Horse Farms Forever hosted a special, invitation-only “Behind the Gate” at Bridlewood Farm to honor our Founding Members and top-level donors — an experience few ever get to witness.

It was a perfect morning that unfolded — as the early morning fog lifted, guests were welcomed over rolling hills to the heart of the training track. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss framed a breathtaking landscape, where horses grazed peacefully across lush green pastures.

This was more than a view—it was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. It was also a way to say thank you to the champions – our Founder Members – who make our mission possible.

A Community of Champions

Moments like these are made possible only through the support of our donors. We are deeply grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Duke Energy, and to AdventHealth for their generous support in bringing this special experience to life.

We are also grateful to our newest Founder Member – Janelle Mertins Bulmahn, who presented Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director, with a generous donation in honor of her late husband, Paul Bulmahn. In 2006, Paul founded Gold Mark Farm, a large Thoroughbred farm in Ocala.

A Legacy Built on Vision

Our guests were also treated to an insightful presentation by George Isaacs, who has been the General Manager of Bridlewood Farm since 1996. George is also a member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever. He shared the history of the Appleton family and their vision for a world class Thoroughbred training facility, which was founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton.

Under George’s leadership, Bridlewood has trained over 100 stakes winners. George also helped manage the training and racing career of the 2004 Kentucky Derby & Preakness winner Smarty Jones.

Since 2013, Bridlewood has been owned by John and Leslie Malone, who have expanded the farm to encompass roughly 2,200 acres. The Malones remain committed to the goal of maintaining the world-class racing program.

George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever.

Carlos Pesantez, VP of Zone Operations, Duke Energy; Gaylen Holloway, Director of Government Relations & Community Affairs, Duke Energy; Mike Mangan, Account Executive, Duke Energy; Amy Mangan. Executive Director. AdventHealth Ocala Foundation; and Tom James, Vice President of Business Services, Ocala CEP.

Amy Mangan, Executive Director, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation; Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director; Billye Mallory, Community Relations Manager, AdventHealth Ocala; and AdventHealth staff: Kelly McCubbin, Heather Gilardi, and Lilli MacKay.

All Photos Courtesy of Sean M. Dowie Photography

We are incredibly grateful to Ocala Magazine for spotlighting our 2025 Conservation Summit and highlighting the powerful message behind this year’s sold-out event, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin. Seeing our mission reflected on these pages means more than we can put into words.

This year’s Conversation Summit belonged to our community. To every person who attended, partnered, shared a post, sent an encouraging message, or simply believes in protecting our Farmland Preservation Area, thank you. Your support is what keeps this movement moving!

Community advocacy, education, and a shared love for this land are what made this event such an impact-driven success. Ocala continues to prove that when people come together around conservation, it can truly fill an arena!

We’re endlessly thankful for the coverage, the collaboration, and the collective commitment to preserving the landscapes that define our home.

Thank you to Title Sponsor Brook Ledge Horse Transportation and Presenting Sponsor AdventHealth Ocala for the generous support of the Conservation Summit!

Wilton Simpson, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, gave an inspiring speech at Horse Farms Forever’s fourth annual Spring Speaker Series held on Tuesday, May 20th, at Golden Ocala Golf & Equestrian Club. Over 125 guests joined us to create more awareness about the importance of Florida’s agricultural industry to the state’s economy and our nation’s food supply.

Commissioner Simpson spoke passionately about the recent signing of the 2025 Florida Farm Bill, which is one of the most significant legislative victories for Florida. The Farm Bill helps to protect the future of the state’s agricultural industry, which generates $182.6 billion in revenues and supports more than 2.5 million jobs.

“Food security is a matter of national security, and by protecting and preserving lands that have an immense amount of economic impact to food and agricultural production in our state, we are securing the livelihood of Florida,” said Commissioner Simpson. “As Commissioner of Agriculture and a lifelong farmer, I will do everything within my power to support, promote, and defend Florida agriculture.”

(L) George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and a member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever and (R) Bernie Little, President of Horse Farms Forever, presented Commissioner Wilton Simpson with an award in recognition for his efforts to protect and preserve our open spaces and beautiful places.

He also spoke about the importance of protecting farms and ranches through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program that has successfully preserved nearly 200,000 acres of land, with over 130,000 acres preserved during Commissioner Simpson’s administration.

In 2021, Commissioner Simpson championed the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act and was instrumental in securing a historic level of funding to protect land for endangered species like the Florida Panther and, at the same time, protect farms and ranches within the Corridor.

Chad Crawford and Traci Deen presenting excerpts from the Protect Our Paradise documentary.

All Photos Courtesy of: Sean M. Dowie

Photo Credit: Elma Garcia-Cannavino

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.

Chi University was founded in 1998 by Dr. Xie Huisheng, DVM, PhD, with a mission to educate and train veterinarians in acupuncture and integrative medicine. Dr. Xie is considered a “leading authority in animal acupuncture” and has authored more than 26 books. His textbooks are used for training around the world.

Our guests were captivated by the live demonstrations, on three different horses, of acupuncture and other integrative medicine techniques. The presentation by Dr. John Langlois, DVM and Assistant Professor at Chi University, was enlightening. He described the many ailments and conditions that acupuncture can treat in horses, ranging from reproductive issues to lameness, and from non-sweating to colic.

“It was an outstanding event and I was so inspired,” said Elma Garcia-Cannavino, Director and Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever. “I already use acupuncture on my horses, so it was really amazing to finally get to see the acupuncture and eastern medicine clinic right here in our back yard.”

Dr. Lisa Trevisanello, Provost of Chi University, and Dr. Terri Rosado, Assistant Professor at Chi University and the Medical Director of the Chi Animal Hospital, also spoke at the Behind the Gate event.

Over the past 27 years, the Chi University has trained over 11,000 veterinarians from 75 countries worldwide in acupuncture and integrative medicine. Chi University just recently opened a new Integrative Veterinary Hospital on the Chi University campus to provide both holistic and modern veterinary care tailored to meet the needs of both small animals and horses.

Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

Dr. John Langlois demonstrates acupuncture on a horse. From L to R: Carl Zalak, III, Marion County Commissioner; Bartow McDonald IV at SVN/McDonald & Company; Laura Drake McDonald; Nicole Hornblower, Owner of Little Creek Farm; Valerie Dailey, Owner and Broker, Showcase Properties; and Samantha Dailey, Broker Associate, Realtor, Showcase Properties.

As guests arrived, they were asked to choose a “Dragon Egg” based on the Five Elements. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Five Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – reflect personality traits, emotions, and health tendencies. For example, Wood is confident, adaptive, competitive, natural leader, can be impatient or frustrated. Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

Lisa Varner, Sales Manager, North Central Florida Media; Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, Executive Director, Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses; Lisa selected a “Fire Element” Dragon Egg. Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography

Photo Credit: Sean M. Dowie Photography