It’s official. Marion County is the Horse Capital of the World. The county has the highest number of horses and ponies in residence in America. Anchored by the Florida thoroughbred breeding and training farms with more than 70,000 acres, Ocala/Marion County’s horse industry is represented by virtually every breed of horse, including the American Quarter Horse, Paso Fino, Arabian and Warmbloods. Whether it’s reining, roping, polo, hunter-jumper, dressage, vaulting, western pleasure, saddleseat, sidesaddle, eventing, endurance or simply pleasure riding, Ocala/Marion County is home to the world’s most fantastic equine champions.
Olympic 3-Day Eventing gold medalist David O’Connor, plus bronze medalists Karen O’Connor and Darren Chiachia, enjoy time at their homes and training facilities in Marion County. Combined Driving international champion, Chester Weber is an Ocala native and famous equine event organizer. Famed Ocala cowboy Dan Daly can boast of winning multiple all-around cowboy championships within the International Pro-Rodeo Association.
