Equestrian Escapes in Florida’s Horse Country

Related Cities & Topics:

View Full Size

A horse grazes in Ocala as dawn breaks.

Photo Credit: contributed photo

View Full Size

Much of the Ocala area is characterized by open horse fields and natural surroundings.

Photo Credit: Mike Graham Auman Photo Studio

In Ocala, horse lovers can go on guided trail rides and learn to drive a carriage.

A tall step up into the gleaming white carriage, and I’m off on a gentle ride courtesy of Buddy, an 18-year-old Clydesdale and equine-in-residence at the Hilton Ocala. Guests are treated to a trip near the paddocks, where to the delight of gleeful young girls and smiling mothers, you can offer the horses a treat.

It’s the perfect introduction to Florida’s own Horse Country. Known for its gently rolling hills and more than 225 horse farms, Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World, centrally located for exploring Marion County's many equestrian attractions.

Canter Along

For a relaxing afternoon, go to Ocala Carriage and arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride, a one-hour overview of life on the farms, where you'll see mares and their foals grazing and thoroughbreds at ease.

Known for its gently rolling hills and more than 225 horse farms, Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World, centrally located for exploring Marion County's many equestrian attractions.

A drive down the back roads - especially off US 27 North - immerses you in the beauty of Horse Country, with its canopied roads and long scenic views. Stop and visit Young's Paso Fino Ranch for a tour of their working operation, or consider a quiet night on the farm: Rent a guest house at Happy Acres Ranch.


At Full Gallop

Whether you bring your own horse or take a guided trail ride, there are hundreds of miles of equestrian trails around Ocala. On the Cross Florida Greenway, many trailheads are optimized for equestrians, offering hitching posts, water troughs and space for horse trailer parking. Break into a full gallop on the wide-open trails of Halpata Tastanaki Preserve, or canter through the pines of Ross Prairie State Forest. Cactus Jack's Trail Rides will get you out across the Land Bridge, a tree-topped landmark along Interstate 75. JNB Horse Haven Farm leads trail rides into the Ocala National Forest, where the LAM Equestrian Trail meanders 34 miles. In Goethe State Forest, riders have more than 100 miles to explore on guided rides at North Star Acres.
 

Hold Your Horses!

Winter means major equestrian competitions, with the centerpiece the annual H.I.T.S. (Horses in the Sun), a seven-week extravaganza of hunter/jumper events hosted by Post Time Farm. Spectators are always welcome, as they are at the Florida Horse Park, with year-round polo, and combined driving, jumping and dressage events.

During thoroughbred auctions, excitement centers on Ocala Breeders' Sales. Watch horses put through their paces while you dine at Champions Restaurant, where they provide harness racing telecasts with off-track betting.

Original equine art graces the adjacent Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association. The sculpture out front is one of 27 "Horse Fever" originals you can search for around Marion County. At shops like the Tack Shack, you'll find saddles and halters, fine boots and western wear, and equestrian-themed home décor, toys and art. Many western shops specialize in boots and clothing, with RCC Western World as impressive in size and selection as any store you'll find out west. 

Whether you bring your own horse or borrow one during your visit, you're sure to catch your own "horse fever" with a visit to Ocala and Marion County!

This article is brought to you by the Ocala/Marion County Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information on equestrian escapes in the Horse Capital of the World, visit the Ocala/Marion County Convention & Visitors Bureau.