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:

Mark Emery Inspires at Springs Forever! Conservation Summit

Through Mark Emery’s photographs, Margaret Ross Tolbert’s paintings, and Dr. Jason Gulley’s inspiring story about the restoration of Crystal River, this year’s Summit raised awareness about the importance of protecting the Farmland Preservation Area because, it not only helps to protect the equine industry, it also helps to protect the aquifer recharge areas for Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs.

Volunteer Board Opening: Make a Difference for Farmland

The Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is the commission that has the most impact on how Marion County grows. The LDRC makes recommendations in regards to the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and the Zoning Code.

A Golden Opportunity

The land, soil and water are the foundation of our decidedly horsey culture. But Marion County is more than a haven for horses. It is a strong identity. It is a thriving industry. And these things are built by people and their organizations.

If you come from another place, you’ve been an outsider as an equestrian. You may have watched open space, trails and facilities disappear in the face of development. Here, equine interests are a third of the economy. People live here because of the horses, not in spite of them. And this means that conservation is good business.

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!

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.

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