Ocala • Marion County
The Gateway to Equestrian Greatness
Marion County, Fla. tops all U.S. counties by equine headcount and over 22% of Marion’s gross domestic product is equine-derived. World-class venues, farms, and year-round competition make the region a true global destination for horse sport at every level. From Thoroughbred racing to dressage, show jumping, eventing, polo, and Western performance, Ocala, Florida, USA supports every breed and discipline at world-class training farms and facilities. Horses equate to greenspace and quality of life in the true Horse Capital of the World®.
Marion County, Florida
Raising Florida-Bred Champions
Why Florida Bred
Florida is a perennial leader in all equine breeds and disciplines, especially the Thoroughbred industry.” and “Florida-bred Dr. Fager’s mile in 1:32:1/5 in 1968 still stands as a world record.” into Raising Florida-Bred Champions.
About 75% of all U.S. Thoroughbred two-year-olds winter train in Ocala, solidifying Marion County’s reputation as a global leader. Ocala is home to world-class training centers, breeding farms, veterinary facilities, and premier equestrian venues that support everyone from elite competitors to passionate horse owners.
Florida is the:
Home-Bred Champions
Florida is a perennial leader in all equine breeds and disciplines, especially the Thoroughbred industry. We annually rank third by North American Thoroughbred foal production and top-two in stakes winners.
Florida-bred Dr. Fager’s mile in 1:32:1/5 in 1968 still stands as a world record.
Florida’s Thoroughbred farms and training centers have produced:
Ocala, Florida is one of only four epicenters of Thoroughbred breeding and training in the world.
The Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS) perennially leads the world Thoroughbred juvenile auction market, owning 75% of the U.S. 2-year-old racehorse marketplace. OBS annual Sales of Thoroughbreds exceeds $190 million.
Horse Capital of the World®
Partnership Program
The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association owns and manages Ocala, Marion County, Horse Capital of the World®, a trademark federally registered since 1997. The horse is at the center of everything we do, but it is an entire region that we partner with in that success. Rooted in inclusivity for all breeds and equestrian disciplines, Horse Capital of the World® has launched a partnership program grounded in meaningful relationships with brands and organizations that build our community and industry alongside us. Businesses interested in becoming an official partner can email info@ftboa.com to learn more about available opportunities.
We are proud to feature Kubota as our inaugural partner as The Official Tractor of the Horse Capital of the World®.
Horse Capital of the World®
Economics Podcast
Marion County, Fla. tops all U.S. counties by equine headcount and over 22% of Marion’s gross domestic product is equine-derived. FTBOA’s Tammy Gantt and Steve Koch explore how 75,000 horses, nearly half of which are Thoroughbreds, support 28,500 jobs and establish the city of Ocala and surrounding regions as an equine epicenter. Horses equate to greenspace and quality of life in the true Horse Capital of the World®.
