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 Hotel Deals

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.

Eventing venues include Staplebarn South, Majestic Oaks, and the Ocala Jockey Club.

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.

Horseback trail 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.

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.

Staplebarn South

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. Horse jumping has its roots in early European sport riding that required jumping fences between estates. Read more

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

Oct 21, 2020
Horses for Sale In Florida
Horse for Sale Listings
Directory of horses for sale in Florida from horse classifieds, Facebook pages, and horse breeders. Since Florida has one of the largest horse populations in the world there are many horses for sale at any given time. More info...

Oct 20, 2020
ARHA World Championship Show
World Equestrian Center - American Roan Horse Association
The 2nd Annual ARHA World Championship Show will be held in conjunction with the Rescheduled Tom Powers Triple Challenge Futurity, renamed The Tom Powers 2020 Christmas Challenge, and will be held at the brand new World Equestrian Center, Ocala, FL December 12-20, 2020. More info...

Oct 19, 2020
Florida Equine Statutes
The Law and Your Horse
Horse and equine legal considerations for horse shows, horse owners, and equestrian training activities. Horse law emanates from state regulations and from many years of equine case histories decided in the courts.
Find information devoted to equine legal issues in the horse business including liability, mounted accidents, ground accidents, equine activity, horse sales, horse leasing, contract disputes, boarding issues and even land use disputes. More info...

Oct 16, 2020
Florida Horses Available for Adoption
Horse Rescue Organizations
There are several horse rescue organizations in Florida that will let qualified persons adopt horses for a small rehoming fee. These are healthy horses that have been deemed suitable for adoption. More info...

Oct 15, 2020
4th Florida Thoroughbred Expo Florida Horse Park
December 11 -13 In Beautiful Ocala
The 4th Florida Thoroughbred Transformation Expo will be held on December 11-13th, 2020 at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala, Florida. The prize money for 2020 will be $9,000. The Expo will feature competition in 9 disciplines including Barrel Racing, Dressage, Working Ranch, Show Jumper, Show Hunter, Cross-Country, Polo, Freestyle and of new for this year OTTB Showmanship. More info...

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