Ocala Seeing Growth In Horse Country

What’s Happening in Ocala!

by SUSIE MCKINLEY, EDITOR, FR&L MAGAZINE

Located in Marion County, on the north end of Central Florida, Ocala has always been poised for growth due to its proximity to the I-4 corridor: Orlando and Tampa. It is now on a fast track. Growth in the region is not only due to location, but it’s also the “center of the universe” when it comes to horses and all things equine.

The region has lovely land and water features from rolling hills and forests to amazing crystal-clear springs, rivers and lakes. Ocala is also known as the “horse capital of the world.” With hundreds of thoroughbred farms, Ocala has been a center for thoroughbred racing and breeding for decades. Horsemen believe both the soil and the pleasant climate are perfect for equine growth and development.

Ocala has also hosted major equestrian events since the 1970’s and today is the foremost location in the world for these events. Equestrians visiting or living in the area participate not only in horse racing and breeding but also show jumping, dressage, three-day eventing, driving, the western disciplines and more. The Florida Horse Park, HITS at Post Time Farm and the brand-new World Equestrian Center offer much to equine enthusiasts. Riders enjoy fantastic opportunities in which to compete, and spectators can be busy almost daily with events happening at these and other venues located around the area.

The World Equestrian Center (WEC) is built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction. When visiting or participating in events at the WEC, these values are everywhere. It appeals to riders on every level and to spectators for all that’s happening on the property at any time. Everything has been planned for the exhibitor and the horse. The venue has definitely set the pace for things to come throughout the horse world. WEC has more than 2,100 permanent stalls, more than 400,000 square feet of indoor riding space, beautiful outdoor rings including the Grand Arena and the World Equestrian Center Stadium, a chapel, multiple restaurants on the show grounds and a 5-star hotel, The Equestrian Hotel, with fine dining restaurant, Stirrups. The hotel overlooks the Grand Arena and hotel rooms truly have a “room with a view.”

The addition to the WEC, the Florida Horse Park and HITS at Post Time Farm share a combined total of at least 1,000 permanent stalls and thousands of tented stalls during the height of the show season from January through March of each year. With more than 3,000 permanent show stalls and thousands of tented stalls during the season, the influx of visitors to the area is huge. In addition to the increase in population from the equestrian lifestyle, a Central Florida location, mild weather, lower cost of living, the beauty of the area and many other factors, Ocala is now one of the fastest growing places in the US.

According to FRLA CEO, Carol Dover, “The growth and popularity of Ocala as a destination has been significant in the last two decades – especially when it comes to ‘equi-tourism.’ Ocala positively contributes to Florida’s overall tourism and economic health. Florida’s equine industry – including industry suppliers – generates nearly

$7 billion annually for Florida’s GDP. When you add in tourism spending from riders and spectators, the total economic impact goes up to nearly $12 billion and that helps support more than 240,000 jobs.”

Justin Garner, the Director of Hotel and Hospitality Operations at World Equestrian Center Ocala, says, “Ocala has a rich history in the horse industry and is known as the official Horse Capital of the World. Its history and Central Florida location made it an ideal location for WEC.”

Growth has spilled over from “horse country” to downtown Ocala and to outlying communities. Businesses are feeling the thrill of this growth and are looking forward to the future. Kimmie Carp, a horsewoman and owner of Horse Country Carriage Co. that offers carriage rides downtown and on the property of Kimberden, a local horse farm, says this, “The growth of Ocala has been incredibly exciting to watch, especially with the revitalization of the Downtown and all it has to offer for shopping and dining. Our holiday tours have become more popular year after year, in addition to the growth of our farm tours – where we give the history of Marion County and how the area came became known as “The Horse Capital of the World.” We feel blessed to be a part of this wonderful community.”

Lisa Lombardo, Chief People and Culture Officer of HDG Hotels notes,“ I was born and raised in Ocala and returned almost 16 years ago for a career opportunity. This is home. I’m excited and truly proud of our community. We are growing in exciting ways while preserving what makes us an exceptional place to live, work and visit. Some might think of us as a few exits on their way to someplace else, and quite frankly that’s one reason so many businesses are choosing Ocala as a place to set up shop, including large distribution centers. But there’s more to Ocala than a convenient location. We have incredible restaurants, eco and equi-tourism draws, arts and culture are a norm here - museums, galleries, performance centers, youth sports, great schools, and strong college and hospital systems…all with great HDG Hotels nearby!

The growth of the area has also brought a new FRLA chapter to the region. According to Dan Murphy, FRLA’s Senior Vice President of Membership & Corporate Relations, “the opening of the Ocala Chapter is based on the tremendous growth happening right now in Ocala and the interest of those businesses wanting to affiliate with FRLA to enjoy the benefits and advocacy that FRLA has to offer.”

When driving through Florida, don’t forget a stop in this growing city. GO OCALA!

World Equestrian Center Lobby Stables Room

Horse Country Carriage Company