Horsin’ around
Buckle up your seatbelts, folks, for an action-packed performance at the Hernando Fairgrounds on Saturday night.
Tommie Turvey, locally based in Brooksville and a well-known horseman, movie stuntman, trainer, and show entertainer, is bringing you his “Night of Amazing Horses”.
And amazing is right!
Jamie Marshall, production manager for Turvey’s shows, said, “We want people to see how wonderful horses can be. We want people to see them in a different light and that they are capable of doing extraordinary things.”
Turvey performs action and comedy acts with his horses along with beautiful horsemanship skills choreographed to music. Turvey, along with his wife, Chantal, shows the audience how you can communicate with your horse without a saddle, tack, or restraints.
“They use only their voice and body language to guide them in the open arena. It is truly an art form to see the communication and trust they have for each other,” said Marshall.
Turvey’s intelligent horses have such a complete level of trust and confidence in him that they allow him to do stunts and tricks so up close and personal with themselves that it really is amazing.
For instance, when Turvey asks his stunt horse Pokerjoe to lay upside down with all four feet in the air and then Turvey sits on his chest and holds Pokerjoe’s feet, it is hard to believe that you are watching a horse.
Turvey said, “Tricks like the laydown are especially difficult. I train my horses to learn how to lie down very gently and soft as well as getting up safely. Any horse will lay down, but teaching them to do it in a way that makes it safe and easy on them is the key.”
Turvey will also be performing with special guests Matt Mclaughlin and his Andalusian dressage horses, along with the Loyal Family Equestrians, specializing in circus bareback riding and vaulting. Dressage is often described as horse ballet, and vaulting as gymnastics on horseback.
“People will see three of the best performers in the world right here in Brooksville. Tommie and his horses have been around the world and in major movies and tv shows. Matt Mclaughlin is a top notch dressage trainer with the highest awards in dressage, has performed in thousands of shows and trained under Chuck Grant, the father of dressage in the U.S. Timi Loyal is one of the best rosinback riders and vaulters in the world. He has performed in all the greatest shows and even performed eight somersaults in one pass around the ring. To have these performers under one show in Brooksville is a special treat and shouldn’t be missed,” said Marshall.
Turvey will also perform with his dog, Maverick, and his mustang, Blade.
“They are an unlikely pair being that Blade was born and ran free in the wild until he was four years old and Maverick was bred to chase and heel horses and cattle. Tommie shows how trust can even make the most unlikely of friends,” said Marshall.
If you love horses, this show is for you.
“The audience will see everything from flashy black and white Paint horses, mini horses, mustangs, Andalusians, drafts, quarter horses and more. Each as their own special place to show off their talents and beauty,” said Marshall.
And you definitely will see a special relationship between Turvey and his horses.
“I love my horses and do everything I can for them. I love the reaction from the crowds when they see my horses perform. I know my horses work hard and really like performing. They are just like us, they get distracted and wound up right before and during a show. I help them focus and display their incredible talents to the audience. When the crowds applaud, laugh, or react, I know it’s because of what my horses are doing and how well they performed. I love to inspire people and hope they leave with a better sense of what horses can do and what they can do with their horses. There is nothing better than when someone tells me after a show how much they love watching my horses,” said Turvey.
The show on Saturday starts at 6 p.m. at the Hernando County Fairgrounds, located at 6436 Broad St. in Brooksville, and it will last about two hours with an intermission. Attendees can meet and greet Turvey and all the performers after the show. Gates open at 4 p.m. with Santa and his elves, a moon bounce, pony rides, and a petting zoo for a fun family night out. Food vendors will also be available too. Admission tickets are $20 at the door for adults and $15 for children and seniors.
A portion of the ticket sales will benefit and support a little girl fighting brain cancer named Leoni Grimes. Her father is a friend of Turvey and is a member of the stunt community.
“Knowing you can come spend an afternoon having fun, watching a wonderful show and helping out a family is something where everybody wins this holiday season,” said Marshall.
For more info, contact (352) 796-1795 or visit nightofamazinghorses.com.
