Visual Inspiration For Conservation

Visual Inspiration For Conservation

by | Oct 13, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Learn More About Photographer and Filmmaker, Elma Garcia

The stunning photos of Marion County landscapes, horses and dogs, that you see on our website and social media are graciously donated by Elma Garcia – HFF Founder, Board Member and Gold Sponsor of this year’s Conservation Summit. Elma’s love for the landscape is contagious in each photograph and short film she so kindly allows us to use in support of our mission. Elma is an artist and an equestrian and a treasured member of our team.

Elma Garcia began directing commercials, working alongside renowned cinematographers such as Conrad Hall, Haskell Wexler, and Robert Richardson, who all encouraged her to get behind the camera herself. Once she did, there was no turning back:  in her own words, “I love having the camera close to my heart; it allows me to move more intuitively.”  For that reason, she’s worked as both director and cinematographer for 28 years and owns her own production company, EGF.  Her mastery of these complementary talents allows her to create authentic, beautiful, and cohesive narratives reflecting the spirit of the human condition.

Above all, Elma’s keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence in storytelling ensure she consistently delivers not only high-quality, effective spots, but a top shelf experience for her collaborators. Her clientele have taken her all over the world creating award winning tv commercials. Her images and short films taken in the Farmland Preservation area are about giving everyone the feeling of the open spaces, and the quality of life on horse farms. 

In her spare time, she’s an avid golfer and National Dressage Champion. She is now training her new string of dressage horses. She and her husband, Jim Cannavino, live on their horse farms in Mill Spring, North Carolina and Ocala.  
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Marion County Talks Conservation

Marion County Talks Conservation

by | Oct 8, 2021 | Events, News, Plan, Uncategorized

A Thoroughbred Farm, A Realtor, and A Sport Horse Breeder…

This is the first of a series where we hear directly from the farms, non-profits and businesses who are standing in support of farmland preservation in the midst of our growing economy. As we anticipate the Conservations About Conservation- Summit 2021 next month, we’re sparking the exchange of thoughts and ideas. What do your neighbors think about preserving our farmland? What do you think?

We had conversations about conservation with George Isaacs of Bridlewood Farm, Valerie Dailey of Showcase Properties, and Linda Bammann of Laughing Horse Farm. Here’s what they had to say.

 

Why is it important for Marion County to have conversations about conservation?
Isaacs:

When I moved to Ocala over 25 years ago to begin my management career here at Bridlewood Farm, it was a sleepy little town with vast open cattle and horse farms in every direction. In what seems like a blink of an eye, much of the land has been developed, paved, and lost forever.

Dailey:

Talking about and developing ideas for conservation supports educated smart growth and sustainability. When the intent of land use planning is to ensure the efficient use of space and resources, farmland is better protected and allows room for communities to grow and thrive.

Bammann:

We believe horse farms and the horse industry are the basic fabric of Ocala. Clearly, the growth patterns over the last year or so are indicating that growth will only increase. We had a cattle ranch on the coast of California. We saw the beauty be completely disrupted through inappropriate growth. Given the growth of Ocala, we would hate to see that happen again here.

What do we stand to gain through farmland preservation?
Dailey:

Farmland preservation programs and many private land trusts work to ensure that we don’t destroy resources which protect our green spaces and environment: Fertile soils, drinkable water, and clean air. Natural assets should be viewed as capital assets; like tractors or office buildings, they have tangible, real-world economic value. And unlike other capital assets, they’re renewable and self-sustaining. When managed properly, their value doesn’t depreciate over time.

Bammann:

We hold on to the character of the people who built our community in a way that we can be proud of. We retain the culture of working hard and having beautiful properties that produce livestock and crops.

Isaacs:

It is vitally important that we come together as a community, and manage this intense population growth successfully and preserve the natural aesthetic essence of Ocala which is our horse farms, pastureland, old live oaks, and the natural springs. These make Marion County a very special place to live, work, and call home.

 

What do we stand to lose if we don’t raise the subject now?
Bammann:

We lose everything that makes Ocala unique. The equestrian environment and farmlands built Ocala. If we don’t respect that it will be lost forever.

Isaacs:

Quickly, we are becoming a large town with sprawl and losing our rural charm that we will never reclaim.

Dailey:

If we don’t take care of our environment and protect our green spaces, we’re only contributing to our own spiral, narrowing our world and limiting our choices. Bad decisions can affect sustainability for generations to come; it may not happen in our lifetimes, but it might in our children’s and grandchildren’s. That’s not the legacy I want to leave behind. So it’s important that we talk about ways we can protect and create green spaces, and actively support structured growth.

How would you describe Marion County’s unique identity?
Dailey:

Equestrian culture is so deeply woven into the collective DNA of the area. It’s a collegial, collaborative and inclusive community that is very invested in efficient land use and sustainability. Marion County is known for being a place of incredible natural beauty, with plenty of parks and recreational areas to hike and ride and explore. It’s a wonderful place to live and work.

Isaacs:

Now I’m from Kentucky, and I’ve lived in Ocala a long time now, and I’m going to say that Ocala is definitely the Horse Capital of the World®.

Bammann:

It is the equestrian and agricultural community. Beautiful live oak trees, rolling hills, horses and cattle in the fields. Oak trees don’t come back overnight. Neither do the springs that feed us and a lot of Florida. Quality of life – once you lose it, you lose it forever. There would be no Central Park if not for the foresight of its preservers. Do it now or it will be lost forever.

 

 

 

A Florida-licensed REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida since 2005 and the current Owner and Broker, Valerie specializes in the listing and selling of equine properties, as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. Being a part of the sales of the three highest selling properties in Marion County’s recent years, Valerie’s expertise in real estate and leadership of her agents continues to inspire and bring Showcase to the forefront of the local real estate industry.

Showcase Properties of Central Florida is a Charter Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit.

General Manager of Bridlewood Farm since 1989. Isaacs is forever a fan of the cultivation of top quality equine athletes and Marion County as the ideal place for a thriving horse industry. Bridlewood Farm encompasses more than 2,200 acres. Founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton and owned today by John and Leslie Malone, Bridlewood Farm has represented excellence for 43 years.

Bridlewood Farm is a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit. Isaacs serves on the Board of Directors.

Linda Bamman

Linda Bammann was drawn to Ocala by the equine industry. She is an avid equestrian and with her husband, Paul Terzani, owns Laughing Horse Farm. After an extensive career in banking and finance, Linda chose to transition to Florida to pursue her life passion. Laughing Horse Farm is situated on 30 acres. Along with partner, Marcus Gruenthal, Bammann trains and sells show jumpers.

Laughing Horse Farm is a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit. Bammann serves on the Board of Directors.

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A Bright Future For Marion County

Do you believe that horse farms and the horse industry make Ocala/Marion County a unique place to live and work? Tell us about it in the comments below. Do you want our unique character and culture to live on for future generations? Add your hoofprints to the herd by becoming a member.

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Four New Sponsors Join The Conversation

Four New Sponsors Join The Conversation

by | Sep 28, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes Golden Ocala/World Equestrian Center, Icard Merrill, Advanced Myographics, and Cox Communications

The business community is turning out in force to support Horse Farms Forever’s second annual Conservation Summit. The event puts the spotlight on Marion County’s unique quality of life advantages – horses, horse farms and beautiful open spaces.

“We are initiating conversations around the community centered around farmland preservation and conservation,” says Horse Farms Forever Executive Director, Sara Fennessy. “There is an amazing groundswell of interest in investing in the future of Marion County, and keeping it open and beautiful. Close to 40 businesses, non-profits and farms have aligned with us as sponsors for the Summit on November 23 at Ocala Breeder’s Sales. County officials have registered to attend and expressed their enthusiasm in having this conversation. We are gathering those voices together and creating a spark. Each new sponsor brings a unique and valuable perspective to the community-wide conversation.”

Golden Ocala & World Equestrian Center

Gold Sponsor

No introduction required – Golden Ocala and the World Equestrian Center have significantly lifted the profile and impact of Ocala/Marion County as the Horse Capital of the World®. From our beginning three years ago, the Roberts family have stood with us in support of farmland and open space preservation and smart growth that sustains a healthy equine economy and quality of life. They are Founding Members of Horse Farms Forever and last year, hosted our first Conservation Summit at Golden Ocala. We are thrilled to have their participation and support this year.

Florida Horse Park Logo

Advanced Myographic Technologies

Silver Sponsor

Announcing the Revolutionary CURO MK II Wireless Technology ! WHAT IS THE ESTi TM by CURO? The all NEW CURO Mk II Wireless portable system uses very sensitive sensors to measure the pressure waves that skeletal muscles generate when they are active. The word CURO means I Care and was chosen as a name for this technology since it allows us to care for the way we train and rehabilitate humans, horses and dogs. It has not been possible before now to assess muscle function in a non-invasive and real-time manner and in such an accurate fashion as is capable using the CURO, so now at long last we can truly care for our people and our animals.

CONTACT DETAILS Advanced Myographic Technologies, LLC
Mobile: 352-456-8338 RSD@myographytech.com

Icard Merrill Attorneys & Counselors

Silver Sponsor

Icard Merrill has been serving the Suncoast since 1953. Their diverse practice provides assistance includes during some of the most life events – purchasing or selling real property, forming or selling a business, planning for their estates, defending or bringing a lawsuit, adopting a child, relocating a professional practice, developing a condominium or subdivision project, borrowing money for business or personal reasons, or rezoning property to reflect changes in use and demographics.

Icard Merrill’s lawyers and staff work diligently to improve the communities where they work and live, supporting organizations that maintain and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

 

Cox Communications Florida

Bronze Sponsor

Find the best internet and TV bundles in Ocala, FL. Cox provides a wide variety of services at affordable prices. Bundle TV and Internet with Cox Homelife or Cox Voice for even greater savings.

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We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

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John and Leslie Malone Honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

John and Leslie Malone Honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

by | Sep 16, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Lexington, KY – September 13, 2021– Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR) is pleased to announce that John and Leslie Malone were recognized as the recipients of the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award during the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA) 35th National Awards Dinner on September 11th in Lexington, Kentucky.

The award, established in 2014 as a partnership between TOBA and ELCR to help increase awareness of the importance of land conservation to the Thoroughbred industry and to serve as an inspiration to others within the industry, is presented annually at the TOBA National Awards dinner.

John Malone, the largest landowner in the United States, is no stranger to the conservation world. A well-respected philanthropist and supporter of land preservation, John is the founder of the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation and a member of the board of The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest land-conservation nonprofit organizations in the country. Leslie Malone, a horse lover since childhood, is a well-known equestrian and major supporter of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team.

“I have had the pleasure of working for the Malones since the fall of 2013, and since traveled to many of the properties they own,” said Bridlewood farm manager George Isaacs. “There is a common interwoven philosophy that binds them all together. Stewardship, commitment, and perpetuity for the land, animals, and people.”

Among the Malones’ many conservation achievements was the permanent protection of Riveredge Farm, the prestigious thoroughbred horse farm previously known as Sycamore Hall Farm in Maryland, which was on track to become a  residential development before the Malones purchased the property and protected it with a 532-acre conservation easement. Riveredge is now maintained as a 600-acre world-class sport horse facility.

According to the Bangor Daily News, in addition to preserving land in Florida and Maryland for thoroughbred operations, John Malone also owns large expanses of land in Maine, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and New Hampshire and has earned a reputation as a conservation-minded buyer who maintains the traditional uses of the properties he buys.

“The Malones’ long-term commitment to land conservation serves as an impressive example for not only the Thoroughbred community but our equine community at large,” said ELCR President Ken Haddad. “We are thrilled to honor them with the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award.”

John Malone is the keynote speaker of Horse Farms Forever’s Conservation Summit, to be held at Ocala Breeder’s Sales on November 23, 2021. This will be a great opportunity to hear one of this nation’s great land conservationists speak directly to the challenges facing Marion County. The Summit can be attended live at OBS or virtually via livestream. 

Bridlewood Farm General Manager, George Isaacs, with ELCR Executive Director, Holley Groshek, accepting the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award on behalf of the Malones at the TOBA Awards Dinner in Lexington, Kentucky.

Bridlewood Farm

The Malones purchased the 800-acre historic Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida in August 2013, and spearheaded its revitalization as a working thoroughbred operation. It now covers 2,000 acres. The Malones also demonstrated their commitment to protecting Central Florida’s prestigious horse lands as founding members of Horse Farms Forever. Their Bridlewood farm manager, George Isaacs, serves on the board of Horse Farms Forever, which was also the 2020 recipient of the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award. The Malones’ leadership led to other local farms joining the movement to protect the unique heritage and culture of Central Florida horse farms.

About Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): ELCR builds awareness of the loss of lands available for horse-related activities and facilitates the protection and conservation of those lands, working to ensure America’s equine heritage lives on and the emotional, physical, and economic benefits of the horse-human relationship remains accessible. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse on conserving horse properties, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability, and equine economic impact. For more information about ELCR, visit www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

About the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA): TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to improve the economics, integrity, and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Claiming Crown, Ownership Seminars, Ownerview.com and the Sales Integrity Program. TOBA provides international representation for U.S. owners and breeders on the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee, International Cataloguing Standards Committee, and International Breeders Federation. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc. and is represented as a founding member on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

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Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

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Tiny Horse Take Over

Tiny Horse Take Over

by | Sep 15, 2021 | Events, News

Meet The Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses At The Conservation Summit

On November 23, Ocala Breeder’s Sales (OBS) will be occupied by horses of a different color – and SIZE. We are pleased to announce that the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses will be featured at our 2021 Conservation Summit. Surely, you’ve heard about these adorable horses and their quest to bring healing and joy in the midst of disaster. They have been featured on Animal Planet, National Geographic, and all the major networks. Come and meet some of Marion County’s most famous residents! Learn more about their heartwarming and worthy mission.

Bringing Love Where It Is Needed Most

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses ease human suffering during times of natural emergencies, violence, traumatic events and loss with the assistance of highly trained horses, volunteers and the generosity of donors.

 

The horses also work with medical professionals in oncology units, intensive care units and with occupational, speech and physical therapists. As part of treatment teams, the horses support patients who have suffered strokes, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and burns.

 

Gentle Carousel’s literacy program, Reading Is Magic, brings therapy horses inside schools, at risk youth programs, literacy events and libraries to inspire young readers and “bring books to life.”

Don’t you want to hug one? Of course you do! See you at the Summit!

Learn More About Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses!

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Always Watching

We work hard to keep you informed, and to represent our members' interests in preserving our horse farms, farmland and the unique character and culture of Marion County's 193,000 acre Farmland Preservation Area.

Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Join Today!
Join or Donate Now