Why is ocala the horse capital of the world

A drive down state road 40 between Dunnellon and Ocala, west of Interstate 75, will take you right through horse country with beautiful pastures and grazing horses on either side. If you dream of owning your own horse farm in Ocala, we have many properties zoned for horses and other livestock that would let you enjoy all that Marion County has to offer for horse lovers. So much so, that it makes perfect sense that Ocala was chosen as the location for the all-new, state-of-the-art World Equestrian Center.

The World Equestrian Center, which is expected to be completed in January of , will reside just west of Ocala and consist of 3, acres. In addition to four climate-controlled indoor arenas and an outdoor stadium, the World Equestrian Center will include a 5-star luxury hotel, boutique shopping, fine dining, and recreation vehicle parking. At the park — which is officially called the Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park — the unfolding of a larger vision is taking place with hopes of elevating this center even higher in international equine events.

Driving through the serene, flat property, Doherty said the possibilities with the arena will be endless — western events; trotting, harness and driving events; rodeos; horse shows; dog shows; concerts; conventions and even weddings. The park, created in by an act of the Legislature, already has hosted hundreds of events in addition to the international competitions, including RV shows, dog coursing events and camping and club meetings. Another big draw, Doherty said, aiming his truck for one of the trails winding through a canopy of trees, is the camping opportunity for families who take their horses onto the connecting trails of the Florida Greenway.

Kym McCleerey and her husband decided to move their two children and two horses from Pennsylvania several years ago to help give daughter Samantha more year-round opportunities.

Now living in the heart of Horse Country, Samantha, 18, has access to her trainers and competitions all year, with the option to travel to events up north during the summer, McCleerey said.

You have just entered Ocala, population 57,, in the Central Florida county of Marion. Ocala is the horse capital of the world. Carl G. Rose developed the first thoroughbred horse farm in Florida in