10-4 Magazine / April 2026 61 The “Horse Capital of the World” was trademarked in 2001 and is officially held by Ocala and Marion Counties in Florida. It’s not by chance that this region proudly holds this title. It holds this distinction as a major international hub for over 1,200 horse farms, with around 600 of them breeding or training thoroughbreds. The region is unmatched in its concentration of breeding these thoroughbreds, along with its legacy of producing numerous elite champions. It also boasts world-class show horses and amenities that attract top equestrian talent from around the world. In 1943, Carl G. Rose established the first thoroughbred farm in the area called Rosemere Farm. Carl was a road builder who realized that the limestone calcium-rich soil was excellent for developing good bone density in horses. “Needles” was the first Florida-bred horse to win the Kentucky Derby in 1956, validating the region as a serious breeding hub. In 1961, “Carry Back” won the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes and came in 7th at the Belmont Stakes. Despite losing the Triple Crown, he was named the Champion 3-Year-Old Male of 1961. It wasn’t until 1978 when “Affirmed” brought the Triple Crown home to Ocala. Today, about 75,000 horses call somewhere on one of those 1,200 farms home. The subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers is the ideal horse breeding and training environment. The year-round weather also allows for uninterrupted training schedules, which is very conducive to producing winning horses, and the World Equestrian Center (WEC) is the ultimate horse resort. There is luxury everywhere – be it for horses or their humans. If you love horses, this place is better than someone who loves the beach (like me) going to Hawaii. The day we were at WEC, we got to stop and watch a jumping class in action. The riders and the horses were one, galloping around the arena, and nailing every jump. It was beautiful to see them in action. Getting to the arena we got to share paths with those beautiful animals on their way to compete. Horses are flown here from all over the world to compete in equestrian competitions like the Hunter/Jumper class, Dressage, and Specialty/International classes. Events like this happen year-round at WEC. The location features 23 outdoor and six indoor arenas with premium all-weather footing and advanced, large LED screen walls. Nearly 3,000 concrete stalls with air mattress flooring ensure deluxe accommodation for the 4-legged guests who are treated like royalty here. Each barn has hot and cold water and rubber matted wash racks designed to accommodate a high volume of horses simultaneously, ensuring efficiency for trainers and groomers. The stalls also feature specialized grooming areas that are temperature-controlled for equine comfort. The facility has more than 25 air-conditioned barns, over 250 turnout paddocks, and miles of riding trails. As part of WEC, The Equestrian Hotel is the only AAA Four Diamond resort in Ocala and was named one of TIME Magazine’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places. The 248-room hotel offers a stay that exceeds all expectations. Anchored by a 20-foot floor-to-ceiling fireplace crowned with crystal chandeliers in the grand lobby, its European influence creates an atmosphere of elegance and grandeur unmatched by any other accommodations – and it is just steps away from everything at WEC, including a full-service spa and seven onsite dining options. The Equestrian Manor is Central Florida’s premier meeting and event venue. The Riding Academy Hotel welcomes exhibitors, groups, families and their pets, complete with a dog park and dedicated play areas. Across the rest of the property there are over 30 boutiques and vendors providing brands for beauty, decor, and equestrian living. Golf cart rentals make touring the grounds a pleasant and easy experience. There are also two large Exposition Centers that host trade shows, dog shows, and other sporting events, and the RV park has nearly 300 spots. There is a 40,000 square-foot Veterinary Hospital that is operated by University of Florida veterinarians offering state of
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