Much can be said about healthy competition, but in this particular instance the legal system has put an end to Kentucky's claim to be the Horse Capitol of the World. Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association has obtained the trademark (Horse Capitol of the World) for Ocala and Marion county, Florida. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also crowned Ocala with this distinction.
Today, Marion county is home to 600 thoroughbred farms and has significantly grown since 1956 when Florida bred Needles won the Kentucky Derby. Another large boost came to Ocala when Affirmed captured the Triple Crown. For those that are not quite up to speed with equinal terms, thoroughbred is an unique, or distinct breed of horse, such as; Hanoverian, Arabian, saddlebreds and Morgans, Purebred is the term applied to any animals with a pedigree. Ocala, with farms featuring over 40 different breeds, seems to have the right combination of optimal soil and sunshine.