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Wordley Martin builds dream arena for Lothlorien Farm South

Monday, 07 October 2024
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Photo © Wordley Martin The new riding arena built by Wordley Martin at Lothlorien South in Ocala, Florida, is sited on a hill and incorporated an existing Granddaddy Oak tree. Photo © Wordley Martin.

Ocala, Florida – When international show jumping stable Lothlorien Farm South relocated to Ocala, FL, constructing a new riding arena was a top priority. Despite being a massive undertaking, working with world-renowned arena builders Wordley Martin made the process smooth and seamless with impressive results.

After spending winters in Wellington, FL, Lothlorien Farm owner Ariel Grange Somes decided to relocate to a more spacious property in Ocala. While the 50-acre parcel she purchased had two homes and an 18-stall barn, there was no riding arena. Starting with a blank canvas, Somes had the opportunity to create a riding arena that perfectly suited her needs. 

There was no question who Somes and Lothlorien’s head rider, Ireland’s Daniel Coyle, would turn to. Owned and operated by professional horsemen Craig Martin and Sharn Wordley, Wordley Martin had the necessary experience and expertise to design and build an arena suitable for training international show jumping horses. Even better, Wordley’s own show jumping stable is based in Ocala, making for an easy decision.

Photo © Jump Media Lothlorien’s head rider Daniel Coyle, pictured here competing for the Irish show jumping team with Legacy at World Equestrian Center – Ocala, trained at home on the best surface possible in the lead-up to the Paris Olympic Games. Photo © Jump Media.

“When Ariel and I spoke about the new farm, we both knew that having a Wordley Martin surface to train on was essential,” said Coyle, an Irish Olympian who is consistently ranked in the top 20 in the world. “We travel all over the world to compete, and nothing compares to Wordley Martin footing. It was an easy decision to work with Sharn and Craig.”

The decision was so straight forward, in fact, that Somes didn’t even meet with the Wordley Martin team in person.

“I didn’t have time to go down to Ocala myself, so I asked Sharn to go over to the property and take a look,” recalled Somes, whose home base is outside of Toronto, Canada. “He asked me how big I wanted the ring to be, and I said, ‘You tell me!’ Sharn said that I was the first person to approve a new arena via text message.”

It is that type of confidence in Wordley Martin’s work that has made the company a favorite with sport horse trainers throughout North America.

“The most unique thing about the project is that it was done remotely; we never met, and Ariel didn’t know me personally when she first reached out,” said Wordley, who has represented New Zealand at Olympic Games and World Championships. “She was investing in a large arena on her property and was comfortable working with us that way due to our reputation for building good rings.”

Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography Ariel Somes, pictured with her son, Cody, and husband, Daryl, enjoying their new Wordley Martin riding arena at Lothlorien Farm South. Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.

Starting from scratch presented challenges, such as building on a hill and working around the magnificent Granddaddy Oak trees, but they were quickly overcome thanks to Wordley Martin’s panache for problem-solving and working with quality partner contractors.

“We recommended a large arena at 200’ x 330’ in size and got to work beautifying the trees around the ring,” said Wordley, referencing one of the many other equestrian property services that Wordley Martin provides. “The arborist that we work with, who is part of our Equine Design & Development Collective, did some nice work on the trees and we left one in the middle of the ring, both to provide shade and add to the overall aesthetic.”

The result was impressive.

“The ring is our crowning jewel,” said Somes. “Not only was it completed ahead of schedule, but the whole company was extremely efficient and professional. When you’re working with Sharn, you know he’s looking at things from the perspective of a professional rider. You have confidence that he’s going to make the ring as nice as he possibly can. Whether it was the placement of the tree in the ring or the boards around the parameter, everything was meticulous. All the Wordley Martin guys were great and knowing that Sharn was personally involved and providing updates gave me peace of mind. The project was completed quickly, efficiently, and looks fantastic!” 

After being based in Wellington for more than a decade, the Lothlorien team was spending its first full season in Ocala, where the onus was on preparing Coyle and his top mount Legacy for selection to the Irish Olympic team in addition to developing its large string of young horses. Knowing that the ring needed to be ready for the winter 2024 season, on the eve of the Paris Olympic Games, gave the project an added sense of importance. Having worked with numerous Olympians in all three disciplines of dressage, eventing, and show jumping, Wordley Martin was up to the challenge.

Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography Another view of the Wordley Martin riding arena at Lothlorien Farm South.” Photo © Andrew Ryback Photography.

“It’s quite a big responsibility for us to make sure that they have the riding surface that suits their needs as elite athletes,” said Wordley, who noted that several eventing and show jumping athletes selected for the 2024 Paris Olympics train on Wordley Martin surfaces at home. “A big factor after the build is complete is providing support and educating the customer on how best to maintain their arena to get the desired results. It’s important to communicate the correct arena management protocols and help our customers in that way.”

It’s that sense of commitment that has made customer service one of Wordley Martin’s hallmarks and sets the company apart from other arena builders.

“If our customer has any issues, they can call us and we answer 24/7,” said Wordley. “We don’t consider a project to be done when we walk off the property. We’re here to help, and we also offer an annual or bi-annual program where we laser-grade and do maintenance on the arenas. It’s in our own interest to keep the rings we build performing at their best for our customers. I think that commitment to customer service and satisfaction is what defines our company long after the arena is built.”

 


 

With a stellar reputation earned from working with the top stables and horse shows in the country, including HITS Ocala in Florida and HITS Hudson Valley in New York, Wordley Martin is the arena building company that riders and owners alike can count on.

For more information on Wordley Martin, visit https://wordleymartin.com/. Be sure to follow Wordley Martin on Instagram and Facebook to see their latest design and construction projects.



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