Ocala’s Home Grown Horse Park

Ocala’s Home Grown Horse Park

Horse Farms Forever is Proud to Be in Partnership with the Florida Horse Park

One of the first members to get behind our mission was the Florida Horse Park. When you attend events there, look for our banner and signage on the judge’s booths. We are happy to have them as a member of Horse Farms Forever. Now that the Park is revving back up for the final quarter of 2020, it’s a good time to reflect on how this very special resource enriches equine life here in Marion County.

Like us, the Horse Park is  is a charitable organization that has been approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3. A great example of public-private partnership, the Park is situated on 500 acres owned by the state of Florida and operates as a Direct Support Organization (DSO) under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

It is only fitting that the Horse Capital of the World® has a premium public resource for horse people. Its mission is to be an international equine competition facility that encompasses all breeds and disciplines, while advancing agriculture and equine education, and to provide the state and community with a recreational facility capable of hosting equestrian and non-equestrian events.

A Park for the People

The Park is an everyday resource for the equestrian population, offering:

  • Trail riding at no charge on the grounds and cross-country course, with connections to the Ocala State Forest trails.
  • Arena time, which can be booked for a nominal fee
  • Free attendance to most horse shows
  • Camping is available, with 40 RV hookups and shower facilities

Share in the Fun

As a non-profit event facility, FHP runs on grants, donations and volunteerism! Consider volunteering this Fall and reap some tangible benefits while you give back.

Contact the Horse Park by email or call 352-307-6699.

Well Appointed & Event Ready

The Florida Horse Park is available to organizations, clubs, businesses, special interest groups and individuals to rent for shows, company gatherings, weddings, concerts, car shows, and more. It’s 500 acres large, and offers these amenities:

  • Beautiful 350 acres of manicured grass fields
  • 320 permanent stalls
  • State of the art Covered Arena 
  • 4 Fiber Arenas
  • Two Grass Arenas
  • 5 – 20 meter X 60 meter FEI regulation dressage arenas
  • Two complete FEI approved show jump sets including warm up fences
  • Show Offices
  • All the necessary components for a stock horse trail class
  • Barrels for barrel racing
  • Over 100 cross-country jumps ranging from Entry Level (2 feet) through the Intermediate (3’9″) levels

    Always Watching

    We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

    Join the herd. Every voice matters.

    Horse Capital of the World®

    Why Here?

    Have you ever wondered why Ocala is called the Horse Capital of the World®?

    Why here, of all places?

    Watch for the answers…in the words of some of our prominent owners and trainers.

    That title is deserved, and the unique qualities of this special place need to be preserved for future generations. Once erased, it can’t be replaced.

    Please, share this video far and wide. Respect and protect our open spaces and beautiful places.

    Save it. Don't Pave it.

    Join with us as we raise up the Farmland Preservation Area of Marion County as worthy of protection. It makes conservation sense and business sense. The forces of unrestrained development are strong. Your support helps us to speak out on your behalf and act as a force for sensible, planned growth that protects our farms and farmland.

    Behind the Golden Gates

    Behind the Golden Gates

    Golden Ocala/WEC Renew as Founding Members

    The World Equestrian Center and Golden Ocala are major enhancements to our equine-powered economy and lifestyle here in Marion County. The Roberts Family, owners of both, were one of our first Founding Members, and recently demonstrated their commitment Horse Farms Forever’s mission by renewing again at the Founder Level. Please join us in thanking the Roberts Family, Golden Ocala, & World Equestrian Center for caring about preserving our open spaces and beautiful places for future generations.

    Let’s shine the spotlight on the contributions that these monumental facilities will make to the Horse Capital of the World® as the community anticipates the opening of the World Equestrian Center in 2021.

    Quality. Class. Distinction.

    The World Equestrian Center (WEC) is the largest equestrian complex in North America, encompassing over 4,000 pristine acres in the heart of horse country. Within those 4,000 acres, The WEC currently inhabits 378 acres, with 300 more acres in reserve. It is a world-class multi-indoor and -outdoor arena facility with state-of the-art amenities that can accommodate numerous different disciplines within the Equine Industry.

    This state-of-the-art Ocala Equestrian Center is designed to offer the ultimate competition experience for both horse and rider. As a professionally operated, family-owned enterprise, the WEC illustrates the passion and commitment to equestrian sports in the United States. It is a true destination. The event grounds will feature a luxurious six-story, 5-star hotel, located at the heart of the equestrian resort. The brand-new hotel will feature 248 extra large suites, some equipped with balconies where guests can take in world-class equestrian events in luxury and comfort. The hotel will also feature retail space, where guests and visitors will find a high-end boutique experience just minutes from the competition rings and barns. On-site dining options will include several sit-down restaurants, including a fine dining restaurant with seating for 500 guests.

    Attention to Detail

    World Equestrian Center and World Equestrian Estates will feature approximately 1.5 million square feet of riding space. The grounds will be manicured with mature trees and hundreds of thousands of flowers. On-site greenhouses will keep the flowers blooming year round. Visitors and competitors alike will find a park-like atmosphere around the grand prix area and throughout the grounds. Paver sidewalks and a tree-lined entrance enhance the park-like feel at World Equestrian Center.

    State-of-the-Art Amenities 

    World Equestrian Center Ocala is set to be the largest equestrian complex in the U.S., with 4,000 acres that consist of amenities that take this venue from just another arena to a prime destination. And the best part, those amenities are constantly expanding:

    • Six-story, five-star, pet-friendly hotel with 248 extra-large suites; a spa, salon and fitness center; indoor and outdoor bars, fire pits and fireplaces; and 18,000-square-feet of attached retail space
    • Three-acre grand outdoor stadium
    • Riding trails spanning scenic areas and schooling areas
    • Multiple dining options, including a 500-seat restaurant and a 10-seat private dining room, both in the on-site hotel, as well as four field concessions and on-site catering
    • Exclusive membership opportunities via Golden Ocala
    • On-site chapel featuring nondenominational services for 100 people at a time
    • RV park with 278 camper spaces, water and power hook-ups, and WiFi
    • 2,100 permanent stalls
    • Four indoor, climate-controlled arenas that each seat 1,500 people — including 300 VIP, ringside seats with top-notch cuisine
    • 21 outdoor arenas with all-weather footing and grass
    • Two grand outdoor arenas with stadium seating
    • One grand arena for over 8,000 spectators
    • Second grand arena that accommodates over 3,000 spectators
    • 40,000-square-foot veterinary clinic with specialty vets and dog groomers
    • Convenience store
    • Coin-operated laundry facility

    We hope to see you there at the opening events in 2021! You can stay informed by visiting the World Equestrian Center website and visiting them on all the social media channels.

    Sources:

    1. https://worldequestriancenter.com/locations/ocala-florida/
    2. https://www.goldenocala.com/blog/equestrian/world-equestrian-center-ocala-update/

    The Fun Starts in January

    Get ready for 12 weeks of World Equestrian Center hunter/jumper horse shows that run from January 5 through March 28:

    • $10,000 Non-Pro Hunter Derby 2’6
    • $10,000 3’ Hunter Derby OPEN
    • $10,000 3’ Hunter Derby NON PRO
    • $30,000 World Equestrian Center Hunter Derby
    • $10,000 World Equestrian Center Pony Hunter Derby
    • $25,000 World Equestrian Center Welcome Stake – Regional Standard
    • $75,000 World Equestrian Center Grand Prix – American Standard
    • $25,000 Future Prix

    Prize money for these weekly events is expected to be over $400,000 per week, and overall circuit money and prizes are slated to be nearly $5 million. More than 100 divisions will be offered, from opportunity classes to Grand Prix. For a proposed prize list, visit HorseShowing.com.

    Multiple dining options, from field concessions to a 500 seat restaurant.

    2100 permanent stalls, all 12×12 or 12×15. 17 of the 23 barns are in climate-controlled spaces.

    Miles of groomed bridle paths. Dressage and Jumping lessons offered on site for residents of Golden Ocala and the future World Equestrian Estates.

    So much to do, see and experience. Something for everyone.

    Always Watching

    We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

    Join the herd. Every voice matters.

    Meet Our New Founder, Mandy Pope

    Meet Our New Founder, Mandy Pope

    We warmly welcome Mandy Pope and her Whisper Hill Farm as a Horse Farms Forever Founding Member

    For over 30 years, Mandy Pope has given the term “girl power” a whole new meaning in the Thoroughbred racing industry as she continuously makes the headlines. From an early age, it was apparent that Mandy would pursue a lifelong love of horses. She bought her first horse, Blue Whisper, as a high-school student at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh. In 1980, her ambition of breeding, selling, training, and racehorses led her to Ocala where she now owns and operates the world-renowned Whisper Hill Farm.

    Throughout her 30+ year career in the Thoroughbred industry, Mandy has bred many fan favorites, such as Grade 1 winner and millionaire, Tizway. Pope co-owns a family-grown business with her brother, Art: North Carolina-based Variety Wholesalers, which operates discount retailers in the south. Today, Pope owns more than 100 horses varying from youngsters, broodmares, and racing stock as well as a group of retirees.

    Pope, who credits herself as being highly competitive, continues to shatter sale venue records, purchasing some of the most superbly bred horses in the world. In 2012, she made history when she bought 2011 Horse of the Year Havre De Grace at the Fasig Tipton November Sale for a record $10 million, the next day purchasing Kentucky Oaks winner Plum Pretty for $4.2 million.

    Whisper Hill teamed up with Goldmark Farm, LLC. to campaign winner Mylute, who was third in the Preakness Stakes and runner up in the 2013 Louisiana Derby. Whisper Hill also purchased champion female sprinter Groupie Doll for a cool $3.1 million in late 2013 and campaigned for her last start to close out her remarkable racing career before sending her to the breeding shed. In 2019 Pope’s Whisper Hill purchased an American Pharoah filly for $8.2 million at the Keenland September yearling sale who is the half-sister to champion racemare Beholder.

    When asked “What is your favorite thing about the Thoroughbred Sport?”

    Pope replies

    “The greatest thrill and the reason for all of this is to actually put your hands on the horse, to be in the presence of the horse. It’s the horse. That’s what it’s about. The parties are great and fun, but just the excitement of being a part of such a wonderful creature.”

    Pope is also well known for her chartable and philanthropic efforts with a passion for giving back to those on the backstretch and farmworkers. She is a founding Board Member, Secretary, and Treasurer of the John William Pope Foundation. The John William Pope Foundation is a grant maker based in Raleigh, North Carolina, which has awarded large amounts to Thoroughbred related nonprofits. The John William Pope Foundation supports nonprofit public policy research, education, human services, and the arts with the goal of improving the wellbeing of North Carolinians. Since 1986, the foundation has given more than $170 million to these causes.

    References:

    Tizway

    Havre de Grace

    Mylute

    Songbird, with her filly by Arrogate

    Horse Farms Forever Gains a New Founder

    Horse Farms Forever Gains a New Founder

    Every new member gives us deeper roots. We welcome the following new and renewing individuals and businesses who support open spaces and beautiful places.

    New Founders

     

    Mandy Pope breeds and races horses under the name Whisper Hill Farm. The breeder of horses such as Tizway has been in the thoroughbred business for 30 years and is a lifelong horsewoman.

    Thank you, Mandy Pope, for joining Horse Farms Forever’s strong group of Founders. We are thrilled to have you with us.

    Renewing Founders

    de Meric Thoroughbred Sales Ocala Marion County Founder Horse Farms Forever

    Nic & Jacqui de Meric

    Founders, 2018-2020

     

     

    John & Leslie Malone

    Bridlewood Farm

    John & Leslie Malone,
    George Isaacs
    Founders, 2018 – 2020

     

    John & Leslie Malone

    Dave Quanbeck & Ann Lindblad

    Founders, 2018, 2020

     

    Renewing Charter Members

    Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

    Autumn Schweiss Eventing

    Renewing Charter 2018 & 2020

     

    Phyllis Harlow                            Renewing 2019 & 2020

    Corporate Members

    Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County
    world-equestrian-center-ocala-florida

    Golden Ocala 

    World Equestrian Center

    Renewing Corporate Founder 2018-2020

    Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World®. World Equestrian Center is what puts it on the map. World Equestrian Center’s world-class event grounds and exquisite World Equestrian Estates offer unparalleled access to Ocala’s horse country.

    Showcase Properties

    Renewing Charter, 2019-2020

    Your source for Ocala, Marion County and Central Florida real estate services. Whether you’re buying or selling a home, farm, or land, Showcase Properties has the resources you need: luxury homes, country club living, equestrian, waterfront, farms, and more.

    More New Friends

    Cathy Barnes

    Carol Briant

    Judy Greenberg

     

    Large and small, thanks to all!

    Corporate Membership

    Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To learn more or to join please contact our Director of Community Affairs,
    Sara Fennessy 

    Always Watching

    We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

    Join the herd. Every voice matters.