HFF Opposes Camp Margaritaville on Orange Lake

by Horse Farms Forever | Feb 5, 2026 | News, Ongoing, Watching

Proposed Margaritaville Themed RV Park Conflicts with FPA

Horse Farms Forever® OPPOSES the application by 8M Holdings, LLC to re-zone their 141-acre parcel located at 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road in Citra from an RV park with amenities reserved for the RV guests to an RV/themed park with amenities open to the public daily for a fee.

View Our Position Statement

Imagine stepping outside to feed your horses—and finding a full-blown Margaritaville themed RV park with extensive water rides, restaurant, bar, and live entertainment.

In January, 8M Holdings applied to re-zone their 141-acre parcel from an RV park with amenities reserved for the RV park users to an RV Park with themed SUPER-SIZED recreation amenities open to the public.

This change of use from a quiet RV park to a Margaritaville themed RV park and water park is incompatible with the rural community of Orange Lake, surrounding horse farms, and the Farmland Preservation Area.

Horse Farms Forever OPPOSES the re-zoning application for three main reasons:

1) The proposed increase in the intensity of the approved uses,

2) The change in the intent and character of the approved development, and

3) Inconsistent with the Farmland Preservation Area Comprehensive Plan Policy 3.3.1: Elements of Rural Character

View the Zoning Change Application

Marion County Growth Services Staff Report for the PUD Rezoning Application

NEXT STEPS:

On January 26, 2026, the Marion County Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the application by 8M Holdings, LLC to re-zone their 141-acre parcel located at 18365 NW 45th Avenue Road in Citra from an RV park with amenities reserved for the RV guests to an RV/themed park with amenities open to the public daily for a fee.

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Tuesday, February 17th at 2:00 PM at the McPherson Governmental Campus Auditorium – 601 SE 25th Ave., Ocala, FL

Your voice matters in protecting Marion County’s horse farms and agricultural land.

Email The County Commissioners!

The-new-water-park-at-Camp-Margaritaville-Orange-Lake-RV-Park

Credit: Ocala-News.com

How Horses Think with Dr. Temple Grandin

by Horse Farms Forever | Jan 23, 2026 | Events, News

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (17)

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!

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!

Read the Article on Ocala Magazine Here

Join the Herd Today

No. 1 in Growth: At What Cost?

by Horse Farms Forever | Jan 16, 2026 | News

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (15)

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (14)

Recent reports confirm what locals already know: Marion County is growing fast. Ocala was ranked No. 1 in growth cities for the third time in four years by U-Haul’s Growth Index, while Florida ranked No. 2 nationally for net one-way U-Haul customers.

Marion County is now home to more than 400,000 residents and continues to add approximately 220 new residents each week. At this pace, the County’s population is projected to grow by more than 125,000 residents, reaching an estimated 550,000 by 2050, according to the Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR).

A Staggering Number of Approved Residential Units

A report presented at the County’s Strategic Planning Workshop in May 2022 revealed that more than 135,000 residential units have already been approved. Over 50,000 units were approved between 2017 and 2022 alone. A majority of these approvals include more than 86,000 undeveloped lots, many of which were approved decades ago in areas such as Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores.

As development pressure mounts along the edge of the Farmland Preservation Area and the Urban Growth Boundary, Horse Farms Forever is closely monitoring development proposals that threaten horse farms, rural lands, and protected agricultural areas.

The Cost of Rapid Growth

This rapid population growth has placed significant strain on local infrastructure. Residents experience heavier traffic, schools operating at or beyond capacity, and a list of transportation projects estimated to cost more than $1.5 billion over the next 20 years, according to the Benesch study on the transportation impact fees.

Communities across the country have studied the fiscal impacts of growth through Cost of Community Services (COCS) studies. These studies consistently show that residential development often costs more in public services than it generates in revenue, while commercial and industrial development, as well as farmland, helps to offset those losses.

Act Now to Protect Horse Farms

Marion County stands at a critical crossroads. Development pressures are rising, making the protection of its farmland more important now than ever. Acting now is essential to ensure future generations inherit a county that is economically viable and rich in agricultural heritage. Join our efforts to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places today.

Join the Herd

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

More Horsepower, More Impact: Winter Membership Roundup

by Horse Farms Forever | Jan 9, 2026 | News

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (12)

As fall folded into winter, Horse Farms Forever felt the unmistakable energy of a community that protects what it loves. These cooler months brought renewed purpose and growing momentum around our mission to defend the Farmland Preservation Area and preserve the rural character and equestrian heritage that make Marion County one of the most iconic horse regions in the country.

And as we look ahead, something beautifully symbolic awaits us: 2026 is the Year of the Horse. A year that honors strength, spirit, loyalty, and forward motion. The very qualities embodied by the horses, farms, and people who make up this community.

But this year also comes with a reminder. Now more than ever, our horse farms need your support. Growth pressures, land vulnerability, traffic strain, and incompatible development continue to test the boundaries of what we can protect. The land that carries our industry, our history, and our horses is asking for reinforcements.

Let’s make 2026 more than symbolic.
Let’s make it impactful.

We are proud to welcome Elisabeth L. Johnson to our Founder community. Founders don’t just back the mission, they help shape the future of it. We are honored to have her support.

Join The Herd

Chester Weber

View Profile

Kim VanKampen

View Profile

The Felburn Foundation

The Saint Bernard Foundation

Your support safeguards open land, legacy, and the everyday landscape our horses rely on.

New Members

A sincere welcome to our newest members who joined the preservation effort this season:

$25-$499: Friend

John Bach
Cynthia Theo Colebrook
Daniel Menendez Estarella
Donita Farmer
Melissa Havens
Carol Hill
Richard Mitchell
Haley Moody
Nancy Moffatt
Richard Mitchell
Karen OGrady
Gary Smith

$500+: Partner

Daniel Balys
Chris Howson
Scott & Sherry Crossman

$1,000+: Leader

Lisa Alexander
Gary Bybee
John Gaither
Stacy Larsson- Ocala Horse Properties

We are grateful you chose to stand with us. Your membership adds measurable strength to the preservation network.

Renewing Individual Members

Our deepest appreciation to the individual members who renewed their support this season:

$25-$499: Friend

Jenaay Brown
Michael A. Cinque
John Crowe
Julia Davies
Donna Delahunty
Shannon Dennison
Alexis Evanich
Tammy A. Gantt
Joan Gove
Barbara Hudgens
Mark Lawhon
Elizabeth Leete
Cheryl Osorio
Cristin Roby
Alice Sasnett
Busy Louise Shires
Hellena Smejda
Wendy Smith
Celaine So
Sue Starling
Debra Stevenson
Carol Tremblay
Joyce Tyson
Shelia Wickstrom

$500+: Partner

David Velez

$1,000+: Leader

Elizabeth Goodwin
Geroge Issacs

Renewing Corporate Members & Foundations

$2,500+: Patron

Don Stewart Stables

1,000+: Leader

The Dowman Family Foundation

$25-$499: Friend

Conway Arabians

Your support ensures our preservation work stays strong at every level.

Members listed above joined or renewed between October 16th, 2025 & January 7th, 2026.

2026 is the Year of the Horse.

Let it also be the year we protect them, by protecting the land they depend on.

Now more than ever, our horse farms need your support.
More voices. More advocacy. More membership. More impact.

Let’s make this our most powerful year yet.
Let’s make 2026 the year we can look back on and say:

We held the line.
We protected the land.
We strengthened 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

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

Email Sara

2025: A Year of Action, Advocacy & Community Support

by Horse Farms Forever | Dec 18, 2025 | News

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (10)

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (11)

2025 was a defining year for Horse Farms Forever. Not because the work got easier, but because the community showed up again and again to protect what makes Marion County extraordinary.

From policy advocacy to packed events and critical fundraising efforts, this year proved that preservation is powered by people.

Advocacy at the Heart of Our Mission

Throughout 2025, Horse Farms Forever remained deeply engaged in monitoring development proposals, zoning changes, and infrastructure impacts that threaten the Farmland Preservation Area. We continued to serve as a voice for responsible growth by:

Tracking and responding to land-use proposals impacting farmland
Attending hundreds of hours of county meetings
Providing clear, factual education to the public
Encouraging civic engagement and community action

Preservation is not passive, and this year reinforced just how essential it is to monitor development proposals and remain vigilant.

Education & Signature Events

Conservation Summit 2025

Our sixth annual Conservation Summit was a standout moment of the year, welcoming a sold-out audience and keynote speaker Dr. Temple Grandin, who delivered a powerful and enlightening presentation on How Horses Think. The evening reinforced the deep connection between animal welfare, land stewardship, and thoughtful conservation.

Learn More

Spring Speaker Series & Community Conversations

From agricultural leadership discussions to Behind the Gate events, 2025 offered multiple opportunities for learning, dialogue, and connection around preservation, rural heritage, and the future of Marion County with keynote speaker, Florida’s Commissioner of Agriculture, Wilton Simpson.

Learn More

Behind the Gate at Chi University

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.

Learn More

Honoring Conservation Leadership

At the Conservation Summit, we proudly presented the Acorn Conservation Award to the Drake Family in recognition of their extraordinary stewardship of thousands of acres of land. Their commitment to preservation embodies the values Horse Farms Forever exists to protect.

The Drake family was honored with the Acorn Conservation Award. L to R: HFF Director of Conservation, Busy Shires; George MacKay Drake, Jr., Trusten Holland Drake, Laura Drake McDonald, Bob Drake, Ann Louise Drake, and HFF President Bernie Little.

Fundraising That Fueled Our Mission

Fundraising in 2025 directly supported Horse Farms Forever’s advocacy, education, and community outreach efforts.

Farmland Preservation Month (April)

April marked Farmland Preservation Month, a cornerstone fundraising and awareness campaign highlighting why protecting open space matters now more than ever. Through storytelling, community outreach, and donor support, this campaign reinforced the urgency of safeguarding the Farmland Preservation Area.

Founder & Member Support

Throughout the year, new and returning Founders and Members stepped forward with meaningful contributions, forming the backbone of Horse Farms Forever’s ongoing work.

Give4Marion

Our participation in Give4Marion demonstrated the power of collective giving, enabling supporters to directly invest in farmland protection and public education.

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday brought together donors who believe in preserving open land, equestrian heritage, and the rural character of Marion County. Every gift strengthened our ability to advocate year-round.

Help Support Our Mission! Join Today!

A Community Effort

Horse Farms Forever’s impact in 2025 was made possible by:

Dedicated sponsors and partners
Founders, donors, and members
Volunteers and advocates
A community that values land, horses, and heritage

Every action, every donation, and every voice mattered.

Looking Ahead

The work of farmland preservation doesn’t pause when the year ends. Development pressure continues, and so does the need for strong, informed advocacy.

Your support directly fuels our ability to protect the Farmland Preservation Area, educate the community, and advocate for responsible growth.

Whether through a donation, membership, sponsorship, or simply sharing our message, you play a role in preserving the land that defines Marion County.

Donate. Become a member. Stand with Horse Farms Forever.

Together, we are protecting more than land.
We are preserving a way of life.

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

How Horses Think: Dr. Temple Grandin’s Incredibly Inspiring Keynote

by Horse Farms Forever | Nov 21, 2025 | News

HFF Website Featured Image - On Blog (9)

What an incredibly inspiring keynote presentation by Dr. Temple Grandin at Horse Farms Forever’s sixth annual Conservation Summit held on Thursday, November 13th at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena. With a sold-out crowd of nearly 600 guests, you could feel the excitement and the energy in the room!

Dr. Grandin is one of the worlds most renowned scientists and it was a true honor to hear her speak about her insights into animal behavior and her own personal experience and research on autism. Her remarks about How Horses Think, were deeply insightful, backed by concrete examples, and peppered with witty, humorous comments!

This year’s Summit highlighted the deep-rooted bond between horses and humans. Dr. Grandin shares this deep bond with horses. While she was growing up, horses provided solace and meaning for her as a teenager as she attended a boarding school with an equine program.

Event Photos Courtesy of: Sean Dowie

Horses to the Rescue

During high school, Dr. Grandin was bullied, but she found a refuge at the school’s horse barn, which was part of the school’s educational program.

“The only place I was not bullied was with the horses,” she said. “That was the one place. They basically saved my teenage years. I had friends through riding horses and going to shows and I also learned how to work. I had nine stalls to clean and I had to run a horse barn.”

Working with horses and with the strong influence from her mother and her high school science teacher gave her the confidence to pursue her research on animal behavior and livestock welfare. In 1989, she earned her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois. Dr. Grandin is now a Distinguished Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University.

Dr. Temple Grandin with Jorge Garcia-Bengochea of Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses

Animals Think in Pictures

Through Dr. Grandin’s own experiences with autism, and her career as a scientist, led her to the realization that she thinks in pictures, and that animals also think in pictures.

“My memory is like the pictures on your phone,” she said.

This unique perspective gave her an advantage to understanding animal behavior. While her research is primarily about cattle, her research and observations also apply to horses and other animals. “If you want to understand a horse or any animal, you have to get away from words,” said Dr. Grandin. “It’s a sensory-based world; it’s not a word-based world. What is it seeing? Some of the first work I ever did with cattle, I got into the cattle handling facility, and I saw they were scared of shadows and reflections. These are things we don’t normally think about.”

When Dr. Grandin was in her late 30s, she discovered that there are different types of thought, such as word or mathematical thinkers.

“It was a shock to me that a lot of people are not visual thinkers, they may be mathematical thinkers, word thinkers or maybe mixtures,” said Dr. Grandin. “When you realize that people think differently, you get a lot of insight. You get a lot of insight into horses and other animals when I realized other people didn’t think in pictures.”

Dr. Temple Grandin’s keynote presentation was titled “How Horses Think.”

Behavior of Horses

Dr. Grandin’s presentation provided many fascinating and enlightening insights about horses and animal behavior. Horses don’t have language, they store memories of good or bad things as a picture, a smell, a touch, or something they hear.

To desensitize horses to new objects, it’s best to allow the horses to voluntarily approach the object. “It’s scary if you shove it in their face; that’s something that you don’t want to do,” she said. “If you want to get horses used to flags at shows, let’s decorate the pasture fence with flags, and let your animals walk up to it.”

Dr. Grandin also shared an example of a horse that was scared of black hats. Horses associate what they see when something bad happens to them. “There’s a horse I talk about who is scared to death of black hats. White hats are fine; black hats are bad,” she said. “It’s sensory-based, not word-based.”

Dr. Grandin also described horses she watched at a dressage show that were competing in a cool, indoor arena but were dripping with sweat. She noted that the horse that won was calm and relaxed.

It takes 20 to 30 minutes for horses to calm down. “If something happens suddenly, it’s scary to animals. It’s also scary to people with autism,” said Dr. Grandin.

Logan Freeman, a member of the 4-H club – Reddick Collier Elementary Wranglers – asked Dr. Temple Grandin an important question: “How does the squeeze machine calm you and other animals down?”

Groundbreaking Research

Her groundbreaking innovations in the humane handling of 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.

She is the author of twelve books on autism and animal behavior, including the national bestsellers Calling All Minds, Thinking in Pictures, and Animals in Translation. 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.

Dr. Temple Grandin signs a book for Nell Ward with her father Carlton Ward, Jr.

National Portrait Gallery

Dr. Temple Grandin’s portrait in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., was unveiled Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.

Included in the gallery will be Brocken Spectre and Glory: Portrait of Temple Grandin, an oil painting by artist David Lenz. The National Portrait Gallery acquired the piece as part of its Portrait of a Nation program, which honors individuals who have made transformative contributions to the United States.

The Smithsonian Institution is the world’s largest museum, education and research complex. Its National Portrait Gallery highlights Americans of remarkable character and achievement, who remind visitors of who we are as a nation and what we can aspire to be.

See The Portrait & Learn More

Watch The Recap

Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director speaking at the 2025 Conservation Summit.

Bernie Little, HFF President thanks Ocala Breeders’ Sales for donating the OBS Arena for the fourth year in a row! Thank you for your generous support!

Acorn Conservation Award

Every year at the Conservation Summit Horse Farms Forever presents the Acorn Conservation Award to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of land or horse farms in Marion County. This year, we are honored to present the award to the Drake Family, one of the pioneering families in Marion County.

In 2002, Trusten (Trusty) Polk Drake, III & George MacKay (K) Drake, Sr. preserved 5,800 acres of the ranch by placing it in a conservation easement with the Southwest Florida Water Management District. The Drake Ranch is a historic ranch that has been passed down through four generations of the Drake family. The Drakes are one of the first pioneering families to settle in Florida in the 1870s.

The fourth generation of the Drake family now owns and manages the historic Drake Ranch as a partnership. Protecting the legacy of the Drake Ranch was a decision made by the Drake brothers, and it has been whole heartedly embraced by the large extended Drake family, who take great pride in knowing that their family’s ranch will forever be protected.

The Acorn Conservation Award is a bronze sculpture by Bryce Pettit.

Harnessing Health

Amy Mangan, Advent Health Ocala Foundation executive director, spoke about the Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative that reduces barriers to health care for equine workers by providing mobile care. The hospital-funded health care navigator operates a mobile clinic van to travel to local farms and provide onsite health care services to equine workers.

Through their Harnessing Health: Equine Worker Health Initiative, a bilingual health care navigator and mobile clinic brings essential wellness visits, chronic care, and health education directly to farms across Marion County — reducing barriers and supporting the workers who care for our horses every day. We are proud to have AdventHealth Ocala as a Title Sponsor of the 2025 Conservation Summit, and are grateful for their commitment to Horse Farms Forever, and the people of Marion County!

Learn More

Delivered by Brook Ledge

We are profoundly grateful to Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, who is returning for the sixth consecutive year as our Title Sponsor. Brook Ledge continues to lead the herd in their commitment to helping to protect horse farms for future generations. Their iconic blue-and-white vans represent far more than world-class equine transport, they embody a company that deeply values and protects the land our horses call home.

Learn More

Thank you to our vendors for their support!

Vendor Photos Courtesy of: The Bradford Connection

These are just some of the comments we have received about Dr. Grandin’s keynote titled “How Horse Think.”

“Truly, once in a lifetime to meet Dr. Grandin. Still in awe!”

“Profound impact!”

“Wonderful opportunity to hear her speak! Amazing insights!”

“Fabulous presentation! She is an icon!”

« Older Entries

HFF Opposes Camp Margaritaville on Orange Lake

Proposed Margaritaville Themed RV Park Conflicts with FPA

Proposed Margaritaville Themed RV Park Conflicts with FPA

Horse Farms Forever OPPOSES the re-zoning application for three main reasons:

NEXT STEPS:

𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗨𝗽𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴

Your voice matters in protecting Marion County’s horse farms and agricultural land.

How Horses Think with Dr. Temple Grandin

No. 1 in Growth: At What Cost?

A Staggering Number of Approved Residential Units

The Cost of Rapid Growth

Act Now to Protect Horse Farms

More Horsepower, More Impact: Winter Membership Roundup

We are proud to welcome Elisabeth L. Johnson to our Founder community. Founders don’t just back the mission, they help shape the future of it. We are honored to have her support.

Chester Weber

Kim VanKampen

The Felburn Foundation

The Saint Bernard Foundation

Southern Heritage Developers

Nicole Hornblower & James Denman

Sally Crane Cox

Elisabeth Brinton & Bob Utley

Vivian Day & John Stroh

Kurt & Janet Giesselman

Your support safeguards open land, legacy, and the everyday landscape our horses rely on.

New Members

Renewing Individual Members

Renewing Corporate Members & Foundations

2026 is the Year of the Horse.

Let it also be the year we protect them, by protecting the land they depend on.

Now more than ever, our horse farms need your support.More voices. More advocacy. More membership. More impact.

Let’s make this our most powerful year yet.Let’s make 2026 the year we can look back on and say:

We held the line.We protected the land.We strengthened the future.

Questions About Membership and Sponsorship?

Contact Sara Fennessy – Executive Director

859-553-5510

2025: A Year of Action, Advocacy & Community Support

Advocacy at the Heart of Our Mission

Education & Signature Events

Conservation Summit 2025

Spring Speaker Series & Community Conversations

Behind the Gate at Chi University

Honoring Conservation Leadership

Fundraising That Fueled Our Mission

Farmland Preservation Month (April)

Founder & Member Support

Give4Marion

Giving Tuesday

A Community Effort

Horse Farms Forever’s impact in 2025 was made possible by:

Looking Ahead

Your support directly fuels our ability to protect the Farmland Preservation Area, educate the community, and advocate for responsible growth.

How Horses Think: Dr. Temple Grandin’s Incredibly Inspiring Keynote

Horses to the Rescue

Animals Think in Pictures

Behavior of Horses

Groundbreaking Research

National Portrait Gallery

Watch The Recap

Acorn Conservation Award

Harnessing Health

Delivered by Brook Ledge

Thank you to our vendors for their support!

These are just some of the comments we have received about Dr. Grandin’s keynote titled “How Horse Think.”

Now more than ever, our horse farms need your support.
More voices. More advocacy. More membership. More impact.

Let’s make this our most powerful year yet.
Let’s make 2026 the year we can look back on and say:

We held the line.
We protected the land.
We strengthened the future.