Places to go horsing around

Perhaps in part because of its usually mild weather, the South is home to many equestrian events in the winter months.

Some, such as the Georgia National Rodeo, are part of a circuit that visits various states throughout the year. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic is a destination event attracting many riders, trainers and owners to Mississippi for the season, when shows in other regions grind to a halt.

Regardless of what type of equestrian event piques your interest, there is something happening this winter that will fit the bill. The Georgia National Rodeo and Western Heritage Days and Livestock Rodeo Show offer spectators the opportunity to watch traditional rodeo events such as bronco riding, steer wrestling and barrel racing. The Gulf Coast Winter Classic hosts English riding events including hunter, jumper and equitation classes.

The one thing these events have in common is a great time for spectators. Whether you want to rub elbows with the wealthy elite of the equestrian set in Gulfport or taste the winning gumbo in the Western Heritage Days cook-off, these activities offer a bright spot on the winter calendar.

Georgia National Rodeo

Perry

This stop on the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association tour is Feb. 18-20 at the Georgia National Fairgrounds. Exhibitors compete in the Georgia National Rodeo for prizes and points to qualify for the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas in December. Watch steer wrestling, bronco riding, barrel racing and bull riding, along with other rodeo events and specialty acts. It is frequently named one of the top 20 events in January and February by the Southeast Tourism Association. Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter,

Admission, $9.50 to $20.50, 401 Larry Walker Parkway, Perry, 478-987-3247, gnfa.com.

Stay: The New Perry Hotel. Listed on the Georgia Register of Historic Places and the National Register of Historic Places. Starts at $54. 800 Main St., Perry. 478-987-1000, www.newperryhotel.com

Eat: The Restaurant at New Perry Hotel. Serves lunch and dinner; reservations accepted; shrimp, steak, fried chicken, meals served with two vegetables and a soup or salad. Entrees $10 to $15. 800 Main St., Perry. 478-987-1000, www.newperryhotel.com

Info: Perry Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 478-988-8000

Western Heritage Days

Lake Charles, La.

The Western Heritage Days and Livestock Show and Rodeo includes activities for all ages, including pony rides, petting zoos, stick horse rodeo, storytelling and trail rides. The festivities begin with the Southwest Louisiana Western Heritage Rodeo Trail Ride and Parade in downtown Lake Charles. The livestock show begins on Feb. 1, with different animals showcased each day.

The rodeo kicks off on Feb. 4, and runs through Feb. 6. The livestock classes are held during the day, and the rodeo begins at 7:30 p.m. On Feb. 6, Western Heritage Days will showcase the spirit of the cowboy, with activities for children and adults beginning at 9 a.m. Rodeo prize money for exhibitors tops $100,000. Evening sessions start at 7:30 on Feb. 4 and 5. There are 2:30 and 8 p.m. sessions on Feb. 6. Burton Arena, Admission for rodeo, $6 to $20, livestock show and Western Heritage Day activities are free, 7001 Gulf Highway, 337-802-4879, harperrodeo.com

If you make the trip to Lake Charles, don’t miss the art exhibit “Frederic Remington Makes Tracks” on display at the City Hall through March 10. The free exhibit was put together by the Frederic Remington Art Museum of Ogdensburg, N.Y. It includes prints and sculptures of 19th-century master Frederic Remington. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 337-491-9147, cityoflakecharles.com.

Stay: L’Auberge Du Lac Casino Resort. Rooms and suites, high-speed Internet, on-site shopping, spa and golf course, 30,000-square-foot gaming area. Starting at $129. 777 Avenue L’Auberge. 866-580-7444, www.ldlcasino.com.

Eat: Steamboat Bill’s. Fresh seafood and Cajun cooking. Entrees $10 to $25. 1004 Lakeshore Drive. 337-494-1070, steamboatbills.com.

Info: Southwest Louisiana Convention & Visitors Bureau, 337-436-9588, www.visitlake charles.org.

Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show

Gulfport, Miss.

The Gulf Coast Winter Classic Horse Show is a six-week series of horse shows. The mild weather and prize money attract riders, owners and trainers from around the country. Over 1,000 of the finest hunters and jumpers will compete in classes ranging from short stirrup for the smallest competitors to grand prix jumping classes that attract nationally recognized riders.

This year, the Winter Classic is increasing prize money in the jumper classes to attract more junior and amateur competitors.

They will also highlight hunters in the fourth week of the show, with a Hunter Classic and International Hunter Derby occurring that week. There will be six grand prix jumping events from Feb. 10 to March 21.

Book early: Hotel rooms fill up quickly. Harrison County Equestrian Center, free admission, 15321 County Farm Road. 843-768-5503, classiccompany.com.

Stay: Magnolia Plantation Hotel. Small hotel with 40 rooms, on-site dining, fitness center. Starting at $79. 16391 Robinson Road, Gulfport. 800-700-7858, www.magnolia plantations.com

Eat: Salute Italian. Expansive Italian menu, including hand-tossed pizzas, steak and seafood, martini bar; overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. $8-$26. 1712 15th St. 228-864-2500, www.saluteItalian.com