Ocala Horse Industry

Ocala/Marion County is officially named the “Horse Capital of the World®,” a testament to the County’s unique involvement in all things equestrian and its record of producing some of the finest champions in the Thoroughbred Racing sport. With a beautiful climate the majority of the year (Summers tend to be hot and humid) and rich soil Ocala/Marion County is home to more horses than anywhere else in the country. According to the Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association, the county has more horses and ponies than any other in the U.S., 35% of Florida’s horses are in the county and 46% of thoroughbreds.

More than 15,000 thoroughbreds train annually in Florida thanks to the mild winters, grasses rich with limestone and spring fed aquifers. Horse farms cover more than 195,000 acres of prime land in Marion County. With multiple show venues in the area, including the luxurious World Equestrian Center, the Florida Horse Park, HITS Post Time Farm, Southeastern Livestock Pavilion, among others, the Ocala area has also become a base for many other equestrian sports beyond the Thoroughbred racing industry. Dressage, Hunter-Jumper, Paso Fino, Arabian, and a variety of Western disciplines thrive in the Ocala area.

The luxurious equestrian facility, the World Equestrian Center is expanding the equestrian season in Ocala. Currently with six large-climate controlled indoor arenas, WEC is now hosting horse events throughout the year, including Dressage, Hunter-Jumper, FEI, Paso Fino, Arabian, and various Western shows. WEC’s Ocala Winter Spectacular is a hunter/jumping show circuit each year from January-March (12 weeks) Additionally, WEC offers a similar summer show series over 10 weeks from June-August. With Millions of dollars in money and prizes up for grabs each week, admission to watch most events is free and open to the public! Make visiting WEC a getaway experience by also exploring the massive property, which presently hosts two hotels, an RV Park, two Expo Centers, and a new event center with multiple new food and beverage outlets scheduled to open in 2025.

The Ocala/Marion horse industry is strongly supported by a large network of equine services and specialists, such as veterinarians, feed and tack retailers, blacksmiths, equine dentists, farriers, and major horse transportation companies.