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I guess you've never heard of Kentucky, and maybe Saratoga?
ML/NJ
Yes, I have heard of those places and many people in Kentucky get their horses in Ocala.
One can’t come to Marion County without becoming aware immediately that this is the “Horse Capital of the World.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture in early 1999, put its seal of approval on promotions using that label. The USDA’s Census of Agriculture reported that Marion led all U.S. counties in total number of horses and ponies in residence in 1997, cut-off year for the five-year census. Furthermore, the county ranked third nationally (behind two counties in Kentucky) in total value of horses sold. Horses are big business in Marion County. Between 45 and 50 different breeds are represented in the area. Nearly 29,000 residents are employed in the county’s Thoroughbred industry alone.
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. The Thoroughbred industry’s economic impact on the state is considered to be in excess of $1 billion dollars annually, and the exciting horse sales at the Ocala Breeder’s Sales Complex run into the millions.