New To The Herd

New To The Herd

More and more members of the business community are falling in step with our mission to protect Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. We welcome several new Corporate Members this month, and heartily thank those who have renewed their memberships. Yes, we have work to do, but we are getting it done together as a strong voice for farmland preservation.

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Bridlewood Farm

Founder – RENEWING 

Owners John and Leslie Malone purchased the 800-acre historic facility in Ocala, Florida in August 2013, and together with General Manager, George Isaacs, are spearheading its revitalization. In the short span since they purchased Bridlewood, the Malones have procured some of the most sought-after bloodstock in the sales arena, and secured three new graded stakes winners for their stallion barn. John Malone, Chairman of Liberty Media Corp. (whose holdings include Sirius XM and the Atlanta Braves) is the largest land owner in the United States. Don’t miss a chance to hear him speak at our upcoming Conservation Summit! Leslie, a horse lover since childhood, is a well-known equestrian and major supporter of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team.

Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

Niall Brennan Stables

Charter – RENEWING

‘Success is no accident’ was chosen as Niall Brennan’s motto because it embodies his philosophy of life. Sometimes, people are lucky in the horse business, but success generally comes from hard work, attention to detail, integrity, leaving nothing to chance, and striving to fine tune quality services. NBS was the leader or amongst the leaders in EVERY Category from Winner to Grade One Stakes Winner at the Two Year Old Sales from 2015 -2019.

Mars Equestrian

Charter – RENEWING

A better world for horses, pets and people. MARS Equestrian™ sponsorship by Mars, Incorporated, is the link between their iconic brands and the equestrian community. We are honored to have Mars Equestrian continue to sponsor Horse Farms Forever every year since its inception.

Neighborhood Storage

Charter – NEW

We welcome Todd Rudnianyn, and his company, Neighborhood Storage, as a Corporate Member at the Charter Level. Neighborhood Storage provides quality storage space & friendly, caring storage consultants. They offer helpful tips, maps, directions and contact information to each of their 25 storage facilities in the Ocala, Florida area. 

 

The Service Companies

Charter – NEW

The Service Companies is a trusted integrated services provider providing innovative cleaning, housekeeping, food and beverage staffing, and facility maintenance solutions to hospitality, corporate cafeteria, university, school, stadium and commercial facilities. Located nationwide, services are tailored to the unique needs of clients, resulting in a superior experience for their guests, streamlined operations, improved health and cleanliness, and efficiencies that improve the bottom line.  

Welcome and
Thank You!
 

Phyllis & Pat Harlow- Charter
Patricia & Gary Lang-
Charter

David Velez- Patron

Mary O’Neal – Leader

Cheri McDermott – Friend
Andy Fuhrman – Friend

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To learn more or to join please contact our Director of Community Affairs,
Sara Fennessy 

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. Join the herd. Every voice matters.

Welcome New Partners and Friends

Welcome New Partners and Friends

The environment where we work and live is important. Our local businesses, whether they serve the equine industry or not, know that the unique character of Ocala/Marion County expressed in its farmland and open space makes it an appealing place to be. Without it, we are just another Florida boom town. We welcome several new Corporate Members this month, and heartily thank those who have renewed their memberships..

Florida Horse Park Logo

JP Morgan Chase Bank

Charter – NEW

Chase Bank serves nearly half of U.S. households with a broad range of products. Chase online lets you manage your Chase accounts, view statements, monitor activity, pay bills or transfer funds securely from one central place. To learn more, visit the Banking Education Center.

de Meric Thoroughbred Sales

Founder – RENEWING

de Meric Stables, which also owns and manages adjoining Eclipse Training Center, is set on 240 acres of lush, rolling land in the heart of Florida’s celebrated horse country in Marion county. Rich in both the mineral concentrations in its soil and water and in its traditional role as one of the great Thoroughbred nurseries of the world, this area has produced some of North America’s greatest racehorses. In addition, Eclipse is an accredited training center and offers documented workouts for publication in trade press.

The Equine Chronicle

Founder – RENEWING

The Equine Chronicle is sent out free of charge to every AQHA, APHA, ApHC, NSBA and NRHA judge. It is also distributed FREE of charge at most AQHA, APHA and ApHC horse shows nationwide by over 150 distributors. And with a circulation of over 60,000 copies reaching that count, it’s no wonder The Equine Chronicle is…THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!

Florida Horse Park Logo

Live Oak International

Founder – RENEWING

Entering its 30th year, Live Oak International is the largest international-level combined driving and show jumping tournament in the country, and each year welcomes some of the leading drivers, riders, trainers, coaches and owners from Europe and North America. Don’t miss all the action and celebration on March 3-6, 2022.

 

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Quail Roost Foundation

Patron – NEW

Quail Roost Foundation makes national and international grants in the areas of: All Creatures (Animal Welfare), Education, Emergency Relief, Health, Home Community (Taos County, NM and surrounding areas), Justice, and Sustainability.

Cone

Equus Inn

Leader – NEW

Looking for an Ocala hotel that meets your expectations will no longer be a challenge. The remodeled Equus Inn in Ocala, Florida, is the only Equine Themed, Vintage Boutique Hotel. We’ve reimagined Equus’ 152 rooms to encompass rich equine history, lasting comfort, and modern conveniences. 

Mid Florida Heating & Air

Leader – NEW

You’re in Luck with the Big Orange Truck! Florida’s Leading Heating & Air Company Since 1983.

Next Level Farm

Partner – NEW

Next Level Farm is the premiere equestrian center located in Ocala, Florida. Next Level Farm is adjacent to the HITS showground and offers 78 acres of premium pastures, facilities and privacy in the heart of the equestrian world. 

Showcase Properties of Central Florida

Charter – RENEWING

Whether you’re buying or selling a home, farm, or land, Showcase Properties has the resources you need. They are committed to offering extensive real estate listings for every lifestyle, including luxury homescountry club livingequestrianwaterfrontfarms, and more.  Their comprehensive services include listing your property, marketing, staging your home for maximum curb appeal, pricing your property to sell, and guiding you from the contract stage through closing.

The Wood Stove and Fireplace Center

Partner – NEW

The Wood Stove, Inc. has been dedicated to providing Florida with alternative heating products which combine efficiency, beauty and practicality for over 44 years. We stock many unique hearth and home-related products chosen for quality and style, for both indoor and outdoor.

New to the Herd


We welcome you!

Merry Bain – Friend
Daniel Campos
– Friend
Joyce Hart
– Friend
Kathryn Koch – Friend
Wendy Lader – Friend

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

ALL THE LOGOS

Corporate Members Gallery

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To learn more or to join please contact our Executive Director,
Sara Fennessy 

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. Join the herd. Every voice matters.

The Marion County Quality of Life Survey

What will Marion County look like in the future?

How can we grow gracefully?

What will it take to retain the character and culture of this special place?

We are asking those who live, work and play here to weigh in.

Keep an eye on your mailbox!

Together with the Ocala Metro CEP, College of Central Florida, Florida Thoroughbred Owner’s and Breeder’s Association, Ocala Horse Properties, and Hotel Development and Management Group, we are sponsoring a comprehensive Quality of Life Survey in Marion County. This Survey is being conducted by The Matrix Group – an independent insights and consulting firm.

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to grow by about 150,000 new residents. By taking a step back to assess our strengths and weaknesses, this survey is an opportunity to work together to strengthen the community and economy. It will also serve as a model for how public, private and non-profit organizations can work together toward building a better future here in Marion County.

 You may receive an invitation to participate in the Survey by mail. The Matrix Group is mailing the survey to 15,000 households randomly-selected to accurately represent all of the County’s regions. If you do receive the Survey, we urge you to follow the directions to complete it.

We look forward to sharing the results this Fall at our Conservation Summit

 
Gratitude to each of our generous sponsors for partnering with us in this important endeavor.
 

Conservation Summit 2021

Save the Date!

Tuesday, November 23

from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM

Lunch will be served at 11:00 AM

Live Stream from 12:30 to 2:30 PM

New Location:

 Ocala Breeder’s Sales Co.

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.

Businesses Invest in Ocala’s Quality of Life

Businesses Invest in Ocala’s Quality of Life

The environment where we work and live is important. Our local businesses, whether they serve the equine industry or not, know that the unique character of Ocala/Marion County expressed in its farmland and open space makes it an appealing place to be. Without it, we are just another Florida boom town. We welcome several new Corporate Members this month, and heartily thank those who have renewed their memberships, many jumping up a level or two. Yes, we have work to do, but we are getting it done together as a strong voice for farmland preservation.

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Cloverly Farm – the Stroh Family

Founder – RENEWING 

Owned and operated by the Stroh family, Cloverly Farm is a state-of-the-art hunter jumper show stable located in the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area. Thank you, Vivian Day and John Stroh, for expressing your alignment with our mission by stepping up to the Founder level.

Cone

Cone Distributing

Founder – RENEWING

When you crack open a cold one at your 4th of July barbeque, offer a toast to Cone Distributing. They employ 320 in Ocala and serve 22 counties in Florida with a vast array of beer and non-alcoholic beverages. Why does a beverage distributor support Horse Farms Forever? Find out here.

Advent Health Ocala

Charter – NEW

The Advent Health Network’s principles for caring for the whole person started more than 150 years ago. They continue to help the people in their care create a life of whole health by healing their bodies, strengthening their minds and lifting their spirits. Today, AdventHealth is one of the largest health care providers in the United States, with thousands of compassionate professionals working to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ around the country.

Lugano Diamonds Ocala

Charter – NEW

Lugano Diamonds is proud to be recognized as a leader in the community. They believe they must be stewards of giving while encouraging others to give back. Lugano Diamonds’ newest salon can be found in the lobby of the Equestrian Hotel at The World Equestrian Center overlooking the VIP Terrace and Grand Prix arena.

Horses Daily

Patron – RENEWING

For people with a passion for horses, Horses Daily provides a unique service archiving and reporting equestrian news for multiple disciplines, as well as health and wellness advice, tips on training, business management, and promotion of the equestrian industry. Located right here in Marion County, Horses Daily, and its owner, Mary Phelps, have proudly leveled-up to Patron.

Berrettini Feed Specialists

Patron – NEW

We welcome Berrettini – a well-known feed and supply provider here in Marion County. Established in 1974, Berrettini earns customer loyalty and confidence by providing quality large and small animal feed and supplies coupled with knowledgeable customer service. 

Florida Horse Park Logo

Florida Horse Park

Patron – RENEWING

The Florida Agriculture Center and Horse Park is a 500-acre, multipurpose facility and one of Central Florida’s premiere venues for equine, agricultural, educational, and sporting events. We are proud to support the Horse Park and champion their mission. This year, they have chosen to increase their commitment from Partner to Patron level. We are so thankful for their unwavering support for our mission.

Florida Horse Park Logo

Covert Appraisal Services

Partner – NEW

Covert Appraisal Inc is a full service commercial real estate appraisal firm with offices in Gainesville and Ocala. With over twenty-six years of real estate experience and with completed assignments in the range of several hundreds, Covert Appraisal Services Inc, has the expertise and resources necessary for a quality product delivered efficiently to its clients. 

New to the Herd


We welcome you!

Jamie Wallace – Friend

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To learn more or to join please contact our Director of Community Affairs,
Sara Fennessy 

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. Join the herd. Every voice matters.

A Growing Concern

A Growing Concern

Those who love our open spaces and beautiful places can no longer ignore the growth coming to Ocala/Marion County. We are so thankful for our members, new and renewing, who enable us to keep inspiring CONVERSATIONS about CONSERVATION of our precious farmland. Together, we can turn our concerns into smart planning for a future that both grows our economy and protects our horse farms.

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation

Founder – RENEWING

Brook Ledge and the people behind the name are committed to providing the most outstanding service possible in horse transportation. They ship famous show and racehorses to pasture companions and faithful steeds. Whether your horse is a companion or a champion they are all equally important and treated with the highest care and attention. 

Greater Ocala Dog Club

Partner – NEW

The Greater Ocala Dog Club was founded in 1970 to further the advancement of all breeds of purebred dogs, to protect and advance the interest of all breeds of purebred dogs and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and AKC performance events. In addition, the club conducts sanctioned matches, AKC dog shows, companion events and performance events under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club. This Club also promotes responsible dog ownership.

Great American Insurance Group

Charter – NEW

For nearly 150 years, Americans have trusted Great American to protect them. Their innovative insurance solutions and specialization serves niche marketplaces that they know well. This expertise gives them a successful foundation that spans generations.

Pyranha-Adeptus

Charter – NEW

For over 40 years Pyranha, Inc has been innovating and providing pest control solutions for the residential and livestock industry. Pyranha not only offers ready-to-use and concentrated insecticide products as well as their misting systems, but they also offer a line of odor-management products ideal for homes, kennels, livestock areas and more.

Ocala Stud

Charter – RENEWING

Ocala Stud sold its first crop of two-year-olds in 1958. Since that time, it has become a tradition for the farm to sell its entire juvenile crop, either at the Ocala Breeders’ in training sales in Ocala, Florida (obssales.com), or privately, right off the farm.

The Farm never races, and never holds back promising juveniles. Yet year after year, runners bred, raised, and sold by Ocala Stud rank among the best of their divisions in the U.S. and abroad.

 

New to the Herd


We welcome you!

Gary Bybee – Leader

Sandy Davis – Friend

Rona Garm – Partner

Brooke Hamlin – Friend

Suzanne Jensen – Friend

Kit Mauer – Friend

Jennifer Shuck – Friend

Winding Way Farm – Friend

Angela Yates – Friend

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to promote your business throughout the equine community? Becoming a Horse Farms Forever Corporate Member gives you access to our members in Ocala/Marion County and beyond.  Donating to Horse Farms Forever, a registered 501(c)3 with the IRS, reaches our members, friends, and subscribers though our newsletters, social media, advertising, and events.  To learn more or to join please contact our Director of Community Affairs,
Sara Fennessy 

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. Join the herd. Every voice matters.