The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida

 

We may not have sandy beaches and seashells in this part of Florida but we do have The World Equestrian Center. It is the largest equestrian center in the United States and hosts horse shows, competitions and special events. 

It was fun to walk around and see the grounds and all of the beautiful sculptures.

The hotels and shops are over the top! 

I felt like a lady of leisure sitting in the lobby of one of the hotels, sitting by the blazing fireplace while it was in the 90s outside! haha! 

What a place to spend the afternoon!

I've driven by it many times but this was the first time I had spent time there and I enjoyed it. I would love to go back and watch one of the horse events.

Over the years, I've shared a lot of photos of the adjoining horse farms and the beauty of the land.

And if you are thinking that I am enjoying new things outside of my 'comfort zone'.

I went to a concert. Yes I did! 

An Elvis impersonators concert.

And guess what! It was awesome! 

The performers were all so talented and I fell in love with the music of Elvis all over again.

Have you done anything lately 'outside your comfort zone'? 

It's kind of scary, isn't it!

Love, Diane 🌴

I’m joining Saturday’s critters HERE!

Horses in Florida

We live in a city that has the distinction of being 'The Horse Capitol of the World'. An article online HERE. 

And whenever we are out and about we see big horse farms and lots of beautiful horses.

I don't ride horses but I'm glad the horse trails have opened for those around here that do.

This was painted on the side of a horse trailer.

And I know they are happy to have places to park their horse trailers and unload the horses.

When we hike the Florida State Parks and forests, the horses have designated trails so that makes it nice for the hikers too. At the Shangri-La trailhead hikers, bikes and horses all have separate trails. 

(horse trail)

(hiking trail)

I thought this Jeep looked neat at the trailhead.

  

My youngest son knows how much I love the stickers and signs on vehicles so he took this photo for me! 

Do you ride horses? I wish I had learned when I was younger but I don't think I could manage it now. 

It may be hard to tell in this photo but this was the widest horse I've ever seen! 

I'm joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE . 

I'm linking with All Seasons at the Jesh Studio too!

Horse, Horse, Donkey

We live in the Horse Capital of the World so wherever we go, we pass horse farms.

 I like this quote....

"It is hard to come to Marion County without becoming almost immediately aware that it is the “Horse Capital of the World.” Only 5 cities in the world are permitted under Chamber of Commerce guidelines to be called “Horse Capital of the world.” The city of Ocala just so happens to be 1 out of 4 that are located in America. Ocala has more than 70,000 acres of thoroughbred breeding and training farms, which makes Ocala/Marion County capital to all things equine." whatsupocala.com 

 We couldn't hike over the weekend because of the heat. The temps aren't so terrible but the humidity is as high as the temps so we've had a heat advisory for the past few days. So we took a drive!

 This horse farm is really close to us and this summer it has been amazing to see the horses in the pasture. It looks like every big horse has a small horse by it's side! Lots of babies born recently.

 And of course we love seeing the donkeys that are there guarding the herd!

 This would be a game of 'what doesn't belong'? 

(the fire station is across the street)

I’m joining Angie for Mosaic Monday HERE .