128 SIDELINES FEBRUARY 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
e
By Dani Moritz
O
cala, Florida is home to great weather,
natural beauty, a great historic district and, of
course, the nine week hunter/jumper winter circuit
Horseshows in the Sun (HITS).
But HITS isn’t the
only horse-related attraction around. Ocala is also
home to numerous equestrian stars (both horse and
human) and attractions you won’t want to miss. Here’s
a list of a few things to do in Ocala:
Florida Horse Park:
Ocala is home to the Florida Horse Park –
a 500-acre facility that holds numerous three-day events as well as
polo, dressage and jumping competitions. It is quickly becoming
a top equestrian destination as it now holds international-
level competition. The park is also available for rent for clubs,
businesses, horse shows, weddings, concerts, car shows or other
events.
Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides:
The Florida Horse Park also
houses Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides, which offers guided trail rides
for all levels of riders. Trail rides are available at the Florida Horse
Park, on the Ocala Greenway Trail System and at Silver River
State Park.
Stirrups ‘n Strides Therapeutic Riding Center:
Located
about 20 minutes from Ocala is Stirrups n’ Strides. A PATH
certifed therapeutic riding center, it offers horseback riding
lessons, driving lessons and the opportunity for riders to compete
in various shows. Feel free to stop by on Tuesday, Wednesday or
Saturday morning for a tour of the facility.
Grand Oaks Resort:
Grand Oaks Resort is every horse-
lovers dream. It is an equestrian resort that features 26 country
chateaus and cottages, the Oak Tree Lodge and RV sites as well
as boarding options for your horse. The resort is also host to many
polo competitions throughout the year and The Florida Carriage
Museum.
Horse Country Carriage Company and Tours:
Yet another
Ocala must-do is an Ocala carriage tour. Based out of Kimberden
Kimberly Bradley riding Briggsy at Stirrups n’ Strides. Kimberly
has Cerebral Palsy and rides in a special saddle to help her sit
up.
Photo courtesy of Stirrups n’ Strides
Grand Oaks Resort is every horse lovers dream. Kathy Gray,
from Stirrups n’ Strides, drives Knickee at the Challenge Show at
Grand Oaks Resort.
Photo courtesy of Stirrups n’ Strides
Olympic eventer Karen and David O’Conner are based in Ocala.
Photo by Lauren R. Giannini