Above: Raina King jumps with Thomas.
Below: Raina King reviews her course on Killegar Mr. Cool.
to Sarasota in 1999, and has been riding
horses since she was 9.
“I was always obsessed with
horses – my mom used to say I
cantered before I ran,” Birnbach said.
Fox Lea has incorporated family
activities like miniature courses for
kids to jump on foot, face painting and
demonstrations by Sarasota County
Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol horses.
“The more members of the public
we can get out here, the more awareness
we can raise around horse sports,”
Birnbach said. “Our website, for example,
lists several places where you can
go to take riding lessons and learn how
to ride.”
Recently, the owners have added a
“Sips N Spurs” beer and wine trailer
bar for guests to mingle and socialize.
Also new this year at the farm is the
emerging athletics program for potential
Olympic athletes.
“They use the facility to train and
network with other athletes,” Birnbach
said.
Fox Lea Farm
is located at 800
N. Auburn Rd. in
Venice.
For more
information and a
detailed schedule
of events, visit
foxleafarm.com or
call (941)786-8028.
68 GASPARILLA MAGAZINE January/February 2020
/foxleafarm.com
