OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Marion County has provided Josh Dolan with the opportunities and environment crucial to his success.
After experiencing other equestrian communities, Dolan knew Ocala was home. Before relocating, he built a reputation for consistency—first as a junior rider, then as a young professional—shaped by several ponies and horses that played key roles in his development.
Early Success
Dolan thrived as a junior rider with a strong group of ponies, finding unexpected success with Music Man, a pony purchased more for his charm than his talent.
“We were in Palm Beach; my whole family was there. My brothers were playing football, and a four-wheeler came up pulling a pony. My brothers were throwing the football, and it hit the pony, but the pony didn’t move,” said Dolan. “My parents were like, ‘That’s the one we want.’ It’s funny because that was probably the most inexpensive one, and yet it became a very successful medium pony and was Horse of the Year several times.”
Dolan’s first major horse was a Westphalian gelding, Con Chino Z, purchased as an unbroken three-year-old from the Czech Republic.
“I convinced my dad to let me buy this 3-year-old. It wasn’t broke. I had never broken a horse before, or anything like that. I did it, and that horse became incredibly successful. It won the 5-year-old jumper finals the first day. It became my first very competitive grand prix horse.”
Con Chino Z led Dolan to Ocala, where he competed in his first Sunday grand prix. Over time, he transitioned fully to show hunters.
“Having a good group of horses, more horses found me,” he said. “I’m a very small operation. I don’t have lots of clients and lots of horses. We don’t have a traditional barn. I live on the property. It’s been a whole journey. Now, being in Ocala, I just do hunters primarily. I got out of the jumpers. I have a great group of clients, a great group of horses, and I’m really enjoying the sport.”
A Tailored Training Approach
Dolan prioritizes a training program that suits both him and his horses, avoiding over-scheduling and industry pressures.
“I want to enjoy my time, I want to enjoy my horses,” said Dolan. “I really think that that’s the reason that my horses are as successful as they are because they’re happy and they’re not over-shown. They’re not overworked. They’re fit.”
His current standout horse, Something Blue, is his first highly successful derby competitor. He also has two promising derby horses yet to debut in the U.S. and several up-and-coming pre-green horses.
“Now, I probably have the best group of hunters I’ve ever had,” Dolan said.
The Perfect Venue
Dolan appreciates being able to regularly compete at the World Equestrian Center, a facility that prioritizes excellence.
“Last year, we only went to Aiken in the spring and then to Kentucky for the derby finals,” Dolan said. “It’s great to go and see other things, but nothing compares to how good the World Equestrian Center is.”
In 2025, the venue will host two $80,000 International Hunter Derbies—an event Dolan eagerly anticipates.
“They have two WCHR (World Championship Hunter Rider) weeks,” said Dolan. “That’s never been something that I’ve been after. It is something that is very notable. It’s going to attract more people at the top end of the sport who are after those classes.”