The local thoroughbred industry is showing how well it's doing this week. The spring Ocala Breeders Sale (OBS) set a March record of $22.5 million and several record individual sales. While many folk are unaware, Ocala is one of the most prolific producers for the thoroughbred industry. Horse farms abound, nationally recognized training centers host some of the biggest names, both horses and trainers, in the nation.
Not only are they successful at what they do, but the farms are beautiful too. Here's a list of a few with websites:

Bonnie Heath Farm
Brambly Lane Farm
Double Diamond Farm
Dunhall Farm
Ed Batey Farm
Emerald Isle Farm
Farnsworth Farms
Hidden Point Farm
Irish Acres Farm
Lambholm Farm
Live Oak Stud
Lucern Farm
Marablue Farm
Masterpiece Morgans
Meadowbrook Farms
Ocala Stud Farm
Padua Stables

I could go on and on. In addition to the thoroughbreds, we have farms specializing in Arabian, quarterhorse, dressage, miniatures, draft horses and so on.
Makes for a great day or two on vacation. Many of the farms offer tours and trail riding. And it's fun just to go early in the morning when the mist is rising along with the sun, and watch the exercise jockeys ride the horses 'round the track.
What a way to start the day!