Lake Welcome Center Director Gary Arnold announced the kick-off of the first in a series of community education classes to be offered in the conference room of the Lake Oconee Parkway facility. Steeplechase 101 and the Novels of Dick Francis will hold its first of eight weekly sessions Wednesday, Feb. 10, and run through Wednesday, March 31.

A 7 p.m. starting time was chosen to accommodate working adults. After six classes, Steeplechase 101 and the Novels of Dick Francis will feature a field trip to the Aiken Spring Steeplechase Saturday, March 20. The class fee is $40, but the structure and cost of the excursion will be determined by the schedules of the students, varying from a day trip to a weekend stay. All are invited to participate in the event, but an introduction to the sport will greatly enhance the experience.

“We believe the students will find instructor Maybe Ortiz to be entertaining and informative,” said Arnold. “Her background in polo was preceded by a childhood of fox hunting and show jumping in Pennsylvania. While teaching at Cecil Community College, she spent some time as an exercise rider for Jonathan Sheppard, a leading steeplechase trainer for decades.”

Each session will combine an overview of the sport with a review and discussion of the more than 40 novels written by ex-steeplechase jockey Dick Francis. Born in 1920, Francis is now assisted in the research and writing of his intricate mystery novels by his son Felix, a former physics teacher.

Various guest speakers from the world of steeplechase will be featured, including those with knowledge in the areas of training and riding the jump races. South Carolina has hosted steeplechase races at Camden and Aiken for many years, and Georgia now offers meets near Atlanta and Callaway Gardens.

Previous experience with horses or the novels of Dick Francis is not necessary to enjoy this course. For more information, call Maybe Ortiz at (706) 453-7484 or stop by the Lake Welcome Center next to Boats with Gusto at 5820 Lake Oconee Parkway.