Attention: TDR Forum Junkies 
Spent a while in Florida recently, looking at possible places to live in retirement or snowbird. Really enjoyed the Ocala area. Lots of public lands (i.e., not turned into housing developments and strip malls) with trails for hiking and biking. Many springs, ponds, lakes, and rivers for paddling - you could paddle until your arms fall off in the Ocala National Forest next door. Talked to a few folks with customized Jeeps there to do the trails in the Ocala NF (I don't Jeep but got the impression that a prime destination for those who do). Lots of trees, many pine trees but also a lot of big trees of various oak species with the moss handing from them and ferns growing on them.
I did not know this but Ocala is kind of central point for a significant amount of horse farming. Took a tourist tour of three farms, very interesting.
A newer facility called the World Equestrian Center is in Ocala. Quite something to see. Five enclosed riding arenas and a large outdoor arena. Has stable capacity for 3,000 horses and onsite vet. They have a Zamboni contraption that drives around picking up manure - pretty interesting to watch. Has a nice RV park. Admission is free, and I wandered about freely. The back of the stables is the land of dually trucks and goose neck horse trailers; lots of Ram trucks. License plates from states all over the country. There were also dogs everywhere - apparently many horse people are dog people.
There is a big canopy with overhead fans above the seating at the main arena. Watched the competition where the horse and rider jump over things. Great way to spend an afternoon if you are ever passing through.
I did not know this but Ocala is kind of central point for a significant amount of horse farming. Took a tourist tour of three farms, very interesting.
A newer facility called the World Equestrian Center is in Ocala. Quite something to see. Five enclosed riding arenas and a large outdoor arena. Has stable capacity for 3,000 horses and onsite vet. They have a Zamboni contraption that drives around picking up manure - pretty interesting to watch. Has a nice RV park. Admission is free, and I wandered about freely. The back of the stables is the land of dually trucks and goose neck horse trailers; lots of Ram trucks. License plates from states all over the country. There were also dogs everywhere - apparently many horse people are dog people.
There is a big canopy with overhead fans above the seating at the main arena. Watched the competition where the horse and rider jump over things. Great way to spend an afternoon if you are ever passing through.
