My Favorite Horses

Typical historical southern house. Dates back to
late 1800's with restoration and up-keep.
Typical of Northern 'sleepy' Florida is the
SpanishMoss hanging from the trees, like 'icicles'.
Spanish Moss is an 'air plant' that seems to never die.

I live in beautiful and historic Ocala, Florida. Located in the Northern part of the state, it is known as 'Horse Capital of the World".
Only three places in the world have this name: A town in France, Lexington, KY, and Ocala, FL. At least one Triple Crown winner was born and bred in Ocala, FL.

Even if you 'live in the city', it takes only ten minutes and you are out in farmland viewing the beautiful horses that God has created for us to enjoy. If having a stressful day, all it takes to relax is a visit with a horse or several horses and your day is much better!

Our favorite horse that we see most often in "Buddy". He is a Clysedale and is about four years old. He sure does love a bag of carrots!

Buddy, Jr. in profile

Buddy Jr., taking a stroll.
Ocala, FL

'Apple of Eden' is pictured above (with the carrot in her mouth). I have not seen her in about one year. Her owner must have moved her to another location. She was quite a frisky thoroughbred at only three years old. Hoping she is doing well.

"Dixie", a FL Cracker Horse with her owner...a Spanish
Conquistador. A FL Cracker Horse is an original descendent from
the smaller sized horses brought to Florida by Hernando DeSoto.
Only about 500 exist in the world, mostly in Northern Florida.
A limited number of small herds can be located throughout the U.S.

Right after Thanksgiving, Downtown Ocala has at least two teams of horses available for carriage rides throughout the old, historic downtown area. It is such a delight to listen to the 'clip-clop, clip-clop' of their feet. Above is Mike & Ike (caught you looking Mike ;-), who are Draft Horses and purchased originally from an Amish Farm in Ohio. Draft horses are known for their strength in pulling wagons, working the farm, etc... In 2012, this was Mike & Ike's second year and they have calmed down some.

Horse Drawn Carriage
Zone in Historic Downtown
Ocala, FL.

"Princess"...a Rescue Horse who now have a caring place to live.
She is a bit of a 'nipper' but does love carrots as a treat.

Thank you for viewing my favorite equine's and pictures of Ocala, FL. Of all the animals that God has created, the Horse is my favorite. Just something reeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaallllll special about them. Almost as if, they 'talk' to you.

Blessings,
Lisa