Today found participants galloping through Marion County to the Horse Capital of the World, Ocala, Florida. Marion County -- home to jostly thoroughbred and quarter horses -- has the highest density of horses in the United States. Marion County is a significant player in the $6.5-billion Florida equine industry.

Starting off by touring through horse farms in the back woods of Marion County, it was obvious that millions of dollars are spent each year maintaining magnificent stables and pastures. CanACT members also had the pleasure of driving by some farms of Olympic medal winning riders and horses. Finally, the tour concluded at the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (FTBOA). The association is responsible for producing three equine publications, and has a Hall of Fame and a reference library for use by its 2,100 members.

The next stop was at Ocala Breeder Sales Company. Here, the group met with the creator of Wire to Wire, an important equine magazine. The tour took participants behind the scenes of a select equine auction house, with the average horse selling price of $100,000. Finally, the group viewed the horse racing track, and learned how gamblers can put money on races occurring all over the country from just one facility, through electronic gambling.

The end of the tour found CanACT members at the Signature Brands icing and sprinkles factory. Touring through the factory, the group learned about the processes to make cake decorations that carry such popular brands as Betty Crocker and Cake Mate. This was a sweet way to end a great experience, with departure scheduled for tomorrow…and final preparations underway as the Florida exchange students arrive Sunday.