The Florida Equestrian Real Estate Specialist

Saddle Ridge Equestrian Properties Salutes Earth Day, Pairs with Florida Friendly Program

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:11:34 -0500

Saddle Ridge Equestrian Properties Salutes Earth Day, Pairs with Florida Friendly Program

Written by: Jenny Ross
Client: Saddle Ridge
Release Date: 2008-04-21

Sebring, FL – April 21, 2008 – Saddle Ridge, an all-natural equestrian community located near Sebring, FL, is incorporating additional “green” and environmentally friendly practices into its real estate development and equestrian properties. Saddle Ridge, currently under construction, merges an equestrian lifestyle with eco-conscious living.

The 1,200 acre community, with only 96 parcels, has been designed to preserve the natural state of the land and ensure privacy for its residents. Saddle Ridge is the first of its kind in the horse industry with regard to its commitment and sustainability in development practices, land conservation, building methods and horse-keeping. In celebration of Earth Day, Saddle Ridge will meet with representatives from the Florida Friendly Program to learn more about earth friendly ways of landscaping.

The Florida Friendly Program is an organization that focuses on environmental protection with respect to landscaping and water practices. Irrigation uses an overwhelming amount of water from the municipal water supplies, and the Florida Friendly Program concentrates on efficient watering and educating others about the negative effects of fertilizers and pesticides on nature. Additionally, the organization stresses the importance of selecting eco-friendly plants, utilizing mulch and compost, protecting wildlife, managing the yard effectively, recycling, reducing water run-off, and preserving the waterfront.

“We are excited to meet with the Florida Friendly Program,” commented Janie Coffey, an agent for Saddle Ridge and Papillon Real Estate LLC. “Earth Day is another reminder that it’s our responsibility to protect the planet. In all areas of our lives, there is a green way to go about things. I think it’s our job to learn about these green solutions and incorporate them into our daily routines.”

Coffey will attend the meeting with Mary Ann Simonds, one of many green experts that Saddle Ridge has hired to contribute to the equestrian community’s eco-friendly practices. Simonds’ experience ranges from sustainable development and strategic planning to eco-tourism and equine behavior.

“Creating an all-natural equestrian community is of utmost importance to us,” added Coffey. “We are developing the site and building our green homes by the Florida Building Coalition’s standards. We continue to take the wildlife into consideration with the construction of our equestrian properties, and we’re learning about horse care and manure management that is safe for the environment.” She noted, “Mary Ann is creating an advisory council of public and private organizations that are involved in environmental and equestrian planning.”

Saddle Ridge is exceedingly committed to constructing an environmentally conscious, deed-restricted development; therefore, additional consultants have collaborated with Saddle Ridge to ensure that the building practices coincide with a green lifestyle. Gregory J. Sawka of the Southeast Soil & Environmental Service Inc. recently teamed with Saddle Ridge as a soil consultant and engineer. Through composite samples, he performed tests to examine the suitability of the soil for horse grazing.

The community of Saddle Ridge and its all-natural equestrian properties will provide miles of bridle trails, a 20 acre equestrian community center with a covered arena, a dressage arena, a hunter/jumper field, a community barn and acres of pastures and fields. For a limited time, Saddle Ridge is offering a select number of 10 acre parcels, a 3,000 square foot custom home and a three-stall barn for only $690,000. Only 15 packages remain.

To learn more about Saddle Ridge, please visit www.SaddleRidgeFl.com or call 1-866-962-5263.

To find out more about the Florida Friendly Program, please go to www.floridayards.org.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC

Papillon Real Estate, LLC

786-252-4970

janie@janiecoffey.com

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Florida Equestrian Property Saddle Ridge Teams With Papillon Real Estate LLC

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 08:27:10 -0500

Experienced Specialists Contribute to Successful Development

Saddle Ridge, an all-natural Florida equestrian property near the historic town of Sebring, FL, has teamed with Papillon Real Estate LLC to strengthen its sales and marketing and reinforce the very best in eco-conscious quality. Papillon Real Estate, based out of Coral Gables, FL, provides guidance and insight to real estate purchasers, especially those with equestrian interests.

Janie Coffey of Papillon Real Estate commented, "Originally, when Saddle Ridge met with us, they said they were going to create an equestrian property in Florida. It was going to be large lots and bridle trails. We really encouraged them to create a true equestrian center, and we urged them to build a 'green' development to preserve the land and protect the environment."

"They hired our company to be the equestrian development consultants as well as to help with sales and marketing because of our experience with equestrian real estate in Florida," explained Coffey. "I am familiar with many equestrian estates, and I saw a need for a full-service community that has a barn, a covered arena, and outdoor riding areas. Additionally, I truly believed an all-natural community would provide horses and homeowners with a healthy and safe environment."

Coffey and her business partner Shelly Montalvo have both earned their Green Certified Real Estate Professional Designations. Coffey has been in the real estate industry since the early 1990s, working for a developer in Washington D.C., and she has real estate experience in such areas as design, construction management, general contracting and sales. Montalvo, originally from England, works with clients in international investment and recently earned her Transnational Referral Certification.

Together, they hold such certifications and licenses as:

Certified General Contractor
Licensed Real Estate Brokers
1031 Exchange Certified
Graduates of the Realtor Institute (GRI)
Quality Service Certified (QCS)
Green Certified Real Estate Professional (GCREP)
Transnational Referral Certified (TRC)

Additionally, they are members of:

National Association of Realtors (NAR)
Florida Association of Realtors (FAR)
Realtor Association of Greater Miami and the Beaches (RAMB)
Commercial Real Estate Women - Miami (CREW)
International Consortium of Real Estate Associations (ICREA)
National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)
Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce
1,000 Friends of Florida
Active Rain - Real Estate Network
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Florida Trust for Historic Preservation
Dade Heritage Trust

Saddle Ridge is exceedingly committed to constructing an environmentally conscious, deed-restricted development, and additional consultants have collaborated with Saddle Ridge to ensure that the land conservation, building methods, and horse-keeping practices coincide with a green lifestyle. Gregory J. Sawka of the Southeast Soil & Environmental Service Inc. recently teamed with Saddle Ridge as a soil consultant and engineer, and Mary-Ann Simonds was added to its team of "green" experts appointed to this unique Florida equestrian community. Simonds is a professional equine and equestrian consultant who has worked in the equestrian industry for the last 25 years. Phelps Media Group, an equestrian public relations firm in Wellington, FL, has also joined with Saddle Ridge to gain media exposure for the development.

"Saddle Ridge is working hard to bring in specialists for all the different components," noted Coffey. "All of these relationships really provide Saddle Ridge with invaluable information, and they keep the community visible in a variety of markets."

Saddle Ridge spans 1,200 acres and offers 10 acre parcels for homes and horse farms. It has been designed to preserve the natural state of the land and ensure privacy for its residents. At this time, Saddle Ridge is pleased to provide new customers with a limited time offer. The development is offering a select number of 10 acre parcels, a 3,000 square foot custom home and a three-stall barn for $690,000.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC

Papillon Real Estate, LLC

786-252-4970

janie@janiecoffey.com

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Pat & Linda Parelli, Stacey Westfall, Josh Lyons and more in Florida at the Florida Equine Capital Expo

Thu, 20 Mar 2008 18:58:06 -0500

My family and I went to the Florida Equine Capital Expo in Ocala recently. The expo is an equestrian fest of vendors, shows, exibitions, breeds and everything "horsey". There is a special emphasis on "natural horsemanship" and we were especially thrilled to see both Pat and Linda Parelli, Stacey Westfall, Josh Lyons as well as Tommy Turveyi. My 12 year-old daughter Bailey, whose equestrian experience has solely been English hunter/jumper, we thrilled beyond belief to see how the natural horsemen worked with their horses. She was especially taken with Linda Parelli, I am sure because Linda comes from the English discipline of Dressage, close to Bailey's own background. Imagine Bailey's excitement when she was able to take a photo with BOTH Linda AND Pat!!

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC

Papillon Real Estate, LLC

786-252-4970

janie@janiecoffey.com

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Mary Ann Simonds helps Saddle Ridge create a Ecological Equestrian Community in Florida

Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:56:59 -0500

Saddle Ridge, an all-natural and eco-friendly equestrian community near the quaint Florida town of Sebring, has added Mary Ann Simonds to its team of "green" experts. Simonds is a professional equine and equestrian consultant who has worked in the equestrian industry for the last 25 years.

Simonds' experience ranges from sustainable development and strategic planning to eco-tourism and equine behavior. After earning her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wyoming, majoring in Wildlife Biology and Equine Ecology, she earned her Master's Degree at John F. Kennedy University in Interdisciplinary Consciousness Studies, specializing in Organizational Development and Leadership.

"I have been waiting for this day, when a visionary developer sees the amazing potential for integrating an equestrian community with a sustainable development. Congratulations! This truly will be a landmark project, attracting intelligent and ecologically aware equestrians. I am excited to be a part of this team and share my expertise as an ecological equestrian consultant."

Simonds has worked from the West Coast to Florida with land use agencies and organizations integrating habitat conservation, sustainability and equestrian issues. She serves on a number of Advisory Boards for government agencies, as well as conservation and equestrian organizations, and has been instrumental in the development of protection ordinances, creative zoning, and inter-disciplinary networks for sustainable development and land use planning.

Janie Coffey, an agent for the development stated,

"We are thrilled to have Mary Ann on board at Saddle Ridge. She has extensive experience with facility design, wildlife protection, and equine management. These are critical issues for Saddle Ridge to address while building a truly green and well-preserved equestrian environment."

Saddle Ridge is exceedingly committed to constructing an environmentally conscious, deed-restricted development; therefore, additional consultants have collaborated with Saddle Ridge to ensure that the land conservation, building methods, and horse-keeping practices coincide with a green lifestyle. Gregory J. Sawka of the Southeast Soil & Environmental Service Inc. recently teamed with Saddle Ridge as a soil consultant and engineer. Through composite samples, he has performed tests to examine the suitability of the soil for horse grazing.

Construction at Saddle Ridge is currently underway, and this professionally planned facility is composed of 1,200 acres. Because the layout has been designed to preserve the natural state of the land and ensure privacy for its residents, only 96 parcels are available for purchase. At this time, Saddle Ridge is pleased to provide new customers with a limited time offer. The development is offering a select number of 10 acre parcels, a 3,000 square foot custom home and a three-stall barn for $690,000.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Equestrian Facility, Horse Farm and Designer Home on 10 Acres in Davie, FL for Sale

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:44:21 -0500

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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How many acres are needed to keep a horse in Florida?

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:36:43 -0500

As an equestrian real estate specialist in Florida, I am often asked how many acres are needed to keep a horse. The answer is, unfortunately, not always easy. On the legal side, individual counties and even subdivisions may have varying zoning regulations and normally the more restrictive will supersede the less restrictive. I have seen
In evaluating your choices for horse happy real estate, make sure that the property you like is zoned to allow horses, don't assume that a property that currently has horses and/or a barn is LEGALLY Ok for them.
For practical horsekeeping, check with your local UF extension office to see what they suggest for making sure you maximize your pasture grass to ensure healthy happy horses. You can also have your soil tested to help evaluate your soil to see how you might be able to improve your forage as well.
Once you determine how many horses are your legal maximum, careful study and evaluation of what you have to work with regarding land and resources can help you maximize your equestrian experience. Barn and pasture layout and management are vital to your success, especially on small acreage. I have seen 10 acre parcels wasted and 2 acre parcels running exceptionally efficiently. Do your homework, work with an equestrian real estate specialist and your horses will thank you for it!!

photo courtesy of efleming

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Horse Communities in Florida, we can help you find the RIGHT Equestrian Development!

Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:28:28 -0500

We specialize in equestrian real estate in Florida and enjoy helping horses find their dream homes. If you are searching for the right horse community for you and your equine friends, let us help. There are over 20 new horse developments being marketed by developers right now in Florida and many more that are available as resale properties. We have analyzed them and can help you find the right match. Size, location, amenities, restrictions, price and more all play a part in finding the BEST option for you and we can help cut your time searching dramatically because we have already done the research for you! Call us today and let's find you the BEST equestrian community now!!
Things we will help you evaluate:
1. Equestrian Amenities/Center
2. Costs (HOA, etc.)
3. Deed Restrictions
4. Building Procedures
5. Barn management and program
6. Size of lots, homes and barns
Direct - 786-252-4970 (Janie Coffey)

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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10 ways to "green" your barn, pasture and horse-keeping practices

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:29:58 -0600

Here are a few easy things you can do to make your structures and horse-keeping practices a little bit more gentle to the environment:
1. Fly Predator Wasps - these are gnat-sized parasitic wasps that feed upon and breed within developing (pupal) stages of manure breeding flies, eliminating the adult pest fly
2. Fly-repellant Water Bags Magic or hokus-pokus, people swear by it!
3. Pine Pellets for bedding - these low dust pellets require far less material than traditional bedding and compost much faster
4. Gentle Shampoos and other products
5. Keep insect eating birds such as guineas, barn swallows and peacocks- (which also eat ticks, snakes and other yucky creatures)
6. Use dung-beetles to help break down the manure faster
7. Compost the manure
8. Reuse feed bags, hay twine and supplement buckets for other uses around the barn (ie trash bags, haynets, feed buckets, etc.)
9. Install energy efficient light bulbs (compact flourescent)
10. Have your soil tested and ask your local extension what you can do organically to help improve the soil for healthy pasture growth
Please share with us any other ideas or best practices in the comment section below!
Visit our natural, eco-friendly horse community's website (Saddle Ridge) if you are looking for a new horse home that shares your love of the environment!
See how this fly reacts to a water bag!

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Saddle Ridge Goes to Great Lengths to Assure Eco-Friendly Lifestyle for Equines

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:03:01 -0600

Sebring, FL - March 4, 2008 - Saddle Ridge, an all-natural equestrian community near the quaint town of Sebring, FL, is taking all details into account to assure homeowners that their property is both environmentally friendly and nutritionally safe for horses.

This eco-conscious development combines an equestrian lifestyle with green, all-natural living. The community, currently under construction, spans 1,200 acres and offers 10 acre parcels for homes and horse farms. It has been designed to preserve the natural state of the land and ensure privacy for its residents.

"Because we want to encourage healthy, safe grazing for horses, we have hired a consultant to examine the soil," commented Janie Coffey, a representative for the developer of Saddle Ridge. "We want to maximize nutrition content for horses and foster a natural way of maintaining the land. By educating ourselves about the makeup of the soil, we can inform homeowners about their property and recommend ways to provide the most healthy environment for their horses."

Gregory J. Sawka of the Southeast Soil & Environmental Service Inc. has been working with Saddle Ridge as a soil consultant and engineer. He has performed tests to examine the suitability of the soil for horse grazing. After collecting composite samples from different parcels on the property, an analysis was performed to measure the soil's pH and specific elements. "Soil samples were collected as composite samples in pasture areas across the +800 acres of upland habitat. Eight-four samples were collected. Seventy-five surface horizons samples were collected and 2 sets of samples were taken to evaluate soil profiles from surface to subsoil. Soils were analyzed for pH and specific elements including Copper, Magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorous iron, boron, zinc and associated minor elements. To begin the pasture management program dolomite will be applied to adjust soil pH prior to fertilization. This will optimize soil conditions so that for proper nutrient uptake can occur. Environmental stewardship of the land is important so unnecessary fertilizer will not cause unnecessary impacts to water quality."

"He has done a significant amount of testing and has results back from the lab," explained Coffey. "He is now getting recommendations as to what we need to do to enhance the soil so that it will grow as nutritious forage as possible for the horses." She noted. "We feel this is a necessary procedure because horses cannot digest certain elements well, and the consumption of these minerals can be unhealthy and possibly cause colic. We really want to make sure the community is well suited for horses."
Nestled between tranquil oak trees, spectacular lakes, and beautiful orange groves, Saddle Ridge is truly Florida's best kept secret. The development's all-natural land conservation harmonizes perfectly with the ambience of historic Sebring. In addition to providing horses with a safe and quiet environment, this equestrian mecca will offer miles of bridle trails, a 20 acre equestrian community center with a covered arena, a dressage arena, a hunter/jumper field, a community barn and acres of pastures and fields.

Their Web site, www.SaddleRidgeFl.com, is up and running, and Saddle Ridge is pleased to provide new customers with a limited time offer. The development is offering a select number of 10 acre parcels, a 3,000 square foot custom home and a three-stall barn for $690,000. Only 17 packages remain from this special offer, and they are selling quickly.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Horse Farm Property for Rent in Prestigious Southwest Ranches - 5 Acres, $8,000

Sun, 02 Mar 2008 07:29:44 -0600

Fully Renovated Southwest Ranches Horse Farm For Rent
5 manicured and fenced acres
Large fish-filled pond
4 Bedrooms including one "princess bedroom"
3 Baths
Game Room
3 Car Garage
10 Stall barn with TONS of Storage
Great quiet neighborhood and CLOSE to everything
Pool
$8,000/ month
Also available for Sale, $2,600,000
more details on the Southwest Ranches Horse Estate for Rent

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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HorseWomen.com - a new website for women who love horses - learn, share, market

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 20:42:11 -0600

The Mission Satement
Horsewomen young and old, share a bond:

We love horses. Our passion to care for them,

learn from them, be empowered by them

and form deep friendships with them

connects us to the Natural World

and to each other.

The HosreWomen Founders hope to:

Encourage women young and old to follow their dreams
Empower women through education and support
Develop a business network of horse women
Create positive change for how we care for and train horses
Mentor the next generation of horsewomen with the wisdom of the intuitive and intelligent horse women who journeyed before them
Support Horsewomen professionals and women-owned horse businesses
Share information, ideas and creativity about horses and what women think
Review products, that pertain to women and or horses
Remember and honor the great horsewomen who have contributed to society and horses
Offer a new model for doing business in the horse industry
You’re invited to come share your ideas and help us build this web site.

View my page on Horsewomen.com

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is just around the corner! March 7-9, 2008

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:05:21 -0600

March 7-9, 2008 will be a hot spot for Rodeo in Florida. The Arcadia Championship Rodeo has been held in Arcadia since the 1950s and dates back historically to the 1920s. You can see a slide-show of historical pictures from early rodeo days here.
The three day event hosts music, entertainment, BBQ, rodeo competition and more fun for the family. The rodeo competition is a national competition and expect to see Rodeo Riders from all over the country.
The Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo is a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA).
To order tickets to the Arcadia Rodeo, click here

Take out the hankies - see Stacey Westfall perform a MOVING Bridleless/Saddleless performance

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 15:58:59 -0600
Listen to the announcer, listen to the music, watch her perform.... Even my rock-hard hubby had tears in his eyes after watching this. We were able to see Stacey perform at the Florida Equine Capital Expo in November 2007 and it was really awesome. Here you can see what we mean and perhaps change the way you think about needing tack.....

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Hiking, Biking and Equestrian Trails in Highlands County, Florida - Central Flor

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 11:36:01 -0600

Highlands County, Florida has over 450 miles of existing and proposed trails are included in the County's Blueways, Greenways, Trails and Bikeways Comprehensive Master Plan. Once finished, the Highlands County trails will be an important link in the Florida Greenways and Trails System and in the National Scenic Trails System. Included are:
43 miles of equestrian trails;
30 miles of canoe trails;
195 miles of shared bikeways, and
180 miles of separate multi-use trails (hiking and bicycling).
Highlands County Environmental Organization Websites

Archbold Biological Station - http://www.archbold-station.org
Audubon Society, Highlands County Chapter - http://www.highlandscountyaudubon.org
Avon Park Air Force Range, Outdoor Recreation - http://www.avonparkafr.com
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Royce Preserve Unit - http://myfwc.com/recreation/lake_wales_ridge/visitorinfo.asp

Florida Trails Association, Heartland Chapter - http://geocities.com/ftaheartland
Highlands County Lakes Association - http://www.highlandscountylakesassociation.com
Highlands Pedalers - http://www.highlandspedalers.com

Highlands Hammock State Park - http://www.floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock
Lake June State Park - http://www.floridastateparks.org/lakejuneinwinter
Nature Conservancy - http://www.nature.org/florida. Click on Preserves; then Lake Wales Ridge.

Ridge Rangers - http://www.ridgerangers.org
Southwest Florida Water Management District - http://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/recreation/glance.htm

Misc.

Central Florida Search Engine - http://www.centralfloridasearch.com
Florida Counties Maps - http://www.floridacountiesmap.com

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Don't miss the Little Everglades Steeplechase Horse race on March 9th in Dade City, Fl (remember to bring your FANCIEST hat!)

Fri, 22 Feb 2008 05:10:35 -0600

Steeplechase horse racing has a long and colorful history. Starting as far back as the 1700's in England and Ireland and based on fox hunting, a steeple chase is a full out horse race run over rivers, jumps and obstacles much like those you would find in the field during a fox hunt. The term steeplechase comes from the fact that the races were originally between two churches, the steeples being the landmark to race toward.
The US tradition of steeplechase races is well over a hundred years old and can be enjoyed in 12 states. Growing up in Virginia, The Gold Cup was the place to be in May every year. Elegant dresses topped off by the same outrageous hats you see at the finest Kentucky horse race and extravagant tailgate and tent parties and events marked the day. One of the first things I looked for when I moved to Florida was a steeplechase and how thrilled I was to find that we DO have one at Little Everglades Ranch, a 2,000 acre conservancy ranch in Dade City, near Tampa.
The Little Everglades Steeplechase hosts over 15,000 cheering fans and offers $95,000 in purse money every year, making it exciting for both spectator and horsemen. For a day of fun for the whole family, make sure not to miss this annual event!
Activities include Jack Russel Terrier Races, Antique Car Show, a Carriage Parade, the famous Hat Judging Contest, 6 races and even contests for the the tailgate parties!
Admission is $15/person OR $45/car. If you are looking for even more of an eventful experience or are coming with a large group of friends, you can rent a prime tailgating location or rent a party tent (prices here).

For old world fun in the sun mixed with the elegance of days gone by and the thrill of the hunt, don't miss the Little Everglades Steeplechase!
Find out all of the details at the Little Everglades Steeplechase Website
We will be there at one of the tables at the vendor tent for Saddle Ridge, a natural equestrian community in Sebring, FL, please stop by and say hello!

Janie Coffey
786-252-4970
janie@papillonllc.com
www.SouthFloridaHorseTalk.com

Top 10 Weirdest Things about Winter in Miami (this if for the Northeners)!!

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 08:50:46 -0600

I was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Virginia and lived 5 years of my adult life in Germany. I am a jeans and sweater wearing, snow loving, fire-place warming kinda' girl. My birthday was always "snowed out" in January, I know what chapped lips are like from the cold, how the cold hurts your temples, what it is like to have to scrape ice off of your windshield and what black ice is. That is me! I love it, the smell of a wood burning fireplace, a snuggly sweater and a hot chocolate. Send me to Maine, I'd be happy to live there!
That is why living in Miami, especially during this time of year is just so plain ODD!!!
In no real order, here are some of my experiences adjusting to winter in a tropical climate...
1. Comment number 1 when shopping for my first apartment - "Where is the coat closet?" Miami homes simply DON'T Have coat or front hall closets!!! Now that is just plain Weird!
2. "Why are there pumpkins out in July?" I wonder on or around October 15th. Because of the warm weather, you have absolutely no internal season clock and my body was telling me it was summer and it was actually 2 weeks before Halloween! (Yes, they have to import both the pumpkins and Christmas trees down here and they cost a mint!)
3. "Why are these people wearing parkas, hats and mittens in 60 degree weather?" Yup, just like boarder-line northerners freak out and buy food for 4 weeks at the mere mention of a snow storm, true Miamian's think the end of the world is approaching when the temperature drops below 70 and pull out their one and only winter coat (which is normally 10 years old).
4. "Can I borrow your winter coat? I am going to North Carolina for a week." Since the coat to person ratio is about 1 coat for every 20 Miamians, we have a share system.... when you or any of your friends go to a cold weather climate, you start the phone tree to see who has one they can lend you and hope it both fits and is a neutral color.
5. "No Ex-Husband, our daughter CANNOT go skiing in Tennessee in jeans, knit gloves and a windbreaker." Native Miamians have absolutely NO idea what real cold is, they think it is that 60 degree temperature mentioned above. They go to cold weather areas Frightfully unprepared. It even happened to me when I wore my open toed sandals to Virginia for Christmas! What a shock getting off the plane! Open toed spikes don't do well on ice (note to self). We just don't register the temperature change.
6. "Why are all those palm trees wrapped in Christmas lights? Oh yikes, Christmas is NEXT Week!" Again, our internal weather season clock FAILS to warn us it is Christmas time and the external clues don't really jog our memory to realize that yes, Christmas Does occur even in the absence of snow and cold weather. Children hate this, it normally means fewer toys as apparently Santa is just as forgetful.
7. "You can't go to the office because of a SNOWSTORM? Where!?" as you speak to people from out of state on the phone. You look outside and have a very existential moment when you think you are speaking to someone who is in another reality. It just Can't Be that there are snowstorms here, in our own country, while you sit outside in shorts and flip flops. It is a very unsettling feeling as if you are somehow not connected to your country.
8. "Get the space heaters before they all sell out! The weather people are predicting night temperatures in the 40s!" Many many houses and apartments have absolutely NO heating system. When it actually does get cold for those few days a year, it can be quite frigid inside one of these poorly insulated, non-heated houses. It's just like old times, so cold you don't want to get out of bed in the morning! And you have flash backs of all of those winter school days, ug!!
9. "Let's go to the beach tomorrow" "What? It's Christmas Day!", "Yeah, but maybe we can see someone dressed up as Santa swimming!"
10. "What is a Snow Day, a day that it snows?" your child asks. "No it is a day that you get to stay home from school because it snowed." "They get to stay home every time it snows?! I want to move UP NORTH!"

Palm Tree Photo Curtesy of Lucy Huntzinger
Santa Photo Curtesy of SantaPaul
Janie Coffey
Owner/Broker, GRI, TRC, QSC
cell: 786-252-4970
email: janie@papillonllc.com
More Miami-Dade County Blog Posts
Did you enjoy this? Donations always needed at the South Florida SPCA to Help the Horses (you can mention my name in the "purpose" section if you want)
www.PapillonRealEstate.com

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Map of our Horse Listings - Contact us if you would like to add your Horse Property here!

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 22:01:47 -0600
Contact us if you have a horse property to you are selling to see about adding it to the map. We specialize in all types of horse properties including those with single family farms, businesses and/or equestrian community development parcels. Call today to find out more about how we can work together AND about other listings! 786-252-4970.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

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Equestrian Community Development Opportunity in Aiken, SC - Create your dream Horse Community!

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 16:11:19 -0600

Here is the opportunity of a lifetime if you dream of developing the ideal horse community. This is prime development land for an Equestrian Community in Aiken SC, the horse capital of the South East! The equestrian facility is already in place including a veterinarian's office, track, barns and more, the only thing left to do is to develop the land into home-sites, the tough stuff is already complete! The property has already been engineered to subdivide and is ready for you to either buy and develop OR joint venture with the current property owner. It doesn't get any easier than this! We can help you develop, plan and market this property. Located on Charleston Highway, over 17,000 cars pass this site daily! There are three tracts to choose from, the largest housing the equestrian facility which includes:

A Feed & Tack Store
Performance Equine Vet Clinic
90+ Acre Facility
Venue for Parties & Events
Private Meeting Room
Media Room
Outdoor Patio
Bathrooms /w Shower
Satellite & Video
Wi-Fi Internet Access
80 x 200 riding arena
Grass Cavaletti Arena
30 Acre Riding Trails
54 Stalls ( 3 Barns )
Turnout Paddocks
Odyssey Horse Exerciser
Video Recording & Editing
Digital Photography
Online Horse Sales
Advanced Technologies
Clinic & Seminar Facilities
Go here for more details!

We have OTHER Equestrian Development Opportunities, just ASK!!

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC
Papillon Real Estate, LLC
786-252-4970
janie@janiecoffey.com

(if you ARE an Active Rain member)

(Subscribe in a reader if you are NOT an Active Rain Member)

Brand your Active Rain Blog, get a domain name and Promote, Promote, Promote yourself!

Sun, 10 Feb 2008 10:30:36 -0600

Many of you have great AR blogs that have tons of useful information about your area, your specialty and knowledge. How are you getting this info out to your client and target audience?
Include your blog name of everything you send out, your signature line, your business cards, your Linkd'in, and other networks. but DON'T use the standard http://activerian.com/blogs/janie_c name, what does that tell them? That you are about as professional as someone that has an .aol or hotmail as their professional email address.
Buy a domain name at Godaddy or whoever you use and then redirect to your blog from there. Since most of my blogs are about horse properties, I went to my tag cloud for "horses", and copied the URL to my godaddy domain www.SouthFloridaHorseTalk.com (which compliments my www.SouthFloridaHorseProperties.com real estate website). I put this on all of my correspondence when dealing with horse people. It is easy to remember, show professionalism, is clear about what the content will be and drives traffic to my blog.
NOTE: this is why it is crucial to be consistent with the tags you use!! or else someone won't see all of your blogs on that topic.
If you have one of those hotmail or aol emails mentioned above, you can pick up an email as well and just direct it back to your regular hotmail or aol account. I got janiecoffey.com and send it to my personal email which is really a .mac account. It just looks soooo much more professional, clean and memorable. I had to do this as my home internet provider will not let me send from what they call a "corporate" email account (my .papillon account)
Use every opportunity to brand yourself and make yourself memorable, always look for the next way to make you findable and memorable!

PLEASE ALSO VOTE ON MY POLL TO THE RIGHT (BLOG BELOW FOR MORE INFO IF YOU NEED IT!) THANKS ------>>>>>>

Janie Coffey
Owner/Broker, GRI, TRC, QSC
cell: 786-252-4970
email: janie@papillonllc.com
More Active Rain Blog Posts That I have Written
Did you enjoy this? Donations always needed at the South Florida SPCA to Help the Horses (you can mention my name in the "purpose" section if you want)
www.PapillonRealEstate.com

Search for Florida Properties