As fall folded into winter, Horse Farms Forever felt the unmistakable energy of a community that protects what it loves. These cooler months brought renewed purpose and growing momentum around our mission to defend the Farmland Preservation Area and preserve the rural character and equestrian heritage that make Marion County one of the most iconic horse regions in the country.
And as we look ahead, something beautifully symbolic awaits us: 2026 is the Year of the Horse. A year that honors strength, spirit, loyalty, and forward motion. The very qualities embodied by the horses, farms, and people who make up this community.
But this year also comes with a reminder. Now more than ever, our horse farms need your support. Growth pressures, land vulnerability, traffic strain, and incompatible development continue to test the boundaries of what we can protect. The land that carries our industry, our history, and our horses is asking for reinforcements.
Let’s make 2026 more than symbolic.
Let’s make it impactful.
We are proud to welcome Elisabeth L. Johnson to our Founder community. Founders don’t just back the mission, they help shape the future of it. We are honored to have her support.
Chester Weber
Kim VanKampen
The Felburn Foundation
The Saint Bernard Foundation
Southern Heritage Developers
Nicole Hornblower & James Denman
Sally Crane Cox
Elisabeth Brinton & Bob Utley
Vivian Day & John Stroh
Kurt & Janet Giesselman
Your support safeguards open land, legacy, and the everyday landscape our horses rely on.
New Members
A sincere welcome to our newest members who joined the preservation effort this season:
$25-$499: Friend
- John Bach
- Cynthia Theo Colebrook
- Daniel Menendez Estarella
- Donita Farmer
- Melissa Havens
- Carol Hill
- Richard Mitchell
- Haley Moody
- Nancy Moffatt
- Richard Mitchell
- Karen OGrady
- Gary Smith
$500+: Partner
- Daniel Balys
- Chris Howson
- Scott & Sherry Crossman
$1,000+: Leader
- Lisa Alexander
- Gary Bybee
- John Gaither
- Stacy Larsson- Ocala Horse Properties
We are grateful you chose to stand with us. Your membership adds measurable strength to the preservation network.
Renewing Individual Members
Our deepest appreciation to the individual members who renewed their support this season:
$25-$499: Friend
- Jenaay Brown
- Michael A. Cinque
- John Crowe
- Julia Davies
- Donna Delahunty
- Shannon Dennison
- Alexis Evanich
- Tammy A. Gantt
- Joan Gove
- Barbara Hudgens
- Mark Lawhon
- Elizabeth Leete
- Cheryl Osorio
- Cristin Roby
- Alice Sasnett
- Busy Louise Shires
- Hellena Smejda
- Wendy Smith
- Celaine So
- Sue Starling
- Debra Stevenson
- Carol Tremblay
- Joyce Tyson
- Shelia Wickstrom
$500+: Partner
- David Velez
$1,000+: Leader
- Elizabeth Goodwin
- Geroge Issacs
Renewing Corporate Members & Foundations
$2,500+: Patron
- Don Stewart Stables
1,000+: Leader
- The Dowman Family Foundation
$25-$499: Friend
- Conway Arabians
Your support ensures our preservation work stays strong at every level.
Members listed above joined or renewed between October 16th, 2025 & January 7th, 2026.
2026 is the Year of the Horse.
Let it also be the year we protect them, by protecting the land they depend on.
Now more than ever, our horse farms need your support.
More voices. More advocacy. More membership. More impact.
Let’s make this our most powerful year yet.
Let’s make 2026 the year we can look back on and say:
We held the line.
We protected the land.
We strengthened the future.
