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CENTRAL FLORIDA'S HORSES Ocala Known as the "Horse Capital of the World," Ocala/Marion County is rich with international horse shows, championship racehorses, and public riding trails. Home to more than 600 thoroughbred breeding farms covering 70,000 acres, Ocala prides itself on its equine pedigree and its status as the heart of Florida horse country. Enjoy the thrill of world-class competition (45 national champions, six Kentucky Derby winners and 20 Breeders' Cup champions have come out of Ocala) or hit the trails on horseback in the Ocala National Forest, along the Florida Greenway or in the 500-acre Florida Horse Park. Or ,experience the charm of classic Florida countryside with a Horse Country Carriage Co. ride through carefully-tended horse farms and pastures. Ruskin Explore the swampy side of Florida along 12 miles of equestrian trails in Little Manatee River State Park, where you can see anglers along the 40 miles of river bank before it empties into Tampa Bay. (The river has been designated an Outstanding Florida Water and is part of the interestingly-named Cockroach Bay Aquatic Preserve.) Stay overnight in one of four equestrian campsites (which feature two stalls each) and stop by Camp Bayou, a 160-acre nature preserve and educational center in the heart of the park. Bradenton Adventurous? Throw on your swimsuit and try standing barefoot atop a slippery, wiggly horse as it wanders into the waters of Palma Sola Bay. Called HorseSurfing, it's offered by Great World Adventures and is available for kids (ages three and older) and adults under 150 pounds. If that's too much excitement, try a horseback ride on the beach. You can stay in the sand or wade in the bay with these Florida horses for a "swim" while your landlubber friends catch some rays and watch from the public beach. Westgate Ranch Giddyup over to Westgate River Ranch, a genuine dude ranch in the heart of Florida's cattle country. Set on 1,700 lush acres, the ranch is surrounded by some 400,000 acres of protected wetlands. Saddle up for a guided trail ride through unspoiled wilderness or, if you're experienced, go it alone on an extended ride. For $5 plus tax little cowpokes can get a pony ride in the ranch's petting zoo. The ranch offers cowboy-themed and luxury accommodations from glamping (glamorous camping) to cabins and RV sites. While you're there, check out the longest-running Saturday night championship rodeo in the U.S. St. Lucie County Scenic eco-tours of the beach by horseback are held weekends year-round at Frederick Douglass Memorial Park on South Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce by Tours on Horseback of Fort Pierce. The hour-long guided tours meander along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, where riders can sometimes spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, and abundant birdlife. Riders of all experience levels are welcome and a short lesson is provided to all. If you're not into the beach, wooded trail rides also are offered at Paleo Hammock Preserve.