The Grandview Clydesdales Farm in southwest Marion County is one of the most award-winning and famous breeding operations of its kind. The farm is home to regal equines that range from coltish babies to the draft horses that can stand 19 hands high (about is 6-feet 4-inches) and weigh in at 2,000 pounds.
Unique ways to get up close to these majestic beauties are day and evening farm tours and the Florida Show Series coming up in February.
Owners Shannon and Karen Cobbs love to share day-to-day operations at the farm. During tours, guests visit the show barn, training center, breeding barn and laboratory. The tours include the elaborate show wagons and carriages. An extra highlight is getting to see baby Clydesdales.
The two-hour Clydesdales Experience daytime tours are offered at 10am every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
“The daytime tour is a guided educational hands-on tour led by Shannon or me,” offers Karen. “We invite you to meet the current National Clydesdale Champions of the USA, right here in the Horse Capital of the World, plus learn about training and breeding in the Clydesdale industry. It’s an experience you will never forget!”
“Our Christmas Under The Lights Tours, from November 9th through January 8th, offer a warm ambience. If you enjoy Christmas music and decorations, come see the Clydesdales in their show attire and have your Christmas picture taken with a National Champion Clydesdale,” Karen adds. “And, the VIP option is an add-on where you will be taken through our beautifully decorated home and see more awards and art.”
Tours are handicapped and elderly friendly, and “97 percent under roof or inside so weather is not an issue,” Karen assures. Visit grandviewclydesdales.tours for tickets. Private or group tours are available by calling Karen at (260) 388-4279 or emailing grandviewclydesdalesandhay@gmail.com.
The Cobbs also are excited to invite people to the Florida Show Series in early 2022, with a new event at the World Equestrian Center (WEC).
“It’s time for a draft horse holiday,” Karen says. “The series is a perfect 10-day getaway but if you can’t be away for 10 days, then pick a show and come enjoy.”
The series starts with the annual AdventHealth Grandview Invitational on February 4th-6th at the Florida Horse Park. Daytime competitions will feature driving classes ranging from carts through the six-horse hitch and showcasing the 4Abreast. Evening activities include Casino Night and the Grandview Gala. For details, go to www.grandviewinvitational.com
On February 11th and 12th, Grandview World Nights will take place at WEC with evening competitions featuring championship classes in six and eight horse hitch, plus a Ladies Cart Championship Class. After the show concludes Friday, guests can attend the Grandview World of Red After Party. On Saturday, the evening will end with the ultra-chic All Exclusive VIP After Party. To learn more, visit www.grandviewworldnights.com
