Ocala/Marion County - The Horse Capital of the WorldTM, boasts a unique mixture of rural and urban lifestyles within its boundries. Our rolling hills and majestic tree-lined scenic country roads are a surprise to many first time visitors. Centrally located in the very Heart of Florida, there is easy access and almost equal distance to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Ocala is home to a thriving equine breeding and training industry, a highly regarded cultural community and a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts.  *Source Ocala Chamber or Commerce

Boasting over 70,000 acres of farms, Virtually every breed of horse is represented here in Ocala and nearly every kind of competition or sale can be found here as well. The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association, Florida Horse Park, HITS Winter Circuit and Ocala Breeders' Sales are all pleased to call Ocala home. 

The convergence of the Thoroughbred breeding and training industry in the Ocala/Marion County area is effectively supported by a network of equine services, such as blacksmiths, equine dentists, equine massage therapists, world renowned veterinarians, feed and tack retailers, as well as major horse transportation companies. All these factors make Marion County one of only four major Thoroughbred breeding and training meccas in the world.

Ocala also offers a diverse cultural community which includes numerous galleries and museums such as The Appleton Museum of Art, The Austin Carriage Museum, The Brick City Center for the Arts, The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders' and Owners' Association Gallery and The Webber Center Gallery. The performing arts are also well represented by the Central Florida Community College Theatre, The Central Florida Symphony, The Ocala Civic Theatre and The Improv at The Brick City Center for the Arts.  Appreciation of the arts is cultivated in our youth through several successful programs via The Appleton Museum of Art and the much anticipated Peforming Arts Conservatorium which has recently opened its doors.

One of the area's most notable attractions is Silver Springs Amusement Park  which is toted as "Nature's Theme Park". No matter what your age, there are plenty of rides and attractions at Silver Springs that will make you laugh, fill you with wonder, and provide a glimpse into what life was like here more than 10,000 years ago. Just as they did then, the springs pump out 550 million gallons of sparkling-clear water a day—enough to supply the entire city of New York. Families have enjoyed this beautiful park and its glass bottom boats for generations. Surrounding the springs is a marvelous diversity of animals and nature you simply won't find anywhere else.

Aside from the natural wonders found at Silver Springs, Ocala has 41 parks offering hiking and biking trails, camping, boating and fishing opportunities.  Of  the 41 parks, the Ocala National Forest is the largest and the most widely known. If golf is your outdoor activity of choice, there's an abundance of public and private courses where you can practice your swing!

Genuine southern hospitality abounds in this beautiful and relaxing atmosphere of Ocala.  We are confident our hometown is the perfect place for you to visit and the ultimate place for you to make your home!