OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The idea of being put on the spot, isn’t necessarily everyone’s ideal. However, meeting Circus Spots is certainly something you want to put on your bucket list.

The Ocala Metro CEP’s Equine Initiative Equine Industry Career Expo, held Nov. 22 at the Florida Horse Park, featured a unique and inspiring guest: Circus Spots, a Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse. The celebrated therapy horse delighted attendees, offering opportunities for students and adults alike to interact and learn.

Jorge Garcia, who owns Gentle Carousel with his wife Debbie, handles Circus Spots as the tiny pony makes new friends.
Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, who owns Gentle Carousel with his wife Debbie, handles Circus Spots as the tiny pony makes new friends. Courtesy: ben Baugh/352today

Circus Spots’ schedule was packed, having visited both a school and hospital on Nov. 21 before appearing at the expo. Debbie Garcia-Bengochea, co-founder of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses, emphasized the program’s mission to inspire students to explore equine-related careers in Marion County, home to a thriving equine industry. “Just because you don’t own a pony right now, doesn’t mean this can’t be a part of your life, in the Horse Capital of the World,” said Garcia-Bengochea.

Circus Spots also serves as a star in pro-kindness education programs. “His book, Spots, is about ‘You’ve been spotted being kind,’ and we use that in schools,” Garcia-Bengochea shared. During school visits, students perform acts of kindness, changing the colors of Circus Spots’ spots with non-toxic paint while reflecting on kind gestures.

“We have 18 different books and horses that visit the schools, and we’ve been fortunate because different authors and publishers have written books about our horses,” said Garcia-Bengochea. ‘This year, National Geographic and Scholastic did books about our horses, encouraging kids to read, and then the actual character comes to the classroom.”

Gentle Carousel’s initiative not only fosters kindness but highlights career opportunities in the equine field. “Not everyone is going to go to college to be a veterinarian, but there are so many incredible jobs in this community,” Garcia-Bengochea said.

Through books and hands-on experiences, Gentle Carousel continues to inspire students to pursue equine careers while encouraging compassion and community values.