Frequently asked Questions

Q: Can I trail ride at the Florida Horse Park?

A: Yes! We welcome trail riders, however there are some restrictions:

1. There are certain days that the park is closed to trail riding. These dates will be noted on the Florida Horse Park Events Calendar on our website.

2. You must check in at the front office, provide proof of a negative coggins, and sign a liability form.

3. Trail riding does not include riding in any of the arenas (outdoor or covered) 

4. You may ride on the crosscountry course, but no jumping is allowed, and the water complexes are closed. 

5.We have designated parking for trail riders near the trail head. Click on our map of the park page to learn more.

Q: How much does it cost to ride in the arenas? 

A: It costs $50 per horse to ride in the arenas. You must call and schedule this ahead of time to make sure the arenas are available. Please also bring proof of a negative coggins and sign a liability form. 

 

Q: Do I have to pay to come watch the horse shows?

A: Most of the horse shows hosted at the Florida Horse Park are free to the public.  There are some ticketed events, so please check the calendar on the website for more information.

 

Q: Are there RV hookups? Shower facilities? 

 A: Yes, there are 40 RV hookups and we do have shower facilities. The RV hookups have 30-amp and 50-amp power and water.  There is no sewage at this time. Most weekends these hookups are reserved by the shows that are here. If you are not with an event that is being hosted at the Florida Horse Park and would like to rent an RV hookup for the night, please call the office to make a reservation. (352) 307-6699

 

Q: Where is the closest place to have my RV pumped out? 

 A: Ocala Sun RV resort is located just a few miles from the park:

Address2559 SW Hwy 484, Ocala, FL 34473

Phone: (352) 307-1100

 

Q: I’m a vendor, may I come to your shows?

A: If you are interested in being a vendor, please fill out the vendor application on our website. We will be in touch if your application is accepted. Add link to vendor page here. 

 

Q: Is the Florida Horse Park owned by the state? 

A: The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park Authority is a charitable organization that has been approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3 and is situated on 500 acres owned by the state of Florida. The Florida Horse Park operates as a Direct Support Organization (DSO) under the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. For more information on what a DSO is, click here: https://www.freshfromflorida.com/content/download/82076/2387865/FDACS-DSO-Report-2018.pdf

 

Q: Are we owned by the County? 

A: No, the Florida Horse Park is not owned by Marion County. However, we work closely with the County on many of our projects at the park. 

 

Q: What does the grant money go towards? 

A: Grant money that the Florida Horse Park receives goes towards capital improvement projects, infrastructure, and other pre-approved projects. Grants must be applied for every year and do not come to us on a reoccurring basis. Some examples of how past grant money has been spent include: 

375’ X 212’ covered arena

12 barns that include 320 permanent 12’ x 12’ stalls

Two 350’ x 250’ outdoor arenas with Martin Collins footing

Two 140’ x 240’ outdoor arenas with Martin Collins footing

Infrastructure- new roads, 3-phase power, additional wells for irrigation and much more! 

 

Q: Are we government employees?

A: No, the Florida Horse Park staff are not state employees.