Celebrating 7 Years of Strength, Beauty, and Preservation

Celebrating 7 Years of Strength, Beauty, and Preservation

by | Jun 23, 2025 | News

Horse Farms Forever® was founded seven years ago in response to a critical threat—a proposed toll road that would have cut directly through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area. United by a shared purpose, the community came together, and the toll road was ultimately stopped. But while that battle was won, the broader challenge remains: development pressure in Marion County continues to intensify.

In the years since, support for our mission has only grown. The outpouring of commitment from across the community—from small and large horse farm owners to realtors, developers, and local businesses—has given Horse Farms Forever a firm and lasting foundation. This broad coalition has become a powerful voice for farmland protection, ensuring that horse farms remain at the forefront of land use planning discussions. Because of this collective strength and wisdom, we’ve earned more than just a seat at the table—we’ve become a trusted, solutions-oriented partner. Together, we are not just reacting to change; we are shaping it.

Your commitment to conservation is the foundation of our success.

It is your unwavering belief in our mission that empowers us to advocate for responsible growth, safeguard Marion County’s irreplaceable agricultural lands, and protect the equestrian heritage that defines our community. Because of your support, we can continue this vital work—preserving the land, the lifestyle, and the legacy for generations to come.

 

Today, we are proud to say: we are helping write a land conservation success story for Marion County.

Here’s a look at the latest chapter.

Photos by Elma Garcia (1st) and Mark Emery (2nd).

 

PROTECTING OUR WATER AND SPRINGS

Finding a balance to growth and protecting our iconic landscape is paramount to protecting our farms and billion-dollar equine industry, which relies on the expansive pastures with mineral rich soils and water. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as the first line of defense in protecting two of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs – Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs. In addition, the County is home to abundant natural resources, including two-hundred miles of trails for hiking and biking, and equestrian use, more than 150 miles of streams and rivers, and over 25 second and third magnitude springs.

HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.

PROTECTING OUR WATER AND SPRINGS

Finding a balance to growth and protecting our iconic landscape is paramount to protecting our farms and billion-dollar equine industry, which relies on the expansive pastures with mineral rich soils and water. The Farmland Preservation Area serves as the first line of defense in protecting two of Marion County’s First Magnitude Springs – Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs. In addition, the County is home to abundant natural resources, including two-hundred miles of trails for hiking and biking, and equestrian use, more than 150 miles of streams and rivers, and over 25 second and third magnitude springs.

HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.

Photos by Elma Garcia (1st) and Mark Emery (2nd).

 

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONSERVATION

Over the past year, we hosted three major events that brought our community together in meaningful dialogue about conservation. The 2024 Conservation Summit featured Emmy Award-winning Cinematographer, Composer, and Photographer Mark Emery, whose storytelling brought the beauty and urgency of preservation to life. This spring, our 2025 Speaker Series welcomed Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, who shared insights on the importance of protecting Florida’s agricultural heritage, and our Behind the Gate event showcased the world-renowned Chi University. These events not only inform—they inspire a culture of land stewardship and strengthen the conservation movement here in Marion County.

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CONSERVATION

Over the past year, we hosted three major events that brought our community together in meaningful dialogue about conservation. The 2024 Conservation Summit featured Emmy Award-winning Cinematographer, Composer, and Photographer Mark Emery, whose storytelling brought the beauty and urgency of preservation to life. This spring, our 2025 Speaker Series welcomed Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson, who shared insights on the importance of protecting Florida’s agricultural heritage, and our Behind the Gate event showcased the world-renowned Chi University. These events not only inform—they inspire a culture of land stewardship and strengthen the conservation movement here in Marion County.

COASTAL CONNECTOR TOLL ROAD

HFF joined other major stakeholders to stop the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

NEW FARMLAND PRESERVATION AREA SIGNS

HFF partnered with Marion County to help highlight the FPA with the design and installation of new signage that includes the horse.

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.

HFF AMMENDMENT

HFF successfully amended the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to add further protections to the FPA by more tightly defining rural character and compatible land uses.

HFF LAND DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT

HFF has applied to amend the Marion County Land Development Code to add further protections from subdivision of rural parcels in the FPA.

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER AGREEMENT

HFF reached an agreement with the WEC leadership to save 275 acres from being removed from the FPA.

ATV RACETRACK IN FLEMINGTON

HFF lead the charge to stop the development of an ATV park and ¼-mile dragstrip in the heart of the FPA and a large area of horse farms.

QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

HFF served as the catalyst for the Quality-of-Life Survey to gauge the community wide support for preserving horse farms and the FPA. Over 90% of the community designated farmland preservation as the #1 issue facing the county.

WATCHDOG

HFF monitors all development, zoning, land use and special use permit applications made to the County with a focus on any that could affect horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area.

COASTAL CONNECTOR TOLL ROAD

HFF joined other major stakeholders to stop the proposed Coastal Connector Toll Road through the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

NEW FARMLAND PRESERVATION AREA SIGNS

HFF partnered with Marion County to help highlight the FPA with the design and installation of new signage that includes the horse.

CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

HFF is working with the county leadership and other stakeholders to refine the Transfer of Development Rights Program to make it more effective and functional, adding further protections to the FPA with conservation easements.

HFF AMMENDMENT

HFF successfully amended the Marion County Comprehensive Plan to add further protections to the FPA by more tightly defining rural character and compatible land uses.

HFF LAND DEVELOPMENT AMENDMENT

HFF has applied to amend the Marion County Land Development Code to add further protections from subdivision of rural parcels in the FPA.

WORLD EQUESTRIAN CENTER AGREEMENT

HFF reached an agreement with the WEC leadership to save 275 acres from being removed from the FPA.

ATV RACETRACK IN FLEMINGTON

HFF lead the charge to stop the development of an ATV park and ¼-mile dragstrip in the heart of the FPA and a large area of horse farms.

QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

HFF served as the catalyst for the Quality-of-Life Survey to gauge the community wide support for preserving horse farms and the FPA. Over 90% of the community designated farmland preservation as the #1 issue facing the county.

WATCHDOG

HFF monitors all development, zoning, land use and special use permit applications made to the County with a focus on any that could affect horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area.

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.
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Wilton Simpson Inspires at Spring Speaker Series

Wilton Simpson Inspires at Spring Speaker Series

by | Jun 4, 2025 | Events, News

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.

Our Presenting Sponsor was Lugano Diamonds, and our Program Sponsor was SouthState Bank. Many thanks for their generous support! The Spring Speaker Series is an invitation-only event for our top-tier partners and members.

Presenting Sponsor:

Program Sponsor:

Presented by Horse Capital Television

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.

Traci Deen, President & CEO of Conservation Florida, and Chad Crawford, Founder of Crawford Entertainment and five-time Emmy Award-winning producer and director, presented excerpts from the Suncoast Emmy Award-winning documentary Protect Our Paradise. The documentary highlights the people and organizations that are working to solve some of the most pressing environmental issues in Florida.

In the Our Land episode of Protect our Paradise, Chad Crawford interviewed Matt Pearce, an 8th-generation Florida cattle rancher and owner of Pearce Cattle Company, who is passionate about protecting habitat for ranching and wildlife. He believes that land conservation and ranching go hand-in-hand. “We love the land, and we try to leave it better than we found it,” said Pearce. “I was born a conservationist.”

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

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Laura Harrison, Brandie Miklus, Giselle Lewis, and Evangeline Linkous, Associate Professor in the School of Public Affairs at the University of South Florida.

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Mike Mangan, Account Executive at Duke Energy Corporation, Amy Mangan. Executive Director. AdventHealth Ocala Foundation, Bartow McDonald IV, Managing Director for SVN | McDonald & Company, Holland Drake, Owner of Drake Construction Services.

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Dennis and Susan Jones and Susan Gilliland, one of the founders of Live Oak International.

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George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and a member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever, Traci Deen, President & CEO of Conservation Florida, Stephen Buxton, and Bernie Little, President of Horse Farms Forever.

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Ann Louise Drake and Rusty Branson, President of SouthState Bank.

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Commissioner Wilton Simpson, Sara Fennessy, Executive Director of Horse Farms Forever, Busy Shires, Director of Conservation for Horse Farms Forever, Traci Deen, President & CEO of Conservation Florida, Chad Crawford, Founder of Crawford Entertainment, George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and a member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever, and Bernie Little, President of Horse Farms Forever.

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Bernie Little, President of Horse Farms Forever, Mary Jane Hunt, and George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and a member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever.

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Sara Fennessy, Executive Director of Horse Farms Forever, Karen and Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTOBA).

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Jaqui and Nick de Meric, Owners of de Meric Stables & Sales.

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Dr. Terri Rosado, DVM, Assistant Professor at the Chi University and Yanru Zhao, VP Finance at the Chi University.

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Danna Brimlett, Director of Development of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation and Mallory Dimmitt, CEO of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation.

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Pat Myers, Owner of Pay Myers Electric; Charisse Rivers, Founder and CEO of Zinnia Wealth Management and Chair of the Board for the Ocala CEP, and Jorge Garcia-Bengochea, Owner of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

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All Photos Courtesy of: Sean M. Dowie

Many thanks again to our Presenting Sponsor, Lugano Diamonds, and our Program Sponsor, SouthState Bank, for their generous support of the Spring Speaker Series!

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NEW Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

NEW Planning & Zoning Commission Vacancy

by | May 19, 2025 | Informational, News

There is a new vacancy on the Planning & Zoning Commission for an Alternate Member. If you have expertise in planning, environmental science, or the development industry, then the Planning & Zoning Commission is for you! Applications are due on Thursday, May 29 at 4:00 PM.

The P & Z Commission is made up of citizens who volunteer their time to research, review, and make recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners on current and long-range planning. These meetings are an important part of the public process and discussion about growth.

The P&Z Commission holds public hearings on proposed rezonings and makes recommendations to the County Commission on adopting or amending the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code, and Land Development Code.

Planning & Zoning Commision (1 Alternate Member - Unexpired Term 09/2025)

P&Z Commission Responsibilities:

To review & conduct public hearings on proposed rezoning of properties in Marion County & to make recommendations to the county commission in regard to adoption & amendment of the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Code or Land Development Code elements or portions thereof.

The Local Planning Agency shall be composed of seven members to be appointed by the county commission.

  • The areas of planning, environmental science and the development industry should be considered in appointing members.
  • Applicants should have the ability to address issues relating to evaluation of development impact in diverse areas of the county.
  • All members shall serve a term of four years.
  • No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms.
Fill Out This Application Form

RETURN FORM TO:

MARION COUNTY BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471

Or via email to: Commissionadmin@marionfl.org

For questions, call 352-438-2323

The deadline for receiving applications is Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 4 p.m. The Marion County Board of County Commissioners plans to appoint members on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, or as soon thereafter as possible.

To be eligible, you must be a qualified voter and resident of Marion County. This is a volunteer position.

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.
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Founders Forward: Honoring Our March–May Founders

Founders Forward: Honoring Our March–May Founders

by | May 15, 2025 | News

As we ride into a new season of purpose and progress, Horse Farms Forever is proud to shine a spotlight on the dedicated individuals and businesses who have chosen to lead the charge in conservation by becoming—or renewing as—Founders between March and May.

Founders are more than supporters. They are visionaries. They’ve made a deeper commitment to safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area and the rural character of Marion County for future generations.

Joining as a Founder is a powerful statement—one that says you believe in protecting what makes Marion County so special. Your elevated support helps fund critical initiatives, outreach, and advocacy efforts to ensure the open spaces and equestrian heritage of our region remain preserved and respected.

We’re especially grateful to those who have renewed their Founder Membership this spring. Your ongoing dedication sets an inspiring example and provides the long-term stability that allows our work to grow in both reach and impact.

We invite you to scroll through the names below and see the community of Founders that stand behind the mission of Horse Farms Forever. Each one plays a vital role in preserving the land, legacy, and lifestyle we all treasure.

Thank you for believing in the power of preservation—and for being at the forefront of the movement to keep Marion County’s horse country forever protected.

Charisse Rivers, founder and CEO of Zinnia Wealth Management, is a financial storyteller and retirement architect who blends heart, strategy, and purpose to help people design lives they love beyond the nine-to-five. Rejecting one-size-fits-all solutions, she leads a team that crafts customized, 360-degree retirement plans while sharing approachable advice and inspiring stories on her nationally syndicated show, Retirement Coffee Talk. Charisse also founded The Grilled Cheese Foundation, which empowers underserved children through access to music, sports, dance, and scholarships—honoring the kindness her own family once received and paying it forward to the next generation.
Learn More About Charisse
Come visit us at our Ocala branch, located in the Historic District, near Ocala Downtown Square and Silver Springs State Park. As a leading regional bank in the Southeast, we’re committed to helping our customers find their success. With a robust suite of products including checking and savings accounts, mortgages, wealth management, and commercial and small business loans and solutions our bankers are here to help tailor a solution to fit your unique needs. This paired with our convenient ATMs, online banking and mobile app, means you can bank conveniently anytime, anywhere. This is banking at its best. This is banking forward.
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Located in The Equestrian Hotel at The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This world-class facility is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and we are very proud to be a founding partner. Our newest salon can be found in the lobby of the hotel overlooking the VIP Terrace and Grand Prix arena.
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UF Health, the medical network of the University of Florida, includes UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, UF Health Jacksonville, and multiple facilities across North Florida. Formerly known as Shands Healthcare, it encompasses UF’s colleges of Dentistry, Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Public Health and Health Professions, and Veterinary Medicine. The network also includes hospitals in Leesburg and The Villages®, UF Health North, and an academic campus in Jacksonville. With primary and specialty care practices throughout Florida and Southeast Georgia, UF Health is committed to exceptional patient care, innovative education, and impactful research.

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Elma Garcia-Cannavino & Jim Cannavino

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Elisabeth Brinton & Bob Utley

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Paul & Ann Kaplan

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Nick & Jaqui de Meric

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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.
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Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

Riding Into Summer with Gratitude and Growth: May Membership Roundup

Riding Into Summer with Gratitude and Growth: May Membership Roundup

by | May 7, 2025 | News

Riding Into Summer with Gratitude and Growth

As spring transitions into summer, Horse Farms Forever is energized by the incredible momentum we’ve built together. From March 6th to April 30th, we welcomed a wave of new members and celebrated the continued support of loyal renewals—each a vital part of our shared mission to preserve the character, culture, and open spaces of Marion County’s iconic Farmland Preservation Area.

Your commitment to conservation inspires us every day. It’s because of your belief in our cause that we can continue advocating for responsible growth, protecting vital agricultural land, and ensuring our equestrian heritage remains intact for generations to come.

We’d also like to extend our deepest gratitude to everyone who participated in our Farmland Preservation Month fundraiser this April. Every dollar you contributed was doubled, and every gift made a real impact. Together, we turned awareness into action and laid the groundwork for meaningful preservation projects in the year ahead.

To all our new members & friends—welcome! And to our renewing members & friends, thank you for continuing to stand with us. Your membership is more than just a name on a list—it’s a statement of values, a promise to protect the land that makes Marion County unique.

Look at the names below and get to know the businesses and individuals who share your dedication to keeping horse country, horse country.

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.
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Join Today!
View Current Threats

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

Welcome, Charisse Rivers: Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever

Welcome, Charisse Rivers: Founder Member of Horse Farms Forever

by | Apr 29, 2025 | News

Horse Farms Forever is proud to welcome Charisse Rivers as a Founder Member. As the founder and CEO of Zinnia Wealth Management, Charisse has redefined retirement planning—not as a rigid formula, but as a life-building experience. Her firm takes a comprehensive, personal approach to each client’s financial journey, crafting plans that reflect their values, dreams, and goals. Through her nationally syndicated radio show and podcast, Retirement Coffee Talk, she makes financial wellness approachable and empowering. With guests ranging from country music legend Jason Aldean to NFL quarterback Tim Tebow, she weaves inspiration into every episode.

Charisse’s dedication extends far beyond wealth management. She is also the Chair of the Ocala CEP’s Board, and the founder of The Grilled Cheese Foundation, a heartfelt initiative named in honor of the kindness her family once received. The Foundation funds music, dance, sports, and higher education programs for underserved youth, helping kids discover their passions and build the confidence to chase them.

Charisse embodies what it means to lead with faith, intention, and generosity—this same spirit brought her to Horse Farms Forever.

Why She Joined Horse Farms Forever

“I believe God expects us to be good stewards of the land, not just owners of it. I joined Horse Farms Forever because protecting our farms, our traditions, and our rural beauty is about honoring the past and preserving the heart of what makes this community so special.”

For Charisse, joining Horse Farms Forever is about more than preserving open space—it’s about maintaining identity. She sees horses and farms as vital to the spirit of Marion County: symbols of faith, family, and hard work that unite people and keep them grounded.

The Equine Industry’s Role

Zinnia Wealth Management serves many families whose lives are intricately tied to the equine world. Charisse herself is a horse owner and understands firsthand how deeply the industry shapes Marion County—economically and culturally.

“Our business serves families whose lives and livelihoods are deeply connected to the horse industry. It’s an honor to support the community that makes this place so extraordinary.”

What Makes Marion County Feel Like Home

For Charisse, Marion County offers more than scenic pastures and rolling trails—it’s a place of connection. From horse shows to golf outings to quiet moments outdoors, the region is a backdrop for her values: family, community, and gratitude.

“Whether it’s a horse show, a local event, golfing or just a quiet afternoon outdoors, it’s a place where my family feels at home—grounded by strong values, surrounded by good people.”

We’re honored to welcome Charisse to Horse Farms Forever. With her leadership, heart for community, and unwavering belief in the power of stewardship, she embodies everything our mission stands for.

Live by Design, Not by Default.

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.
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Join Today!
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