Forward Momentum
By Tamara Fleischhaker
In Ocala, horses are more than just a backdrop—they’re the rhythm of daily life, the foundation of local identity, and the lifeblood of a multi-billion-dollar economy. But thanks to the CEP’s Equine Initiative, they’re also becoming a source of inspiration for the next generation. What began as a simple effort to educate business partners about the equine industry’s scope has grown into something far greater, a community-wide movement that reaches classrooms, sidewalks, and civic events.
Where Hooves Meet Literacy: In a county with more than 80,000 horses, not every child has the chance to meet one. But that’s exactly what happens through the CEP’s literacy outreach, developed in partnership with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses. These tiny, trained therapy horses visit schools to promote reading, kindness, and confidence. The result is a heartwarming experience where children, some reading aloud for the first time without fear, share books with a patient four-legged listener by their side. This unique program doesn’t just teach literacy—it fosters empathy, curiosity, and a newfound love of horses among students who may never have had that opportunity otherwise.
Celebrating Legacy In Bronze: Beyond the classroom, the CEP has brought the spirit of Ocala’s equestrian history into the heart of downtown. In collaboration with the City of Ocala and the Ocala-Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, a growing number of bronze sidewalk plaques now pay tribute to influential horses and horsemen who have helped shape the community. The plaques form a self-guided tour of Ocala’s equine legacy—one that invites both visitors and lifelong residents to learn more about the champions, bloodlines, and pioneers that earned the region its global nickname: The Horse Capital of the World®.
Events That Spark Wonder: Community events have also become a vibrant part of the Equine Initiative’s mission. From career expos that showcase opportunities in animal science and farm management to all-breed parades and hobby horse equestrian games, the CEP has found countless ways to bring horses and people together. These aren’t just events—they’re gateways. Whether you’re a second-grader dreaming of being a vet or a retiree seeing a Paso Fino for the first time, these touchpoints make the equine world feel accessible.
Growth Through Partnership: Much of the initiative’s expansion has been made possible by the steadfast support of Pyranha Animal Health, which came on board as presenting sponsor several years ago. Their involvement has allowed the CEP to scale its programming, extend its advocacy reach, and amplify community exposure.
Building A Future Workforce: The Ocala/Marion County equine industry is a powerhouse, contributing over $4.3 billion annually and employing nearly 29,000 people in diverse roles, from breeding and training to logistics, event operations, and veterinary care. The CEP’s Equine Initiative serves as a national model for how regional pride, industry support, and community engagement can come together to create lasting impact. Its timing couldn’t be better as we focus on cultivating the future workforce for this vital sector, ensuring a skilled and robust talent pipeline to drive this industry forward.
In this community, the story of the horse isn’t just about where we’ve been—it’s about where we’re going.
PULL QUOTES:
Horses are more than just a backdrop. They’re the lifeblood of a multi-billion-dollar economy.
A simple effort to educate businesses about the equine industry has grown into something far greater.
