Candace Shelton, representing the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau, highlights how premier venues like the World Equestrian Center, Florida Horse Park, and Southeastern Livestock Pavilion solidify the region’s identity as the "Horse Capital of the World®." She illustrates how the synergy between historic Thoroughbred roots and modern equine tourism drives massive economic growth and international visitation. By leveraging these diverse assets, the county sustains a year-round competitive landscape that bolsters the regional economy and supports local job creation.