*Story updated to reflect that it’s over for 2024. 

OCALA, FL (352today.com) – You don’t have to be an equestrian to appreciate the horse competition that took place at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) this weekend.

The three-day Grandview World Nights competition featured the some of the largest and most powerful breeds of horses.

The Grandview Clydesdale Farm hitch drives around the ring during the opening day of the Grandview World Nights competition. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Fans applaud the hitches as they enter Arena 5 at the World Equestrian Center. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
The Grandview Clydesdale Farm hitch waits for the next round. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today
Percherons get ready to compete. The competition runs through Saturday. Courtesy: Alan Youngblood/352today

Hundreds of spectators packed the stands in Arena 5 to witness the power and elegance of Belgians, Clydesdales, and Percherons.

The event is described as an evening “designed to entertain and captivate you by merging the gentle giants’ brawn synchronized to tremendous heart pounding instrumental music.”

The event’s website says “the intensity of auditory sensation and energy this amount of horsepower can produce is chilling.”

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Draft horse hitch competitors travel from all over North America to participate in this annual event which is organized by Shannon and Karen Cobbs, owners of Grandview Clydesdale Farm which is based in Dunnellon.

“It’s the only draft horse show in the whole state of Florida. I bring these guys down here for competition once a year,” said Karen Cobbs, who is also President of Grandview World Nights. “It’s a huge draw because you don’t have to know anything about the horses. You just love watching the pure power.”

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Red Oak Farm won the six-horse hitch competition during the opening day of the Grandview World Nights competition.

If you didn’t make this event but want to see the majestic horses, Grandview Clydesdale Farm offers tours of their farm in Dunnellon. You can book your outing on their website.

https://youtu.be/OiORdL2vXDA