Horse Fever

Horse Fever® is the signature public art project of Marion Cultural Alliance, created in 2001 to celebrate Ocala/Marion County’s equine heritage, showcase local artists, and generate support for the arts.

Upon arrival in Ocala/Marion County, visitors will notice beautifully painted, one-of-a-kind horse statues located throughout the community. These iconic works of public art are part of Horse Fever®, Marion County’s signature public art project, created by Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) in 2001.

Inspired by Ocala/Marion County’s designation as the Horse Capital of the World®, Horse Fever® brings together the community’s rich equestrian heritage and vibrant arts and culture scene. Through this nationally recognized public art initiative, MCA has partnered with local artists, businesses, organizations, and community supporters to create a colorful herd of equine sculptures while raising funds to support the arts in Marion County.

Over the years, Horse Fever® has evolved into a significant cultural event, with multiple herds introduced to commemorate milestones, including the 10th anniversary in 2011 and the 20th anniversary in 2021. Each herd consists of new designs, often sponsored by local businesses and individuals, with proceeds benefiting MCA’s arts programs and other local charities. The project has raised over $1.5 million, supporting grants, scholarships, and cultural initiatives across the community.

Today, Horse Fever® statues can be found at public and private locations throughout the destination and have become beloved landmarks for residents and visitors alike. Marion County Tourism have compiled a list of some of the most accessible Horse Fever® statues located within a few miles of downtown Ocala.

Please note: Horse Fever® statues may occasionally be temporarily removed for refurbishment or relocated. Visitors may find that a horse listed below has moved to another location.

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Coming Soon: The Ocala Art Trail

Explore Ocala through art! The Ocala Art Trail is a new interactive platform fueled by Marion Cultural Alliance, connecting you to the city’s creative landscape. Discover and interact with Horse Fever® public art, public art installations, galleries, museums, studios, and other art destinations throughout Ocala and Marion County—all in one place.

Where will art take you?
The Ocala Art Trail will be officially unveiled at MCA’s Applaud the Arts in October 2026. Stay tuned!

Horse Fever® History

Since its debut in 2001, Horse Fever® has continued to evolve alongside the community that embraced it. What began as a public art project quickly became an enduring Ocala tradition, bringing together artists, businesses, equestrian culture, and the public in celebration of the Horse Capital of the World.

The original herd of 53 hand-painted horses was followed by Horse Fever in Motion in 2005, a traveling herd created to bring the experience of Horse Fever® beyond permanent installations and into community events. In 2011, MCA celebrated the project’s 10th anniversary with another new herd featuring 31 original artist designs. Then, in 2020, MCA brought Horse Fever® back for its fourth herd with Horse Fever 20/20, introducing a new generation of artist-designed horses in celebration of MCA’s 20th anniversary. Unveiled in 2021, these horses continue to live throughout Ocala and Marion County as part of our community’s ever-growing public art collection.

Over the years, Horse Fever® has grown beyond the sculptures themselves. The project has inspired posters, books, miniature horses, mugs, and other collectibles, while creating countless opportunities for artists, businesses, and the community to participate in a uniquely Ocala tradition.

Today, Horse Fever® remains one of MCA’s most recognizable public art initiatives—a lasting reminder of what can happen when art, community, and Ocala’s equestrian heritage come together.

Catch the Fever!

This phrase recalls Ocala’s exposure to an epidemic that’s raging around the world – the passion for public art. Starting with 200 cows in Zurich, Switzerland in 1998, this seemingly irresistible urge to place fancifully painted animals on the streets has spread throughout Europe and the U.S. How each city defines itself through this public display is a story that continues to play out all over the country.

Horse Fever® Rides Again: The 2020 Herd

Two decades after the original Horse Fever® public art project transformed Ocala’s streets, MCA brought the beloved tradition back to life with Horse Fever 20/20, the fourth Horse Fever herd. Created to celebrate MCA’s 20th anniversary, the 2020 project introduced a new generation of hand-painted, life-size horses to Ocala, with artists from across Florida bringing their unique visions to each sculpture.

The 20/20 herd continued the legacy of using public art to celebrate Ocala’s equestrian identity, connect artists with the community, and create meaningful spaces for people to experience art beyond the gallery walls. The new horses were unveiled to the community in early 2021 before being permanently placed at locations throughout Ocala and Marion County—joining earlier generations of Horse Fever® horses that have become part of our community’s landscape.

Today, these horses remain part of Ocala’s living public art collection—and soon, the Ocala Art Trail will make it easier to find and experience them all.

The Giving Collection: In Memory of Dick Hancock, Horse Fever Champion

The Raffle Tickets Were Drawn June 4, 2021 at 6 pm. Congratulations to:

Katherine Guida, Critters installed at Ocala Downs
Rick Rowan, Home Sweet Home installed at Ocala Preserve
Irene McCracken, Sunny Daze located at CF Vintage Farm.

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CF, MCA CELEBRATE ‘SUNNY DAZE’ AT VINTAGE FARM CAMPUS

OCALA, FL (Sept. 30, 2021) — The College of Central Florida and Marion Cultural Alliance celebrated the addition of Sunny Daze to the CF Vintage Farm Campus on Sept. 29.

Ronda Richley painted the sunflower-themed horse sculpture as part of the Marion Cultural Alliance Horse Fever 20/20 project that benefited local artists and art groups. She painted Sunny Daze during the pandemic and said at the celebration that the horse symbolizes “happiness, peace and tranquility.”

Irene McCracken, a local benefactor and art enthusiast, gifted the horse to CF. “Education is the cornerstone of the future and I donate this piece with love and great hope that for years to come it will be a warm welcome to the staff, students and everyone who comes to share and enjoy this special place.”