| Ocala, Florida may seem like just another nice town at | | | | Derby winners, such as Affirmed and Needles, who |
| first glance. As the county seat of Marion County in | | | | recently achieved a coveted Triple Crown. There are |
| central Florida, it has a comfortable population of | | | | a number of stud farms, which can feature beautiful |
| around 50,000, though the surrounding area has well | | | | breeds such as Gypsy Gold. From there, there are |
| over 300,000 inhabitants. However, Ocala is much | | | | popular breeds such as Arabian, American Quarter |
| more than just another town. Ocala has the prestigious | | | | Horse, Paso Fino, and even Warmbloods. |
| honor being the Horse Capital of the World. | | | | While some people seek out Ocala to purchase or |
| This unique reputation is well earned. From carriages to | | | | train a horse for their personal use, there are plenty of |
| world-class competitions, if there is an equine activity, it | | | | other options for individuals of all ages to get involved |
| exists in Ocala. It all starts with the horse farms, many | | | | with the equine population in this area. For adults who |
| of which are not only breed farms, but offer training as | | | | do not own a farm, there are many supporting |
| well, serving various purposes from racing, to jumping, | | | | positions in grooming and care. From vets to jockeys |
| to showmanship. These farms often offer various | | | | to blacksmiths to organizers, there is a high demand |
| riding options, including guided lessons and trails for the | | | | for adults to help make the equine industry continue to |
| public. The horses are also popular as a tourist | | | | prosper in Ocala. |
| attraction, often used in shows and parades. | | | | For the younger population, there are numerous |
| Ocala is one of the few towns in America that is | | | | opportunities to get involved, through 4-H, riding lessons, |
| substantially supported by one industry. Some sources | | | | parades, or even competitions. The competitions can |
| estimate that there are over 2,000 horse farms in the | | | | range greatly, from novice competitions to Olympic |
| Ocala area, taking up nearly 77,000 acres. Due to this | | | | quality events, perfect for riders of all ages and ability |
| large number, there are around 44,000 jobs in and | | | | levels. With so much of the economy invested in the |
| around Ocala that relate to this industry, including | | | | equine industry, many children in Ocala become |
| positions in breeding, training, and other equine support. | | | | involved at a young age in order to support the future |
| Overall, a large percentage of the town thrives on the | | | | growth of the community. |
| horses, whether in breeding and maintenance or finding | | | | Clearly, the equine industry is an important part of |
| ways to connect the industry to interested tourists. | | | | Ocala, Florida, defining the town and its citizens. From |
| It is possible to find almost any breed of horse in | | | | professional breeders to novice riders, the Horse |
| Ocala, either for viewing, riding, or purchase. Ocala is | | | | Capital of the World has much to offer people of all |
| renowned for its quality thoroughbreds as well as its | | | | ages and from all walks of life. |
| production of successful racehorses, including several | | | | |