A Billion Gallons

That’s how much life-giving water Marion County’s three First Magnitude Springs churn out each day. Join us on November 14th as we explore the precious resource beneath our feet with Mark Emery, Emmy award winning filmmaker, musician, and photographer for National Geographic, BBC, and PBS.

We also welcome special guests Margaret Ross Tolbert, internationally renowned artist of the springs and author of AQUIFERious; and University of South Florida professor, photojournalist and cave diver, Dr. Jason Gulley.

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.

News:

Guy Marwick Honored with 2024 Acorn Conservation Award

Horse Farms Forever is honored to present the Acorn Conservation Award to Guy Marwick, Founder of the Silver River Museum and Director of The Felburn Foundation. The Award will be presented at the Springs Forever! Conservation Summit to be held on Thursday, November 14 from 5 to 7 PM at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

Springs Forever Summit Announces Lead Sponsors

Horse Farms Forever is immensely grateful for the unwavering support and commitment of our 2024 Conservation Summit Sponsors. We continue to be delighted by the enthusiasm shown by the businesses and individuals of Marion County for our open spaces and beautiful places. Brook Ledge Horse Transportation is once again leading the herd as our Title Sponsor for the fifth year in a row. And now Advent Health Ocala has stepped forward as Presenting Sponsor, joining Brook Ledge at the head of the herd. Advent Health has been a faithful supporter of our mission and our Summit for many years. We are always inspired and encouraged when we meet with them. They understand the vital link between community health and the environment. With their help, we are building a spirit of conservation in Marion County. Year after year, the awareness and appreciation for our natural resources and sense of place grows, and so does the Summit!

Springs Forever! HFF Conservation Summit Focuses on Our Water and Springs

Horse Farms Forever, Inc.® is pleased to announce Mark Emery, an award-winning filmmaker, musician, and photographer for National Geographic, the Smithsonian Network, BBC, and PBS as our Keynote Speaker at the 2024 Conservation Summit to be held on Thursday, November 14 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.

SVN | McDonald & Company Joins HFF as a Founder Member

Horse Farms Forever® welcomes Bartow McDonald IV and SVN | McDonald & Company as our newest Founder Member. The commercial real estate firm joins over 70 businesses and horse farm owners, as well as thousands of members that have all joined forces to help inspire...

Members Spotlight Late Summer 2024

Horse Farms Forever and our critical mission are carried forward by the longstanding commitments of our Board and members. Take a quick tour through our Member’s Logos and you’ll get a sense of the size and diversity of our herd. This bodes well for the future of horse farms in Marion County!See who has renewed their commitments this quarter, and allow us to introduce you to our newest herd mates. FTBOA, Kinsman Farm, Cloverly Farm, Ocala Horse Properties, Live Oak Stud, Bill Kearns, SVN MacDonald, Drake Construction, Buena Vista Farm.

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.

Follow Us

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