Horse Farms Forever, Author at Horse Farms Forever

2025 Conservation Summit: How Horses Think with Dr. Temple Grandin

by Horse Farms Forever | Aug 14, 2025 | Events, News, Uncategorized

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Horse Farms Forever® is honored to announce Dr. Temple Grandin, a pioneering voice in animal science and autism advocacy as our Keynote Speaker. The Sixth Annual Conservation Summit will be held on Thursday, November 13 at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena from 5PM to 7PM.

2025 Conservation Summit: How Horses Think

This year’s Summit will highlight the deep-rooted bond between horses and humans. Temple will discuss how horses think and provide insights into animal behavior, through the lens of her own understanding and scientific research about autism.

Temple is a professor, best-selling author, and an international speaker. She is a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University and her research on animal behavior, livestock handling and autism has improved the lives of animals and people on a worldwide basis. The facilities she has designed for handling 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.

Her books include Thinking in Pictures, Livestock Handling and Transport, and The Autistic Brain. Her books Animals in Translation and Visual Thinking have been on the New York Times Bestseller List. 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.

Protecting Our Horse Farms

This year’s Summit will focus on our core mission of preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Marion County. Over the past seven years, we have highlighted the critical need to conserve our horse farms and agricultural lands, to not only protect the scenic beauty and natural resources, but to also help preserve land for the nearly 100,000 horses that call Marion County home.

The rolling hills and iconic horse farms draw residents and visitors from all over the world to experience the Horse Capital of the World®. Our goal is to raise awareness to ensure that this “sense of place” is protected for future generations.

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GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS SOLD OUT

2025 Conservation Summit: How Horses Think

Protecting Our Horse Farms

LEARN MORE

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS SOLD OUT

Spotlight on Stewardship: The Levine Family’s Quiet Commitment to Ocala’s Rural Heartland

by Horse Farms Forever | Jul 28, 2025 | News, Uncategorized

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Horse Farms Forever is proud to welcome Philip and Carolina Levine as our newest Founders. Philip Levine, the former Mayor of Miami Beach and a successful cruise industry entrepreneur, has always believed in the power of thoughtful leadership and responsible development. But in recent years, that belief has taken root in a new way—on the open land and rolling pastures of Marion County.

Together with his wife, Carolina, Philip, they established PL Ranch in Ocala as a part-time retreat. What began as an escape from the bustle of city life quickly became something more: a deep connection to Florida’s heartland and a growing commitment to land preservation and rural values.

While their primary residence remains in South Florida, the Levines were drawn to Ocala by its natural beauty, welcoming sense of community, and the freedom that open space provides. They see the region not only as breathtaking, but as a rare and important part of Florida’s identity—one that’s worth protecting.

For Philip, who championed smart growth and sustainability during his time in public office, PL Ranch is a natural extension of his lifelong values. He and Carolina are passionate about supporting efforts that maintain Ocala’s rural character, scenic landscapes, and world-renowned equestrian heritage.

Though PL Ranch is a part-time home for now, the Levines often reflect on how quickly their bond with the region has deepened. As Philip often says, “One never knows when a part-time home becomes something more permanent.”

The Levine family’s presence in Marion County is quiet but purposeful. They are committed to being good neighbors, thoughtful landowners, and active stewards of the land they now proudly consider part of their family’s story.

We are honored to count them among our Founders and grateful for their commitment to safeguarding the future of Marion County’s farmland and equestrian culture.

Please join us in welcoming Philip and Carolina Levine to the Horse Farms Forever family.

View Their Founder Profile

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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

Not the Happiest Place on Earth

by Horse Farms Forever | Jul 16, 2025 | News, Ongoing

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Ocala/Marion County is world-renowned for its equine heritage. From Pony Club kids to Kentucky Derby winners, horses and riders come here to train, compete, and thrive in the Horse Capital of the World®.

But that global reputation—and the rural character that sustains it—is under threat.

A proposed 236-acre sports and entertainment complex would bring intense commercial development to horse farms and quiet rural neighborhoods adjacent to the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA).

This proposal risks far more than scenic views. It endangers our community’s identity, the private property rights of nearby landowners, and the livelihoods of those who have invested in preserving and living within the FPA

For some neighbors, Ocala would become anything but “the happiest place on earth.”

Greg and Donna Wheeler, owners of Bridle Oaks Farm, relocated from South Florida to Ocala in 2003 to escape the sprawl and overdevelopment they saw consume their former community.

“We absolutely embraced Ocala’s old Florida culture, grace, and charm,” said Greg. “We’ve seen what happens when unfettered development starts to grab ahold. First an area loses its heart, and then its soul slowly turns off like a light. When a community loses its soul, it’s gone forever, never to return.”

“We see what’s happening—and we’re living it again,” he added. “We’re worried about what’s happening to the soul of our home… again.”

Patrick Kuebler, a lifelong Ocala resident and member of one of the area’s pioneer families, owns 150 acres next to the proposed complex.

“The Commissioners say they support the Farmland Preservation Area, but they’re changing it—taking all of it away,” said Patrick. “So what’s the purpose of having a Farmland Preservation Area if you aren’t going to preserve the land?”

“I grew up here. It’s getting to the point where you can’t go anywhere—it’s just gridlock. And with all these new developments, it’s only going to get worse. Our infrastructure can’t handle it.”

What Are the Core Issues?

Wrong Location: This isn’t about the value of youth sports—it’s about placing intense commercial development in the wrong location, directly next to our world-renowned Farmland Preservation Area.
No Horses: This is not an equestrian project. It brings no benefit to the local equine industry and instead threatens to displace it.

What’s at Stake?

Urban Sprawl: This type of development pressures nearby landowners to sell their land for commercial uses, fueling a domino effect that chips away at the FPA and encourages urban sprawl.
The roadways are already overburdened. According to a preliminary staff report, seven roadway segments along SR 40 already exceed—or nearly exceed—their traffic capacity.
Concerts, stadium lighting, and commercial activity would replace the quiet, rural lifestyle with constant disruption.

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗕𝗢𝗖𝗖 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀

After 𝟲.𝟱 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗲𝗯𝗮𝘁𝗲, the Marion County Board of County Commissioners 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝟱-𝟬 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗘𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗖𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿’𝘀 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀 to the state for review.

Stay tuned for future updates.⁣

Why It Matters

Preserving the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area means preserving the identity of Marion County. Responsible growth is possible—but only if we stay committed to thoughtful planning that protects the land, lifestyle, and legacy that define this unique region.

Victory for the Farmland Preservation Area: BOCC Unanimously Denies RAC Expansion

At the July 15th Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, we’re proud to report a major win for the Farmland Preservation Area. In a unanimous vote, the Commissioners denied Thomas Moore’s proposal to expand the Rural Activity Center (RAC) on a 20-acre parcel adjacent to Gilbert’s Hardware—land located deep within the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

This proposed “Piggyback RAC” would have opened the door to over 35 commercial uses, including fuel stations, storage facilities, and large-scale buildings totaling more than 350,000 square feet. It was a clear threat to the rural character and conservation purpose of the Farmland Preservation Area.

By rejecting this proposal, the Commissioners reinforced their commitment to protecting Marion County’s rural landscape and set a strong precedent against sprawl in inappropriate areas.

This is a significant victory for Horse Farms Forever and everyone who values the unique sense of place our farmland provides. Thank you to all who stood with us, showed up, and spoke out. Your support continues to make a difference.

Hearing on Thomas Moore’s application on July 15th, 2025.

Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation, spoke at the County Commission meeting in opposition to the application to rezone the 20-acre parcel in the FPA.

List of concerns from growth presented at hearing.

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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

Hold Your Horses on the Sports and Entertainment Complex

by Horse Farms Forever | Jul 9, 2025 | News

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Photo Credit: Ocala Gazette

Golden Ocala’s proposed sports and entertainment complex is being promoted as a way to “do something for the kids that don’t ride horses.” But what’s actually planned is not a modest community sports space—it’s a massive 236-acre commercial development that would forever change the character of this area.

This intense development includes:

17 outdoor sports fields
A stadium
A hotel
Restaurants
A concert venue
An indoor sports and expo center
Unlimited concerts and events

This facility is not designed for casual Saturday baseball games. It’s designed for traveling sports teams, tournaments, and large-scale entertainment, more akin to a theme park than a neighborhood park.

In fact, the proposed size and scope rivals Disney’s Wide World of Sports, which spans 220 acres and supports major amateur and professional sporting events. That’s not just “something for the kids”—that’s big business.

WEC Already Offers Youth Sports

It’s worth noting that youth sports are already happening at WEC. This summer, Sports at WEC launched programs for both competitive and recreational play, including private training and field rentals.

These activities are located at Expo Center #2 and on existing outdoor fields—facilities that are already permitted and zoned for this kind of use. WEC’s 378-acre property allows for recreational activities, graduation ceremonies, community events, and up to four concerts a year.

So, why the need for such a massive new development?

Existing Sports Facilities—In the Right Place

Marion County and the City of Ocala already provide access to youth sports through:

The 80-acre Ocala Regional Sportsplex
The 80-acre Rotary Sportsplex

While our growing community may need additional venues, location matters.

That’s why the Ocala/Marion County Visitors and Convention Bureau partnered with Hunden Partners to develop a Tourism Placemaking Plan and Feasibility Analysis. Presented in March, the plan’s top recommendation was for an indoor, multi-use sports facility—not a sprawling mega-complex. Among 11 proposed sites, the best locations are near the City of Ocala or along I-75, where infrastructure already exists.

View Hunden Partner's Tourism Placemaking Plan and Feasibility Analysis

View Site Matrix

Let’s Wait for the Right Decision

The Tourism Placemaking Plan began in 2023 and included extensive community input and stakeholder interviews. No final decision has been made by the County about what to build or where to build it. So why rush?

Let’s hold our horses and allow this thoughtful, community-driven process to play out.

Wrong Location

The issue isn’t whether we should build more sports facilities. It’s where we build them.

Golden Ocala’s proposed location is currently zoned for low-density residential use as part of the World Equestrian Estates—a buffer for the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA). This land was removed from the FPA at Golden Ocala’s own request to develop WEC, with the promise it would serve as a transition between intense commercial activity and rural preservation.

Now, they want to break that promise.

𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: 𝗕𝗢𝗖𝗖 𝗩𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗹𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 & 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗲𝘅 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻𝘀

Stay tuned for future updates.⁣

The proposed complex would sit directly adjacent to the Farmland Preservation Area, posing real risks to the surrounding horse farms and rural neighborhoods that define our landscape and economy.

The Farmland Preservation Area is located directly South of the site plan.

View Site Plan

It’s the World Equestrian Center—Not the World Sports Center

Let’s not forget: WEC was built to showcase Marion County’s global identity as the Horse Capital of the World. That identity is rooted in our equine heritage—not hockey rinks or rock concerts.

Horses don’t play hockey. They don’t ride roller coasters.

This complex would undermine the very brand we’ve worked so hard to build—and the $4.3 billion equine industry that sustains our local economy.

Let’s Hold Our Horses—And Find a Better Location

We support more recreational opportunities for local children. But it must be done the right way, in the right place, and without jeopardizing what makes Marion County so special.

Let’s work together to protect our rural lands, preserve our equine identity, and plan responsibly for 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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

P&Z Commission Meeting Update: Sports & Entertainment Complex + “Piggyback the RAC”

by Horse Farms Forever | Jul 2, 2025 | News, Ongoing

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At the June 30 Planning & Zoning (P&Z) Commission meeting, the Commission made two important recommendations:

✅ Recommended Approval – Golden Ocala’s 236-acre Sports & Entertainment Complex

❌ Recommended Denial – Thomas Moore’s proposal to expand the Rural Activity Center (RAC) adjacent to Gilbert’s Hardware

Despite overwhelming public opposition, the Sports Complex application was unanimously recommended for approval. We are grateful to the many Horse Farms Forever members and local residents who filled the McPherson Auditorium to speak out against both proposals.

⚠️ Important: These recommendations are not final. The Board of County Commissioners will vote on both applications at the following hearings:

Golden Ocala Hearing: Monday, July 21st at 1:30 p.m. at McPherson Auditorium

Thomas Moore Hearing: Tuesday, July 15th at 2:00 p.m. at McPherson Auditorium (Due to the large number of zoning cases, the Thomas Moore applications were moved to the July 15th County Commission meeting instead of July 21st.)

Update from the Thomas Moore Hearing:

At the July 15 BOCC meeting, County Commissioners unanimously denied Thomas Moore’s proposal to expand the RAC near Gilbert’s Hardware, protecting the Farmland Preservation Area from inappropriate commercial development. This victory preserves the rural character of our community, and we’re deeply grateful for your continued support.

🏟️ The Sports and Entertainment Complex

Horse Farms Forever opposes the Sports and Entertainment Complex for two key reasons:

1. It’s in the Wrong Location

This facility is proposed on land within the World Equestrian Estates, which was approved as a low-density equestrian residential area. These lands were removed from the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) to serve as a buffer—not to be repurposed for intense commercial development.

This application violates prior agreements made by Golden Ocala and threatens the integrity of our community’s planning vision.

2. There Are No Horses

Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World, and while the World Equestrian Center has significantly benefited our equine economy, this new proposal strays from that mission.

“Horses don’t play hockey, and they don’t ride roller coasters either.” This is the World Equestrian Center — not the World Sports Center.

The proposed uses are not equestrian in nature and are incompatible with the surrounding horse farms and rural neighborhoods. The development poses serious threats to:

The $4.3 Billion equine industry
Marion County’s rural character
Our global equestrian brand

The Sports and Entertainment Complex

Horse Farms Forever opposes the Sports and Entertainment Complex for two key reasons:

1. It’s in the Wrong Location

This application violates prior agreements made by Golden Ocala and threatens the integrity of our community’s planning vision.

2. There Are No Horses

Ocala is the Horse Capital of the World, and while the World Equestrian Center has significantly benefited our equine economy, this new proposal strays from that mission.

“Horses don’t play hockey, and they don’t ride roller coasters either.” This is the World Equestrian Center — not the World Sports Center.

The proposed uses are not equestrian in nature and are incompatible with the surrounding horse farms and rural neighborhoods. The development poses serious threats to:

The $4.3 Billion equine industry
Marion County’s rural character
Our global equestrian brand

🚫 “Piggyback the RAC” Proposal Denied

Horse Farms Forever strongly supported the P&Z Commission’s recommendation to deny the RAC expansion proposed by Thomas Moore.

This nearly 20-acre parcel lies deep within the Farmland Preservation Area, and the proposed land use change does not meet the criteria for RAC designation.

Why We Opposed It:

Not Needed: Only 30% of the existing 73-acre RAC is developed. There is no current or foreseeable demand for expansion.
Encourages Sprawl: County staff warned that the expansion would promote inefficient and premature sprawl.
Opens the Door to Intense Commercial Uses: Approval would allow over 35 commercial uses, including fuel plants, storage facilities, and 350,000+ sq. ft. of buildings.

Rural Activity Centers are intended to support rural life with limited, community-serving uses, not to introduce industrial-level development.

According to staff, this proposal violates multiple provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code and is not in the public interest.

“Piggyback the RAC” Proposal Denied

Horse Farms Forever strongly supported the P&Z Commission’s recommendation to deny the RAC expansion proposed by Thomas Moore.

This nearly 20-acre parcel lies deep within the Farmland Preservation Area, and the proposed land use change does not meet the criteria for RAC designation.

Why We Opposed It:

Not Needed: Only 30% of the existing 73-acre RAC is developed. There is no current or foreseeable demand for expansion.
Encourages Sprawl: County staff warned that the expansion would promote inefficient and premature sprawl.
Opens the Door to Intense Commercial Uses: Approval would allow over 35 commercial uses, including fuel plants, storage facilities, and 350,000+ sq. ft. of buildings.

Rural Activity Centers are intended to support rural life with limited, community-serving uses, not to introduce industrial-level development.

According to staff, this proposal violates multiple provisions of the Comprehensive Plan and Land Development Code and is not in the public interest.

📣 Take Action

Your involvement makes all the difference. Here’s how you can help:

📧 Email your concerns to the County Commission:

countycommissioners@marionfl.org

🗣️ Attend the County Commission Hearing:

Monday, July 21st at 1:30 p.m. @ McPherson Auditorium – 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala

🙌 Support Our Work

Join Horse Farms Forever today and help us protect what makes Marion County special.

Join Today!

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.

Join Today!

View Current Threats

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