| General Location & Transportation Information Weather & Clothing |
| General Accommodation Information |
| Our farm, The Equi-Center is out in the country, between the cities of Ocala and Gainesville . To assist with your travel plans, we have provided information on both Ocala and Gainesville . |
| By Car |
| Ocala is served by Interstate 75, which runs from Atlanta , Georgia to Tampa and Miami , Florida . Driving within the state: Orlando is 1 1/2 hours South, Tampa is 1 1/2 hours Southwest, Gainesville is 45 minutes North, Jacksonville is 2 hours Northeast, Miami is 5 hours South. |
| Airplane |
| Here is a list of international airports, served by the major carriers, which are within driving distance of our site. You will get the best rates using these airports: |
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| | | Jacksonville International |
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| | | 1½ hours Southwest of Ocala |
| | 2½ hours Northeast of Ocala |
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| The Jacksonville airport is small and has easy access. Orlando airport is large and busy, but it is very well organized. |
| The closest regional airport is in Gainesville , FL , which is approximately a 45-minute drive north of Ocala . The airport is small and convenient, but all flights into and out of Gainesville , must come through Atlanta GA. It is served by commuter airlines. This trip can be expensive and time consuming. Previous students have reported frequent delays in Atlanta |
| Rental cars are available at all airports. |
| Weather & Clothing |
| We have a casual, comfortable learning environment. Our lectures are held in an air conditioned/heated classroom. The hands on work with horses will be held outdoors at various farms. |
Clothing to bring for working with the horses would include long pants and protective footwear (leather boots are preferable). Shorts are OK in the summer time as summer weather in North Central Florida is hot and humid. We experience temperatures in the 90's. |
Fall, Winter and Spring weather in North Central Florida is usually mild. However, mornings can be cool (40's). Warming up to the 60's or 70's by late morning. During the winter and spring, the wind can be chilly if you are working outside. If you attend our program during the fall, winter or spring, bring some warm clothes for mornings, late afternoons and evenings. Don't forget your raincoat! |
| General Accommodation Information |
| Students have a variety of options to consider when planning their stay. There are many hotels with different features and price ranges. Our suggestions reflect hotels with easy access to they highway, restaurants and supermarkets. |
| Based on the feedback we have received from previous students, the best places to stay are the hotels that offer weekly rates. |
| Ocala, FL |
| There are multiple hotels in Ocala, located just off I-75 on exits 350(old exit 68), 352(old exit 69) and 354(old exit 70). Staying at any of these hotels would put you within 15-20 miles south of our center. Exit 350(old exit 68), SR200, is also known as . College Road . and has the greatest number of restaurants. For your convenience, a list of hotels is enclosed. Ocala also has a number of campgrounds. We have provided the name and telephone number of one of the closest campgrounds. |
| Gainesville, FL |
| There are also multiple hotels in Gainesville, located just off I-75 on exit 384(old exit 75). Staying at any of these hotels would put you 20 miles north of our center. Exit384(old exit 75) also has many restaurants, retail and supermarkets. The University of Florida is located in Gainesville . Gainesville hosts a variety of cultural events year round. |
| During our busy fall/winter season, hotel reservations should be made as early as possible. Ocala fills up with horseshow people and when the University of Florida schedules events, hotel space disappears rapidly! |
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