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.

    Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!

    Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!

    Tap It to Win bred by Live Oak Plantation and trained by Casse Racing. Photo Ryan Thompson.

    Upside Down Crown.

    With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes moved to Sept. 5 and Oct. 3, the Belmont took an unusual position as the first jewel in the Triple Crown this year. Last Saturday’s race, held at New York’s Belmont Park, was shortened to 1-1/8 miles and run with limited audience attendance.

    The 6-5 favorite, Tiz The Law, won by over 3 lengths. The New York bred was started in Ocala at New Episode Training Center by Tony Everard.

    The second place finisher, Dr. Post, was purchased by Ocala’s Crupi’s New Castle Farm as a yearling for $400,000. He is trained by Todd Pletcher.

    Tap It to Win started well, led early, and ultimately finished fifth. He is bred by Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation – born and raised in Ocala. His trainer, Mark Casse, won last year’s Belmont with Sir Winston. He is based in Ocala. A member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Casse was named for induction into the American National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year. He joins Lucien Laurin and Roger Attfield as the only trainers in both racing shrines.

    Finishing sixth, Sole Volante was sold at the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sales April 2-year-old auction. He has earned nearly $300,000.

    The ninth place finisher was Fore Left, who went through the 2019 OBS March sale but did not sell. He was consigned by Ocala’s Wavertree Stables. The son of Unbridle’s Song has more than $355,000 in earnings.

    Look for more Florida-breds in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

    July 14-16 is the date for the next Ocala Breeder’s Sales July 2 Year Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale.

    The racing season has officially begun. Don’t miss the sale!

    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.

    Join the herd. Every voice matters.

    Ocala Horse Parade 2020

    Check out this bright and inspiring video of the Ocala Horse Parade, 2020. Brought to you by Horse Farms Forever, the Ocala/Marion County Chamber and Economic Partnership, and Strategic Drone Services. Enjoy!

    The Land is Our Past, Present & Future

    Help us to protect what’s unique about Marion County and ensure that its Farmland Preservation Area will always be there to welcome horses, agriculture and the rural way of life. 

    Join us. Like our horses, we are stronger together.