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
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:198
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:58
Imagine having the rare opportunity to spend a day with one of America's most celebrated and famously private literary giants. Acclaimed photographer Beowulf Sheehan did just that, and now Master the Possibilities is honored to welcome him for an extraordinary presentation that offers a glimpse into the life of legendary author Cormac McCarthy.
Best known for literary masterpieces including The Road, No Country for Old Men, and Blood Meridian, McCarthy was notoriously reluctant to step into the public eye. Yet, during an unforgettable day in Santa Fe, Sheehan was granted remarkable access to photograph the elusive author, capturing what would become McCarthy's final official author portrait and, ultimately, the photograph used to announce his passing.
Through captivating photographs, personal stories, and reflections from his acclaimed book, The Father of the Man: The Last Author Portrait Sitting with Cormac McCarthy, Sheehan shares an intimate perspective on the man behind the literary legend.
This is more than a presentation about photography or literature. It is a rare opportunity to experience literary history through the eyes of the artist who captured one of its most iconic figures.
Instructor:Beowulf SheehanMembers: Free; General Public: Free
Course #:SPE345 | Room:Live Oak Hall
Day of Week | Date | Time: Tu | 11/24/2026 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Seats Available:85
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:49
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:53
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:14
This is a Pre-Recorded Distance Learning Course. Hover over or tap this text for more details.
Pre-recorded courses are published online. After registering for the class, students receive login information to view the course recording at any time from a web browser via the internet. Students may watch the recording any number of times until the expiration date of the course (usually at the end of the term). Instructor handouts, when provided, may be downloaded from the recording playback. Instructors may also opt to provide for questions to be submitted and answered by email. This course is delivered via the Internet. The course link and instructions will appear on the order receipt. An electronic device with internet connection is required.
Join Kenneth Colen, President of On Top of the World Communities, LLC to hear the history of On Top of the World. Learn how the company got its start, its growth, the corporate philosophy, and where OTOW is headed in the future.
Instructor:Ken ColenMembers: Free; General Public: Free Course #: SPE150 Available 24/7 Beginning: 7/1/2026 Until: 12/13/2026
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.
Imagine having the rare opportunity to spend a day with one of America's most celebrated and famously private literary giants. Acclaimed photographer Beowulf Sheehan did just that, and now Master the Possibilities is honored to welcome him for an extraordinary presentation that offers a glimpse into the life of legendary author Cormac McCarthy.
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.
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.
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.
