Renewing Founders Explain The Relevance of HFF in These Times

Renewing Founders Explain The Relevance of HFF in These Times

by | Jul 10, 2020 | News

In Horse Farms Forever’s short history, we have been faithfully supported by a core group of Founders. This week, the following Founders chose once again to affirm their commitment to our mission. Here, they share why, in these times, the need for a watchdog organization is even more relevant than it was during the toll road threat of 2018.

Scroll through to read their words…and join us in thanking them!

Tom & Amy Grabe, Canine Chronicle

Founders 2018-2020

“Over the past 20+ years, we have seen Ocala and Marion County change significantly. The city has grown and development in the county has grown along with it. During this time, the Farm Preservation Area has served as a magnet that drew many of our new residents to Marion County. We must protect this unique blend of open spaces and beautiful places for generations to come. It defines Marion County as the Horse Capital of the World.”

Rob Desino, Ocala Horse Properties

Founder 2018-2020

“Thank goodness that Horse Farms Forever is there for us advocating for the protection of horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area in Ocala. Turning the Farmland Preservation Area into another mass of concrete strip plazas is not necessary and certainly not desirable.”

 

Paul & Ann Kaplan, Southwind Farm

Founders 2018-2020

“I am so grateful Horse Farms Forever has created a firewall between urban sprawl and the preservation of horse farms in Marion County.
Without horse farms, there are no horses!”

Charlotte Weber, Live Oak Stud

Founder 2018-2020

“The creation of the Farmland Preservation Area was instrumental in preserving our equine industry. Horse Farms Forever is instrumental in this endeavor and I greatly support their vision, community involvement, and goals.”

Mary Jane Hunt, Horsefeathers!

Founder 2018-2020

“Developers are knocking loudly on the doors of government seeking exemptions to violate the Farmland Preservation Area. We have seen two just in the first half of 2020. The developers want to pave it; we want to save it! “

Bernard Little, Misty Lane Cattle Company

Founder 2018-2020

“There’s an old saying, “If you don’t have a seat at the table, then you are on the menu.”  For far too long, the Farmland Preservation Area has been on the menu. Horse Farms Forever now has a seat at the table advocating for the protection of horse farms and the Farmland Protection Area.  Our strength comes through our members.  Please join!”

Kurt & Janet Geisselman, Naked Horse Farm

Charter Members 2019-2020

“We are very disturbed and concerned by the continuing pressure to develop this area. We believe the FPA boundary should be etched in stone. Once it is erased, it can never be replaced.”

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!
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Sidelines Magazine Features HFF’s Busy Byerly

by | Jul 9, 2020 | News, Plan, Uncategorized

Horse Farms Forever is proud to have been featured in the July 2020 issue of Sidelines Magazine.

In the Sidelines article, you will learn more about our new Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires Byerly and why she is uniquely qualified to help Horse Farms Forever as we begin helping farm owners explore their options for conservation of their property. There are over 1,200 horse farms in Marion County. Preserving those farms not only ensures that the character and culture of this special place remains, it protects a thriving horse industry, which contributes over $2.6 billion to the economy and employs over 20,000. As we launch into this important phase of Horse Farms Forever’s history, we are thrilled to have Busy’s passion and expertise to bring to bear on this monumental challenge.

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

Behind the Gate: Team Cone

by | Jul 1, 2020 | News, Uncategorized, Videos

Our First Non-Equine Founder Explains Why Supporting HFF is Good Business

When you crack open a cold one at your 4th of July barbeque, offer a toast to Cone Distributing. They employ 320 in Ocala and serve 22 counties in Florida with a vast array of beer and non-alcoholic beverages.

In this edition of Behind the Gate, Horse Capital TV visits with president/CEO Doug Cone, who makes a convincing case for Horse Farms Forever’s role in managing growth and protecting Marion County’s global brand.

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
Good News for the Farmland Preservation Area

Good News for the Farmland Preservation Area

by | Jun 25, 2020 | News

Horse Farms Forever is grateful to announce tremendous growth at the grassroots level. This is solid evidence of a growing movement to protect the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) of Marion County.

We were born in 2018 to fight the State’s plans to build a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area. A small group of farms, businesses and individuals came together with the County, and successfully convinced the State to respect our iconic farmland. In two short years, Horse Farms Forever (HFF) has become a lightning rod, attracting and gathering the voices in Marion County who care about protecting the character and culture created by horses and horse farms. HFF is now an effective 501c3 nonprofit organization with a clear mission to:

  • Protect the Farmland Preservation Area,
  • Promote the equestrian culture and character of Marion County,
  • Preserve farmland for future generations, and
  • Plan collaboratively with government and community stakeholders to ensure that open spaces and beautiful places remain forever.

Since our inception, we have steadily added members, both Individual and Corporate. This growth enables us to support part-time staff who work hard to fulfill the mission. It has also fuels our Threat Reserve Fund – this critical resource enables us to quickly ramp up our activity when our watchdog efforts uncover a new development or roadway threat to the FPA.

If you have been following us lately, you have seen us tackle two such threats in rapid succession. As we have raised awareness in the community, new friends and supporters have emerged and joined us. Our new members are individuals and businesses who share a deep regard for farmland and want play a part in keeping our area healthy, beautiful and worthy of being called the Horse Capital of the World®. It is not necessary to be in the horse business or to even own a horse to appreciate how horses and horse farms create a special sense of place that is worth preserving. We want to represent everyone who cares about the Farmland Preservation Area and protecting it for future generations. Thank you, new and renewing members, for your support. We are stronger together.

Growth in 2020 has been over 100%.

More blueberry pie, please! The dark blue are new members.

This shows the diversity of donation levels in our membership. Evidence of community support for the FPA!

Why Join?

Nobody can answer this question better than some of our newest members and supporters:

"Thank you so much for being there to support our farmland. It takes a lot of dedication and resources to do what you do. I am proud to be a member."

Sandra Vann

"So glad to see HFF continue to increase in numbers! As we’ve just witnessed, HFF is the best defense against the constant threat to the Farmland Preservation Area and our peaceful way of life. I do think “Border Collies” is a fitting description…….all paws on board…..keep those wolves out!"

Peter Fleming

"Hooray! Horse Farms Forever is a great organization, able to rally its members and the community effectively. You made it so easy to understand the issues and to contact the Commissioners. Great job."

John Toenjes

"Congratulations. You all are doing a fantastic job staying ahead of and on top of all the threats against our farm preservation areas. Thank you for watching out for the future of farm lands. God bless you."

Erna Jean Miller

"As a Real Estate Broker living in the Ocala area for over 30 years and dealing almost exclusively in Equine properties, I must agree strongly with those interested in preserving the FPA and the ambiance connected with the horses and farms that ARE Ocala. Many changes have occurred here over the years, and the majority of those changes are not in favor of keeping Ocala peaceful and beautiful."

Patricia Hawkesworth

"Thank you for keeping me in the loop of everything. I don’t have a horse farm but we live very close to all of you and I love our surroundings and we are so very lucky to see your beautiful horse farms and cattle farms. I truly love living here and it would truly be awful for this expansion to happen in our community. I love the quiet and beauty of this land. Thank you for all that you do."

Sunni Ziroff

"So glad to see a proactive group addressing this. Farmland lost is farmland lost forever. We watched development in Virginia and the way it ruined the countryside before preservation groups realized the consequences. By that time it was too little too late in many instances especially northern Virginia."

Pug & Susie Hart

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
Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Member Businesses

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Member Businesses

by | Jun 24, 2020 | News

Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing businesses who have chosen to stand with us.

Agricon Equipment Kubota Superstore

Leader

The one and only Kubota superstore! If you are looking for innovative, quality-driven agriculture or construction equipment PLUS an exceptional sales experience- look no further!

Cloverly Farm

Charter

Owned and operated by the Stroh family, Cloverly Farm is a state-of-the-art hunter jumper show stable located in the heart of the Farmland Preservation Area.

Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm

Patron

Home to World Champions and Grand National Champion Paso Fino Horses offering training, boarding, sales, and breeding. Located in beautiful NW Ocala, Fox Hill encompasses 70 beautiful acres in the heart of horse country.

Gilligan, Gooding, Franjola & Batsel, P.A.

Partner

Honest, Diligent & Effective Legal Representation. Serving Central Florida since 1991.

 

Lane’s Mark Farm

Charter

Lanes Mark Farm specializes in sales prep, layups, and care for both Thoroughbred and Sport Horses. This spectacular facility offers rehabilitation and conditioning programs and modalities including an above ground Aqua Treadmill.

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Oakmont Rehabilitation Center

Partner

Premier equine rehabilitation and wellness facility located in Ocala, FL. Offering state-of-the-art in-house and portable services to meet the needs of equine athletes across all disciplines. Working directly with veterinarians and trainers to create customizable programs that are personalized to the needs of the individual horse.

Ocala Jockey Club

Leader

950-acre unspoiled equine paradise. The OJC is a Thoroughbred horse training and layup facility featuring 7 barns, pastures, and a 5/8-mile training track. Host of OJC CCI3* 3-day event venue. The unique 9,700 sq ft Ocala Jockey Club restaurant perched on one of the highest points in the County with a view of the farm and training track serves as a perfect setting for weddings, clinics, corporate meetings and retreats, family reunions and holiday parties.

Photonic Health

Partner

Providing simple, safe, effective healing solutions to pet owners so they can experience the joy and love that a pet brings, instead of the frustration and fear that occurs when your pet is sick. Specializing in equine, canine, and feline acupressure, equine touch, photonic light therapy, and spiritual response technique.

​

Michael J. Saxe

Partner

Answering the call of the community for 32 years, Michael J. Saxe is a candidate for District 1 County Commission in Marion County, FL. A retired NYPD Detective (32 years), Former NY Volunteer Fire Fighter, Michael served in his capacity during the 9/11 crisis. He arranged the ringing of the opening bell of the NASDAQ and participated in the closing bell of the NY Stock Exchange.

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
Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!

Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!

by | Jun 22, 2020 | Events, News

Tap It to Win bred by Live Oak Plantation and trained by Casse Racing. Photo Ryan Thompson.

Upside Down Crown.

With the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes moved to Sept. 5 and Oct. 3, the Belmont took an unusual position as the first jewel in the Triple Crown this year. Last Saturday’s race, held at New York’s Belmont Park, was shortened to 1-1/8 miles and run with limited audience attendance.

The 6-5 favorite, Tiz The Law, won by over 3 lengths. The New York bred was started in Ocala at New Episode Training Center by Tony Everard.

The second place finisher, Dr. Post, was purchased by Ocala’s Crupi’s New Castle Farm as a yearling for $400,000. He is trained by Todd Pletcher.

Tap It to Win started well, led early, and ultimately finished fifth. He is bred by Charlotte Weber’s Live Oak Plantation – born and raised in Ocala. His trainer, Mark Casse, won last year’s Belmont with Sir Winston. He is based in Ocala. A member of the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame, Casse was named for induction into the American National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame earlier this year. He joins Lucien Laurin and Roger Attfield as the only trainers in both racing shrines.

Finishing sixth, Sole Volante was sold at the 2019 Ocala Breeders’ Sales April 2-year-old auction. He has earned nearly $300,000.

The ninth place finisher was Fore Left, who went through the 2019 OBS March sale but did not sell. He was consigned by Ocala’s Wavertree Stables. The son of Unbridle’s Song has more than $355,000 in earnings.

Look for more Florida-breds in the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness.

July 14-16 is the date for the next Ocala Breeder’s Sales July 2 Year Olds & Horses of Racing Age Sale.

The racing season has officially begun. Don’t miss the sale!

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