Celebrate the finest Clydesdales and other draft breeds.
Written By Cynthia McFarland
Big horses are a way of life for third-generation Clydesdale breeders Shannon and Karen Cobbs. The family traces their Scottish lineage back to 1240 and proudly promotes Scotland’s native draft breed.
Photo courtesy of Grandview Clydesdales
Shannon and Karen have lived here since 2012 and happily share these majestic horses with guests through The Clydesdale Experience tours at their Grandview Clydesdale facility just eight miles west of On Top of the World.
Tours are offered every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10am and 6pm. These informative guided tours are handicap and elderly friendly with minimal walking and last from 1.5 to two hours.
Guests cherish the opportunity to pet the horses, including multiple world champions, and take photos with them.
Facility tours also feature two young Clydesdale colts recently imported from Europe.
“These outstanding young horses are among the best we’ve seen in 20 years,” says Shannon.
Christmas tours run through January 9 at 6pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Tickets for both the “regular” facility tours and Christmas tours must be booked online to reserve your spot. Clydesdale Experience tours are $48 per person, and Christmas tours are $55 per person. Children under 2 are free.
Must-See Competitions
February brings draft horse-sized entertainment, the biggest in the state.
The action kicks off on February 1-32024, with the 6th annual Grandview Invitational at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala. Showcasing some of the best draft horses and drivers in the world, the popular hitch classes are all performed to music.
Spectator seats are under cover, and classes commence at 12pm each day. Tickets start at $20.
The thrills continue February 8-10 with Grandview World Nights at World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Every day will feature a championship six-horse hitch class where spectators can cheer on high-stepping Clydesdales, Belgians and Percherons in action.
Competition takes place in a climate-controlled indoor arena, beginning at 4pm daily, with ticket prices starting at $35. The vendor area opens at 11am with plenty of tantalizing shopping options.
“You can get right up close to the horses at these two shows,” says Shannon. “These are the only two weeks of the whole year that Clydesdales are competing in Florida.”
“Our tours run year-round, but seeing the Clydesdales and other draft horses compete is really special,” adds Karen. “We don’t want people to miss this opportunity!”
Grandview Clydesdale Tours
10020 SW 125th Court Rd, Dunnellon
(260) 388-4279