No. 1 in Growth: At What Cost?

No. 1 in Growth: At What Cost?

by | Jan 16, 2026 | News

Recent reports confirm what locals already know: Marion County is growing fast. Ocala was ranked No. 1 in growth cities for the third time in four years by U-Haul’s Growth Index, while Florida ranked No. 2 nationally for net one-way U-Haul customers.

Marion County is now home to more than 400,000 residents and continues to add approximately 220 new residents each week. At this pace, the County’s population is projected to grow by more than 125,000 residents, reaching an estimated 550,000 by 2050, according to the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR).

​

A Staggering Number of Approved Residential Units

A report presented at the County’s Strategic Planning Workshop in May 2022 revealed that more than 135,000 residential units have already been approved. Over 50,000 units were approved between 2017 and 2022 alone. A majority of these approvals include more than 86,000 undeveloped lots, many of which were approved decades ago in areas such as Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores.

As development pressure mounts along the edge of the Farmland Preservation Area and the Urban Growth Boundary, Horse Farms Forever is closely monitoring development proposals that threaten horse farms, rural lands, and protected agricultural areas.

The Cost of Rapid Growth

This rapid population growth has placed significant strain on local infrastructure. Residents experience heavier traffic, schools operating at or beyond capacity, and a list of transportation projects estimated to cost more than $1.5 billion over the next 20 years, according to the Benesch study on the transportation impact fees.

Communities across the country have studied the fiscal impacts of growth through Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies. These studies consistently show that residential development often costs more in public services than it generates in revenue, while commercial and industrial development, as well as farmland, helps to offset those losses.

Act Now to Protect Horse Farms

Marion County stands at a critical crossroads. Development pressures are rising, making the protection of its farmland more important now than ever. Acting now is essential to ensure future generations inherit a county that is economically viable and rich in agricultural heritage. Join our efforts to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places today.

Join the Herd
Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.
Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.
Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.
Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.
4
5
Join Today!
View Current Threats

More Horsepower, More Impact: Winter Membership Roundup

More Horsepower, More Impact: Winter Membership Roundup

by | Jan 9, 2026 | News

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.

Join The Herd
Linda Bamman

Chester Weber

View Profile

Kim VanKampen

View Profile
Linda Bamman

The Felburn Foundation

Linda Bamman

The Saint Bernard Foundation

Linda Bamman

Southern Heritage Developers

View Profile

Nicole Hornblower & James Denman

View Profile
Sally Crane Cox

Sally Crane Cox

View Profile

Elisabeth Brinton & Bob Utley

View Profile

Vivian Day & John Stroh

View Profile

Kurt & Janet Giesselman

View Profile

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.

Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.
Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.
Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.
Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.
4
5
Join Today!
View Current Threats

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

2025: A Year of Action, Advocacy & Community Support

2025: A Year of Action, Advocacy & Community Support

by | Dec 18, 2025 | News

2025 was a defining year for Horse Farms Forever. Not because the work got easier, but because the community showed up again and again to protect what makes Marion County extraordinary.

From policy advocacy to packed events and critical fundraising efforts, this year proved that preservation is powered by people.

​

Advocacy at the Heart of Our Mission

Throughout 2025, Horse Farms Forever remained deeply engaged in monitoring development proposals, zoning changes, and infrastructure impacts that threaten the Farmland Preservation Area. We continued to serve as a voice for responsible growth by:

  • Tracking and responding to land-use proposals impacting farmland
  • Attending hundreds of hours of county meetings
  • Providing clear, factual education to the public
  • Encouraging civic engagement and community action
Preservation is not passive, and this year reinforced just how essential it is to monitor development proposals and remain vigilant.

Education & Signature Events

Conservation Summit 2025

Our sixth annual Conservation Summit was a standout moment of the year, welcoming a sold-out audience and keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, who delivered a powerful and enlightening presentation on How Horses Think. The evening reinforced the deep connection between animal welfare, land stewardship, and thoughtful conservation.

Learn More

Spring Speaker Series & Community Conversations

From agricultural leadership discussions to Behind the Gate events, 2025 offered multiple opportunities for learning, dialogue, and connection around preservation, rural heritage, and the future of Marion County with keynote speaker, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson.

Learn More

Behind the Gate at Chi University

Horse Farms Forever’s Behind the Gate event at the Chi University on April 2nd was a memorable and educational evening to showcase the world-renowned veterinary school. Over 90 VIP members and community leaders joined us for an exclusive, invitation-only behind-the-scenes look at one of our Founder Members. This year, we were honored to showcase the incredible Chi University.

 

Learn More

Honoring Conservation Leadership

At the Conservation Summit, we proudly presented the Acorn Conservation Award to the Drake Family in recognition of their extraordinary stewardship of thousands of acres of land. Their commitment to preservation embodies the values Horse Farms Forever exists to protect.

The Drake family was honored with the Acorn Conservation Award. L to R: HFF Director of Conservation, Busy Shires; George MacKay Drake, Jr., Trusten Holland Drake, Laura Drake McDonald, Bob Drake, Ann Louise Drake, and HFF President Bernie Little.

Fundraising That Fueled Our Mission

Fundraising in 2025 directly supported Horse Farms Forever’s advocacy, education, and community outreach efforts.

Farmland Preservation Month (April)

April marked Farmland Preservation Month, a cornerstone fundraising and awareness campaign highlighting why protecting open space matters now more than ever. Through storytelling, community outreach, and donor support, this campaign reinforced the urgency of safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area.

Founder & Member Support

Throughout the year, new and returning Founders and Members stepped forward with meaningful contributions, forming the backbone of Horse Farms Forever’s ongoing work.

Give4Marion

Our participation in Give4Marion demonstrated the power of collective giving, enabling supporters to directly invest in farmland protection and public education.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday brought together donors who believe in preserving open land, equestrian heritage, and the rural character of Marion County. Every gift strengthened our ability to advocate year-round.

Help Support Our Mission! Join Today!

A Community Effort

Horse Farms Forever’s impact in 2025 was made possible by:

  • Dedicated sponsors and partners
  • Founders, donors, and members
  • Volunteers and advocates
  • A community that values land, horses, and heritage

Every action, every donation, and every voice mattered.

Looking Ahead

The work of farmland preservation doesn’t pause when the year ends. Development pressure continues, and so does the need for strong, informed advocacy.

Your support directly fuels our ability to protect the Farmland Preservation Area, educate the community, and advocate for responsible growth.

Whether through a donation, membership, sponsorship, or simply sharing our message, you play a role in preserving the land that defines Marion County.

Donate. Become a member. Stand with Horse Farms Forever.

Together, we are protecting more than land.
We are preserving a way of life.

Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.
Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.
Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.
Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.
4
5
Join Today!
View Current Threats

How Horses Think: Dr. Temple Grandin’s Incredibly Inspiring Keynote

How Horses Think: Dr. Temple Grandin’s Incredibly Inspiring Keynote

by | Nov 21, 2025 | News

What an incredibly inspiring keynote presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin at Horse Farms Forever’s sixth annual Conservation Summit held on Thursday, November 13th at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena. With a sold-out crowd of nearly 600 guests, you could feel the excitement and the energy in the room!

Dr. Grandin is one of the worlds most renowned scientists and it was a true honor to hear her speak about her insights into animal behavior and her own personal experience and research on autism. Her remarks about How Horses Think, were deeply insightful, backed by concrete examples, and peppered with witty, humorous comments!

This year’s Summit highlighted the deep-rooted bond between horses and humans. Dr. Grandin shares this deep bond with horses. While she was growing up, horses provided solace and meaning for her as a teenager as she attended a boarding school with an equine program.

Event Photos Courtesy of: Sean Dowie

Horses to the Rescue

During high school, Dr. Grandin was bullied, but she found a refuge at the school’s horse barn, which was part of the school’s educational program.

“The only place I was not bullied was with the horses,” she said. “That was the one place. They basically saved my teenage years. I had friends through riding horses and going to shows and I also learned how to work. I had nine stalls to clean and I had to run a horse barn.”

Working with horses and with the strong influence from her mother and her high school science teacher gave her the confidence to pursue her research on animal behavior and livestock welfare. In 1989, she earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. Dr. Grandin is now a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University.

Dr. Temple Grandin with Jorge Garcia-Bengochea of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses

Animals Think in Pictures

Through Dr. Grandin’s own experiences with autism, and her career as a scientist, led her to the realization that she thinks in pictures, and that animals also think in pictures.

“My memory is like the pictures on your phone,” she said.

This unique perspective gave her an advantage to understanding animal behavior. While her research is primarily about cattle, her research and observations also apply to horses and other animals. “If you want to understand a horse or any animal, you have to get away from words,” said Dr. Grandin. “It’s a sensory-based world; it’s not a word-based world. What is it seeing? Some of the first work I ever did with cattle, I got into the cattle handling facility, and I saw they were scared of shadows and reflections. These are things we don’t normally think about.”

When Dr. Grandin was in her late 30s, she discovered that there are different types of thought, such as word or mathematical thinkers.

“It was a shock to me that a lot of people are not visual thinkers, they may be mathematical thinkers, word thinkers or maybe mixtures,” said Dr. Grandin. “When you realize that people think differently, you get a lot of insight. You get a lot of insight into horses and other animals when I realized other people didn’t think in pictures.”

Dr. Temple Grandin’s keynote presentation was titled “How Horses Think.”

Behavior of Horses

Dr. Grandin’s presentation provided many fascinating and enlightening insights about horses and animal behavior. Horses don’t have language, they store memories of good or bad things as a picture, a smell, a touch, or something they hear.

  • To desensitize horses to new objects, it’s best to allow the horses to voluntarily approach the object. “It’s scary if you shove it in their face; that’s something that you don’t want to do,” she said. “If you want to get horses used to flags at shows, let’s decorate the pasture fence with flags, and let your animals walk up to it.”
  • Dr. Grandin also shared an example of a horse that was scared of black hats. Horses associate what they see when something bad happens to them. “There’s a horse I talk about who is scared to death of black hats. White hats are fine; black hats are bad,” she said. “It’s sensory-based, not word-based.”
  • Dr. Grandin also described horses she watched at a dressage show that were competing in a cool, indoor arena but were dripping with sweat. She noted that the horse that won was calm and relaxed.
  • It takes 20 to 30 minutes for horses to calm down. “If something happens suddenly, it’s scary to animals. It’s also scary to people with autism,” said Dr. Grandin.

Logan Freeman, a member of the 4-H club – Reddick Collier Elementary Wranglers – asked Dr. Temple Grandin an important question: “How does the squeeze machine calm you and other animals down?”

Groundbreaking Research

Her groundbreaking innovations in the humane handling of livestock are used by many companies around the world. She has also been instrumental in implementing animal welfare auditing programs that are used by McDonalds, Wendy’s, Whole Foods, and other corporations. Temple has appeared on numerous TV shows such as 20/20 and Prime Time.

She is the author of twelve books on autism and animal behavior, including the national bestsellers Calling All Minds, Thinking in Pictures, and Animals in Translation. Temple was inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame in September 2017. In 2010, she was named to Time magazine’s list of the 100 people who most affect the world.

She is perhaps best known for the award-winning HBO film Temple Grandin, which brought her groundbreaking innovations in the humane handling of livestock to a global audience and highlighted her remarkable life and achievements.

Dr. Temple Grandin signs a book for Nell Ward with her father Carlton Ward, Jr.

National Portrait Gallery

Dr. Temple Grandin’s portrait in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., was unveiled Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.

Included in the gallery will be Brocken Spectre and Glory: Portrait of Temple Grandin, an oil painting by artist David Lenz. The National Portrait Gallery acquired the piece as part of its Portrait of a Nation program, which honors individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Its National Portrait Gallery highlights Americans of remarkable character and achievement, who remind visitors of who we are as a nation and what we can aspire to be.

See The Portrait & Learn More

Watch The Recap

Tracey Perry, AdventHealth Clinician; Amy Mangan, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Executive Director; Dr. Temple Grandin; and Heather Gilardi, AdventHealth Clinician.

Sub Heading

Bill Ellis, Mary Jane Hunt, HFF Founder Member; Dr. Temple Grandin, and Bernie Little, HFF Founder and President.

Sub Heading

Nico Duque, Sales & Marketing Manager, Fort McCoy Meat Products, Dr. Temple Grandin and Todd Rudnianyn, Vice Chair of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Development and Owner of Neighborhood Storage.

Sub Heading

Valerie Dailey, Owner/Broker of Showcase Properties of Central Florida; Kim Burton, Samantha Dailey Realtor, Showcase Properties; and Mary O'Neal, Realtor, Showcase Properties.

Sub Heading

Brandon and Diannah Perry, Owners of Newgate Realty and HFF Founder Members with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Jim Cannavino, Dr. Temple Grandin, Elma Garcia-Cannavino, Founder and Board Member of Horse Farms Forever, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Inessa Onu.

Sub Heading

Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and HFF Founder and Board Member; Dr. Temple Grandin, and Karen Powell.

Sub Heading

Karen Powell, Sara Fennessy, Patricia Dempsey, and Joan Pletcher.

Sub Heading

HFF Director of Conservation Busy Shires, HFF Executive Director Sara Fennessy, HFF President Bernie Little, and Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Jacqui and Nick de Meric, Owners of de Meric Thoroughbred Sales with Dr. Temple Grandin. Nick is a Founder and a Board Member of Horse Farms Forever.

Sub Heading

Matt and Elia Marwick, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Guy Marwick, former Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation.

Sub Heading

Fanuel Ortego, Teri Wilber, Clayton Wilber, Marilyn Mayler, Raphell Obeso, Rick Faden, Jenn Trickey, Dr. Temple Grandin, Mike Flaxman, Patricia Dempsey, Owner of Beloveds Farm, Joan Pletcher, John Rattenburg, Lico Galarza Lagunas, J.J. Pletcher, and Teri Wilber.

Sub Heading

Bryan and Sara Fennessy, Karen Powell, Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA); Dr. Temple Grandin, Jeff Powell, Cassie and Sean Powell.

Sub Heading

Sue Starling and Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Karen Powell, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Frank Hennessy, Founding Board Member of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County.

Sub Heading

Mark Emery, Emmy award-winning cinematographer, composer and photographer for National Geographic and Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

David Quanbeck and Anne Lindblad, HFF Founder Members with Dr. Temple Grandin and Nancy Stewart.

Sub Heading

The Conservation Summit was a sold-out event with nearly 600 guests. We met many new friends at the event!

Sub Heading

Danna Bramlett, Chief Development Officer, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Nell Ward, Carlton Ward, Jr., National Geographic Explorer and producer of the Path of the Panther documentary, and Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation

Sub Heading

Nico Duque, Sales & Marketing Manager, Fort McCoy Meat Products, Dr. Temple Grandin and Rachel Perez, Realtor, International Property Services, Corp.

Sub Heading

JJ and Joan Pletcher, Owner of Joan Pletcher Real Estate with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Ian Robb and Dancin’ Pete Rodda from the Podcast “In the Zone” on Equus radio network and Dave Barlett of the Equus TV network.

Sub Heading

Bernard Austin and John Albanese of Harrison Design with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Karen Powell and Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Amy Mangan, Executive Director of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation; Billye Mallory, Community Relations Manager at AdventHealth Ocala; Bernie Little, President, Horse Farms Forever (HFF); Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation; and Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director

Sub Heading

Dr. Temple Grandin signs a book for a guest.

Sub Heading

Matt Johnson, Principal of North Marion High School (third from left) and the students from the North Marion High School Equine Program.

Sub Heading

Tom James, Vice President, Business Services at Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

4
5
Tracey Perry, AdventHealth Clinician; Amy Mangan, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation Executive Director; Dr. Temple Grandin; and Heather Gilardi, AdventHealth Clinician.

Sub Heading

Bill Ellis, Mary Jane Hunt, HFF Founder Member; Dr. Temple Grandin, and Bernie Little, HFF Founder and President.

Sub Heading

Nico Duque, Sales & Marketing Manager, Fort McCoy Meat Products, Dr. Temple Grandin and Todd Rudnianyn, Vice Chair of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Development and Owner of Neighborhood Storage.

Sub Heading

Valerie Dailey, Owner/Broker of Showcase Properties of Central Florida; Kim Burton, Samantha Dailey Realtor, Showcase Properties; and Mary O'Neal, Realtor, Showcase Properties.

Sub Heading

Brandon and Diannah Perry, Owners of Newgate Realty and HFF Founder Members with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Jim Cannavino, Dr. Temple Grandin, Elma Garcia-Cannavino, Founder and Board Member of Horse Farms Forever, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Inessa Onu.

Sub Heading

Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and HFF Founder and Board Member; Dr. Temple Grandin, and Karen Powell.

Sub Heading

Karen Powell, Sara Fennessy, Patricia Dempsey, and Joan Pletcher.

Sub Heading

HFF Director of Conservation Busy Shires, HFF Executive Director Sara Fennessy, HFF President Bernie Little, and Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Jacqui and Nick de Meric, Owners of de Meric Thoroughbred Sales with Dr. Temple Grandin. Nick is a Founder and a Board Member of Horse Farms Forever.

Sub Heading

Matt and Elia Marwick, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Guy Marwick, former Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation.

Sub Heading

Fanuel Ortego, Teri Wilber, Clayton Wilber, Marilyn Mayler, Raphell Obeso, Rick Faden, Jenn Trickey, Dr. Temple Grandin, Mike Flaxman, Patricia Dempsey, Owner of Beloveds Farm, Joan Pletcher, John Rattenburg, Lico Galarza Lagunas, J.J. Pletcher, and Teri Wilber.

Sub Heading

Bryan and Sara Fennessy, Karen Powell, Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA); Dr. Temple Grandin, Jeff Powell, Cassie and Sean Powell.

Sub Heading

Sue Starling and Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Karen Powell, Dr. Temple Grandin, and Frank Hennessy, Founding Board Member of the Community Foundation for Ocala/Marion County.

Sub Heading

Mark Emery, Emmy award-winning cinematographer, composer and photographer for National Geographic and Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

David Quanbeck and Anne Lindblad, HFF Founder Members with Dr. Temple Grandin and Nancy Stewart.

Sub Heading

The Conservation Summit was a sold-out event with nearly 600 guests. We met many new friends at the event!

Sub Heading

Danna Bramlett, Chief Development Officer, Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, Nell Ward, Carlton Ward, Jr., National Geographic Explorer and producer of the Path of the Panther documentary, and Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation

Sub Heading

Nico Duque, Sales & Marketing Manager, Fort McCoy Meat Products, Dr. Temple Grandin and Rachel Perez, Realtor, International Property Services, Corp.

Sub Heading

JJ and Joan Pletcher, Owner of Joan Pletcher Real Estate with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Ian Robb and Dancin’ Pete Rodda from the Podcast “In the Zone” on Equus radio network and Dave Barlett of the Equus TV network.

Sub Heading

Bernard Austin and John Albanese of Harrison Design with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Karen Powell and Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

Amy Mangan, Executive Director of the AdventHealth Ocala Foundation; Billye Mallory, Community Relations Manager at AdventHealth Ocala; Bernie Little, President, Horse Farms Forever (HFF); Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation; and Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director

Sub Heading

Dr. Temple Grandin signs a book for a guest.

Sub Heading

Matt Johnson, Principal of North Marion High School (third from left) and the students from the North Marion High School Equine Program.

Sub Heading

Tom James, Vice President, Business Services at Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership with Dr. Temple Grandin.

Sub Heading

4
5

Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director speaking at the 2025 Conservation Summit.

Bernie Little, HFF President thanks Ocala Breeders’ Sales for donating the OBS Arena for the fourth year in a row! Thank you for your generous support!

Acorn Conservation Award

Every year at the Conservation Summit Horse Farms Forever presents the Acorn Conservation Award to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land or horse farms in Marion County. This year, we are honored to present the award to the Drake Family, one of the pioneering families in Marion County.

In 2002, Trusten (Trusty) Polk Drake, III & George MacKay (K) Drake, Sr. preserved 5,800 acres of the ranch by placing it in a conservation easement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Drake Ranch is a historic ranch that has been passed down through four generations of the Drake family. The Drakes are one of the first pioneering families to settle in Florida in the 1870s.

The fourth generation of the Drake family now owns and manages the historic Drake Ranch as a partnership. Protecting the legacy of the Drake Ranch was a decision made by the Drake brothers, and it has been whole heartedly embraced by the large extended Drake family, who take great pride in knowing that their family’s ranch will forever be protected.

The Acorn Conservation Award is a bronze sculpture by Bryce Pettit.

The Drake family was honored with the Acorn Conservation Award. L to R: HFF Director of Conservation, Busy Shires; George MacKay Drake, Jr., Trusten Holland Drake, Laura Drake McDonald, Bob Drake, Ann Louise Drake, and HFF President Bernie Little.

 

Harnessing Health

Amy Mangan, Advent Health Ocala Foundation executive director, spoke about the Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative that reduces barriers to health care for equine workers by providing mobile care. The hospital-funded health care navigator operates a mobile clinic van to travel to local farms and provide onsite health care services to equine workers.

Through their Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative, a bilingual health care navigator and mobile clinic brings essential wellness visits, chronic care, and health education directly to farms across Marion County — reducing barriers and supporting the workers who care for our horses every day. We are proud to have AdventHealth Ocala as a Title Sponsor of the 2025 Conservation Summit, and are grateful for their commitment to Horse Farms Forever, and the people of Marion County!

 

Learn More

Delivered by Brook Ledge

We are profoundly grateful to Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, who is returning for the sixth consecutive year as our Title Sponsor. Brook Ledge continues to lead the herd in their commitment to helping to protect horse farms for future generations. Their iconic blue-and-white vans represent far more than world-class equine transport, they embody a company that deeply values and protects the land our horses call home.
Learn More

Thank you to our vendors for their support!

4
5
4
5

Vendor Photos Courtesy of: The Bradford Connection

These are just some of the comments we have received about Dr. Grandin’s keynote titled “How Horse Think.”

“Truly, once in a lifetime to meet Dr. Grandin. Still in awe!”

“Profound impact!”

“Wonderful opportunity to hear her speak! Amazing insights!”

“Fabulous presentation! She is an icon!”

Honoring Our Bronze Sponsors

Honoring Our Bronze Sponsors

by | Nov 3, 2025 | News

Every year, the Horse Farms Forever Conservation Summit brings together a remarkable community of people who care deeply about the future of Marion County—its farmland, its horses, and its heritage. This event is only possible because of the collective support of sponsors who believe that preserving our open spaces and beautiful places is essential to the health and identity of our region.

The Power of Many

While each Bronze Level Sponsor represents a unique business or organization, together they form a powerful network of advocates working toward a shared goal: to protect what makes Marion County so special. From local equine professionals to businesses and dedicated families, these sponsors remind us that everyone has a role to play in shaping a sustainable future for our horse country.

Their support helps bring the Summit experience to life—from venue logistics to speaker programs—and allows us to continue sharing knowledge, building partnerships, and amplifying our mission year after year.

With Gratitude

To our 2025 Bronze Level Sponsors—thank you for standing with us. Your generosity, involvement, and belief in the importance of farmland preservation make a real difference.

Together, we’re keeping Marion County’s rural character intact, ensuring that its scenic landscapes, thriving equine industry, and strong sense of community remain protected for generations to come.

We look forward to celebrating your support and partnership at the 2025 Conservation Summit.

Learn More
Protect – we are always watching. When a threat is identified, we quickly assemble a threat response.
Promote – we are out in the community and on social media, raising awareness and inspiring appreciation for all that we have here in Marion County.
Preserve – we guide and encourage landowners who wish to conserve their land.
Plan – we are working with the County on changes to the Comprehensive Plan that will make conservation easy and financially advantageous for farm owners.
4
5
Join Today!
View Current Threats