BOB THOMAS EQUESTRIAN CENTER

Updated October 11, 2005

FLORIDA STATE FAIRGROUNDS' BOB THOMAS EQUESTRIAN CENTER PUTS
HORSES AND RIDERS ON SURE FOOTING

Tampa , FL – October 5, 2005 -- The Bob Thomas Equestrian Center at the Florida State Fairgrounds is receiving a major face lift in order to put horses and riders on sure footing. The Florida State Fair Authority is completely replacing the ring surfaces and making additional varied improvements throughout the horse show area to ensure a great year-round venue for horse enthusiasts.

The focal point of the Equestrian Center revamping is the vast improvements to the ring surfaces. To prevent the arena's surfaces from breaking down, a different type of footing is being installed. The rings will be filled with high quality, easier to maintain, longer lasting material made up of local ingredients, including red clay, crushed shells and sand.

The new mixture will greatly benefit the health and longevity of the million-dollar horses competing at the Equestrian Center . When 1,700 pound horses jump five foot fences, the ground must be designed to cushion their landings.

"Michael Jordan couldn't jump or play as well on a hard blacktop. Think of the damage it would cause his knees," said Keith Bolltte, a surface and equestrian expert who is contributing to the improvements.
The project, which began September 6, 2005 and will be completed late October 2005, also includes improved drainage, new seating areas, fencing and sound barriers that will solidify the Equestrian Center 's prestige as a venue on the horse show circuit.

"By making improvements to the horse show rings, we are also securing positive relationships with nearby businesses," said Equestrian Director Amy Uniss. "When horse enthusiasts come to our horse shows, they also stay at nearby hotels, dine at local restaurants, and visit our city's attractions."

In addition to shows held during the annual Florida State Fair, 45 horse shows come to the equestrian center in an average year. Replacing the old surface with more than 4,000 cubic yards of new footing material will reward the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center 's current clients and encourage new exhibitors to come show in Tampa .

The equestrian complex, at the Florida State Fairgrounds, includes two show rings, a grand prix field and a 150 foot x 225 foot covered arena adjacent to a 9,000 square foot enclosed pavilion. These amenities are surrounded by five barns that contain 471 concrete, permanent stalls. For larger horse shows, the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center has the ability to stable up to 800 additional animals.

In the covered arena, a mixture of clay and sand is shielded from drying heat and sogging rains to give safe, comfortable footing for both the horse and rider in any weather. An expertly designed layout and easy access to all rings and stalls make it a top-notch facility on the horse competition circuit.

The Florida State Fairgrounds have been home to prestigious horse shows like the1989 Federation Equestre Internationale, Volvo World Cup Finals of Show Jumping attended by Princess Anne, and the Paso Fino "Mundial" World Cup Championship in 1999.

The Florida State Fair Authority, in association with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner, operates the Bob Thomas Equestrian Center and the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 Highway 301 North. The annual Florida State Fair will take place February 9-20, when visitors catch "All American Fun" at the 102nd annual celebration in Tampa .

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