| The O’Connor Signature at The Oaks Equestrian Center Obtains Prestigious CHA Site Accreditation – Only CHA Accredited Facility in State of Florida |
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Lake City, FL – The Inaugural O'Connor Signature at The Oaks of Lake City Equestrian Center has earned a new honor by being named the only Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) site-accredited facility in the state of Florida. The prestigious honor was awarded during a highly-successful CHA weekend clinic at the beautiful, state-of-the-art Oaks Equestrian Center. Equestrians from all disciplines gathered at The Oaks to take part in the Standard Instructor Certification clinic provided by the CHA. "In addition to holding the clinic, our equestrian center became an accredited facility, and all of our instructors became CHA-certified," said Rhonda Gailey, Resident Equestrian Facility Manager at The Oaks of Lake City Equestrian Center. For The Oaks to earn accreditation, the facility and staff had to meet safety standards in areas such as the facility, program operations, and program management. "It is an exceptionally well-maintained facility that would be a wonderful host site for a CHA national conference. It is a really wonderful site in every way!" said Polly Barger, CHA Program Director from Lexington, Kentucky. Gailey was thrilled with the clinic's turnout and the fact that the equestrian center is now the only CHA site-accredited facility in Florida. The Oaks will now hold other CHA certification programs throughout the year. "We received 'glowing' comments from all the participants," Gailey said, adding that the participants were also treated to a great cookout that "was a huge hit". The CHA is the largest and oldest equestrian certification program in North America and offers hands-on certification clinics for instructors and trail guides. The Standard Instructor Certification is open to equestrians of all disciplines, and clinic participants must successfully complete the 40-hour certification course. During the clinic, the participants are evaluated on safety, horsemanship, teaching techniques, group control, and professionalism. The Oaks of Lake City, a residential community in Northern Florida designed to enhance the equestrian lifestyle of riders of all disciplines, was pleased to host the CHA clinic. The community, home to The Oaks Equestrian Center and the inaugural O'Connor Signature equestrian facility, is committed to supporting the equestrian community through sponsorships and clinics. Olympians Karen and David O'Connor, in conjunction with Equestrian Services, LLC, have designed and put their stamp on the community, whose standards reflect their commitment to an equestrian facility designed to offer residents the finest in equestrian lifestyles. Professionally managed by Equestrian Management, LLC, the facility offers a 33-stall barn, a 122' x 225' covered riding arena, a 60-foot covered round pen with world-class footing, 15 miles of looped trails, and the O'Connor-designed, 11-acre cross-country jumping course. The community and its Equestrian Center cater to a variety of equestrian disciplines, from jumpers and eventers to ropers and trail riders. For more information on The Oaks of Lake City, visit their website at www.theoakslakecity.com. For more information about CHA, visit their website at www.cha-ahse.org. The clinic and the facility won rave reviews from all who attended, with participants going as far as to say: "Just one word: outstanding!" "It was an absolute pleasure to work with such a professional staff, at such a high-quality facility." "A+++++!" "State-of-the-art facility, well-thought-out when developed. Professional, courteous, and extremely accommodating staff and management... I want to live here!" "WOW! My horse felt like he was at a 'spa'. The personal catering went way above and beyond!" "Exceptional care for horses." |
The Oaks Equestrian Center Obtains Prestigious CHA Site Accreditation – Only CHA-Accredited Facility in State of Florida
