Ocala Horse Shows | Horseback Riding
Horse Capital of the World in Marion County, Florida

Ocala, Florida
Welcome Ocala, the equestrian paradise of
north central Florida located in the rolling hills of Marion County. Here, many
of the nation's top race horse breeders perfect their craft, producing
thoroughbred race horses for the horse racing world. Visitors are able to enjoy some of the scenic Ocala horse farms from a horse drawn carriage from
Farm Tours of Ocala.
Ocala Horse Shows
Ocala, Florida is winter headquarters for
the HITS Ocala FEI show jumping winter series at Post Time Farm and the World
Equestrian Center Ocala featuring national and international horse shows all year. Numerous other horse shows polo are held at Florida Horse Park.
Nearby eventing venues include Barnstaple South,
Majestic Oaks, and Rocking Horse Stables.
Horseback Riding 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.
Horse
farms in Ocala create stunning vistas of endless green grass accented by
classic 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.
Ocala Horse Park
The term "Ocala Horse Park" is sometimes used as a general term refering to any of the several horse show venues in Ocala such as Florida Horse Park, but here is no specific venue named Ocala Horse Park.
Florida Horse Park is an attraction in itself, and is the center for many Florida horse shows and the Ocala Polo Club. On any given weekend you will find skilled
show jumpers or disciplined dressage riders as well as western dressage,
polo, eventing, barrel racers, open, pleasure, 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. Florida Horse Park is located a few miles southeast of
downtown Ocala.
The
HITS Ocala Winter circuit schedule will be posted when 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. Shows are sanctioned by the USEF.
Hits Post Time Farm is located 16 miles northwest
of Ocala at 13710 US Highway 27 in Ocala, Florida.
Hotels Near HITS Post Time Farm
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.
The World Equestrian
Center is located about 9 miles northwest of Ocala on 1290 Northwest
80th Ave off of State Rd 40.
Book the Equestrian Hotel
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 is a Cross Country, Dressage,
and Stadium jumping schooling and event center near Ocala, FL. Riders of
all disciplines are invited to school their horses at the facilities.
The property is located just behind HITS Ocala, 20 miles northwest of
Ocala at 10210 NW 145th Ave. Morriston, 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. Majestic Oaks is located about 12 miles north of Ocala in
Reddick, Florida.
With over 400 acres, the Grand Oaks Resort is a popular venue for
horse shows and events and is located about 20 miles southeast of Ocala
in the bucolic town of Weirsdale, FL. Grand Oaks is a favorite for
equestrian driving events (CDE) as well as USEF sanctioned dressage,
hunter jumper, and horse trials.
The Grand Oaks Resort hosts the Grand Oaks Bistro for all meals as
well as gourmet coffee and free wifi service. You can also enjoy a
romantic carriage ride around the property. The full service on grounds
RV park is available by reservation.
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 in Lake County about 46 miles southeast of Ocala on
State Rd 19.
This beautiful Equestrian Center is located in
Newberry, just west of Gainesville, Florida and is open to horse-related
events, horse eventing, and classic horse shows. Newberry is about 46
miles northwest of Ocala and 17 miles west of Gainesville, FL.
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.
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