Travel & Logistics

This symposium hosted by The Foundation for the Horse will be held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, USA, on March 9-11, 2027.

Welcome to the 15th International Equine Colic Research Symposium hosted at The Equestrian Manor at the World Equestrian Center (WEC) in Ocala, Florida. Below is essential information to help domestic and international attendees plan seamless travel to The Riding Academy Hotel and the event grounds.

Parking & On-Site Transportation

The Riding Academy Hotel

  • Complimentary Guest Parking: On-site surface parking is available free of charge for registered guests staying at The Riding Academy Hotel.
  • Self-Parking: Ample self-parking options are located adjacent to hotel entrances.

 World Equestrian Center

  • Event & General Parking: If driving from off-site or within the complex, free day-use parking lots are located throughout the World Equestrian Center grounds near the main exposition and conference spaces.
  • On-Site Mobility: The Riding Academy Hotel is situated within the World Equestrian Center property. Attendees can easily walk or utilize WEC’s internal shuttle system to move between hotel rooms, meeting rooms, dining locations, and arena facilities.

Air Travel

Orlando International (MCO)

✈️ Best for: International attendees and long-haul domestic flights

  • Distance to Hotel: ~90 miles
    (~1.5 hours by car)
  • Overview: MCO offers the highest volume of non-stop international and domestic flights. Major car rental agencies, rideshare services, and scheduled charter shuttles operate directly out of MCO

Gainesville Regional (GNV)

✈️ Best for: Attendees seeking the shortest drive time to Ocala via domestic connections

  • Distance to Hotel: ~40 miles
    (~45 minutes by car)
  • Overview: GNV offers daily connecting flights through major hubs (such as Atlanta and Charlotte via American Airlines and Delta Air Lines)

Tampa International (TPA)

✈️ Best for: Additional domestic/international flight options or flexible airline routing

  • Distance to Hotel: ~100 miles
    (~1.5 to 2 hours by car)
  • Overview: A well-rated, user-friendly airport with direct highway access (I-75 North) straightforwardly leading to Ocala

Ground Transportation

Rental Cars

  • Availability: MCO, GNV, and TPA
  • Route: From Orlando (MCO) or Tampa (TPA), take Interstate 75 (I-75) directly toward Ocala, exiting at Exit 352 (FL-40 W) or Exit 354 (US-27 N) toward the World Equestrian Center complex.

Rideshares & Private Shuttles

  • Private / Executive Shuttles: Private car and sprinter van services can be pre-arranged directly to The Riding Academy Hotel for groups or international delegations.
  • Rideshares (Uber / Lyft): Readily available from MCO, GNV, and TPA. Rides from Orlando or Tampa typically range from $110 to $180+ depending on timing and vehicle tier.

Shared Shuttle (MCO/Ocala)

Here are four shared shuttle and group transfer options operating between Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Ocala (including services that drop off directly at or near The Equestrian Manor / World Equestrian Center area):

Service Provider Service Type Estimated Travel Time Estimated Cost
(one-way/per person)
Groome Transportation Shared Door-to-Door / Hotel Shuttle 2.0 – 2.5 hours ~$59 (online booking)
Shuttleliner of Ocala Regional Airport Shuttle 1.5 – 2.0 hours ~$70
RedCoach Express Shared Executive Motorcoach 1.1 – 1.5 hours ~$15 – $35 (Varies by tier)
Mozio Shared Airport Shuttle Aggregated Shared Van Network 1.5 – 2.0 hours ~$35 – $50

Additional details for each shuttle service are provided below.

Groome Transportation

  • Details: Offers shared-ride airport service connecting MCO ground transportation directly to Ocala addresses and hotels. They pick up from Terminals A, B, and C at MCO.
  • Drop-off: Offers curbside residential/hotel drop-off in Ocala, making it one of the most convenient options for reaching venue properties directly.

Shuttleliner of Ocala

  • Details: Dedicated shuttle operator running scheduled and on-demand shared transfers between MCO and major Ocala locations/hotels.
  • Drop-off: Can be scheduled for direct hotel or estate drop-offs across Ocala.

RedCoach Epress

  • Details: High-capacity luxury executive coach with daily departures between Orlando and Ocala.
  • Drop-off: Drops off at the central Ocala station (SW 135th St area). You will need a brief 15-minute local Uber/Lyft to reach The Equestrian Manor from the stop.

Mozio Shared Van Network

  • Details: An airport transfer aggregator partnering with local shared van companies serving the MCO–Ocala route.
  • Drop-off: Door-to-door options available when booked 12–24 hours in advance.

✈️ Travel Tip

March is peak equestrian event season and overlaps with spring break in Central Florida. Reserve flights, hotel rooms and airport shuttle service 2–4 weeks in advance to secure availability and standard rates.

🤝 Looking to Share a Ride?

Connect with other symposium attendees traveling through Orlando, Gainesville or Tampa.

Email Keith Kleine with the subject line: Rideshare List

by February 15, 2027 to be included in the attendee contact list.