Learn From the Experts - Master the Possibilities chooses Visiting Speakers with proven experience—whether they're seasoned professionals, retired specialists, passionate educators, or field-based experts joining us remotely. Our instructors bring valuable insight, deep subject knowledge, and a love of teaching to every session. Click on any course to meet your expert and learn what makes their perspective unique. PREVIOUS PAGEADVANCED SEARCH
Curious about how the Thoroughbred industry actually works? This session breaks down the full strategic process behind breeding, developing, and selling a Thoroughbred-from stallion selection and foaling evaluation to sale placement and final bid. We will explore how professionals analyze pedigrees, assess conformation and development, determine purchasing seasons, optimize breeder award eligibility, and appraise value at every stage of growth. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how decisions are made regarding weanling, mixed, yearling, two-year-old in training, digital, and horses of racing age markets and what timelines must be initiated once a sale target is selected.
Whether you are simply interested in the industry, considering ownership, or exploring how to become involved professionally, this course provides an organized roadmap to understanding how breeding strategy, development planning, and market timing work together to drive value in the Thoroughbred marketplace.
Candace Shelton, representing the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, highlights how premier venues like the World Equestrian Center, Florida Horse Park, and Southeastern Livestock Pavilion solidify the region’s identity as the "Horse Capital of the World®." She illustrates how the synergy between historic Thoroughbred roots and modern equine tourism drives massive economic growth and international visitation. By leveraging these diverse assets, the county sustains a year-round competitive landscape that bolsters the regional economy and supports local job creation.
Discover how equine-assisted programs are changing lives in the Horse Capital of the World® when Director Betty Gray presents an inspiring introduction to Stirrups ’n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center. Learn how therapeutic horseback riding, carriage driving, and equine-assisted services support individuals of all ages by improving physical strength, emotional wellness, confidence, and social skills. Betty will share the center’s mission, community impact, and opportunities to get involved through volunteering, advocacy, and support. Whether you love horses, value community service, or want to better understand the healing power of equine therapy, this engaging presentation offers a meaningful look at an organization making a lasting difference.
Instructor:Betty GrayMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:EQU139 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Th | 9/17/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:65
Emergencies on equine properties demand a calm, organized, and immediate response. This session provides step-by-step protocols for high-risk situations such as colic, catastrophic injury, barn accidents, trailer incidents, and facility fires. We’ll cover stabilization priorities, communication chains, liability considerations, and coordination with veterinarians and emergency services.
Even for those who don’t own horses, understanding these procedures is vital, whether you work around horses, visit equine facilities, or simply want to be prepared to help safely. Participants will leave with a clear, actionable framework that reduces chaos and improves outcomes.
Have you ever wondered how horse operations range from small personal hobbies to large professional businesses? Join Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, recently retired from the UF/IFAS State Extension Horse Specialist, for an easy-to-understand introduction to how the horse industry works. Through real-life examples, she will explain the differences between owning horses for enjoyment and managing horses as part of a working enterprise, while highlighting the many roles horses play in agriculture, recreation, and the economy. This engaging presentation is perfect for anyone curious about the world of horses.
In an homage to the Disney family history- Walt's parents were among the first people married in Lake County - Walt Disney World built Disney springs, intended to evoke the spirit of small-town Florida. They do a great job in some respects, but nothing beats true small-town Florida. This talk will take you to five Florida small towns that out-Disney Disney World at showcasing old Florida.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:SPE250 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 10/6/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Seats Available:59
Perhaps no state or territory in the United States has changed as much as Florida has over the past century. In this talk, take a virtual trip around the state to look at how different areas and landmarks have changed. This pictorial journey will showcase well-known (and little-known) places, featuring photographs from "then" and "now." The talk will also touch on the historical or environmental significance of these places. Finally, those who want to visit these places will have the opportunity to ask questions about how best to do so.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:HIS568 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 10/6/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:55
Why do springs matter? What’s the different between a spring and boil, lake, or vents? How many springs does Florida have? Travel writer Cathy Salustri takes you on a virtual tour to her favorite springs and explains how springs function, why we have so many in Florida, and why they're vital to our state.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:SPE249 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 10/6/2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Seats Available:71
Smooth-gaited horses have been bred and refined in Latin America for over 450 years. First brought to the Americas by Spanish Conquistadors, these horses have become known as some of the world’s smoothest riding horses. Come learn about three breeds of gaited horses: Peruvian Horses, Paso Fino Horses and Mangalarga Horses.
Instructor:Edith GandyMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:EQU149 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 10/15/2026 & 10/22/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM This class meets 2 times Seats Available:54
The horse industry plays a significant role in agriculture, recreation, and local economies, often in ways many people never see. Join Dr. Saundra TenBroeck, recently retired UF/IFAS State Extension Horse Specialist, for an engaging overview of how the horse industry contributes to jobs, tourism, land stewardship, and community life. Discover the many ways horses support economic growth and cultural traditions while shaping the agricultural landscape across Florida and beyond.
This presentation explains the foundations of equine rehabilitation and structural recovery. We will examine the balancing act of creating an individualized rehabilitation plan for a recovering equine companion. How to determine the what, when, how, and why sequencing that determines success or failure. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of conditioning progression, common rehabilitation errors, how, what, and when to communicate with a veterinarian, and long-term rehabilitation planning, using science-based principles translated into practical management applications. Even those without horses will gain practical insights into structured recovery, planning, and evidence-based problem-solving applicable beyond the barn.
With more horses than any other county in the U.S., Marion County, Fla is truly Horse Capital of the World®. Come learn the history, the economics and the special reasons Ocala has grown to include so many disciplines breeds and venues and how Florida Thoroughbreds were the catalysts and still comprise more than 50% of the economic impact today!
Instructor:Tammy A GanttMembers: $10; General Public: $15
Course #:EQU138 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: W | 10/28/2026 | 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM Seats Available:82
Celebrate the creativity and equestrian spirit that define the Horse Fever phenomenon. Join Laurie Zink, co-chair of all Horse Fever herds, for an engaging presentation exploring the history and impact of this beloved public art project that began in 2001 and helped spark the creation of the Marion Cultural Alliance.
Learn how life-sized, artist-painted horse sculptures have become a signature symbol of Marion County’s equestrian heritage and how the project has raised funds to support local arts. Laurie will highlight memorable horses from all four herds, share images and stories behind their designs, and introduce the new 25th Anniversary collection. Participants will also have the opportunity to see Tribute 25, the 2026 commemorative statue created by artist Sharon Crute, up close during the presentation.
Presented in partnership with the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, this program offers a fascinating look at the art, community spirit, and horse culture that helped make Marion County the Horse Capital of the World®.
Instructor:Laurie ZinkMembers: $5; General Public: $10
Course #:CMT155 | Room:Circle Square Cultural Center
Day of Week | Date | Time: M | 11/2/2026 | 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM Seats Available:235
You don't need to own a farm to appreciate how top equine facilities keep horses healthy and operations running smoothly. This session explores the systems and strategies that help facilities anticipate problems rather than constantly reacting to them. Topics include workflow, communication, risk prevention, and decision-making practices that impact horse welfare and financial efficiency. Participants will gain practical insights to recognize, evaluate, and apply these principles in any horse-related setting.
This is a Remote Instructor Distance Learning Course. Hover over or tap this text for more details.
Registering for a remote instructor class means the student will attend in a classroom at MTP, but the instructor(s) teach(es) from a remote location. These classes are scheduled for a specific date and time. The instructor's presentation is displayed for students to see and hear in the classroom. Questions to and interaction with the remote instructor is usually available.
Will Rogers was born of Cherokee heritage in what was then called Indian Territory in 1879. As a young man he started out working as a ranch hand and cowboy, eventually graduating to work as a rodeo performer. His tricks with horses and lariats gained the attention of a vaudeville producer and before long Rogers and his horse were working working on stage. He rose to the pinnacle of the entertainment world and became America's favorite performer, eventually starring in 71 films. Along the way he authored several books and became a beloved newspaper columnist and radio commentator. In the 1920's and 1930's he was easily the most famous American and even facetiously ran for President in 1928 as the Anti-Bunk Party candidate. Despite his fame he was beloved for championing the rights of the common man. A friend to Presidents, the entire nation mourned when he died tragically in a plane crash in Alaska in 1935. This lecture will trace the life of this beloved American who rose from horses to Hollywood.
Instructor:Rick KistnerMembers: $8; General Public: $13 Course #: SPE323 | Room:Live Oak Hall Day of Week | Date | Time:Th | 11/12/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM Seats Available:71
The only tribe that has never signed a so-called peace treaty with the United States, the Seminole Tribe of Florida has perhaps the most unique history of any tribe in North America. Their fight to hold on to their culture, land and freedom, even as other tribes fell to Euro-American violence, is part of a larger story of an amazing people. This talk tells only part of their story, but what a story it is.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:SPE232 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 12/8/2026 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM Seats Available:62
If you enjoyed Cathy Salustri's October Then and Now presentation, make sure to register for the second part. If you were not able to make the first class, this one is sure to excite.
Take a look at how Florida was, and how it is, through pictures. Cathy will talk about places across the Sunshine State. Some you know, and perhaps some you don't, and their historic, cultural, and environmental significance today.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:HIS588 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 12/8/2026 | 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Seats Available:62
Want to take a trip in Florida? Look no further than the state's tourism website, your local AAA, or even a bevy of travel magazines. Is it still possible to find pockets of Florida not overrun with tourists seeking a theme park experience? This talk will take you to five places you might not know about - and tell you why they're worth visiting.
Instructor:Cathy SalustriMembers: $8; General Public: $13
Course #:SPE166 | Room:Cypress Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 12/8/2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Seats Available:39