fbpx
Charlotte Weber Honored with the Acorn Conservation Award

Charlotte Weber Honored with the Acorn Conservation Award

by | Oct 19, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Owner Charlotte Weber, left, with trainer Mark Casse, center,
and jockey John Velazquez, right, after champion World Approval won a stakes race at Tampa Bay Downs.
(Eclipse Sportswire)

Horse Farms Forever is honored to announce that the inaugural Acorn Conservation Award will be presented to Charlotte Weber, Owner of Live Oak Stud, at the upcoming Conservation Summit on November 23rd at Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company.

The Acorn Conservation Award is given to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of horse farms in Marion County. Presenting the award to Mrs. Weber will be Mr. Mark Casse, a two-time Hall of Fame trainer, who trained Weber’s horse World Approval. It is fitting that Casse present Weber with the Acorn Award for her efforts to preserve horse farms in Marion County, as they have won many of the top horse racing awards together.

World Approval was named Florida Bred Horse of the Year by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) in 2017. That same year he was also named the Florida-bred Champion Older Male, Florida-bred Champion Turf Horse and Florida-bred Champion Male Sprinter. Weber’s Live Oak Plantation (racing name) was also named the Florida Owner of the Year and her Live Oak Stud was named the Florida Breeder of the Year.

Casse is one of the most respected and decorated horse racing trainers in North America. Over his 50-year career, he has captured many prestigious awards and won several of the top races.

Please join Horse Farms Forever in honoring Mrs. Weber. The Acorn Award Presentation will be a highlight of the Conservation Summit Program on November 23.

About Charlotte Weber

For over 50 years, Weber has owned and managed the expansive 5,000-acre Live Oak Stud. The picturesque farm with the majestic live oak trees and rolling hills is one of the most scenic along SR 40 just west of Ocala. The farm is home to an award-winning Thoroughbred breeding, training, and racing operation. Her homebred Thoroughbreds have won several Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Eclipse Awards, FTBOA awards, and multiple Grade One wins on the dirt and the turf. Weber also raises a large herd of Brahman and Charolais cattle, and a variety of crossbreds.

In addition, the Weber family hosts the Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament, one of the largest international-level events in the U.S.

Weber chose Marion County to raise horses and cattle because of the mineral rich soil and Florida’s mild climate.

“The quality of Live Oak’s environment and the excellent climate of Florida contribute greatly to the production of world-class Thoroughbreds. Beneath the canopy of live oak trees, horses benefit from the lush green, nutrient-rich grass covering the gently rolling hills of Live Oak Stud. Romping in the golden Florida sunshine from the day they are born, Live Oak horses grow the strong bones and muscles needed to be champion Thoroughbred racehorses,” states her Live Oak Stud website.

About Mark Casse

Mr. Casse’s numerous accolades include winning two legs of the Triple Crown with two horses in 2019, winning eight Canadian Triple Crown races, induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2020, induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2016, and becoming the first U.S. winner of the Royal Ascot’s Queen Anne race in England with Tepin.

Casse’s horse racing roots run deep. Mark and his two brothers followed in the footsteps of their father, Norman Casse, who was one of the founders of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company. The third generation has also taken up the reins, as Mark’s son, Norman, is now a successful trainer.

While Casse has found international success, he calls Ocala his home. He and his wife, Tina, own a 135-acre training center in the Ocala Horse Complex. He’s been in Ocala for over 50 years and is proud to pass that legacy on to his family.

Casse strongly supports the mission of Horse Farms Forever to protect the character and culture that horses, horse farms and the horse industry bring to Marion County.

“It was important for me to be involved with Horse Farms Forever because it’s been my entire life. I’ve been in Ocala for over 50 years and that’s why my dad moved to Ocala,” says Casse. “Can you think of a better industry than horses? I don’t want to see them go. You can build around them. This is Ocala and it’s my life!”
Register
Does Farmland Preservation Matter To Marion County?

Does Farmland Preservation Matter To Marion County?

by | Oct 15, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

We’re About To Find Out.

In just a month, the Marion County Quality of Life Survey results will be revealed at our Conservation Summit. These results will be the culmination of a year’s work, building a collaborative partnership with the business community and working with an independent research firm.

“Growth is booming In Ocala/Marion in both population and commercially,” says Dr. Jennifer Fryns, Associate VP of Career and Professional Programs at the College of Central Florida. “This is a great time to understand the community’s perspective to learn how best to plan and manage this growth for the benefit of all in the near and distant future.”

While Horse Farms Forever was the catalyst for the Survey, we are honored to collaborate with five sponsors who represent the business and non-profit community in Marion County: Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, College of Central Florida, Ocala Horse Properties, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and Hotel Development and Management Group. The Matrix Group, an independent insights and consulting firm based in Lexington, Kentucky, is administering, processing and tabulating responses. Working closely with our partners, we sought to ask the questions that are on the minds of Marion County’s residents.

Marion County Quality of Life Survey

Internet Access

Population Growth

Jobs

Green Space

Roads & Traffic

Farmland Preservation

Springs Protection

Equine Industry

Housing

Outside The Echo Chamber

Horse Farms Forever is about preserving the character and culture that horses, horse farms, and the Farmland Preservation Area bring to Marion County. But in order to make a difference, we need to know if these values are shared within the greater community.

“We can speculate as to what people think. We can talk to our friends and acquaintances, but we likely will only hear what we already know, so it can risk becoming an echo chamber,” says Ocala Metro CEP President Kevin Sheilley. “A survey gives a chance to get input and feedback from a broad spectrum of our community. It doesn’t necessarily mean all those opinions are based in fact, but it is important to understand the broader picture.”

A Pivot Point

This is a time ripe with opportunity, and Ocala is not just another sunbelt boomtown. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association puts it succinctly:

“Never have the issues of growth, farmland preservation, economy, agriculture and our County quality of life intersected so. The time is right for the Survey.”

Ocala Horse Properties’ Matt Varney drills down further:

“Ocala is incredibly unique in that it is growing on two different tracks. On one hand, we are adding diverse industry, housing and jobs – classic urban growth. But also, we have one of the largest regional farmland preservation areas in the country and a thriving equine industry dependent on those farms,” says Varney. “The survey will show the importance of both of these growth directions, and inspire our leaders to plan accordingly,” he asserts.

The Survey results have potential to guide planning and policy at both the County and State levels. Together with our partners, we hope to inspire positive and lasting change in terms of farmland preservation but also in terms of jobs, internet access, housing, and education.

Win-Win or Train Wreck?

Are the two tracks of growth described by Varney destined to collide, or can they thrive alongside each other?

“Marion County can responsibly grow in a lot of different directions,” adds Varney. “I’m from a family of developers and have seen the effects of shortsighted development. We are unbelievably fortunate to have the Farmland Preservation Area and Urban Growth Area here, and leadership that values them equally.”

Sheilley reminds us of the interdependency of the two tracks:

“If you are unemployed, struggling, unsure of how to plan for your family, you do not have quality of life. All the open space and farms in the world will not improve that. Growth allows us to support the needs of many while preserving and enhancing those pieces which help to provide a great quality of life in our community.”

Who Drives Conservation?

Can a county-wide conservation movement be driven by the business community? It can when we remember that, here in Ocala/Marion, eighteen-percent of our GDP is generated by the equine industry. Just as a manufacturing town needs factories, and a tourist town needs attractions, the Horse Capital of the World® needs horse farms. Sheilley concurs:

“We are the voice of business and our mission is to be the catalyst of a prosperous community – not the business community, not the Southeast community, not the farm country community but the WHOLE community. You can grow the economy, create economic diversification, support entrepreneurship for all people, and maintain the parts that make Ocala unique. We know what a powerful economic driver the equine industry is and can be in the future.”

Ocala’s Magic

How powerful is Ocala’s global brand as Horse Capital of the World®? The Survey will give us an indication of how deeply it is woven into the fabric of everyday lives. Ocala Horse Properties sees that power first-hand in its client interactions:

“We look into the faces of buyers who come to this area for the first time,” answers Ocala Horse Properties’ Varney. “They are in awe of the natural beauty and open space. This is one of the few places in the country where I can literally sell a farm that is worth more as a horse farm than as anything else. This area is unique. I want to know that when I’m long gone, there will still be beautiful open space, horse farms, and a community of likeminded people,” he concludes.

Generation Next

The College of Central Florida serves to support the skills requirements of the present workforce and the dreams of future generations with life-changing education. They chose to participate in the Survey as part of their continuous practice of tuning their offerings to the community’s changing needs.

“The demands in workforce development are our top priorities while supporting the cultural endeavors of the region,” says Fryns,  “We’re part of the fabric of the community. Participating in this important survey at this moment in time is what we are here to do as we work to serve our mission. We are excited to see the results and look forward to the ensuing discussions.”

Join The Conversation

On November 23 at Ocala Breeder’s Sales (OBS), Kevin Sheilley will present the results of the Quality of Life Survey in detail on behalf of The Matrix Group. We hope you will join us there and participate in shaping a healthy future for Marion County and its horse farms. In-person and live-stream options are available. To learn more, visit: https://www.horsefarmsforever.com/conservation-summit/

Thank you, Survey Sponsors and Partners!
Learn More & Register
Visual Inspiration For Conservation

Visual Inspiration For Conservation

by | Oct 13, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Learn More About Photographer and Filmmaker, Elma Garcia

The stunning photos of Marion County landscapes, horses and dogs, that you see on our website and social media are graciously donated by Elma Garcia – HFF Founder, Board Member and Gold Sponsor of this year’s Conservation Summit. Elma’s love for the landscape is contagious in each photograph and short film she so kindly allows us to use in support of our mission. Elma is an artist and an equestrian and a treasured member of our team.

Elma Garcia began directing commercials, working alongside renowned cinematographers such as Conrad Hall, Haskell Wexler, and Robert Richardson, who all encouraged her to get behind the camera herself. Once she did, there was no turning back:  in her own words, “I love having the camera close to my heart; it allows me to move more intuitively.”  For that reason, she’s worked as both director and cinematographer for 28 years and owns her own production company, EGF.  Her mastery of these complementary talents allows her to create authentic, beautiful, and cohesive narratives reflecting the spirit of the human condition.

Above all, Elma’s keen attention to detail and commitment to excellence in storytelling ensure she consistently delivers not only high-quality, effective spots, but a top shelf experience for her collaborators. Her clientele have taken her all over the world creating award winning tv commercials. Her images and short films taken in the Farmland Preservation area are about giving everyone the feeling of the open spaces, and the quality of life on horse farms. 

In her spare time, she’s an avid golfer and National Dressage Champion. She is now training her new string of dressage horses. She and her husband, Jim Cannavino, live on their horse farms in Mill Spring, North Carolina and Ocala.  
Learn More & Register
Marion County Talks Conservation

Marion County Talks Conservation

by | Oct 8, 2021 | Events, News, Plan, Uncategorized

A Thoroughbred Farm, A Realtor, and A Sport Horse Breeder…

This is the first of a series where we hear directly from the farms, non-profits and businesses who are standing in support of farmland preservation in the midst of our growing economy. As we anticipate the Conservations About Conservation- Summit 2021 next month, we’re sparking the exchange of thoughts and ideas. What do your neighbors think about preserving our farmland? What do you think?

We had conversations about conservation with George Isaacs of Bridlewood Farm, Valerie Dailey of Showcase Properties, and Linda Bammann of Laughing Horse Farm. Here’s what they had to say.

 

Why is it important for Marion County to have conversations about conservation?
Isaacs:

When I moved to Ocala over 25 years ago to begin my management career here at Bridlewood Farm, it was a sleepy little town with vast open cattle and horse farms in every direction. In what seems like a blink of an eye, much of the land has been developed, paved, and lost forever.

Dailey:

Talking about and developing ideas for conservation supports educated smart growth and sustainability. When the intent of land use planning is to ensure the efficient use of space and resources, farmland is better protected and allows room for communities to grow and thrive.

Bammann:

We believe horse farms and the horse industry are the basic fabric of Ocala. Clearly, the growth patterns over the last year or so are indicating that growth will only increase. We had a cattle ranch on the coast of California. We saw the beauty be completely disrupted through inappropriate growth. Given the growth of Ocala, we would hate to see that happen again here.

What do we stand to gain through farmland preservation?
Dailey:

Farmland preservation programs and many private land trusts work to ensure that we don’t destroy resources which protect our green spaces and environment: Fertile soils, drinkable water, and clean air. Natural assets should be viewed as capital assets; like tractors or office buildings, they have tangible, real-world economic value. And unlike other capital assets, they’re renewable and self-sustaining. When managed properly, their value doesn’t depreciate over time.

Bammann:

We hold on to the character of the people who built our community in a way that we can be proud of. We retain the culture of working hard and having beautiful properties that produce livestock and crops.

Isaacs:

It is vitally important that we come together as a community, and manage this intense population growth successfully and preserve the natural aesthetic essence of Ocala which is our horse farms, pastureland, old live oaks, and the natural springs. These make Marion County a very special place to live, work, and call home.

 

What do we stand to lose if we don’t raise the subject now?
Bammann:

We lose everything that makes Ocala unique. The equestrian environment and farmlands built Ocala. If we don’t respect that it will be lost forever.

Isaacs:

Quickly, we are becoming a large town with sprawl and losing our rural charm that we will never reclaim.

Dailey:

If we don’t take care of our environment and protect our green spaces, we’re only contributing to our own spiral, narrowing our world and limiting our choices. Bad decisions can affect sustainability for generations to come; it may not happen in our lifetimes, but it might in our children’s and grandchildren’s. That’s not the legacy I want to leave behind. So it’s important that we talk about ways we can protect and create green spaces, and actively support structured growth.

How would you describe Marion County’s unique identity?
Dailey:

Equestrian culture is so deeply woven into the collective DNA of the area. It’s a collegial, collaborative and inclusive community that is very invested in efficient land use and sustainability. Marion County is known for being a place of incredible natural beauty, with plenty of parks and recreational areas to hike and ride and explore. It’s a wonderful place to live and work.

Isaacs:

Now I’m from Kentucky, and I’ve lived in Ocala a long time now, and I’m going to say that Ocala is definitely the Horse Capital of the World®.

Bammann:

It is the equestrian and agricultural community. Beautiful live oak trees, rolling hills, horses and cattle in the fields. Oak trees don’t come back overnight. Neither do the springs that feed us and a lot of Florida. Quality of life – once you lose it, you lose it forever. There would be no Central Park if not for the foresight of its preservers. Do it now or it will be lost forever.

 

 

 

A Florida-licensed REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida since 2005 and the current Owner and Broker, Valerie specializes in the listing and selling of equine properties, as well as residential, commercial, and agricultural properties. Being a part of the sales of the three highest selling properties in Marion County’s recent years, Valerie’s expertise in real estate and leadership of her agents continues to inspire and bring Showcase to the forefront of the local real estate industry.

Showcase Properties of Central Florida is a Charter Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit.

General Manager of Bridlewood Farm since 1989. Isaacs is forever a fan of the cultivation of top quality equine athletes and Marion County as the ideal place for a thriving horse industry. Bridlewood Farm encompasses more than 2,200 acres. Founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton and owned today by John and Leslie Malone, Bridlewood Farm has represented excellence for 43 years.

Bridlewood Farm is a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit. Isaacs serves on the Board of Directors.

Linda Bamman

Linda Bammann was drawn to Ocala by the equine industry. She is an avid equestrian and with her husband, Paul Terzani, owns Laughing Horse Farm. After an extensive career in banking and finance, Linda chose to transition to Florida to pursue her life passion. Laughing Horse Farm is situated on 30 acres. Along with partner, Marcus Gruenthal, Bammann trains and sells show jumpers.

Laughing Horse Farm is a Founding Member of Horse Farms Forever and a Gold Sponsor of the 2021 Conservation Summit. Bammann serves on the Board of Directors.

Learn More

A Bright Future For Marion County

Do you believe that horse farms and the horse industry make Ocala/Marion County a unique place to live and work? Tell us about it in the comments below. Do you want our unique character and culture to live on for future generations? Add your hoofprints to the herd by becoming a member.

Join or Donate Now
Four New Sponsors Join The Conversation

Four New Sponsors Join The Conversation

by | Sep 28, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes Golden Ocala/World Equestrian Center, Icard Merrill, Advanced Myographics, and Cox Communications

The business community is turning out in force to support Horse Farms Forever’s second annual Conservation Summit. The event puts the spotlight on Marion County’s unique quality of life advantages – horses, horse farms and beautiful open spaces.

“We are initiating conversations around the community centered around farmland preservation and conservation,” says Horse Farms Forever Executive Director, Sara Fennessy. “There is an amazing groundswell of interest in investing in the future of Marion County, and keeping it open and beautiful. Close to 40 businesses, non-profits and farms have aligned with us as sponsors for the Summit on November 23 at Ocala Breeder’s Sales. County officials have registered to attend and expressed their enthusiasm in having this conversation. We are gathering those voices together and creating a spark. Each new sponsor brings a unique and valuable perspective to the community-wide conversation.”

Golden Ocala & World Equestrian Center

Gold Sponsor

No introduction required – Golden Ocala and the World Equestrian Center have significantly lifted the profile and impact of Ocala/Marion County as the Horse Capital of the World®. From our beginning three years ago, the Roberts family have stood with us in support of farmland and open space preservation and smart growth that sustains a healthy equine economy and quality of life. They are Founding Members of Horse Farms Forever and last year, hosted our first Conservation Summit at Golden Ocala. We are thrilled to have their participation and support this year.

Florida Horse Park Logo

Advanced Myographic Technologies

Silver Sponsor

Announcing the Revolutionary CURO MK II Wireless Technology ! WHAT IS THE ESTi TM by CURO? The all NEW CURO Mk II Wireless portable system uses very sensitive sensors to measure the pressure waves that skeletal muscles generate when they are active. The word CURO means I Care and was chosen as a name for this technology since it allows us to care for the way we train and rehabilitate humans, horses and dogs. It has not been possible before now to assess muscle function in a non-invasive and real-time manner and in such an accurate fashion as is capable using the CURO, so now at long last we can truly care for our people and our animals.

CONTACT DETAILS Advanced Myographic Technologies, LLC
Mobile: 352-456-8338 RSD@myographytech.com

Icard Merrill Attorneys & Counselors

Silver Sponsor

Icard Merrill has been serving the Suncoast since 1953. Their diverse practice provides assistance includes during some of the most life events – purchasing or selling real property, forming or selling a business, planning for their estates, defending or bringing a lawsuit, adopting a child, relocating a professional practice, developing a condominium or subdivision project, borrowing money for business or personal reasons, or rezoning property to reflect changes in use and demographics.

Icard Merrill’s lawyers and staff work diligently to improve the communities where they work and live, supporting organizations that maintain and enrich the lives of residents and visitors alike.

 

Cox Communications Florida

Bronze Sponsor

Find the best internet and TV bundles in Ocala, FL. Cox provides a wide variety of services at affordable prices. Bundle TV and Internet with Cox Homelife or Cox Voice for even greater savings.

Lunch Menu
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 Us

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 or Donate Now