2021 Summit

2021 Summit

by | Sep 21, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

(L to R) Horse Farms Forever Executive Director, Sara Fennessy; OBS Director of Marketing, Wes Peterson; Horse Farms Forever Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires.

Join The Conversation

Horse Farms Forever is pleased to present the 2021 Conservation Summit on November 23rd at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company (OBS). Our speakers will be sharing the same stage as OBS grads and Kentucky Derby winners Lil E. Tee, Silver Charm and Medina Spirit!

We are so honored to have John C. Malone, CEO of Liberty Media, as our Keynote Speaker. Mr. Malone is the largest private landowner in North America with over 2.2 Million acres and he will share his inspiration and passion for preserving land. He also owns Ocala’s historic Bridlewood Farm.

Kevin Sheilley, CEO and President of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP), will address Marion County’s booming economy and how to balance growth with preserving open space and farms. He will also present the results of the countywide Quality of Life Survey. Find out more about the responses to the Survey questions such as:

  • What do we want our future to look like?
  • What must we build and preserve for future generations?

Let’s Talk, Marion County

The purpose of the Summit is to facilitate the conversation about the two important questions above. Without a strong vision and plan to protect what makes Marion County so special – the open spaces and beautiful places – it could all be lost.

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is projected to grow by about 150,000 new residents and according to the Ocala CEP, approximately 150 families per week have moved into Marion County in the past five years.

What Will Be Our Legacy?

It’s not a question of if we will grow, but how we will grow. Both the Survey and the Summit are the community’s opportunity to take a step back to assess our strengths and weaknesses and work together for the future of Ocala/Marion County.

Horse Farms Forever shares Marion County Commissioner Kathy Bryant’s sentiments about growth.

 “Growth is here and it’s happening. We are not stopping growth. But I will say for me, I think a lot about it. When I drive down the turnpike and I’ve got to go to Orlando and you just see the fields of houses – the rooftop, after rooftop, after rooftop. I don’t want our County to look like that in 20 or 30 years. What kind of legacy are we leaving?” said Commissioner Bryant at the July 7, 2021 Board of County Commissioners workshop.

Have You Seen The New OBS?

Check out the extensive renovations to the Ocala Breeder’s Sales Facility highlighted in their recent Behind the Gate episode aired on Horse Capital TV. We thank Ocala Breeder’s Sales, a founding member, for their hospitality and generosity in sharing this top-notch event facility for our Summit.

How does Marion County feel about its open spaces, horse farms, and quality of life? What matters most to the residents of this County? Find out first as we unveil the results of the Quality of Life Survey at the 2021 Summit.

Meet the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses in all their friendly and fuzzy glory. Learn about their rewarding work and mission.

From Tiny Acorns, Mighty Oaks Grow

The Acorn Award, sponsored by Horse Farms Forever, will be awarded for the first time at the Summit. This award will be given annually to a Marion County landowner who has exemplified what it means to protect and honor the open spaces and beautiful places that make Ocala/Marion County unique.

Businesses and Farms In Support

The Summit is presented by Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, and is supported by over 30 businesses, farms and non-profits.

Please join Horse Farms Forever on November 23rd at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company to help continue this important Conversation about Conservation.

We hope to see you there!

Sign Up

Seats are filling fast. In-person attendance on November 23 includes lunch and networking time from 11 to noon. The program is noon to 1:30pm. You can also opt to attend the live stream virtually from your location. Deadline for in-person registration is November 9.

Register

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
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.

Learn More and Register

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
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!

Add all that light and joy to your Social Media:

Support The Horses
Register for the Summit
Learn More

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
New To The Herd

New To The Herd

by | Sep 13, 2021 | News, Uncategorized

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.

MEMBERS MAP

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 

Join Now

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.

Join or Donate Now
Learn More

Welcome New Partners and Friends

Welcome New Partners and Friends

by | Aug 9, 2021 | News

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 homes, country club living, equestrian, waterfront, farms, 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.
​

Learn More

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.

MEMBERS MAP

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 

Join Now

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.

Join or Donate Now
Road Widening Public Hearing Stresses the Need for Public Input

Road Widening Public Hearing Stresses the Need for Public Input

by | Jul 15, 2021 | News, Roadway Threats

Final Comments Due August 2nd

Over 200 people attended the workshops on July 14 and 15 about the SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue road-widening project. Marion County’s Deputy County Engineer, Donald Atwell and representatives from Guerra Development Corporation presented several options for the proposed improvements, which include expanding the current roadway to a four-lane road with bike lanes, pedestrian walks, and a grass median.

Wednesday’s meeting focused on the road improvements that are south of SR 40. Thursday’s meeting focused on the road improvements north of SR 40.

Deputy County Engineer Atwell emphasized the importance of submitting formally written comments so that suggested changes could be considered for the road’s design. “This is the time to make a comment, whether you like the project or not,” said Deputy County Engineer Atwell. The deadline for comments is August 2nd and they must be submitted on the Comment Form and sent via email, or mail to the address on the Comment Form.

Paul Wildman, P.E., for Guerra Development Corporation, made the presentation about the road improvements. The road improvements start at SW 90th Street and end about .5 mile north of US 27 on CR 225A. The total length is about 10.5 miles. It will be expanded to a 120’ divided four-lane roadway with options for pedestrian use paths. Alternative A is the recommended design. The road improvements are funded by the Penny Sales Tax funds that are administered by Marion County.

With the opening of the World Equestrian Center, and several existing and planned large residential developments, the road improvements are needed. Traffic is projected to increase to 37,500 trips per day. The additional capacity will help maintain the level of service and increase the safety of the road for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians.

A new road is also planned to connect CR 225A to the new interchange being built by the Florida Department of Transportation at NW 49th Street.

Three Sections

The road project will be divided into three sections, but only two of the three sections are funded.

  • Segment 1: From SW 90th to just north of Westport High School is funded and construction is expected to start within the next three years.
  • Segment 2: Just north of Westport High School to south of SR 40, but this section is not funded and funding is not anticipated for at least 5 years.
  • Segment 3: Just north of SR 40 to US 27 is funded and construction will start within the next three to five years.
  • In addition, two new intersection improvements at SR 40 and US 27 are funded. The intersection at SR 40 is likely to go to construction this year. The intersection at US 27 will go to construction any day now.

Questions From the Floor

After the presentation several residents asked questions, which are summarized below:

QUESTION: Why not use 60th, which is already a four lane road?

ANSWER: Both roads are needed. The traffic study looked out 20 years at a 2045 horizon and determined that the road will have to be four-laned. All of the new the development is occurring on NW/SW 80th Avenue and if the road is left as a two-lane road, the level of service will go down significantly. There is a lot of active development along the corridor – Stone Creek, Bay Laurel, Calesa, World Equestrian Center, and On Top of the World.

The SW/NW 80th/70th Avenue is a corridor and this is part of the long-range transportation plan. Marion County will need to have more than 60th Avenue as a four-lane road. There will be additional projects around this to accommodate the traffic. It’s better to build the project before it’s too late. It’s far better to do it now.

QUESTION: What will be done to address the noise and safety?

ANSWER: Noise barriers are not standard for this type of road, but Guerra will submit this question to the Board of County Commissioners for consideration. This would be a change in policy. There are valid concerns about the intersection at SW 38th Street. Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone has requested that this intersection be evaluated to address the safety and access issues.

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS:

  • Can you combine Alternative A and Alternative B and make the road oscillate more instead of just one Alternative?
  • Could you remove one of the 14’ multi use paths and only have one 14’ multi use path on one side of the road? This will decrease the total width of the road.

Dig Deeper:

County Commission Presentation
Visual Concept Video

This is the time to make a comment, whether you like the project or not.

Donald Atwell

Deputy County Engineer, Marion County

Fill Out The Comment Form

Please submit comments or questions by August 2. It’s easy! Just fill out the Comment Form online, save it as a PDF, and email it to: GDCPER@guerracorp.net

You can either email it to the address above or mail the printed form it to: Paul Wildman, P.E., Guerra Development Corp. 2817 NE 3rd Street, Ocala, FL 34470.

After these two meetings, another workshop will be scheduled with the Marion County Board of County Commissioners.

Comment Form
Busy Shires

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

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