BELLEVIEW, FL (352today.com) – The Florida Horse Park has been nearly 30 years in the making, evolving into a key venue for the community with 130 annual events.

Florida Horse Park Executive Director Jason Reynolds spoke at the Belleview CEP Mornings on the Rise on Jan. 28, 2025, highlighting the park’s transformation from its early days to its current state.

The park hosted its first event in 2006, a three-day eventing horse trials, and has since become a vital asset for Florida, Marion County, and Ocala.

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An Air Force veteran, Reynolds transitioned to civilian life working in the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Industry, while also serving on the Florida Horse Park board for nearly 15 years before becoming executive director in January 2018. His tenure began with challenges, including a fire in his office just 20 days in, but he has since led significant progress.

Established in 1996, the Florida Horse Park spans over 500 acres off the Cross Florida Greenway. Governed by a 21-member board, it operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit within the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The park was created to support international equestrian competitions across all disciplines.

“We wanted to promote agriculture and equine education, the importance of agriculture to the state,” said Reynolds. “The park also wanted to have a facility for non-horse events.”

The venue features an 8,000-square-foot covered arena, two grass arenas, FEI dressage arenas, FEI show jump sets, a stock horse trail course, barrel racing facilities, permanent driving obstacles, cross-country jumping courses, and six paddocks for emergency use.

Major Improvements Boosting Florida Horse Park’s Reputation

In the past seven years, major upgrades have enhanced the facility for competitors, exhibitors, and spectators. Notable improvements include:

  • Purchasing Equiventures and running POP and eventing horse trials
  • Rebuilding cross-country jumps and improving course footing
  • Upgrading underground stormwater piping
  • Adding new jumping efforts to the water complex
  • Installing signage on I-75

Employees have also benefited, with the introduction of healthcare benefits, a major milestone for staff.

Financial Success: From Debt to Stability

The park has transitioned from carrying $300,000 in debt to being debt-free, generating revenue through events, the Discover Florida license plate, and sponsorships.

“I have an amazing team,” Reynolds said.

Economic Impact of the Equestrian Industry

Equestrian sports are a significant economic driver in Ocala and Marion County

“The American Horse Council in 2023 did a survey and a study for the nation, and there’s a $177 billion economic impact, which is up from $122 billion in 2017,” said Reynolds. “There are 2.2 million jobs associated with the equestrian industry, and there are 6.6 million horses in the United States.”

The Florida Horse Park hosts some of the nation’s largest three-day event horse trials and combined driving tournaments. It was also the first venue to bring the United States Dressage Federation Regionals to Ocala.

Beyond Equestrian Events: A Community Asset

Looking beyond equestrian events, the park will host Rock the Country in 2025 and has played a key role in emergency response efforts. During COVID-19, it served as a vaccination and testing site. During hurricanes, it became a staging area for emergency equipment and response teams.

“They had 100 people there working [during Hurricane Idalia]. We were obviously a staging area. We were also a staging area for the county to bring supplies,” Reynolds explained.

For the 2024 hurricane season, over 500 ambulances were stationed at the Horse Park, he said.

“Emergency management came in the logistical support area; they brought over 200 people with them. We were a full staging area. There were fuel trucks, there were over 200 flatbed trailers that were literally taking stuff all the time,” Reynolds recalled. “They did over 1,000 missions from the park itself. They were saving lives. These are important things, so we were happy to have them there.”

The Florida Horse Park didn’t charge them a penny.

“That’s our way of giving back, and I feel good about that,” said Reynolds.

Future Expansion Plans

Future plans include expanding green space, a new office to accommodate emergency management, additional showers, and a proposed RV park to increase capacity from 70 to 140 spots.