OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The miniature horses of Ocala nonprofit Gentle Carousel have helped kids, cancer patients, first responders, vets and trauma survivors of all ages discover comfort and wonder again for nearly 30 years, and the organization’s “Reading with Horses” summer literacy program goes into its 27th year on Thursday, June 4, 2026.
This summer’s program takes place every Thursday through July 9 at Midtown Station, right next to Ocala’s Tuscawilla Park, beginning at 10 a.m.
All ages are welcome. The June 4 kickoff features a military color guard, an appearance by Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano, and a ribbon cutting by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP). Additionally, the event will serve as the debut of a new coloring book about “Horse Capital Jobs,” and each child present will get one.
Throughout the program, each week will feature a live horse representing the equine character in that week’s book, and every child will get to select a free book to take home.
“Reading with Horses” is free to all, and welcomes groups from preschools and summer schools.
A plethora of sponsors helps support this fun and educational endeavor:
- Pat Myers Electric
- Friends of Horse Farms Forever
- Pyranha
- Suncoast Bank
- Great Expectations Realty
- Seminole Feed
- The Horse Talk Show
- Horse Country Clinic of Chiropractic
- Equus Television Network
- Bemer
- E&V
Midtown Station is located at 235 NE Watula Ave., Ocala.
For more information, visit the website linked above or call 352-226-9009.