The title "Horse Capital of the World" is claimed by two major locations in the United States: Lexington, Kentucky, known for its Thoroughbred breeding and historic farms like Keeneland, and Ocala/Marion County, Florida, which boasts the highest concentration of horses and ponies in the U.S. and hosts major training facilities and events. Lexington is the heart of Thoroughbred culture, while Ocala is a massive training ground, both supported by extensive equine industries and attractions.
Ocala/Marion County is officially named the “Horse Capital of the World®,” a testament to the County's unique involvement in all things equestrian and its record of producing some of the finest champions in the sport.
Ocala/Marion County is known as “The Horse Capital of the World®,” and with good reason. This is the place where thoroughbred horses are born, trained and transformed into champions!
Over the next 10 years, the association purchased land in what is now the east end of 5th Street and Race Street to establish the Lexington Race Course — a one-mile dirt track for thoroughbred racing, complete with a grandstand and stables. The group's actions solidified Lexington as the “horse capital of the world.”
Nowhere are horses more central to daily life than in Mongolia. Mongolia is known as the land of the horse, and Mongols have a reputation for being the best horsemen on Earth.
“With over 1.03 million horses in Australia and with a contribution of $15.7billion of value to the Australian economy, there is no doubt the equine economy is a significance part of Australia's agricultural, sporting and recreational sectors.” Burnell added.
Chantilly is known for being the capital of the horse. A horseback tour is tempting and possible!
LEXINGTON, Ky. Johnny Depp has sold the horse farm he bought for his mother for $1 million. The 43-acre farm was bought by Herman and Hedwig Van Den Broeck, records at the Fayette County Clerk's office show.
Kentucky's limestone-rich soil created excellent pastures for raising strong-boned horses in the late 1700s, attracting early settlers to establish horse farms. The first Kentucky Derby in 1875 marked a pivotal moment, establishing Churchill Downs as a premier racing venue and Kentucky as a thoroughbred racing hub.
This central Florida city is known for its beautiful horse farms and rolling hills. Marion County is often referred to as the 'Horse Capital of the World,' thanks to its rich equestrian culture. Ocala serves as the county seat, offering a blend of natural beauty and vibrant community life.
The "20% rule" for horses states that the total weight of the rider, saddle, and equipment should not exceed 20% of the horse's body weight for welfare and performance, though many experts suggest 10-15% is a safer, more conservative guideline, as factors like fitness, breed, conformation, rider skill, and activity type affect a horse's true carrying capacity. This rule helps prevent strain, lameness, and discomfort, with signs of being overweight including excessive sweating, reluctance to move, or pinned ears.
Florida has more than 500,000 horses, more than 70% of which are used for competition and recreation.
John Travolta's house is a unique aviation lover's dream—it's not just a home, but a private airport as well. Located in the Jumbolair Aviation Estates in Ocala, Florida, his property features a private runway that allows him to taxi his planes right up to his front door.
The best equestrian destinations and their horse breeds
To date, a dozen Florida-bred “millionaires” currently reside in Ocala, including a pair at Charlotte Weber's Live Oak Stud.
Mongolia holds more than 5 million horses, an equine population which outnumbers the country's human population. The horses live outdoors all year at 30 °C (86 °F) in summer down to −40 °C (−40 °F) in winter, and search for food on their own.
The brighter the better. Pastels, pinks, yellows, whites, baby blues are all acceptable. Spring is your canvas. Avoid wearing all black, or dark fall/winter or neutral colors on this bright fashion showcase.
Jockeys typically earn 5-10% of the prize money for races won. In the 2024 Kentucky Derby, winning jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. earned $310,000, 10% of the winning horse's prize.
For the next 20 years and 635 episodes, actor James Arness was saddled with a talented co-star chosen more for its brawn than its brains. It was the early days of television so there was no high-tech horseplay for the 6-foot, 7-inch actor. Buck was a buckskin Thoroughbred who was calm, gentle and a quick learner.
While Johnny Depp's medical records aren't fully public, court documents from his defamation trial revealed he was diagnosed with ADHD, depression, and substance abuse, with testimony mentioning potential bipolar disorder and difficulties with emotional regulation, often linked to self-medication for these conditions. He struggled with opioid dependency and other substances, using them partly to cope with ADHD symptoms and emotional distress.
2025 Kentucky Derby: Cincinnati-area horse Chunk of Gold, bought for $2,500, a 'longshot threat' (This story was updated to correct a misspelling/typo.)
Belle Reve Farm is a horse farm located in Versailles, Kentucky that was owned by actor William Shatner, a breeder of American Saddlebred show horses. His stallion Sultan's Great Day was a two-time world's champion performer, and the farm's premier breeding stallion until his death in 2004.
The 20% rule in equestrianism is a guideline stating a horse should carry no more than 20% of its body weight, including the rider, saddle, and all tack (boots, pads, etc.), to prevent stress, soreness, and potential injury, though it's a general rule influenced by the horse's conformation, fitness, and the rider's balance. Exceeding this can lead to gait asymmetry, higher heart rates, lameness, and discomfort, with studies supporting this limit, though some suggest 15% might be a safer threshold for preventing long-term damage.
Did Lady Mary really ride side saddle in Downton Abbey? Yes, Lady Mary Crawley, played by Michelle Dockery in "Downton Abbey," did ride side saddle.