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Ocala Horse Shows, Equestrian Events, and Horse Farms

World Equestrian Center Ocala | Florida Horse Park Ocala | HITS Ocala

Ocala Horse Shows

horse show ribbonsOcala Horse Shows, Equestrian Events, and Horse Farms. Ocala, FL is one of the world's top equestrian show destinations for horse show jumping, dressage, and eventing. Notably, horse shows at the World Equestrian Center Ocala, HITS Ocala FEI Winter Jumping Series, and Florida Horse Park Ocala.

The nearby Majestic Oaks equestrian venue in nearby Reddick features cross country, eventing, and driving competitions in a beautiful setting.

The very active Ocala Polo Club plays every Sunday during the winter months, and on Saturday evenings during the summer months. Additionally, the club fields both men's and women's teams in their respective leagues.


World Equestrian Center Ocala

World Equestrian CenterThe World Equestrian Center Ocala is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and is situated on nearly 378 acres with state-of-the-art arenas and luxury accommodations. The venue features the Winter Spectacular Show Series with shows every week during the January - March timeframe.

WEC – Ocala’s 2024 dressage schedule in 2024 features 15 qualifying opportunities throughout the year. The 2024 calendar includes eight national USEF/USDF-rated events, while those competing at the Fédération Equestre International (FEI) level will have six internationally rated competitions.

The 3,000 acre World Equestrian Center Ocala is adjacent to the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. Features include six climate controlled indoor riding arenas as well as numerous outdoor jumping and dressage arenas. Also, on site is the five star Equestrian Hotel with spa, the Riding Academy suite hotel, an RV Park, a general store, quality equestrian merchants, and several excellent restaurants.

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. Book the Riding Academy Suite Hotel

Florida Horse Park Ocala

This State operated equestrian park is the center for many Florida horse shows and the frequent Ocala Polo Club matches. 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. In the winter season, Sunday afternoons are reserved for the Ocala Polo Club matches, while during the summer these matches are held on Saturday evenings.

Florida Horse Park features 350 acres of grass, a covered arena, grass arenas, five official dressage arenas and 320 stalls for shows. The Park is located a few miles southeast of downtown Ocala. Florida Horse Park is sometimes called Ocala Horse Park.

HITS Ocala Winter Circuit Show Jumping 2024

hits ocalaMany 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 the 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

Southeast Florida Livestock Pavilion Ocala

team calf ropingThe 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 (Morriston, FL)

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.

Majestic Oaks (Reddick, FL)

Majestic Oaks 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.

The Grand Oaks Resort (Weirsdale, FL)

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 Wi-Fi 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 (Altoona, FL)

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.

Alachua County Agriculture and Equestrian Center (Newberry, FL)

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 as seen at many show venues. Horse jumping has its roots in early European sport riding that required jumping fences between estates. Horse Show Spectator

Features of Ocala, Florida


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.

Silver Springs State Park

Experience a Silver Springs Glass Bottom Boat tour in one of the world's largest springs. Explore the five-mile Silver River with a rental kayak or standup paddle board. Explore the Silver River Museum and Cracker Village. Camping, hiking, dining and shopping as well!

Ocala Carriage Rides

ocala horse farmA 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. 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.

Ocala Horse Farms

Ocala is one of the premier breeding farm locations in the world. Here, many champion race horses have been bred, including Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes winners. In addition to race horses, several sport horse breeds, and show horse strains are also bred in the Ocala area. 

Guided Horseback Trail Ride

Book a guided trail ride at Cactus Jack Trail Ride and enjoy a one hour to three hour trail ride in the shade of majestic oaks. Reservations required. Beginning riders are welcome to ride these well trained trail horses with experienced guides.

Ocala's Famous Painted Ponies

ocala painted ponyThroughout 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.

Florida's Brightline Hi Speed Rail

The Brightline Station at Orlando International Airport is operating Orlando to Miami trains. Brightline is a high speed rail line that connects Orlando to downtown Miami with a few stops in between. Note that the Brightline train's first stop from Orlando will be West Palm Beach and will take about 2.5 hours. The West Palm Beach Brightline station is a 23 minute ($38 est) UBER ride to Wellington, FL, home of the Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF.)

Continuing on, there will be stops in Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura before reaching downtown Miami. For fares, tickets, and schedules see GoBrightline.com

Parking at Orlando International Airport Brightline Station. Parking is available at Orlando International Airport’s Parking Garage C, steps away from Brightline Orlando Station. Fees range from $2 for 30 minutes, to $19 per day. The airport also offers Economy Lots for $10 per day.


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