Horse Fever

Horses are big business in Marion County. Between 45 and 50 different breeds are represented in the area. Florida Thoroughbreds finish first in 20 percent of the foremost stakes races in the U.S. and are counted among Triple Crown, Breeders' Cup, Belmont Stakes, Preakness and Kentucky Derby winners. In addition, more than 200 farms and training centers are devoted to breeding, training and showing other breeds such as the Quarter Horse, Paso Fino, Missouri Foxtrotter, Tennessee Walking Horse, Arabian, Morgan, miniature horse, hunters, jumpers, and many others. Each spring the "Horse Shows in the Sun" (HITS) stages one of the largest hunter/jumper shows in the United States. Competitors come from all across the United States and more than 2,000 horses take part during the five week show.

Launched by the Marion Cultural Alliance in 2001, ?Horse Fever? included 52 life-sized fiberglass horses decorated by area artists. They were displayed around town for months before they were sold at an auction that raised $1.2 million for charity.