Ocala, FL – This week’s Ocala Sunday Spotlight shines on Grace Long, an accomplished Australian athlete who, together with her husband Tom Bebb, founded G&T Equestrian. While their primary base for the successful training and boarding operation is in Middleburg, Virginia, they spend their winter months in Ocala, Florida, showing at World Equestrian Center – Ocala. We recently had the opportunity to catch up with Long to learn more about her fiery international competition horse, Happiness Vd Hazelhof, and gain insights into the operations of G&T Equestrian.
WEC: Can you share a bit about yourself?
I grew up in Australia. My family wasn’t into horses at all, but I’ve always loved them and riding. As a kid, I rode mainly as a hobby because I didn’t have a lot of financial backing, but I was fortunate to always have a horse. I found a great trainer who helped me out, took me along to shows and got me going.
I ended up going to university and got a Law and Economic degree. I started working in those fields, but soon realized, I did not want to be in an office all day, I’d rather be riding and working with horses. Throughout my twenties I worked for a wonderful couple in Australia who loved the sport and shared my passion for horses. They helped set me up with Ian Stilitch who was a rider in America. I traveled back and forth for a while, but then I decided to move to America full-time. That was about 10 years ago, and I met my husband and now we have a boarding and training operation called G&T Equestrian.
WEC: Tell us a bit more about G&T Equestrian?
My husband Tom and I established G&T Equestrian together. We are based in northern Virginia near DC, we operate year-round there and spend four months here at WEC – Ocala during the winter. We have a very diverse group of horses and customers, ranging from 2’6’ hunters to my FEI level horse. What matters the most to us is working with people who are doing the sport for the right reasons and love their horses.
We have a great group of staff too. They all go above and beyond and work so hard. We have become close, and we have fun together every day.
WEC: Tell us a bit more about Happiness Vd Hazelhof.
She’s such a great horse. I’ve had her since the start of her seven-year-old year. She’s a chestnut mare, so she can be pretty opinionated. When she was younger, she was really fiery which made for some pretty exciting times. But she’s always been careful and brave. We’ve just taken our time with her. She’s recently stepped up to the FEI level, and we are really excited to have a horse doing that.
We always hoped she would get there, because she’s got the right attitude and has a lot of self-confidence. She walks into that arena determined to get the job done, and I think she has a great time doing it. She jumps her heart out for me in the ring, and although she has a bit of a wild personality, you couldn’t hope for a better partner.
WEC: What do you love most about showing on a Saturday night at World Equestrian Center – Ocala?
The whole process – the excitement, the camaraderie, and the sense of teamwork. Our customers come out, and they’ll all cheer me on. When I placed in the grand prix a few weeks ago, I got back to the barn, and everyone was there to celebrate together. Tom and I just feel so lucky to have found such a great group of people that are so supportive and have become our second family.
Thank you, Grace, for taking the time to chat with us! We will be cheering you and ‘Happiness’ on in the WEC Grand Arena!