Experience Horse Country Up-Close & Hands-On
Want to get behind the fences in the Horse Capital of the World®? Ocala/Marion County is widely hailed as an international hub for breeding, nurturing and training equine champions.
Our area claims six Kentucky Derby Winners and 20 Breeders’ Cup Champions. We also offer visitors the opportunity for up-close experiences. Here’s a primer on how to spend a rewarding day, or days, in horse country.
Mount Up & Ride
This one’s obvious, right? Ocala/Marion County has several operators that offer guided trail rides, allowing you to enjoy the fun and freedom of horseback riding while taking in the stunning natural beauty of the area.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/mount-up-and-ride.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=c7d83ec61ec610d24b4274d109acf382 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/mount-up-and-ride.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=16337d6043b20fd45958ad57832eda7e 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/mount-up-and-ride.png?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=06f57f991a605c01b1dca8771979be5e 750w)
Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides, located 10 miles due south of Historic Downtown Ocala, offers guided horseback riding for individuals, families and groups of up to 30 people — 365 days a year — through picturesque Cross Florida Greenway State Park. Most of Cactus Jack’s 48 horses are rescues, and are rotated to provide them sufficient rest.
Makin’ Tracks Trail Rides is based in Ft. McCoy on the western edge of the Ocala National Forest. This outfitter is unique in that its tour menu includes a three-hour river ride that puts you on a horse while it swims. It’s exciting, refreshing and you can dive into the water from the horse’s haunches. They don’t mind a bit.
Trail rides at The Canyons Zip Line & Canopy Tours, an adventure center seven miles north of downtown Ocala, distinguish themselves with elevation changes of 100 feet or more, not found elsewhere in Florida. You also get to ride down into Big Cliff Canyon and Sky High Canyon, experiencing some of the most remarkable lake, woodside, and clifftop views you’ve ever seen.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/horse-back-riding-at-the-canyons.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=a27a3c1e53e42937a535109ea0d8c261 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/horse-back-riding-at-the-canyons.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=eeda4834b2d91be4e01a94ba397b0e81 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/horse-back-riding-at-the-canyons.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=59082fcecae79fa8d5077e0127969d17 734w)
Trot Over To The Florida Horse Park
A fitting attraction for the Horse Capital of the World®, this 500-acre gem offers everything equestrian, and then some. The facility presents more than 250 events a year, from all manner of equine competitions and shows to rodeos and car shows. The park is home to a dozen trailheads that connect to the Cross Florida Greenway. Book a horseback ride at nearby Cactus Jack’s, or hike or bike through a vast expanse of Sunshine State fauna. Florida Horse Park is centrally located, just 10 miles south of downtown Ocala.
Take A Farm Tour
Gypsy Gold is home to the distinctly beautiful Gypsy Vanner horse, a black-and-white breed brought to Ocala by Dennis and Cindy Thompson after encountering one on a trip to England in 1995. The two-hour tour dives into the history of the breed, from its discovery in Great Britain to its growth here in America. During a walking tour of the farm, you’ll meet beautiful stallions, mares and foals, as well as other animals.
Another fantastic way to meet horses on a farm in the area is a visit to Grandview Clydesdales! This award-winning Clydesdale farm offers a tour that includes experiences like ultrasounds of mares, information about breeding, and of course, a chance to meet the magnificently large draft horses, many of which weigh over 2,000 lbs.
World Equestrian Center (WEC)
Experience the luxury side of the Equestrian lifestyle at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala. Known as WEC, this massive complex sitting on about 6,000 acres hosts various horse shows and competitions throughout the year, most of which are free to watch. WEC features multiple large outdoor and climate-controlled indoor arenas, a western arena, Expo centers and more event space, so the types of horse events that visitors can enjoy are endless! In addition to events, the property has an incredible equestrian themed hotel, five full-service restaurants, two sweet shops and a variety of shopping.
![](https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Wec-Horse-Jumping.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=320&s=9ae96321693f107e83110bac706d5b89 320w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Wec-Horse-Jumping.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=540&s=917e4afbc424593fcba5eb67bc93af1c 540w, https://ocala.imgix.net/images/blog-images/Wec-Horse-Jumping.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&q=80&w=768&s=61540bf5d693f6cfa91c4b05f98eb154 750w)
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