Brave the Blaze Brings Equine Emergency Preparedness and Firefighter Appreciation to Ocala Polo Club on March 22

On Sunday, March 22, 2026, the Ocala Polo Club at Florida Horse Park hosts Brave the Blaze — a one-of-a-kind event combining free equine emergency preparedness education with a Firefighter Appreciation polo match. The event reflects Ocala's identity as the Horse Capital of the World and the community's deep appreciation for the first responders who protect its horses and families.

The Ocala Polo Club at Florida Horse Park hosts Brave the Blaze on March 22, 2026, with free equine emergency preparedness education and a Firefighter Appreciation polo match.

Free Educational Session: Equine Emergency Preparedness

From 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, Brave the Blaze opens its free educational session to horse owners and barn managers. The session brings together veterinarians, firefighters, and first responders to discuss equine emergency response and disaster preparedness — topics that matter deeply to Marion County's estimated 70,000 horse owners.

Partners for the educational portion include the University of Florida's Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service (VETS) and the Marion County Firefighters Benevolence Fund. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about rescue tools, evacuation procedures, and best practices for protecting horses during emergencies such as barn fires, floods, and hurricanes.

The session is free to attend and open to horse owners, equestrian professionals, and anyone interested in learning more about equine safety and disaster preparedness in Marion County.

Firefighter Appreciation Polo Match

At 1:00 PM, the Brave the Blaze event transitions into a Firefighter Appreciation polo match. Polo tailgate reservations are available for those who want to enjoy the match in style. The afternoon celebrates the firefighters and first responders who serve the Marion County community, and proceeds from the event support the Marion County Firefighters Benevolence Fund.

Polo is a natural fit for Ocala, where equestrian culture runs deep. The Ocala Polo Club has hosted matches at Florida Horse Park for years, giving residents and visitors a chance to experience live polo in an accessible, welcoming setting.

A Unique Partnership for Ocala's Horse Community

The combination of emergency preparedness education and a Firefighter Appreciation polo match reflects a uniquely Ocala approach to community events. In a county with more horses than most U.S. states, equine emergency response is a practical concern for thousands of residents — and partnerships between the veterinary and emergency response communities play a critical role in protecting both animals and people.

The University of Florida's involvement through its Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service adds a significant educational dimension to the event. UF's College of Veterinary Medicine is consistently ranked among the top veterinary programs in the nation and has deep ties to Marion County's equine industry.

View the full event listing for additional information, including tailgate reservation details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Brave the Blaze?

Brave the Blaze is a two-part event at the Ocala Polo Club at Florida Horse Park. The morning (11:00 AM–12:30 PM) features a free educational session on equine emergency preparedness in partnership with UF Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service and the Marion County Firefighters Benevolence Fund. The afternoon (1:00 PM) features a Firefighter Appreciation polo match.

Is the educational event free?

Yes. The equine emergency preparedness session from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM is free and open to the public, with a focus on horse owners and barn managers.

Who will be presenting at the educational session?

Veterinarians, firefighters, and first responders will discuss equine emergency response, rescue tools, and disaster preparedness. The session is organized in partnership with UF's Veterinary Emergency Treatment Service.

Can I watch the polo match?

Yes. General admission for the polo match is available. Polo tailgate reservations are also available for those who want a more structured viewing experience. See the Ocala Polo Club website for pricing and reservation details.

Where is the event located?

The event takes place at the Ocala Polo Club at Florida Horse Park, 1817 NW 75th St, Ocala, FL 34475.

Who benefits from this event?

Proceeds support the Marion County Firefighters Benevolence Fund, which assists local firefighters and their families.

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Event Details:
- Date: Sunday, March 22, 2026
- Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Educational session: 11:00 AM–12:30 PM; Polo: 1:00 PM)
- Location: Ocala Polo Club at Florida Horse Park, 1817 NW 75th St, Ocala, FL 34475
- Cost: Free educational session; polo tailgate reservations available
- More Info: ocalapolo.com/brave-the-blaze.html