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, Florida located in the rolling hills of horsey Marion County. Here, many of the nation's top race horse breeders perfect their craft, producing thoroughbred race horses and sport horse breeders offering many breeds of horses. Be sure to visit some of the famous Ocala horse farms and enjoy the scenery along the way from a horse drawn carriage. Farm Tours of Ocala

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 featuring show jumping and dressage, and numerous other horse shows and trials at Florida Horse Park.

Nearby eventing venues include Barnstaple South, Majestic Oaks, and Rocking Horse Stables.

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 and Ranches

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, sometimes called Ocala Horse Park, is an attraction in itself, and is the center of local horse shows for North Central Florida. On any given weekend you will find skilled show jumpers or disciplined dressage riders as well as eventing, 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. Hotels Near HITS Post Time Farm

World Equestrian Center Ocala

The World Equestrian Center Ocala is bringing more world class equestrian events to Florida and Marion County.

The 3,000 acre World Equestrian Center Ocala is adjacent to the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club  features an on site hotel and four climate controlled indoor riding.

Numerous horse shows are planned for the remainder of 2021 including rated dressage shows and breed shows.

Book the Equestrian Hotel

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.

Barnstaple South (Morriston, FL)

Barnstaple South is a Cross Country, Dressage, and Stadium jumping schooling and event center near Ocala, FL. The property is located just behind HITS at 10210 NW 145th Ave. Morriston, FL. Riders of all disciplines are invited to school their horses at the facilities.

Majestic Oaks (Reddick, FL)

This stately facility has been the site of the Majestic Oaks Three-Phase Schooling Shows and the Majestic Oaks Horse Trials since January 2018. Majestic Oaks Ocala is open daily for schooling and the host of clinics, schooling shows, and three-phase horse trials.

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 Newberry, 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

Jul 21, 2021
Coke Zero 400 Sat, Aug 28, 7:00 PM
Daytona Beach Speedway
Daytona Area Lodging
The Coke Zero NASCAR race in Daytona Beach is fast approaching and now is the time to get your tickets and your lodging. The Coke Zero 400 has become an end of summer tradition in Florida and is anticipated by race fans everywhere. This year the race will pay an important role in the championship chase. Get tickets here. More info...

Jul 20, 2021
The Championship Show- World Equestrian Center- Ocala
September 29 - October 24, 2021

Ocala Hotels and Vacation Rentals
The Championship Show runs from September 29 through October 24, 2021, and features a mix of exciting competitions including Western pleasure, barrel racing, cutting, reining, ranch, youth classes and more. This show is NSBA approved.
Full payment for all entries will be due by August 1st. Late entries will be accepted after August 1st with a $100 late fee up until 5:00 PM the day before. Entries made after September 1st must be made in the Show Office at the show.
More info...

Jul 15, 2021
Shop for a Car Loan
Be Smart and Save
Shop for an auto loan before going to the car dealer or refinancing your present loan. Fill out this fast application and get immediate approval. Compare several offers and pick the best one for you in terms of interest rate, loan term, and monthly payment.
You can also refinance your auto loan the same way. Compare your present payment with a new lower payment and see how much you can save every month.
The cost of a car is one thing, but the cost of a loan is another. Be smart and get the best deal on both the car and the loan. More info...

Jul 11, 2021
Online Tack Store
Horse Supplies Online
Most of the online tack stores listed here offer a 10% discount on your first order which will save you additional money. So be sure to make up a large first offer and save more. Also, use a credit card with a cash back benefit for your purchase and realize additional savings. More info...

Jul 10, 2021
Summer Racing Gulfstream Park
Florida Horse Racing
Hotels Near Gulfstream Park
Gulfstream Park is featuring live summer racing now until September. All of the facility is now open to spectators for races, casino, and restaurants. Enjoy live racing, casino gambling, and some of the finest restaurants in South Florida.
The winter season at Gulfstream will begin in early December 2021 and run through April 2022. More info...

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