Tis the season for stallion shows

The annual Florida Farm Managers Inc.'s Parade of Stallions and Equine Trade Show takes place this Sunday, beginning at 10 a.m., at the Ocala Equestrian Complex, which is located adjacent to the north end of the Ocala Breeders' Sales Company. Thirty-one stallions are on the program, although that number is subject to change, according to the farm managers' executive director, Debbe Wojack

"We try to accommodate everyone who wants to show their stallions at this exhibition," she said. "We'll take entries right up to the last second."

The farm managers is an organization devoted to charity, scholarships, and educational seminars. To help finance these activities, stallion owners and syndicates donate breeding seasons. These no-guarantee seasons are sold via a silent auction.

A partial list of the 2006 donated stallion seasons includes Macho Uno (stands for $15,000), Milwaukee Brew ($15,000), and Sligo Rock $10,000, who all stand at Adena Springs South. Padua Stables has donated '06 seasons to newcomers Proud Accolade ($5,000) and Snow Ridge ($5,000).

Jim and Sheila DiMare's Rising Hill Farm is a staunch supporter of the farm managers program, and this year will contribute seasons to all 15 of its stallions. Three of these stallions, Hadrian's Wall, Marciano, and Supah Blitz, will be in the stallion parade.

George Isaacs, general manager of Bridlewood Farm, is an officer of the farm managers and a supporter of the parade and silent auction. He uses the parade to introduce new stallions as well as stallions who, having been in stud for a year or two, often get bookings because of the repeat exposure at this parade. This year Bridlewood Farm brings six stallions to the parade. Among these is Great Pyramid, a full brother to the European classic winner and champion miler Rock of Gibraltar. The late Danehill, one of the world's leading sires and sire of sires, has no get in Florida, and Great Pyramid is the first of the line to enter stud here.

Clover Leaf Farm will parade seven of its stallions. These include Belmont Stakes winner Sarava, Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and millionaire Repent, and newly arrived Wildcat Heir, winner of the '04 De Francis Memorial.

Lou Roe Farm has a foursome going on parade: the south Florida multiple stakes winner Mr. Livingston; True Direction, winner of the Grade 3 Fall Highweight; Alex's Pal, from the family of Successful Appeal; and Parent's Reward, from the family of the European group winner Hold That Tiger.

More stallion parades

The farm managers stallion parade is only one of several such reviews on the Ocala autumn schedule. Next Saturday, Padua Stables and Vinery South will show all their stallions between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Hartley/DeRenzo Walmac South's parade will get underway Saturday at 2 p.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

On Saturday, Dec. 10, Lambholm South will have its parade of six stallions, including Lido Palace, the Chilean horse of his year and multiple Grade 1 stakes-winning millionaire in the U.S. The hours for the Lambholm South showing are between noon and 3 p.m. Nearby to Lambholm South is Clover Leaf II. Its stallion show is Dec. 10 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m.