OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County is the fifth largest county in the state by size and offers its residents and tourists alike a variety of recreational activities, including a greenbelt for biking, hiking and jogging. However, the community itself is renowned for its equine industry, one that’s steeped in deep tradition, and is known globally as the Horse Capital of the World.

But it’s more than just the breaking and training capital and 2-year-old sales capital for thoroughbred racehorses, or a place where the best sport, show and stock horses come to compete.

Many people are recreational riders, and there are a number of trailheads interspersed throughout the county that provide people the opportunity to hack around the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, enjoying the idyllic setting and a pace that best suits them.

And for those who wish to enjoy a holiday on horseback, there are multiple facilities in the area, where you’re able to rent horse to ride for a specific time period. Bridle paths have become a place where friendships are forged, family bonds are deepened and, in some cases, they’re where business deals get done.

To the left a roadway, background, sky, tree line, grass, grass in near foreground, and green sign with white lettering and shapes as the focal point of the photo.
Horseback riding is a popular recreational activity during the autumn in Marion County. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

A chance to ride in and around the Florida Horse Park, or in the Goethe State Forest or Ocala National Forest, is a great way to spend a day, communing with nature and creating new experiences counting treetops in an unalloyed manner, that only spending time in the saddle will allow. It’s the stark majesty of the surrounding area that provides an adventure for even the most inexperienced rider that’s magical and will be met with infectious enthusiasm for all those who choose to spend part of their day on horseback.

In the foreground grass, deeper in the back two horses, with riders, and a man taking photos, a sign in the left in the background. A huge live oak tree on the right in the foreground.
There are several places within Marion County where you can rent a horse to go horseback riding. Courtesy: Ben Baugh/352today

Marion County provides plenty of trekking opportunities with an inviting environment that’s best experienced when on horseback. There are places that offer you the opportunity to ride, and that’s for riders of all levels making it the perfect activity as the weather starts to get cooler, making autumn far more than just the change in temperatures or the fallen leaves that seem to be a ubiquitous presence.

For those who wish to experience part of their day on horseback in Marion County, there are a number of places where one can rent horses and go on a trail ride.

  • Cactus Jack Trail Rides, 11100 SW 16th Ave. Ocala, FL, (352) 266-9326, floridahorseriding.com
  • Makin Track Trail Rides, 15901 NE 137th Ct. Ft. Mccoy, FL (352) 342-8891, ocalatrailrides.com
  • Orange Blossom Trail Rides, 9971 SE Country Road, 337. Dunnellon, FL (561) 373-3952, orangeblossomtrailrides.com/trail-rides