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 ultimately stopped. But while that battle was won, the broader challenge remains: development pressure in Marion County continues to intensify.
In the years since, support for our mission has only grown. The outpouring of commitment from across the community—from small and large horse farm owners to realtors, developers, and local businesses—has given Horse Farms Forever a firm and lasting foundation. This broad coalition has become a powerful voice for farmland protection, ensuring that horse farms remain at the forefront of land use planning discussions. Because of this collective strength and wisdom, we’ve earned more than just a seat at the table—we’ve become a trusted, solutions-oriented partner. Together, we are not just reacting to change; we are shaping it.
Your commitment to conservation is the foundation of our success.
It is your unwavering belief in our mission that empowers us to advocate for responsible growth, safeguard Marion County’s irreplaceable agricultural lands, and protect the equestrian heritage that defines our community. Because of your support, we can continue this vital work—preserving the land, the lifestyle, and the legacy for generations to come.
Today, we are proud to say: we are helping write a land conservation success story for Marion County.
Here’s a look at the latest chapter.
Photos by Elma Garcia (1st) and Mark Emery (2nd).
PROTECTING OUR WATER AND SPRINGS
Finding a balance to growth and protecting our iconic landscape is paramount to protecting our farms and billion-dollar equine industry, which relies on the expansive pastures with mineral rich soils and water. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as the first line of defense in protecting two of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs – Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs. In addition, the County is home to abundant natural resources, including two-hundred miles of trails for hiking and biking, and equestrian use, more than 150 miles of streams and rivers, and over 25 second and third magnitude springs.
HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.
PROTECTING OUR WATER AND SPRINGS
Finding a balance to growth and protecting our iconic landscape is paramount to protecting our farms and billion-dollar equine industry, which relies on the expansive pastures with mineral rich soils and water. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as the first line of defense in protecting two of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs – Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs. In addition, the County is home to abundant natural resources, including two-hundred miles of trails for hiking and biking, and equestrian use, more than 150 miles of streams and rivers, and over 25 second and third magnitude springs.
HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.
Photos by Elma Garcia (1st) and Mark Emery (2nd).
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONSERVATION
Over the past year, we hosted three major events that brought our community together in meaningful dialogue about conservation. The 2024 Conservation Summit featured Emmy Award-winning Cinematographer, Composer, and Photographer Mark Emery, whose storytelling brought the beauty and urgency of preservation to life. This spring, our 2025 Speaker Series welcomed Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, who shared insights on the importance of protecting Florida’s agricultural heritage, and our Behind the Gate event showcased the world-renowned Chi University. These events not only inform—they inspire a culture of land stewardship and strengthen the conservation movement here in Marion County.
CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONSERVATION
Over the past year, we hosted three major events that brought our community together in meaningful dialogue about conservation. The 2024 Conservation Summit featured Emmy Award-winning Cinematographer, Composer, and Photographer Mark Emery, whose storytelling brought the beauty and urgency of preservation to life. This spring, our 2025 Speaker Series welcomed Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, who shared insights on the importance of protecting Florida’s agricultural heritage, and our Behind the Gate event showcased the world-renowned Chi University. These events not only inform—they inspire a culture of land stewardship and strengthen the conservation movement here in Marion County.
COASTAL CONNECTOR TOLL ROAD
HFF joined other major stakeholders to stop the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.
NEW FARMLAND PRESERVATION AREA SIGNS
HFF partnered with Marion County to help highlight the FPA with the design and installation of new signage that includes the horse.
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.
HFF AMMENDMENT
HFF successfully amended the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to add further protections to the FPA by more tightly defining rural character and compatible land uses.
HFF LAND DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT
HFF has applied to amend the Marion County Land Development Code to add further protections from subdivision of rural parcels in the FPA.
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER AGREEMENT
HFF reached an agreement with the WEC leadership to save 275 acres from being removed from the FPA.
ATV RACETRACK IN FLEMINGTON
HFF lead the charge to stop the development of an ATV park and ¼-mile dragstrip in the heart of the FPA and a large area of horse farms.
QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY
HFF served as the catalyst for the Quality-of-Life Survey to gauge the community wide support for preserving horse farms and the FPA. Over 90% of the community designated farmland preservation as the #1 issue facing the county.
WATCHDOG
HFF monitors all development, zoning, land use and special use permit applications made to the County with a focus on any that could affect horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area.
COASTAL CONNECTOR TOLL ROAD
HFF joined other major stakeholders to stop the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.
NEW FARMLAND PRESERVATION AREA SIGNS
HFF partnered with Marion County to help highlight the FPA with the design and installation of new signage that includes the horse.
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS
HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.
HFF AMMENDMENT
HFF successfully amended the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to add further protections to the FPA by more tightly defining rural character and compatible land uses.
HFF LAND DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT
HFF has applied to amend the Marion County Land Development Code to add further protections from subdivision of rural parcels in the FPA.
WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER AGREEMENT
HFF reached an agreement with the WEC leadership to save 275 acres from being removed from the FPA.
ATV RACETRACK IN FLEMINGTON
HFF lead the charge to stop the development of an ATV park and ¼-mile dragstrip in the heart of the FPA and a large area of horse farms.
QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY
HFF served as the catalyst for the Quality-of-Life Survey to gauge the community wide support for preserving horse farms and the FPA. Over 90% of the community designated farmland preservation as the #1 issue facing the county.
WATCHDOG
HFF monitors all development, zoning, land use and special use permit applications made to the County with a focus on any that could affect horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area.
