OCALA, FL (352today.com) – It’s been an interesting ride for Ocala’s Chris Talley, a horseman who is passionate about eventing – both as an equestrian and as an entrepreneur.
The sport is composed of three phases: dressage, showjumping and cross-country. It typically takes place over three days and is a test of athleticism, skill and versatility of both horse and rider.
What started it all
Talley’s odyssey began at age four when he started riding.
“I grew up in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is another huge horse area, similar to Marion County. My parents weren’t horsey at all,” said Talley.
However, it was a chance encounter while out on a family drive that allowed the emerging equestrian to discover what would become his calling.
We were driving down one of the major highways, and there was a big event. Plantation Fields was running their big international (horse trials),” recalls Talley. “I was stuck to the window like glue. So that’s what kind of compelled me to get interested in eventing.”
The thrill of competition
As for many eventers, Talley’s favorite phase is cross-country because of the adrenaline rush he gets when going over the jumping efforts and the bond that forms with his equine partner.
“At times you have to get inside and think for them, and at times they have to get in our brains and think for us as riders,” said Talley. “They’re magnificent animals and what they do for us out there is incredible.”
Passion becomes profession
As a kid, Talley didn’t just daydream about what the future could hold, he went for it. His parents made him earn money to fund his obsession. In doing so, Talley learned many aspects of the equine industry and started his own business at 14 years old selling horses.
Now at 30, Talley and his partner, Lee Maher, have started two eventing businesses in Ocala. One for competition horses, C. Talley Equestrian, and the other for the sale horses, EquiSales International.
They have two facilities. One in Ocala at New Spring Farm which is owned by Tim and Cheryl Holekamp. The Holekamps are breeders in the sport, and stand the stallion Windfall, who won an Olympic medal in 2004. Talley owns some of Windfall’s offspring who are making their way up the competition levels. The other facility is at Alex Green Kerby’s Dry Ridge Farm which is located in Anthony.
“We have four here at the horse trials for sale, and people will send them to us. We campaign and show them and get them out there,” said Talley who described horse sales like matchmaking. “We try to put them with the best possible partners, create successful partnerships, whether that’s for kids, professionals or amateurs.”
But Talley is never too far from the competition saddle. Earlier this month, he competed at the Ocala Summer Horse Trials at the Florida Horse Park.
“I think it’s a really special industry, the equine industry, especially here in Marion County. It brings the everyday community and the horse industry together in this area,” said Talley. “And to be able to do what you’re passionate about and combining your dreams with your passion and making it a profession is incredibly rewarding. I’m thankful to be able to do this every day.”