December is one of the best months to enjoy your favorite horse shows because the weather is a dream. Whether you live in Ocala or you’re visiting and considering moving here, attending horse shows, including December horse racing shows, dressage, jumping, and more, is a long-held tradition in Ocala, which also happens to be the Horse Capital of the World.
Many equestrian enthusiasts also move to the area to compete in horse shows. Ocala has more than 600 horse farms and horse-related attractions. Anyone who loves horses will be with like-minded community members.
For those with an affinity for the equestrian lifestyle, Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club is located near the beloved World Equestrian Center. It’s the number one destination in the region for horse shows. Having it practically in your backyard is a luxury.
What is Horse Racing?
About 20 percent of horses in the United States are used for racing, including Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred, and Standardbred racing. More than 11,000 American Quarter Horses start in official races each year, according to the American Quarter Horse Association.
There is a rich history and culture surrounding horse racing, which can trace its roots back to ancient civilizations’ chariot races that tested riders’ speed, agility, and strategy. Modern horseracing began in England, with races like the Ascot Gold Cup and Epsom Derby paving the way for horse shows worldwide.
It’s no secret that the English love horseracing, but the sport's dedication is still alive and well in Ocala and North Central Florida. World Equestrian Center features a variety of horse shows each year, including dressage and jumping competitions.
World Equestrian Center December Horse Racing Shows and More
The World Equestrian Center in Ocala is proud to be the largest equestrian center in the world, offering a rare combination of class and capacity. The world-class, multi-indoor, outdoor arena facility features state-of-the-art amenities to accommodate numerous disciplines within the equine industry. It is home to one of Southeast's most sought-after horse shows.
Events are happening nearly every week of the year. The full Ocala, Florida, horse racing schedule, can be accessed here. Choose the December horse racing Florida live show you love most and consider other fantastic horse shows, such as the dressage competition and Labor Day Barrel Blast.
One show to consider is the World Equestrian Center - Ocala’s 2024 Dressage schedule, sponsored by Hampton Green Farm and Discover Dressage, featuring 15 yearly competitions. It will be from December 11, 2024, to December 15, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Please note that ride times will be available the day before the competition. Locations will be added closer to the event date. Competitions are expected to begin at 8 a.m., with end times varying based on the number of entries each day.
Winter Wonderland Event at the World Equestrian Center
The Winter Wonderland presented by AdventHealth Ocala is an event you won’t want to miss. Get to know your neighbors and get in the holiday spirit. Picture over one million twinkling lights and show-stopping decorations guaranteed to put you in a jolly good mood.
Attendees can meet the real Santa Claus in Indoor Arena 2 or the Grinch in Indoor Arena 1. The event is family-friendly, and young equestrian enthusiasts are encouraged to attend.
Fridays and Saturdays feature a lineup of holiday entertainers, musical performances, face painters, balloon artists, festive foods of the season, and much more.
And be sure not to miss the heartwarming Breakfast with Santa special events on the terrace and Tinsel Trot 5K under the lights.
Does Ocala Have Horse Racing?
Ocala is one of the top destinations for live horse racing in Florida, and there are a variety of other World Equestrian Center horse shows. Many horses are trained in Ocala horse farms to compete in well-known horseracing events, like the Kentucky Derby. Barry Berkelhammer, owner of Abracadabra Farms in Ocala, even says 15 of his horses have made it to the Kentucky Derby in his 30-plus years in the industry.
The equestrian season in Ocala typically lasts from December to March, and the horse competitions and December horseracing shows are part of the very essence of the Ocala community.
Ocala and Marion County is one of only four major thoroughbred centers in the world with about 600 thoroughbred horse farms that have produced 45 national champions, six Kentucky Derby winners, 20 Breeders' Cup champions, and six Horses of the Year.
Where is the Biggest Horse Show in Florida?
With numerous large climate-controlled indoor arenas, the World Equestrian Center can host horse events throughout the year. The Ocala Winter Spectacular is a hunter and jumping show circuit that runs annually from January to March. Attendees look forward to December horse racing and other types of shows each year, and the excitement continues into the New Year.
Live Somewhere That Knows How to Take Care of Horses
The Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club features stables for equine owners, so you’ll always be near your horse and have close access to them whenever you want. The horse barn includes all the essentials: an air-conditioned office and tack room, automatic water, rubber mats, fans, and an exterior wash area. Each stall also includes rubber mats.
In the main stable, aisle security is provided around the clock. The stables overlook the all-weather footing arena, lush paddocks, and miles of bridle paths throughout the community.
At the Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club, there are also 10 exclusive neighborhoods and various home styles to consider. All neighborhoods enjoy proximity to the clubhouse, golf course, spa and salon, tennis courts, fitness center, and horse stables. So you will never have to go far to take advantage of the community’s luxurious perks.
If you have any questions or want to start finding your dream home with your equine pride and joy, call us today to get started.