World Equestrian Center – Ocala Hosts “Boots, Paws, and Hooves on the Ground” Exhibit

Ocala, Florida – World Equestrian Center – Ocala is pleased to announce the opening of a temporary exhibit on loan from the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation, featuring images from the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps.  Boots, Paws, and Hooves on the Ground:  U.S. Marines and their Animals will be on display through March 23, 2026. The exhibit is located inside Indoor Arena 1, between the Horse Show Office and Ariat. Admission is free and open to the public during standard venue hours, and parking is available at no cost in front of Indoor Arena 1.

The show includes 36 works by more than 30 artists and photographers, portraying the special relationship Marines have had with their canine and equine partners over 250 years of Marine Corps history. Although Marines are known as “soldiers of the sea,” they, too, rode trusted horses into battle. The Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard keeps those equine roots alive today. Since World War II, Marines have taken dogs with them to war to scout out enemy positions, deliver messages, and detect explosives, drugs, and wounded comrades. The bonds between Marine dog handlers and their companions run deep.

Most of the artists and photographers featured in this exhibit wore the Marine Corps uniform and did their work as part of their official duties. The art is from the collection of the National Museum of the Marine Corps, reproduced for this exhibit as high-quality prints. Combat photographers record their fellow Marines during war and training. 

“We’re honored to host this exhibit and to help share the stories of Marines and the animals who served beside them,” said Mason Jordan, World Equestrian Center Operations Executive. “Our organization supports the armed services and their families, and we’re proud to offer a space where guests can connect with this history and the bond these teams forged.”

The Marine Corps Combat Art Program relies on talented Marines and civilians to document the ongoing missions of the Corps. The guidance they get is simple: “Go to war and do art.” The 24 works from the art collection speak to the experiences of the artists, most of whom were deployed around the globe. 

“Marine Corps art is up close and personal.  It is about the individual Marine—in combat, during training, or while delivering assistance during times of great need,” said Lin Ezell, Curator Emeritus of the Marine Corps. “This art helps us better appreciate those who wear the uniform of today’s military service members and the close relationships they have with their furry companions who also put their lives at risk.”

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the honor, courage, and commitment exemplified by every U.S. Marine.  This display is traveling around the country to libraries, veterans hospitals and homes, barracks, museums, and other celebrations of the American spirit.

“The Marine Corps Heritage Foundation is pleased to sponsor this exhibition,” said Major General James W. Lukeman, USMC (ret.), who serves as President and CEO of MCHF. “Not everyone is able to travel to the National Museum of the Marine Corps to see its treasures.  This program enables us to share Marine Corps history—and its art—more widely.” 

About the National Museum of the Marine Corps.
The National Museum of the Marine Corps opened in 2006.  Its soaring design evokes the WWII image of the flag-raisers on Iwo Jima.  Immersive exhibits surround visitors with the artifacts, sights, and sounds of Marines in action.  The Museum is a public-private partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.  Located at 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Triangle, VA, the Museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit usmcmuseum.com. 

About the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation
Dedicated to the preservation and promulgation of Marine Corps history, the Foundation was established in 1979 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The Foundation supports the historical programs of the Marine Corps. It provides grants and scholarships for research and the preservation, restoration, and commissioning of Marine Corps art, artifacts, and landmarks. Having secured funding for the construction of the National Museum of the Marine Corps and Heritage Center, the Foundation’s current mission is to seek support that will strengthen programming at the Museum and beyond its walls. For more information, visit MarineHeritage.org.

About World Equestrian Center
Named one of TIME’s 2024 World’s Greatest Places, World Equestrian Center features two premier equestrian and multidisciplinary venues in Ocala, Florida, and Wilmington, Ohio.

These exclusive facilities comprise state-of-the-art arenas, expansive stadiums, versatile outdoor space, sporting fields and well-appointed exposition centers. An abundance of lodging options and luxury accommodations are conveniently located on-site, along with shopping and dining throughout each property.

Dedicated to offering great sport and good fun in a family-friendly environment, World Equestrian Center promises an unparalleled experience for exhibitors, spectators, vendors, sponsors and retailers built on three core values: Quality. Class. Distinction.

Learn more at wec.net.