Horses make Ocala a happy place.

With the opening of the glamorous World Equestrian Center, affectionately called by many the Disney World for horses, it has become the “happiest place on earth” for equestrians and horse lovers alike. Equestrians have moved from all over the country just to be a part of the Horse Capital of the World®.

But that could all change, as Golden Ocala Equestrian Land has proposed a 236-acre mega sports and entertainment complex adjacent to the World Equestrian Center.

What’s the issue? It’s in the wrong place! It includes everything but horses!

Horse Farms Forever is a compact and powerful nonprofit,
founded in 2018 to:

Protect

Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area was established in 2005. Its mineral-rich soil and water, and spring sheds are subject to increasing development and roadway threats. We participate and defend.

Promote

The culture, character and vibrant economy of greater Ocala is uniquely based on the presence of horses and horse farms. We share the facts.

Preserve

Landowners who love their land and wish to see it passed along to future generations have many options. We show the way.

Plan

The blueprint for Rural Land Management is written at the county level and made strong by collaboration and community influence. We facilitate progress.

Hold Your Horses on the Sports and Entertainment Complex

Photo Credit: Ocala GazetteGolden Ocala’s proposed sports and entertainment complex is being promoted as a way to “do something for the kids that don’t ride horses.” But what’s actually planned is not a modest community sports space—it’s a massive 236-acre commercial...

P&Z Commission Meeting Update: Sports & Entertainment Complex + “Piggyback the RAC”

At the June 30 Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Commission meeting, the Commission made two important recommendations: ✅ Recommended Approval – Golden Ocala's 236-acre Sports & Entertainment Complex ❌ Recommended Denial – Thomas Moore’s proposal to expand the Rural...

Celebrating 7 Years of Strength, Beauty, and Preservation

Horse Farms Forever® was founded seven years ago in response to a critical threat—a proposed toll road that would have cut directly through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area. United by a shared purpose, the community came together, and the toll road was...

Wilton Simpson Inspires at Spring Speaker Series

Wilton Simpson, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, gave an inspiring speech at Horse Farms Forever’s fourth annual Spring Speaker Series held on Tuesday, May 20th, at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. Over 125 guests joined us to create more awareness about...

NEW Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

There is a new vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission for an Alternate Member. If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, or the development industry, then the Planning & Zoning Commission is for you! Applications are due on Thursday, May...

The Threats Are Real

From new roadways to rezoning. We are here to gather and multiply all of the voices that understand the value of our rural heritage and seek to preserve it forever.

When the farmland watchdogs sound the alarm, you’ll hear first.