Ocala Horse Alliance- Giving Spurs to the Ocala Horse Industry

To the Ocala Horse Alliance Members and Equestrian Community:

These are unprecedented times…. indeed, challenging times. But no doubt, we as an industry and community will weather the storm if we use our collective energy and acumen to address and mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Below are a few topics that we feel are important to note at this juncture:

1. Feed and Hay Availability

We have spoken with several feed and hay suppliers and all assure us there is no need to hoard or stockpile feed or hay. Even if there were an order to close business, ag and animal feed suppliers are considered ‘essential business’ and they would remain open. The feed companies report their mills are operating and will continue to produce. Hay supplies are continuing to be trucked here without interruption. Please do not hoard feed or hay as it may create a supply issue that is unnecessary.

2. Non-Transferable to Pets or Horses

The According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) there is no evidence at this point to indicate that pets become ill with COVID-19 or that they spread it to other animals or humans. Please remind people so there is not an influx of pets to shelters. As precaution, always wash your hands after interacting with an animal.

3. Parks, Trails: Closed for Safety

The number of trails, trailheads, parks and facilities that are closed to equine activity is growing daily. Please respect the closings and understand the closings are designed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

4. Social Distancing and Best Practices

The Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization both recommend social distancing as a primary means to limit the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing (keeping 6 feet away from another person) and sanitation of common areas and surfaces should be practiced at all equestrian related facilities to help limit the spread of COVID-19. Common areas such as tack rooms, bathrooms, as well as doorknobs and light switches should be disinfected regularly. There are but a few cases of COVID-19 in Marion County. Let’s keep it that way.

5. OHA Connections Events Suspended

In keeping with the recommendations from Governor DeSantis, the CDC and local officials, we have suspended the monthly OHA Connections events. As soon as it is deemed safe to resume, we will.

6. Small Business Support

Without question, one of the biggest hits economically will be to small business. Please consider this when we return to a more normal lifestyle.

7. Need and Crisis

The time may come when some individuals will be in critical need of assistance with their horses. I hope as a horse community we can reach out and assist in these very trying times. Let’s be good neighbors, good citizens, and a good resource for members of the equine community.

We are bonded by the horse…and we can, and may need to be, there for those in need.

Please take care to be safe and healthy.

In Unity There Is Strength

With more people in the Ocala horse industry united for one goal, comes new possibilities, new partnerships and new opportunities. The Ocala Horse Alliance is a new organization that is uniting ALL aspects of the horse industry in Marion County. Join now as a member and begin to socialize, make new connections, explore vast partnerships, be a part of industry marketing initiatives, and avail yourself of educational seminars and programs.

Seize Your Moment

Whether you breed it, ride it, braid it, shoe it, dress it, feed it, house it, show it, train it, drive it, treat it, ship it, trail it, write about it, lease it, judge it, appraise it, massage it, photograph it, promote it, whisper to it, or just love it… you are an integral part of the horse industry.

The Ocala Horse Alliance… Giving Spurs to the Ocala Horse Industry.

You’ll want to be part of this new association!

Join the OHA Now!

Click on Photo to view Larry Ray Pruitt’s Video Profile Life Story in his own words.

Shawn, Jody, Jayce and Alice LaMont Click on Photo to View Shawn and K-Country’s Lewis Stokes at Shadow Trailer World Grand Opening on NW HWY 40 in January 2020

In Memorium

Article Date: June 5, 2020

It is with great sadness that the Ocala Horse Alliance is sharing the tragic news about the death of Larry Ray Pruitt, his son-in-law, Shawn Charles LaMont, Larry’s daughter, Jody Rae LaMont, and their two children, Jayce and Alice LaMont ages 6 and 4 respectively. The five members of the family were killed in a plane crash in rural Georgia on the way to a funeral on Friday afternoon.

Larry was the founder and president of Shadow Trailers and Shadow Trailer World and an icon in the equestrian industry. Larry built Shadow Trailers into a preeminent, highly successful national trailer manufacturing and sales company.

Shadow Trailers became the title sponsor of the Ocala Horse Alliance and the OHA Summit. Both Larry and Shawn were believers in the Alliance, its mission and goals and were hands-on, very active members of the OHA.

The Ocala Horse Alliance has lost dear and valued friends. The equestrian industry has lost an ingenious marketer, a visionary and an enormous supporter of horses and the horse industry.

Services were held at Meadowbrook Church 4741 SW 20th Street

Shawn Jody Jace & Alice LaMont — The LaMont Family

Click on Photos

if you wish to leave a personal memorial message

K Country Interview

Article Date: MAY 10 2020

K Country spoke with Ray Di Maria from the Ocala Horse Alliance to discuss how COVID-19 has affected the Horse Industry in Marion County as well as what the OHA is doing to help residents of the county with their horses during these unusual times .

Ocala Style Magazine

Article Date: MAY 2020

Click picture to read a recent article featuring the Emergency Feed Fund for Horses (EFFH) by the Ocala Style Magazine.

World Equestrian Center Magazine

Article Date: April 2020

The OHA was featured in an April 2020 article in the World Equestrian Center Magazine. Click the magazine to the left to read the article. Highlights include a review of the successful OHA Summit and a thank you to our sponsors.