On Feb 4, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association’s Tammy A. Gantt moderated an equine panel showcasing Horse Capital of the World® to 550 attendees of the state’s premier trade show for tour operations and wholesalers, Florida Huddle and Encounter, at the World Equestrian Center (WEC).

The goal of the panel was to utilize equine experts that could provide a snapshot of Marion County’s thriving horse industry, full of year-round adventures at all price points that visitors can experience and to gives ideas to group leaders on how they can engage their guests -whether they are novices to the equine experience or horse experts. 

FTBOA’s Gantt led the panel and explained why Ocala, Marion County is Horse Capital of the World®, the impact of Thoroughbreds to the region, and the equine tourism opportunities available to travelers. 

Gantt noted the 75,000 horses in the county represent a large swath of breeds, with Thoroughbreds being the majority. She shared that the smallest of tiny, miniature horses to gentle giants like Clydesdales make Ocala home and that horse experiences range from trail riding to elite level equine sports of nearly every discipline. 

She was joined by Jason Reynolds, executive director of the Florida Horse Park; Greg Wheat, general manager at World Equestrian Center; and Louisa Barton, director of equine engagement at the Ocala Metro Chamber of Commerce. 

Reynolds gave examples of the variety of horse events taking place at the state’s horse park and why equine experiences are uniquely available in Ocala. He also shared that horse events are accessible to novices wanting to watch horses as spectators and for those who are equine experts who want to be a part of a new experience, breed, or discipline. 

Wheat shared the numerous amenities that make the World Equestrian Center special. He noted the world-class hotels, restaurants, current and future shopping opportunities, RV park, general store, year-round capabilities, air-conditioned indoor areas, grand-scale outdoor arenas and their variety of specialized surfaces, and the state-of-the-art facilities for horses. He noted that WEC has often been referred to as Disney World for horses, horse people, and visitors due to the services, family feel, and experience guests receive. 

Barton highlighted memorable experiences from meeting horses close-up at the events she helps produce, including the county’s Parade of Breeds and Hobby Horse Games. She highlighted programs to involve youth in horses and career experiences with horses. She also mentioned the benefits of chamber membership to reach the equine world.

Both Barton and Gantt also highlighted the Walk of Champions highlighting all breeds of champion horses at the downtown Ocala square. 

Ocala/Marion County Visitor and Convention Bureau’s Director of Tourism Development Loretta Shaffer introduced the panel sharing the $4.3 billion economic impact of equines in the county that contributes 22% of the GDP, and to one in five jobs. She shared with the audience that the FTBOA trademarked the Horse Capital of the World® and the importance the brand is to tourism.

OMVCB hosted the Ocala-focused panel as part of a luncheon program that included representatives from Visit Florida and Experience Kissimmee Florida. Florida Huddle and Encounter showcases the vast tourism offerings of the Sunshine State. 

The event was held Feb. 2 to Feb. 4 at the World Equestrian Center, where participants saw a number of shows, disciplines, and horse breeds. 

Return to the February 6 issue of Wire to Wire