Ocala Horse Shows | Horseback Riding | Equestrian News

Horse Capital of the World in Marion County, Florida

Ocala, Florida

Welcome to the equestrian paradise of Ocala located in the rolling hills of Marion County, Florida. Here, many of the nation's top race horse breeders perfect their craft, producing thoroughbred race horses as well as virtually every other breed of horse.

Ocala Horse Shows

Ocala, Florida is also winter headquarters for the HITS Ocala show jumping winter series at Post Time Farm, World Equestrian Center Ocala (January 2021), and numerous other horse shows at Florida Horse Park and Majestic Oaks Eventing trials.

Horseback Riding and Hiking in the Ocala National Forest

Ocala is the main gateway to the Ocala National Forest and its numerous horseback riding and hiking trails as well as a stop along the Florida Greenway. The Florida Greenways and Trails are a series of multipurpose trail supporting biking, hiking, and horseback riding. The Greenways span Florida from north to south and east to west.

Horseback riding in Ocala National Forest features numerous horse rental opportunities, including guided horseback trail rides. You do not have to be an experienced rider to participate in guided trail rides as the horses are well trained.

Water Recreation in Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest has over 600 lakes, rivers, and springs, including three first magnitude springs where visitors can swim, snorkel, and dive in crystal clear waters all year round.

Ocala Horse Farms

Horse farms in Ocala create stunning vistas of endless green grass accented by black horse fencing and majestic oak trees. Here, future racing thoroughbreds and horse show champions are born.

A visit to a one of the many horse farms open to the public is a must. Enjoy a horse carriage ride through the many horse farms in Ocala.

Florida Horse Park in Ocala

Florida Horse Park, an attraction in itself, is the center of horse shows for North Central Florida. On any given weekend you will find skilled show jumpers or disciplined dressage riders as well as barrel racers and stock shows.

Florida Horse Park features 350 acres of grass, a covered arena, grass arenas, five official dressage arenas and 320 stalls for shows.

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Show Jumping 2021

The HITS Ocala Winter circuit schedule is now available. Many of the nations top riders are attracted to the famous Horse Shows in the Sun (HITS horse shows) circuit that has been performing at Hits Post Time Farm in Ocala, Florida from mid December to end of March for over 30 years.

The HITS Ocala Winter Circuit offers grand prix horse jumping classes in divisions for the beginner, novice and experienced rider.

Hits Post Time Farm is located at 13710 US Highway 27 in Ocala, Florida. Spectators are welcome.

World Equestrian Center Ocala

While still under construction, the World Equestrian Center Ocala promises to bring more world class equestrian facilities to Florida and Marion County.

The 3,000 acre World Equestrian Center Ocala is adjacent to the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club and should be hosting world class equestrian events by early 2021. Featured will be an on site hotel and four climate controlled indoor riding arenas.

Southeast Florida Livestock Pavilion

An Ocala landmark since 1945, the Southeastern Livestock Pavilion enjoys a reputation as Marion County's premier agricultural showplace. It is also home to the annual Shrine Rodeo, Southeastern Pro Rodeo, and the Southern Cowboy Classic Rodeo and Stock Show.

Rocking Horse Stables (Altoona, FL)

Rocking Horse Stables offers a full slate of Dressage Shows, Combined Training Schooling Shows, and Pony Club National Testing events. Rocking Horse Stables is located in Altoona, Florida which is between Ocala, Tampa and Orlando.

Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center (Newberry, FL)

This is a beautiful Equestrian Center located in nearby just west of Gainesville, Florida and is open to horse-related events, horse eventing, and classic horse shows.

More About Horse Shows and the History of Horse Jumping

One of the most popular equestrian events in Ocala is show jumping. Show jumping has its roots in early European sport riding that required jumping fences between estates...Read more

Ocala Carriage Rides and Farm Tours

Take a leisurely horse carriage ride through horse country and enjoy the informative banter of your guide. Or take a wonderful tour of the Gypsy Gold Horse farm, home of the first Gypsy Varner Horses.

Ocala's Famous Painted Ponies

Throughout Ocala you will spot these fantastic, full size, painted ponies. These horse statues speak to Ocala's equestrian heritage and bring color and fun around town.

Each painted pony has a story, and the unique coloring and patterns illustrate those stories.

Horse Fever: Sunny. Artist: Carlynne Hershberger. Sponsor Name: Peterson & Smith Equine Hospital. Ocala Marion County.

Ocala Equestrian News

May 27, 2020
Licensed Competitions COVID-19 Toolkit
Horse Show Protocol in the Age of Coronavirus
Ensuring the safety and welfare of horses, participants, and all stakeholders at US Equestrian Competitions remains a top priority of US Equestrian. In today’s environment, this has become even more important. Below you will find tools to assist US Equestrian Competition Organizers as well as competitors and participants with managing risks associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Whether participant, competition organizer and staff, or vendor and support personnel, each of us needs to exercise caution, take precautionary measures, be accountable, and utilize good judgement at all times while interacting with one another at competitions. More info...

May 20, 2020
Ocala Horse Show Venues
Ocala, Florida
Florida's premier horse shows are held at one of several beautiful equestrian horse show facilities throughout Florida. Perhaps some of the best known shows are in and around Ocala, Florida. And coming in January 2021 is the fabulous World Equestrian Center featuring four climate controlled riding arenas. More info...

May 20, 2020
Ocala Horse Show Venues
Ocala, Florida
Florida's premier horse shows are held at one of several beautiful equestrian horse show facilities throughout Florida. Perhaps some of the best known shows are in and around Ocala, Florida. And coming in January 2021 is the fabulous World Equestrian Center featuring four climate controlled riding arenas. More info...

May 15, 2020
Majestic Oaks in Ocala is Open
Horse Jumping, Dressage, and Cross Country
Majestic Oaks Three Phase Schooling 2020
May 23rd, 2020
June 6th, 2020
August 8th, 2020
September 5th, 2020
October 3rd, 2020
December 12, 2020 More info...

May 15, 2020
Florida Horse Park in Ocala Reopens
Events Resume June 1, 2020
Summer Fun Saddle Horse Show June 4-6, 2020

POP Show June 14, 2020
Includes Preliminary Dressage, Show Jumping and Training Level Cross Country (XC)

USDF Dressage and Western Dressage June 20-21, 2020

Southeast Baroque USDF Dressage June 27-28, 2020

Open Pleasure Show June 27, 2020
More info...

More Ocala Horse News...