Welcome to Ocala, Florida
                               "Horse Capital of the World"


Surrounded by some of the most beautiful horse farms in the world, Marion County is proud to call itself the "Horse Capital of the World."  Horses are big business here, with nearly 29,000 residents employed in the Thoroughbred industry alone.  There are over 600 Thoroughbred breeding and training facilities in Florida, with more than 75% of those in the Ocala area.  Marion County is one of only four major Thoroughbred centers in the world.... joining Lexington, KY, Newmarket, England and Chantilly, France.

                        

There are almost 50 other breeds represented in the area, with over 200 farms devoted to breeding, training and showing - Paso Finos, Arabians, quarter horses, Missouri Foxtrotters, hunter/jumpers, Morgans.... even miniature horses and draft horses.  The Gypsy Vanners, a newly registered breed, are also here.

You may notice life size fiberglass painted horses throughout the county.  52 of these horses were developed as a special arts exhibit and painted by local artists.  They were on display around town before being auctioned off to raise funds for charity, and can now be seen throughout the county... 5 are standing in Ocala's Downtown Square.

The Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway runs through Marion County, and occupies much of the land stretching across Florida formerly known as the Cross Florida Barge Canal.  A series of historic events transformed this corridor from one of Florida's biggest public works projects ever into a world-class greenway, now used exclusively by horses, hikers and cyclists.  The 110 mile greenway traverses a variety of natural habitats, and even crosses over Interstate 75 via a landscaped overpass, connecting the east and west sides of the greenway.  Quiet and scenic, it's a haven for trail riding!

With moderate climate, rolling hills and granddaddy oaks , Ocala continues to attract a diverse economy, yet retain its hometown atmosphere.