If you love horses, you’ll love Ocala, Florida! Ocala is known as the horse capital of the world, and for good reason. Ocala has more horses and horse farms than any other place in the United States. In fact, Ocala has over 600 horse farms and more than 40,000 horses, according to the Ocala/Marion County Chamber & Economic Partnership. That’s a lot of horses!
Ocala is home to some of the most prestigious and successful horse breeding and training facilities in the world. You can find all kinds of horses here, from thoroughbreds and quarter horses to Arabians and Andalusians. Ocala also hosts many equestrian events throughout the year, such as the HITS Ocala Winter Circuit, the Live Oak International, and the Ocala Breeders’ Sales.
One of the best ways to experience Ocala’s horse culture is to visit some of the famous horse farms. You can take a guided tour or a self-drive tour and see some of the amazing horses and facilities that make Ocala a world-class destination for horse lovers. Some of the most popular horse farms to visit are:
– Adena Springs: This farm is owned by Canadian billionaire Frank Stronach and has produced many champion racehorses, including Ghostzapper, Awesome Again, and Mucho Macho Man.
– Bridlewood Farm: This farm is owned by John and Leslie Malone, who also own the largest private landholding in the US. Bridlewood Farm has bred and trained many top-class horses, including Tapwrit, Moonshine Memories, and Chitu.
– Ocala Stud: This farm is the oldest continuously operated thoroughbred farm in Florida and has been in business since 1956. Ocala Stud has produced many stakes winners, including Needles, Dr. Fager, and Silver Charm.
Whether you’re a horse lover, a horse owner, or a horse enthusiast, you’ll find something to enjoy in Ocala. You can visit some of the famous horse farms, take a scenic horseback ride, watch a thrilling horse race, or shop for horse-related products and services. Ocala is truly a paradise for anyone who loves horses!
