The Washington County Equestrian Center, located on Highway 77 between Sunny Hills and Wausau, Florida has experienced a checkered past, not without some controversy.
When the project was first undertaken, financed and built by Washington County, many pointed out the challenges of the location.
A failed attempt at a rodeo, executed by a local startup company that subsequently was sued for misuse of Tourist Development tax dollars did not help the image of the center, and the facility subsequently lay dormant for some time.
Recently the Washington County Board of County Commissioners made an agreement with the Washington County Extension Service 4-H Club that will improve the facility and ensure a good use for the property.
‘As Board Chairman, I have been asked over the past year about the Equestrian Center’, said Washington County Commissioner Tray Hawkins this week, ’and with the hard work of a very special group of young men and women, the facility has been cleaned up and revitalized’.
The Blazing Hooves 4-H Club will be hosting their inaugural event at 9AM on Saturday, May 12, 2018, an Open Schooling Horse Show, with all proceeds from the show supporting the Blazing Hooves 4-H Club as well further improvements to the center.
More information is available at 850-638-6180 and the show is open for participation by any youth 8 years of age or older by September 1, as well as adults.
Hawkins, a father of two and who has become known for his love of children and for going the extra mile to respond to the needs of children and schools, says, ‘This is the first of many events that will be held at our facility, and we are looking forward to observing our future leaders enjoy the fruits of their hard work’.
The staff of Real Florida Magazine will attend the event, and photos will be available, along with video clips and interviews, on Facebook at ‘Real Florida Magazine’.
