My winter barn routine goes something like this: I slide my way down the hill to the barn and slog through the mud to get my bedraggled and fuzzy horse. Then I morosely groom the previously mentioned grumpy mare while staring at the slushy puddle that was once the outdoor arena. Don’t want to deal with any of this? Let’s head to Ocala, Florida instead.
As the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala is a northern equestrian’s paradise. You can ditch the snow and the ice and gallop on the beach instead. But it does take some organization and forethought to get you and your horse down there and settled in one piece. If you’re heading to Ocala for the first time, we’ve got you covered.
Step 1: Figure Out Your Goals
Going South looks different for every equestrian. Some of us just want to enjoy the warm weather with our horses and take a day trip to Universal Studios (Hogwarts, here I come!). Other equestrians will have lessons lined up with big names like Bettina Hoy and Sharon White. Or maybe you want to be out there competing every weekend. For Ocala first-timers who are only staying for a short time, prioritizing what you want to do without running the legs off your horse is key.
Decide what you want to do in Ocala before you move on to where you stay and how you get there. Whether you want to lesson with the big dogs, compete, or just enjoy the Ocala trails will have a big impact on where you stay, your budget, and more. For example, if you’re big on competing, maybe you want to rent a stall near the World Equestrian Center or at the Florida Horse Park for easy access to their lineup of clinics and competitions. But if you’re more into conditioning your horse or schooling cross country, consider staying near Majestic Oaks instead.
Step 2: How Are You Getting There?
So, you’ve decided you want to go to Ocala to accomplish one of several goals. That’s great, you’re officially one of the tsunami of equestrians heading to Florida. The only hitch is, how are you going to get there? If you’re close enough to haul your horse yourself, you’ve got it easy. However, “close enough” varies depending on who you talk to. Some trainers are willing to gun it down the highway with a six horse trailer dragging behind their trusty farm truck for 20 hours or more.
If you are going to drive yourself, planning a good route is crucial. The first step is to find layovers and base your route around those, not the other way around. Look for layovers that are reputable and close to the interstate. Driving down unknown backcountry roads in a different state doesn’t sound appealing on a normal trip, let alone with your horse in tow. Horse Motel advertises layover places based on real experience and prioritizes ones that are close to the interstate.
Trailering yourself involves a little extra planning. Be aware of any equine-related outbreaks in states you’re driving through and make sure you have the necessary paperwork for your horse, including a health certificate and negative Coggins. You’ll also need to plan out frequent stops to allow your horse to rest and rehydrate. Keep a close eye on your horse’s vitals as you travel, so you can get ahead of colic or dehydration early.
If you’re not interested in taking on the risk of driving yourself, a professional hauler is a great alternative option. Professional haulers may cost a pretty penny, but you’ll be able to sit back and relax knowing your horse will get there safely and you can drive yourself to Florida in a reasonable time frame without having to shotgun espresso or chew coffee beans straight out of the bag. If that appeals to you, Madbarn has a great list of horse transportation providers from all over the United States. Explore who’s available near you.
There’s safety in numbers– hitch a ride for yourself and your horse with another equestrian. If there’s no one else in your barn who’s going to Ocala, you’re bound to find someone on your USEA area Facebook group. While we don’t recommend standing on the side of the road with your thumb up, it’s often easier to share the physical and financial load of transporting horses with someone else. The ability to switch off drivers so one of you can get some sleep could make the difference between getting there safely and falling asleep at the wheel.
While you’re deciding how to get your horse to Ocala it’s important to keep in mind your plans once you arrive. If you’re planning on going to lessons or competitions, you’ll need to have access to a trailer while you’re there. If no one has a trailer you can use while you’re down there, you may want to haul your horse down yourself.
Step 3: Where Are You Staying?
Whatever your budget, there’s a place for you to stay in Ocala. If you won’t be staying with your horse, you could rent a house with some friends, rent a room in someone else’s house, or stay at a hotel. A hotel or motel is a particularly great option if you’re only staying in Ocala for a long weekend. If you’re feeling particularly bougie, treat yourself to a stay at the World Equestrian Center and enjoy views of the main arena right from your window. If you’re looking for a hotel that’s a little more budget friendly, shop around on this website.
As Ocala is essentially mecca for equestrians, there are plenty of other riders who might be renting out a room or barn apartment. You may even be able to score a place where you can stay with your horse. Get in touch with local equestrians on this Facebook group.
If you’re really on a budget and you love the outdoors, camping may be the perfect solution. But keep in mind that even though Florida is warm, you may still be a little chilly at night. Feel like braving the great outdoors? Stay at one of these campgrounds.
Step 4: What Are You Doing?
You’re never without things to do when it comes to visiting Ocala, but it does pay off to plan ahead. Identify trainers you want to lesson with, trails you want to ride, or competitions you want to enter before you go. You will most likely have to enter those competitions prior to heading down to Ocala and, to be respectful of that trainer’s time, you should schedule your lesson well in advance. Keep tabs on the Ocala Horse Community Facebook group for any last minute lesson opportunities.
There are lots of schooling opportunities in Ocala. Whether you’re looking for unrecognized horse trials or just a few places to go cross country schooling, you can find a variety of opportunities held at local farms here. Last year eventers including Sara Kozumplik and Will Coleman teamed up to offer a great winter schooling series at their farms. Rumor has it they may do it again this year, if you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable opportunity to get off property. To find other local competitions and clinics, check out Strider.
Looking for something to do that isn’t horse-related? First of all, how dare you? Second of all, we get it. Sometimes it’s nice to wear something besides breeches. Find local events like light displays and parades here. If you’re still looking for inspiration on what to do in Ocala, check out our Ocala Bucket List, which is chock full of great ideas– from glass bottom boat tours to ziplining to galloping on the beach.
First-timers beware, you may find Ocala too good to leave. If that happens to you, get in touch with the Ocala Horse Properties team. Or, simply while the hours away browsing through their website, wishing for the Ocala horse farm of your dreams.
This article was sponsored by Ocala Horse Properties and their amazing team of realtors. If you’re looking for the perfect Florida horse farm, look no further. Explore their website.
