Join us for a day remember for a cause close to our hearts
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We are so excited to bring our community together to expand Horses & Heroes Day to include a VIP Brunch! In our first 4 years we have raised over fifty thousand dollars to help the Wounded Warrior Project. For year 5, we have decided to further our reach but adding another non-profit to our beneficiaries! Introducing the Soldier's Freedom Outdoors of Melrose, FL!
Soldier's Freedom Outdoors was foundedin 2011 to harness the healing power of nature to help our active duty and veterans from all branches of the military, no matter the length of service. They provide retreats, free of charge. to help veterans coping with PTSD. As a small non-profit they operate very lean and more than 80% of their funds raised goes to help those in need! Join us Sunday for the annual Horses & Heroes Polo Match and Raffle to continue the fun tailgating at polo! This year we continue the VIP Brunch at Sunday Polo for the annual Horses & Heroes Cup! Polo evolved from military roots and we continue the tradition to honor our heroes with an origanization that supports their transition to civilian life. If you would like to learn more about the Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, speakers and representatives will be onsite or you can visit their website. Stay tuned for ticket and tailgate information! Sponsorships and Auction donations are welcome. Please email [email protected] with any questions or download our 2025 Information Packet Rain Date: Sunday March 9th 
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This year's speakers:
Matthew Markel
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Matthew Markel brings a profound dedication to his role at Soldiers Freedom Outdoors (SFO), where he serves not only as a board member but as a steadfast advocate for veterans well-being. With 14 years of military experience, including 4 years of active duty with a deployment to Afghanistan, Matthew understands firsthand the challenges faced by veterans.
Matthew's journey with Soldiers Freedom Outdoors began 7 years ago as a volunteer, driven by a deep belief in the healing power of nature and community for those who have served our country. Today, he continues to play a pivotal role in expanding SFO's impact, particularly through the organization's retreats at Camp Freedom in Melrose, Florida. These retreats provide veterans with a sanctuary to find solace, connect with peers, and embark on their healing journey amidst the tranquil landscapes of the 300+ acre ranch. Matthew helps organizes SFO's annual events, including dinners that gather over 400 participants each year. His vision is to enrich these gatherings, ensuring they offer not only support but also moments of joy and camaraderie for all attendees. Matthew is also a passionate advocate for equine therapy, recognizing its profound impact onveterans' well-being. At Camp Freedom, he champions the equine program, where veterans can engage in therapeutic activities such as riding, grooming, and bonding with horses. Matthew Markel's commitment to Soldiers Freedom Outdoors reflects his belief in creating meaningful opportunities for veterans to thrive post-service. Through his leadership and advocacy, Matthew continues to make a significant difference in the lives of those who have sacrificed for our country. |
James S "Hammer" Hartsell
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Retired Marine Corps Major General James S. “Hammer” Hartsell was appointed Executive Director of the Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) by Gov. Ron DeSantis and unanimously approved by Florida’s Cabinet Officers in 2021.
FDVA is a 1,480-member constitutionally chartered State Veterans’ Affairs department with a $171 million annual budget responsible for serving the nation’s third largest veteran population. Operating as the premier point of entry for Florida’s 1.5 million veterans, FDVA operates a network of nine state veterans’ homes and provides statewide outreach to connect veterans with their earned services, benefits and support. He is currently serving an elected term as president of the National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA). NASDVA was founded in 1946 to bring together the state directors of veterans’ affairs from all 50 states, territories and the District of Columbia to promote and encourage communication, discussion, as well as action to effectively provide the best services and benefits for America’s more than 19 million veterans. General Hartsell served in the United States Marine Corps with honor for 37 years of active and reserve duty, beginning as an enlisted Marine in 1981 and completing a distinguished and highly decorated military career as a Major General. Concurrent with his Reserve military career, General Hartsell completed a successful 22year civilian career in the Healthcare Industry where he provided leadership in Marketing, Product Management, U.S. and Global Business Development, and Hospital Administration. |
Grab Your Tickets Today!
VIP Brunch at Sunday Polo - Horses & Heroes Day -
$75.00
Join us for a special VIP Brunch before the 5th annual Horses & Heroes Cup! Unique opportunity to celebrate with friends while supporting the Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, enjoying brunch, door prizes and early access to the annual Horses & Heroes Raffle! Held on February 23rd at 11am to 3pm pm at the VIP Paddock on Polo Field One at the Florida Horse Park. This included admission to the Polo Match which you will enjoy from fieldside VIP area. This is sure to be a day to remember! Table Sponsorships for tables of 8 are also available, please email [email protected] to reserve these or inquire about additional sponsorship or donation opportunities.
Table of 8 at VIP Brunch at Sunday Polo - Horses & Heroes Day -
$500.00
Join us for a special VIP Brunch before the 5th annual Horses & Heroes Cup! Unique opportunity to celebrate with friends while supporting Soldiers Freedom Outdoors, enjoying brunch, door prizes and early access to the annual Horses & Heroes Raffle! Held on February 23rd at 11am to 3pm pm at the VIP Paddock on Polo Field One at the Florida Horse Park. This included admission to the Polo Match which you will enjoy from fieldside VIP tent. This is sure to be a day to remember! Table Sponsorships for tables of 8 are also available, please email [email protected] to reserve these or inquire about additional sponsorship or donation opportunities.
VIP Tailgate Space - Single Match - Winter '25
$50.00
Only a few left!
VIP Reserved Tailgate space complete with a 10x10 tent & prime centerfield location assigned in reservation order- so reserve yours today! Single match dates Dec 8th to Mar 23rd Tickets are per space which can hold one vehicle, i.e. per vehicle not per person! General admission is included for 8 people, or two carloads. One car is able to park at the tailgate space behind the tent and the other across the road from the tailgate spaces. Both cars are required to check in at the ticket booth where you can also receive additional directions if needed. You will receive an email on the morning of gameday with your tailgate space number and a field map as well as the matchlist!
Please note reservations must be made before 7am on gameday. Online ticket sales end at 7am. Reserved tailgates can be purchased at the gate first come first served.
In the event of inclimate weather, we will announce game cancellations via email and on facebook. Tickets are able to be rebooked for a different date in the same season, you will receive an email to rebook your tailgate tickets.
Reserved Tailgate Space - Single Match - Winter '25
$30.00
Only a few left!
Reserved Tailgate to fit one car/truck and include general admission for a carload of friends! Skip the tent and tailgate right from your vehicle, outside tents are not allowed at this time for safety concerns. Make tailgating easy with a reserved space close to centerfield so you can show up just before the match and still have the best seats in the house! This option does not include a tent and VIP tailgates with tents are the closest to centerfield. Single match dates Dec 8th to Mar 23rd.
Please note reservations must be made before 7am on gameday. Online ticket sales close at 7am. Reserved spaces can be purchased at the gate first come first served for $35/space
In case of inclimate weather we announce match cancellations via email and on facebook. Tailgates can be rebooked for a date later in the same season. You will receive an email inviting you to rebook.
General Admission - Single Match - Winter '25
$0.00 - $5.00
Only a few left!
General Admission per person, $5 when pre-booked online $10 at the gate on gameday. Single match dates Dec 8th to Mar 23rd. Tickets are per person, your confirmation email will serve at your proof of ticket. General Admission for children under 12 is FREE. December online admission is FREE to celebrate the holidays!
This does not include a fieldside tailgate space. General Admission parking is on the opposite side of the road along the sideline. Tailgate spaces can be reserved for in advance or at the field (when available), general admission for one carload of spectators is included in the tailgate space price.
Please note purchases must be made before 7am on gameday. Online sales close at 7am. Tickets are available on gameday at the gate for $10 per person.
In the event of incliment weather, cancellations will be announced by email and on facebook. Reservations can be rebooked for a date later in the same season.
