real estate firms that say they support Eventing, but in the end very few of them put their money where their mouth is; and nobody has stood behind Eventing like OHP has for over a decade. It has always been us and we’re proud of that.”