Ocala Equestrian Events
Experience world-class horse shows, competitions, and conferences in Florida's Horse Capital featuring HITS, World Equestrian Center, and more.
Quick Answer
Ocala hosts prestigious equestrian events year-round including hunter/jumper shows at HITS Ocala, international dressage competitions, the World Equestrian Center Christmas celebration, and the Ocala Equestrian Conference. As the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala attracts elite competitors and hosts events ranging from local amateur competitions to world championships.
Major Equestrian Venues
Discover Ocala's world-class facilities hosting international equestrian competitions and events throughout the year.
World Equestrian Center
The largest single-site equestrian facility in North America, hosting international competitions, dressage championships, hunter/jumper shows, and the annual Christmas celebration. Features multiple arenas, barns, and amenities for competitors and spectators.
Learn More →HITS Ocala
Premier hunter/jumper venue hosting the HITS circuit with prestigious show jumping competitions. Features championship-caliber courses, excellent stabling, and attracts elite riders from across the country for competitive events throughout the seasons.
Florida Horse Park
Multi-discipline facility hosting equestrian events throughout the year including dressage, eventing, and specialty competitions. Known for quality facilities and diverse event programming catering to various riding disciplines and skill levels.
Visit Website →Types of Equestrian Events
Ocala hosts diverse equestrian disciplines from classical dressage to thrilling cross-country competition.
Hunter/Jumper Shows
Competition featuring equestrian athletes jumping over courses of obstacles. Ocala's hunter/jumper circuit includes HITS events with multiple classes from amateur to international professional levels, showcasing technical skill and horsemanship.
- • Hunter Classes
- • Jumper Divisions
- • Equitation Classes
Dressage Competitions
Classical discipline showcasing harmony between rider and horse through precise movements and patterns. World Equestrian Center hosts international dressage competitions ranging from training level through advanced Grand Prix, attracting competitors globally.
- • Classical Training
- • Grand Prix Events
- • International Levels
Draft Horse Shows
Featuring majestic Clydesdales, Percherons, and other draft breeds in halter classes, hitch competitions, and pulling events. Ocala celebrates draft horse heritage with specialized shows highlighting these powerful breeds" conformation and abilities.
- • Halter Competition
- • Hitch Classes
- • Draft Shows
Arabian & Specialty Shows
Ocala hosts breed-specific shows and specialty competitions for Arabian horses, thoroughbreds, and other breeds. These events celebrate diverse equestrian disciplines and showcase the quality and character of specialized horse breeds.
- • Arabian Shows
- • Breed Shows
- • Specialty Events
Annual Events Calendar Overview
Ocala's equestrian calendar spans the entire year with world-class events and competitions.
Spring Season
- • Hunter/Jumper Circuit
- • Dressage Championships
- • Spring Events Festival
- • Training Clinics
Summer Season
- • Youth Camps
- • Summer Shows
- • Specialty Classes
- • Breed Shows
Fall Season
- • HITS Fall Circuit
- • Draft Horse Shows
- • International Dressage
- • Equestrian Conference
Winter Season
- • Christmas Celebration
- • Holiday Shows
- • Winter Circuit
- • Specialty Events
Peak Event Periods
Ocala's equestrian calendar features multiple peak seasons with major competitions and events. The HITS circuit operates during spring and fall with hunter/jumper competitions drawing riders nationally. World Equestrian Center hosts international dressage events and the December Christmas celebration attracts thousands of visitors. Spring and fall represent the busiest periods for competition, while summer hosts youth camps and specialty events. The Ocala Equestrian Conference typically occurs in fall, bringing together industry professionals and enthusiasts.
View Full Event CalendarOcala: Horse Capital of the World
Ocala earned its prestigious "Horse Capital of the World" designation through centuries of excellence in horse breeding, training, and competition. Marion County is home to over 600 equine facilities and thousands of horses, from thoroughbreds to draft breeds.
The region's ideal climate, premium pasture quality, and experienced professionals create a world-class destination for equestrian enthusiasts. Championship training facilities, breeding farms, and competition venues attract elite riders and horses from across the globe.
Ocala's equestrian industry contributes significantly to the local economy while maintaining the community's heritage as the epicenter of American equestrian excellence. Year-round events, from international dressage to specialized breed shows, showcase this reputation.
Explore Horse Capital HeritageWhy Choose Ocala for Equestrian Events?
World-Class Facilities
Championship-level venues hosting international competitions
Expert Community
Experienced trainers, breeders, and professionals worldwide
Year-Round Events
Continuous competition and training opportunities
Ideal Climate
Premium pasture and weather conditions year-round
Related Equestrian Topics
Explore more about Ocala's equestrian heritage and events.
Ocala Clydesdales
Learn about the magnificent Clydesdale breed and their role in Ocala's equestrian community.
Explore →Draft Horse Show
Discover draft horse competitions featuring Clydesdales, Percherons, and other powerful breeds.
Explore →World Equestrian Center Guide
Complete guide to the world's largest equestrian facility and its events.
Explore →Horse Capital Heritage
Explore Ocala's designation as the Horse Capital of the World and its equestrian legacy.
Explore →Festivals of Speed
Discover high-octane events and racing festivals that complement Ocala's sporting culture.
Explore →All Ocala Events
View the complete calendar of events happening throughout Marion County and Ocala.
Explore →Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about Ocala's equestrian events and facilities.
What equestrian events are in Ocala?
Ocala hosts year-round equestrian events including dressage competitions, hunter/jumper shows, cross-country events, Arabian horse shows, draft horse shows, and specialty equestrian conferences. Major venues like HITS Ocala, World Equestrian Center, and Florida Horse Park host events ranging from local competitions to international championships.
Where is HITS Ocala located?
HITS Ocala is located in Marion County, Florida and serves as a premier hunter/jumper and equestrian event facility. HITS (Hunter International Tour Series) operates multiple locations nationally, with their Florida circuit hosting prestigious show jumping competitions throughout the year with world-class facilities.
Does World Equestrian Center have Christmas events?
Yes, World Equestrian Center features the annual Christmas Celebration at World Equestrian Center, which includes festive holiday events, family activities, and special equestrian competitions during the holiday season. Check their events calendar for specific dates and programming each December.
What is the Ocala Equestrian Conference?
The Ocala Equestrian Conference brings together industry professionals, equestrian enthusiasts, and business leaders to discuss topics related to horse breeding, training, competition, and business management within the equestrian community. It serves as a networking hub for the Horse Capital of the World.
When are horse shows in Ocala?
Horse shows in Ocala occur year-round with peak seasons typically in fall and spring. HITS Ocala and World Equestrian Center maintain detailed event calendars. Major events include hunter/jumper circuits, dressage competitions, Arabian shows, and specialty events. Visit venue websites for current schedules and registration information.
Why is Ocala known as the Horse Capital of the World?
Ocala earned its Horse Capital designation through its ideal climate, pasture quality, experienced trainers, and world-class facilities. The region hosts thousands of horses, numerous breeding farms, championship training centers, and attracts elite competitors from around the globe for year-round competition and training.
Ready to Experience Ocala Equestrian Events?
Whether you're a competitor, enthusiast, or spectator, Ocala's world-class equestrian venues and events offer something for everyone.