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