BUSHNELL, Fla. - The Healthy Hoof Beats Benefit Horse Show and Obstacle Schooling Day was held at Darby Oaks Stables in Bushnell on Saturday, October 22, 2011. The event benefited the Key Training Center in Inverness, Fla., which provides vitally needed community-based services to over 300 developmentally disabled adults.

The Florida Walking and Racking Horse Association, the Foundation for the Advancement and Support of the Tennessee Walking Show Horse, and Unified Horse Show Development Program were the major sponsors of the show, but support was also provided by local businesses and individuals. The event raised $2,000.00 in much needed funding for the Key Training Center.

The day started at 9:00 am with an open schooling day where participants were allowed to train their horses on over 50 different obstacles including water crossing, bridges, log jumps, opening gates, tarps, drags, and many others. Afterward, there was an open fun show where exhibitors were invited to test their horse’s skills in various obstacle classes, as well as barrels, poles, water glass, egg & spoon, and other fun classes. 

Additionally, Danny Hocadel (resident of the Key Training Center who uses a Tennessee Walking Horse for therapy), demonstrated the smooth ride and calm disposition of the Tennessee Walking Horse. Wayne Conkle exhibited I’m Showboatin’, who is owned by Curt and Lisa Steinbach, to the enthusiastic crowd to show the high stepping action of the performance Tennessee Walking Horse. 

Will Heldt of Dover, Fla.,  judged all 194 entries in just 15 classes. That was an average of 13 horses per class! Exhibitors and spectators enjoyed the day which benefited a great group of people at the Key Training Center. All of the volunteers involved should proud of the event  as it was a great success!