If you own and ride horses or are into a more rural lifestyle, the Sarasota area is an ideal place to live. The area east of I-75 is generally agricultural, with the exception of Lakewood Ranch which is one of the fastest growing communities in the US. See my post about Lakewood Ranch for more details on that community. There are a number of communities that are ideal for the equestrian lifestyle and the Panther Ridge Myakka City area is a perfect example. Many properties are adjacent or near to public parks and lands that allow access for horseback riding, while also being close to great shopping and restaurants with the bonus of the Gulf beaches only about a half hour drive away. It really doesn’t get any better!
Equestrian Venues and Events in Sarasota
Sarasota Polo Club, located in Lakewood Ranch is one of the largest polo clubs in the world, hosts weekly events with the main season running from January 1 through April 30 when an estimated 50,000 people will attend events.
Fox Lea Farm in Venice is also a nationally known destination for competitors in a variety of riding classes including Hunter-Jumper and Dressage and events are held weekly. Competitors come from all over the US to compete and the prize money can be significant.
Arcadia Rodeo
Although not located in Sarasota, Arcadia is about an hour and a bit away. But if you are seeking that true and authentic cowboy rodeo feel this is the place. Dating back to 1928, the rodeo features bareback bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf scramble, shootouts, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie down roping, barrel racing and bull riding. The big event is called the Granddaddy Of Em’ All and is held in March every year. A new Event Center was recently built and is there are other things happening there like music events and the like. A few years ago I was there to see the band 38 Special and was right there in the front. I should probably post some video from that on my YouTube channel!