Ocala is the county seat of Marion County, home to more than 200 of the country's horse farms. Local horse farms have built a tradition on breeding and training the finest thoroughbreds, Tennessee walkers, paso finos, quarter horses, Missouri foxtrotter, Arabian, Morgan, miniature horses, hunter, jumper and gentle giants. With so many horse farms in the area, it is almost expected Ocala is also home to many equestrian themed events, such as Horse Shows in the Sun, Celebration of the Horse, Golden Hills Horse Show, Florida Equestrian Classic, Draft Horse Show, Carriage Festival and Horseman Cattlemans.
Ocala Carriage and Tours will take you to the area's finest horse farms and historical sites. Chance are you will be able to see the horses running and playing in the fields as you trot by in your privately rented carriage. Rides with Ocala Carriage and Tours are narrated by experienced and trained drivers and will last a little more than one hour. Special occasion rides are offered for anniversaries, birthdays or a romantic ride for two. Horse drawn trolley rides through the city of Ocala are also available.
Just south of the city is the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort, where you will be able to experience history firsthand. The resort is nestled on more than 400 acres of land that is filled with oak trees, Japanese Koi ponds and, of course, a horse farm. When visiting the Florida Carriage Museum and Resort you can bring your own horse to ride along one of the many trails. At the end of the day, your horse can spend the night in one of the 10 Bed and Barns. One of the recreational activities offered at the resort is a carriage ride through some of the surrounding trails and to points of interest. Moonlight rides are offered monthly on the night of the full moon. This ride also includes a pot luck dinner, bonfire and ride along the trail.
When staying at the Ocala Hilton, stop and visit Buddy, the Hilton Clydesdale. Buddy has been offering guests carriage rides throughout Ocala for years and knows some of the hot spots. He is available for rides each night and throughout the day on Sunday. Your journey back in time will take you to see the area's historical sites, and Buddy's driver will narrate your tour along the way.
