Hoofbeats and Hurdles

950 NE 110th Street
Ocala, FL

As an adult amateur, I am always looking for somewhere chill to take a lesson with my horse, Kai. One of the great places to take your horse XC schooling in the Ocala area is a super cute facility called Magnolia Sands. Magnolia Sands is partnered with Karl Slezak Eventing and has a very inviting set-up, even for nervous ammys such as myself.

According to the facilities website, their XC schooling field offers more than 100 jumps on its 15 acres. If you are looking for a one stop shop for $50 per horse with jumps, ditches, banks, and water complexes, Magnolia Sands might be the place for you. I especially like that it has hills on the XC field making it easy to incorporate some varied terrain into your school day *think a fun little gallop up a rolling hill*. The jumps range from Starter (that’s my jam!) through intermediate, and they have some tiny logs for those of us that prefer to start extra small!

Effective June 1, 2024, you have to make a reservation to use the facility. It is easy to reserve via email (magnoliasandsfarm@gmail.com) or via text. Make sure your reservation is CONFIRMED before you show up, the management will open the gates for your allotted time. Though this is a new step to school at Magnolia Sands, I personally like the idea that my trainer can take a group of students and know that we will have access to what we need without the worry of tons of other groups *don’t crowd me at my starter log, folks!*.

My favorite parts of Magnolia Sands are the variety of options for us Starter Level Queens and the chill atmosphere. The last thing I want is to school XC when I feel like there is a ton going on around me, but I don’t have to worry about that at Magnolia Sands.

Some things to consider:

• As with any XC field, bring your helmet and safety vest! You have to wear these to use the facility.
• Submit the liability release and pay your schooling fee before you hop on your horse. I like to make sure those two are complete before I ever take my horse off the trailer so I don’t forget. Magnolia Sands accepts Venmo, PayPal, and checks. The liability release is an easy online form, so I like to get that done the night before.
• According to the Magnolia Sands website, they will provide a golf cart on a first come first serve basis and trainers can text or email ahead of time to reserve it. I haven’t used this amenity since I am usually on my horse, but it’s worth taking note if you have a horse husband accompanying you that doesn’t want to walk.
• Dogs must be leashed or contained at all times.
• The facility has a water spigot easily accessible as well as a porta potty by the trailer parking. Every thing you need is there when you step out of the truck! Just follow the signs for parking and the path to the XC field, and you’re all set for a fun day!