Horse Country Carriage Tours
Horse Country Carriage Tours stands as Ocala's premier carriage tour experience, offering enchanting horse-drawn carriage rides through the legendary horse farms and historic estates that define the Horse Capital of the World. Operating from the prestigious Kimberden Farm at 5400 NW 110th Avenue, this beloved family-owned business provides authentic guided tours that showcase the rich equestrian heritage, scenic rural landscapes, and fascinating agricultural history that have made Marion County one of America's most celebrated horse breeding and training destinations. Located in the heart of Ocala, Florida, the Horse Capital of the World.
Comprehensive hour-long narrated tours transport guests in elegant horse-drawn carriages through some of Ocala's most prestigious horse farms, where world-famous thoroughbreds have been bred, trained, and prepared for competition at the highest levels of equestrian sport. These immersive educational experiences provide visitors with fascinating insights into the breeding programs, training methodologies, and agricultural practices that have produced Kentucky Derby winners, Olympic champions, and countless other equestrian stars while maintaining the pastoral beauty and rural traditions that define Central Florida's horse country.
Expert tour guide Kimie brings passionate expertise and infectious enthusiasm to every carriage ride, sharing her deep knowledge of Ocala's equestrian community, fascinating stories about celebrity horses and their owners, detailed explanations of different horse breeds and their unique characteristics, and entertaining anecdotes about the training facilities and breeding operations that guests observe during their scenic journey. Her engaging commentary combines historical facts with contemporary insights about the multi-billion-dollar horse industry that drives Marion County's agricultural economy.
Celebrity horses Duke and Doc serve as the tour's star attractions, having achieved Hollywood fame through their featured appearance in "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides," where these magnificent draft horses galloped with the stagecoach into the castle during the film's second scene. These gentle giants provide safe, comfortable transportation while demonstrating the power, grace, and intelligence that make horses such remarkable animals and trusted partners in both entertainment and agricultural pursuits.
Kimberden Farm serves as both the departure point and final destination for carriage tours, offering guests additional opportunities to experience authentic horse farm operations through visits to the 60-acre hunter/jumper training facility that serves as home to the University of Florida Equestrian Team. Following their carriage tour, guests are invited to observe riders training in the professional arena, feed carrots to the facility's 50-plus horses, and gain deeper appreciation for the daily care, training, and management required to maintain world-class equestrian operations.
Diverse tour options accommodate varying group sizes and preferences, featuring intimate private carriage rides perfect for couples seeking romantic experiences ($30 per couple) and family-friendly group wagon tours that provide affordable entertainment for larger parties ($5 for adults, $2 for children). Both options include the same comprehensive hour-long tour with expert narration, scenic farm views, and educational content that appeals to horse enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Group services and special events expand the carriage tour experience through customized luncheon packages for parties of 10 or more, featuring either pulled pork BBQ or sandwich box lunches (including vegetarian options) served on Kimberden Farm's scenic patio overlooking the riding arena. These enhanced experiences combine culinary enjoyment with extended farm visits that provide deeper immersion into Ocala's equestrian lifestyle and agricultural traditions.
Seasonal downtown presence brings the carriage tour experience directly to historic Ocala Downtown Square during holiday seasons, where Horse Country Carriage Tours provides magical evening rides through decorated historic neighborhoods and festive downtown streets. These special seasonal offerings create memorable holiday experiences while showcasing the charming architecture and community spirit that make downtown Ocala such a beloved destination for residents and visitors.
Educational excellence ensures that every tour provides valuable learning opportunities about equestrian science, agricultural economics, animal husbandry, and regional history that enhance visitors' understanding of why Ocala earned its reputation as the Horse Capital of the World. Guests learn about breeding genetics, training techniques, competition disciplines, and the global horse industry while enjoying the peaceful rhythm of horse-drawn transportation through scenic rural landscapes.
Reservation-based operations ensure personalized attention and optimal experiences through advance booking requirements that allow tour guides to prepare specialized commentary, coordinate timing with farm activities, and accommodate specific group needs or interests. This reservation system also enables bus groups and large parties to receive customized service while maintaining the intimate, educational atmosphere that distinguishes exceptional carriage tour experiences.
Horse Country Carriage Tours represents the perfect fusion of romantic transportation, educational entertainment, agricultural tourism, and authentic rural experience, where knowledgeable guides, celebrity horses, scenic farm landscapes, and genuine passion for Ocala's equestrian heritage combine to create unforgettable carriage rides that celebrate the natural beauty, cultural traditions, and agricultural excellence that make Marion County a treasured destination for horse lovers and adventure seekers from around the world.
Near Horse Country
Northwest Ocala's premier equestrian district with horse farms and training facilities
Equestrian
The World Equestrian Center's premier 12-week winter series featuring hunter/jumper and dressage competitions. This world-class facility offers climate-controlled indoor arenas, free admission for spectators, restaurants, shopping, and golf cart rentals. Experience top-level equestrian sport in the Horse Capital of the World.
Equestrian
The World Equestrian Center hosts the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala as part of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Series. This world-class competition brings Olympic-level talent to the Horse Capital of the World, featuring the $300,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup on Saturday evening under the lights of the Grand Outdoor Arena. The week also includes the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship, where the nation's top junior athletes compete for a brand-new SUV and $100,000 in trainer awards. Free admission for spectators throughout the week.
Equestrian
The World Equestrian Center welcomes the world's 10 best show jumping teams for the second leg of the Longines League of Nations, competing for more than $1.4 million in prize money. The week culminates with the $350,000 Grand Prix CSIO5* on Thursday, March 19. The 2026 teams include reigning series champions Great Britain and the return of Brazil. This is one of the most prestigious international equestrian competitions held in the United States and a highlight of the Winter Spectacular series. Free admission for spectators. Grand Prix dining experience tickets available separately.
Equestrian
The World Equestrian Center continues its world-class competition schedule with the Spring Series featuring hunter/jumper events. This five-week series showcases top equestrian talent in climate-controlled indoor arenas. Free admission for spectators with restaurants, shopping, and entertainment on-site.
Equestrian
Five-day premier hunter/jumper competition at the World Equestrian Center. This prestigious event brings together top riders and horses from across the country to compete in world-class facilities. Free admission for spectators with full amenities available on-site.
Entertainment & Sports
World Equestrian Center stands as the largest and most prestigious equestrian complex in the United States, transforming 4,000 verdant acres of <a href="/location/ocala" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Ocala's</a> legendary horse country into a world-class destination that combines championship equestrian competition with luxury hospitality, fine dining, premium shopping, and comprehensive event facilities. Named one of TIME's 2024 World's Greatest Places and recognized as the world's premier destination for excellence in competition and hospitality, this remarkable facility represents the pinnacle of equestrian lifestyle and entertainment since opening its gates to the public in January 2021. Unparalleled arena facilities showcase the ultimate in equestrian infrastructure, featuring four state-of-the-art indoor arenas, a specialized Western arena, two magnificent grand stadiums, and sixteen outdoor arenas that accommodate every equestrian discipline from hunter and jumper competitions through polo, dressage, and breed shows. The crown jewel WEC Stadium provides 7,000 seats with brilliant lighting systems that illuminate Saturday night Grand Prix shows, while two massive video walls project crystal-clear live coverage that ensures every spectator enjoys optimal viewing of championship-level competition. Luxury accommodation excellence centers around <a href="/businesses/the-equestrian-hotel" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">The Equestrian Hotel</a>, <a href="/location/marion-county" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Marion County's</a> only AAA Four Diamond Resort, featuring 248 stylishly appointed rooms and suites with stunning views overlooking the 128,000-square-foot Grand Outdoor Arena. This architectural masterpiece showcases 20-foot ceilings, crystal chandeliers, floor-to-ceiling fireplaces, mahogany finishes, and Italian porcelain throughout, while providing guests with access to luxury shopping, unique dining, a state-of-the-art fitness center, the magnificent 7,000-square-foot Calluna Spa and salon, and a spectacular zero-entry swimming pool. Culinary destination diversity encompasses seven distinctive restaurants throughout the property that offer versatility in dining options and price points for every taste and occasion. <a href="/businesses/stirrups-world-equestrian-center" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">Stirrups</a>, the flagship restaurant, has quickly become one of Ocala's premier dining establishments and earned Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2023 for its exceptional wine selection. Additional dining venues include Filo's Mexican Cantina, Miss Tilly's Lollipops, Ralph's Burger & Sandwich Shop, Viola & Dot's Italian Kitchen & Pizzeria, Emma's Patisserie, Yellow Pony Pub & Garden, and Horse to Water Pool & Bar, ensuring comprehensive culinary experiences for every palate. Comprehensive event capabilities extend far beyond equestrian competition to encompass two exposition centers totaling over 250,000 square feet of flexible indoor space that accommodates major conventions, trade shows, soccer tournaments, basketball competitions, volleyball championships, cheerleading events, dance competitions, martial arts tournaments, cross-country meets, lacrosse games, canine shows, and social gatherings that attract visitors from around the world. Premium shopping and lifestyle amenities feature more than two dozen boutiques and specialty shops including Lugano Diamonds, Ariat International, Mr. Pickles & Sailor Bear Toy Shoppe, The Debonair Collection, <a href="/businesses/john-craig-clothier" class="text-blue-600 hover:text-blue-700 underline">John Craig Clothier</a>, Chi Rho Ranch, and numerous other retailers that provide unbridled access to the opulent equestrian lifestyle and luxury goods that complement the sophisticated WEC experience. Supporting infrastructure excellence includes spacious modern stabling facilities, an on-site veterinary hospital, UF Health medical facility, a beautiful chapel for special events and weddings, a comprehensive general store, golf cart rental services, live event streaming capabilities, and professional event management that ensures flawless execution of competitions and gatherings ranging from intimate celebrations through international championships. Future development expansion includes The Equestrian Manor and associated restaurants scheduled to open in fall 2025, followed by WEC's Shoppes Off 80th outdoor shopping venue in 2026, demonstrating the facility's commitment to continuous enhancement and growth within Central Florida's thriving equestrian community. World Equestrian Center represents the perfect fusion of championship-level equestrian excellence, luxury hospitality, culinary sophistication, and comprehensive entertainment, where world-class competition facilities, AAA Four Diamond accommodations, award-winning dining, premium shopping, and unparalleled event capabilities combine to create an extraordinary destination that celebrates the finest traditions of equestrian sport while providing exceptional experiences for visitors, competitors, and guests in the heart of the Horse Capital of the World.
Horse Capital of the World
Everything equestrian in Ocala - farms, events, heritage, and culture
Equestrian
The Grandview Invitational is Florida's Premier Draft Horse Show, bringing together up to 100 one-ton horses for three days of competition at the Florida Horse Park in the Horse Capital of the World. This spectacular event showcases the finest Clydesdales, Belgians, and Percherons from across North America, competing in a variety of hitch classes that demonstrate the power, grace, and beauty of these gentle giants. ## About the Event Created by veteran Clydesdale breeders Karen and Shannon Cobbs, the Grandview Invitational fills a unique niche in Marion County's equestrian scene. "We've shown for 40 years, and it's crazy that we don't have a show here locally, being that it's the Horse Capital of the World. So I said, 'We're doing it,'" Karen Cobbs told the Ocala Star Banner. The Cobbs were inducted into the Clydesdale Breeders of the USA Hall of Fame in 2016, and their dedication to draft horses spans generations. They operate Grandview Clydesdale Farm between Ocala and Dunnellon, one of the largest Clydesdale breeding operations in North America. ## Three-Day Competition Schedule **Thursday, January 29** - Opening day features Opening Ceremonies, Belgian Ladies Cart, Percheron Team, Clydesdale Unicorn, Belgian Four Horse Hitch, Percheron Four Horse Hitch, Clydesdale Four Horse Hitch, and the Men's All Breed Cart Championship. **Friday, January 30** - Competition continues with Percheron Ladies Cart, Clydesdale Team, Belgian Unicorn, Florida's All Breed Six Horse Hitch Championship, Youth Team Class, and the Pee-Wee Cart Class. **Saturday, January 31** - The finale includes Clydesdale Ladies Cart, Belgian Team, Percheron Unicorn, the prestigious Horse Capital of the World All Breed Six Horse Hitch Championship, Youth Cart Class, and All Breed Four Abreast. ## Spectator Experience Visitors can arrive early to tour the stable area and get up close to these majestic animals, gaining appreciation for just how massive these 1,600 to 2,200-pound horses truly are. The show begins with the judge and ringmaster arriving by stagecoach, setting the tone for a day of traditional draft horse pageantry. ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: What time do gates open?** A: Gates open at 8:00 AM daily, with shows starting at 12:00 PM noon. **Q: What are ticket prices?** A: General Admission is $25 per day for adults or $50 for a 3-day pass. Children ages 2-10 are $10 per day or $20 for a 3-day pass. VIP seating with reserved prime views is $50 per day or $145 for a 3-day pass. Save $10 by purchasing tickets online before the event. **Q: What draft horse breeds compete?** A: Three breeds compete: Clydesdales, Belgians, and Percherons, each known for their distinctive characteristics and impressive size. **Q: What is a "unicorn" class?** A: In draft horse terminology, a unicorn is a three-horse hitch with one horse in front and two behind, all controlled by a single driver. **Q: What is a "four abreast" class?** A: A four abreast features four horses hitched side-by-side, requiring exceptional skill to drive and coordinate. **Q: Can tickets be purchased at the gate?** A: Yes, gate admission is $35 for general admission. Online advance tickets are recommended for $10 savings. **Q: Is camping available?** A: Yes, 4-night camping packages are available ranging from $350-$450, which include 2 adult passes to all three days of the show. **Q: Are there food vendors?** A: Yes, food and beverage vendors are available throughout the event grounds. ## Event History The Grandview Invitational was first held in 2019 and has grown into one of the most anticipated draft horse events in Florida. The invitational draws top hitches from across North America to compete for prestigious titles including Florida's Champion Six Horse Hitch and the Horse Capital of the World Six Horse Hitch Championship.
Equestrian
The World Equestrian Center's premier 12-week winter series featuring hunter/jumper and dressage competitions. This world-class facility offers climate-controlled indoor arenas, free admission for spectators, restaurants, shopping, and golf cart rentals. Experience top-level equestrian sport in the Horse Capital of the World.
Equestrian
A unique combination of polo and car show at Florida Horse Park. Bring your car to compete for Player's Choice Awards in three vehicle classes: Classic (pre-2000), Modern (post-2000), and Modified. Prizes awarded for best in class and player selections. Gates open at noon with the polo match beginning at 1pm. All tickets include polo match admission for one carload of spectators. Online reservations close January 17th. The sideline is grass - bring chairs or a picnic blanket.
Equestrian
The day after the Grandview Invitational concludes, celebrate at Country Fest on Sunday, February 1st. This post-show celebration includes dinner and live music at the Florida Horse Park. Tickets are $75 when purchased online in advance or $85 at the gate. Country Fest caps off the Grandview Invitational weekend, Florida's Premier Draft Horse Show where up to 100 Clydesdales, Belgians, and Percherons compete for championships including the Horse Capital of the World All Breed Six Horse Hitch title.
Equestrian
The World Equestrian Center hosts the prestigious Longines FEI Jumping World Cup Ocala as part of the 2026 Winter Spectacular Series. This world-class competition brings Olympic-level talent to the Horse Capital of the World, featuring the $300,000 Longines FEI Jumping World Cup on Saturday evening under the lights of the Grand Outdoor Arena. The week also includes the WEC Premier Equitation Cup Championship, where the nation's top junior athletes compete for a brand-new SUV and $100,000 in trainer awards. Free admission for spectators throughout the week.
Equestrian
Experience the thrill of polo at the Florida Horse Park. Watch top players and horses compete in this exciting equestrian sport. Bring the family for an afternoon of action and entertainment in the Horse Capital of the World.
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