A Bright Future For Horse Farms

A Bright Future For Horse Farms

by | Mar 4, 2021 | News, Uncategorized

So many of Marion County’s iconic local businesses have chosen to align with our mission of farmland preservation, year after year. We recognize together that a bright future for horse farms is a bright future for us all.

Don Stewart Stables

Leader- NEW

We are pleased to welcome Don Stewart Stables as a new member! In the Hunter/Jumper world, Don Stewart Stables has a sterling reputation and a 45 year history.During that time, he’s proven his expertise by winning innumerable championships as a rider and a coach at all the major shows, including Devon, the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International and at the National Horse Show. Don is currently focused on developing and training horses and expanding into the jumper arena. He and his wife, Nancy, are based here in Ocala.

Florida Horse Park Logo

Florida Horse Park

Leader – RENEWING

Our home town horse park has been an enthusiastic supporter of Horse Farms Forever since 2018 when we began with a fight to keep the state toll road out of the Farmland Preservation Area. The Horse Park is a private non-profit organization operating on state-owned land. They truly serve the equine community at the grass roots by offering facilities for a range of equine events as diverse as can be. There’s always something fun to do at the Horse Park.

 

Newport Hay

Patron – RENEWING

In the distinguished field of hay suppliers that Ocala has to offer, Newport Hay works hard to earn and keep their customers. They apply that same degree of effort to supporting causes they believe in. Newport Hay eagerly stepped up to get behind our first Conservation Summit in 2020. They love to make their customers famous. Have you entered their Show and Tell? 

 

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association (FTBOA)

Charter – RENEWING

The FTBOA coined the phrase Horse Capital of the World® for Ocala/Marion County. Their support brings the horsepower of the Florida Thoroughbred industry behind it. We are so grateful for the FTBOA, who acts as a media partner for us as well as a supporting member. Check out their fun Florida Thoroughbred History Moment videos on their website.

Photo by Elma Garcia Cannavino

This Week in Ocala

Check out what some of our Corporate Members are offering in the next couple of weeks:

MARCH 1-27
Horse Fever Rides Again
The Horse Fever public art project was created in 2001 by Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) in partnership with Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

 

MARCH 3-7
Winter Spectacular #9
Featuring “A New Way to Go” The NSBA Hunter/Jumper and $4 Million in prizes
World Equestrian Center

MARCH 4
Ocala RV Show
Florida Horse Park

MARCH 4
LPGA Drive On Championship
Golden Ocala

MARCH 4-7
Grand Oaks Live Combined Driving Event
Grand Oaks Resort

MARCH 16-17
OBS March sale of 2 year olds in training, under tack March 11-13
Ocala Breeder’s Sales

 

 

 

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 

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Horse Farms Forever Welcomes the Quail Roost Foundation as Supporters

Horse Farms Forever Welcomes the Quail Roost Foundation as Supporters

by | Sep 3, 2020 | News, Uncategorized

Horse Farms Forever is pleased to announce the generous contribution of the Quail Roost Foundation to support the conservation of Marion County’s horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area. The Foundation was founded to honor the memory of Harriet and Elmer Heubeck, Jr.

The Heubecks are considered true pioneers in the Florida Thoroughbred horse industry and were partners in marriage and business for more than 63 years. They passed away less than two months apart in 2003, but their legacy lives on with the Quail Roost Foundation. In the ‘40s, the Heubecks managed Rosemere Farm, the first Thoroughbred horse farm in Marion County. In the early ‘60s, they built and managed Hobeau Farm, as well as their own farm, Quail Roost, where they raised Thoroughbreds, cattle, and exotic game. Quail Roost Farm was so unique as it brought together one of Florida’s best-known Thoroughbred breeding and training venues, a large purebred and commercial beef operation, and one of the finest private exotic game preserves in the nation.

Elmer is most well-known for building and managing Hobeau farm, owned by Jack Dreyfus. Elmer also broke and trained the young horses at the farm, then they were sent to the track with trainer Allen Jerkens. Kerry recalls that his dad was a well-respected trainer. One trainer mentioned that when they received horses from Elmer, they were ready to go to the track in two days.

Hobeau’s legacy is embedded in a little known horse named Onion that was owned and bred by Dreyfus and trained at the track by Jerkens. Onion is one of only two horses that beat Secretariat in a race after he won the Triple Crown (1). The second horse to beat Secretariat, Prove Out, was also trained by Jerkens. King Ranch bred Prove Out, but Hobeau Farm owned him (2). 

Kerry, Elmer’s son, grew up on Rosemere, which was owned by Carl Rose, and managed by Elmer until early 1961. It was a thousand acres, and when you drive on Highway 200, passing the intersection with Shady Lane, you are traveling the northernmost border of the original property.

Kerry remembers his idyllic life of roaming rolling pasturelands, riding horses and playing around a magical spring and sinkhole. He hunted for arrowheads after rainstorms, and wandered through the oak forests every day. Kerry fondly remembers Rosemere as “a beautiful place. There was no way it couldn’t stay that way forever.” He thought that the land’s beauty would be all the protection it would ever need.

However, Rosemere was sold and all but 26 acres of the 1,000-acre farm is covered in concrete and commercial buildings. The magical spring and the cave still exist, although it is now known as Scott Springs Park and owned by Marion County. The park is bordered by a Wal-Mart parking lot.

The Heubeck family held a deep love for the land upon which they lived and worked. Witnessing the loss of the beloved Rosemere Farm, Kerry was inspired to protect Quail Roost, his family’s farm, with a conservation easement.

The past is truly meeting the future here at Horse Farms Forever. We thank the Quail Roost Foundation for partnering with us in preserving Marion County’s farmland.

Sources:

  1. https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/aug/01/forgotten-story-onion-secretariat-triple-crown
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/1973/09/30/archives/161-prove-out-wins-secretariat-is-2d-secretariat-beaten-by-a-161.html

Harriet & Elmer Heubeck, Jr.

“Some sixty years ago, my parents brought me to an exquisite land, where I had the luxury of growing up surrounded by densely green Florida hammocks, crystal-clear springs, and an abundance of wildlife unimaginable today.

That particular landscape is now mostly buried beneath concrete and asphalt.

Before they died, each of my parents spoke of protecting the land. I’ve also come to believe that each of us must assume that responsibility of preserving the wildness that remains — so that our children, and theirs, may come to know such beauty; and, quite possibly, for the very survival of us all.”

Kerry Heubeck

Photos by Kerry Heubeck

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

Horse Capital of the World®

by | Aug 28, 2020 | News, Uncategorized, Videos

Why Here?

Have you ever wondered why Ocala is called the Horse Capital of the World®?

Why here, of all places?

Watch for the answers…in the words of some of our prominent owners and trainers.

That title is deserved, and the unique qualities of this special place need to be preserved for future generations. Once erased, it can’t be replaced.

Please, share this video far and wide. Respect and protect our open spaces and beautiful places.

Save it. Don't Pave it.

Join with us as we raise up the Farmland Preservation Area of Marion County as worthy of protection. It makes conservation sense and business sense. The forces of unrestrained development are strong. Your support helps us to speak out on your behalf and act as a force for sensible, planned growth that protects our farms and farmland.

Join Now

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
Soil and Water Experts Say NO to Double Gate ATV Park Location

Soil and Water Experts Say NO to Double Gate ATV Park Location

by | Jun 9, 2020 | Double Gate ATV Race Track, News, Uncategorized

Above is a photo taken yesterday of the proposed site for the Double Gate ATV Park in Flemington. Does this look like a good place to put “dry ATV trails?”

On Soil and Topography Alone, the Double Gate Location Fails

Neighbors to the proposed Double Gate ATV Park continue to write the County Commissioners with clear opposition and good evidence to support their contention that the Flemington location is not suitable for this use. Here is a letter from Rick Robbins, a nearby resident and former Soil and Water Conservation District employee.

Dear Commissioners (especially Commissioner Stone),

This email is in regards to the proposed Double Gate ATV park near Flemington, Florida. As a landowner in District 5 of Marion County, I am concerned about the possibility of introducing a land use that is not compatible with the current Zoning in the designated “Farmland Preservation Area”. The intent of previous commissioners was to protect this area from incompatible land uses and to foster the stewardship of agriculture in NW Marion County. I believe we should respect and honor the work of our past commissioners.

 
As a past employee of Marion County (Marion SWCD), I was involved with the initial efforts (mid-80’s) to collect land use and soils data to effectively protect this area for agricultural purposes. Below are the official soil metrics (from USDA-NRCS Web Soil Survey) associated with the Project Footprint:
Land Use Designation: Soils within the project footprint are within the USDA-NRCS classification: Farmland of Local Importance. This designation effectively demonstrates the agricultural value of the area (and soils) around Flemington, and should be protected.  

Over 91 percent of the soils within the footprint are designated as Farmlands of Local Importance.

Hydric Soils/Wetlands: Hydric Soils are one of the components of wetlands, hydrology and vegetation are the others. Over 50 percent of the soils within the footprint are designated as hydric soils and could be wetlands if the other 2 criteria are met. Please note that the USFWS wetland delineations often do not include wetlands rating in agricultural areas (pastures, etc.)

Soil Interpretations:

  • Erosion Hazard: Offroad/Offtrail – Many of the soils (over 40%) in the area have either a Moderate or Severe rating for Erosion (Off-Road). This means that there will be soil loss from the site and possible off-site impacts resulting in site degradation and unintended off-site consequences.
  • Soil Rutting Hazard: 100% of the soils within the footprint have a moderate limitation for Soil Rutting Hazard. This causes soil degradation and can channel water to affect and accelerate offsite impacts.
  • Suitability for Roads: Over 50% of the footprint have soils that are Poorly Suited for Roads with Natural Surfaces due to wetness.
  • Building Site Development: 100% of the soils are very limited to Buildings (with or without basements) due to wetness, shrink-swell potential, and a few soils are subject to ponding.  This should be considered when evaluating the site for an RV Park.
  • Camp Areas: 100% of the soils are very limited to camp sites (due to wetness), which should be considered when evaluating the site for an RV Park.
  • Off-Road Motorcycle Trails: 100% of the soils are either Very Limited (78%) or Somewhat Limited (22%) for motorcycle trails due to wetness.
  • Sanitary Facilities (Septic Tank Absorption Fields): 100% of the soils are Very Limited to either Sanitary Facilities and Septic Tank Absorption Fields.  This is also a consideration when considering an RV Park at the location.

Soil Properties: 

  • Seasonal High Water Table: All soils (100%) within the project footprint are poorly drained with a seasonal high water table within 12 inches of the soil surface.
  • Clay Content: All soils have over 35% clay within 20 inches of the soil surface.  Clay minerals are smectitic which means they are highly expansive (shrinking and swelling). This can affect construction, such as, concrete slabs, foundations, etc.
  • Permeability: Moderately slow to very slow.  This means that water transmission through the soil profile is highly restricted.  This will affect water movement on the soil surface since water cannot enter the soil profile. In addition, the use of ATV’s will compacted the soil and increase overland water movement to offsite locations.
  • Slope: Most of the soils have slope above 2 percent and up to 8 percent.  Slope along with restricted permeability means that water will move offsite, and even more so…. during tropical events.
  • Offsite Impacts: All of the above soil properties can result in onsite degradation that moves to offsite locations. The slope and restricted permeability means that pollutants, sediment, and surface water will most likely move offsite, unless retaining structures are built to mitigate the effects..

Conclusion: There has to be a better location for an ATV/RV park than the proposed location. Soil characteristics, Farmland Preservation classification, and the rural environment around the proposed site should make the rejection of this proposal…a no-brainer. I am OPPOSED to the ATV Park at it’s proposed location.

 

I have attached the Soils Report for the proposed ATV park for your reference.
 
 
Sincerely,
Rick Robbins
Marion County Landowner

Blue Means Low and Wet

Let’s look at the proposed ATV Park site from a regional perspective. Most of the surrounding land has a higher elevation. All of the rainfall (and groundwater recharge) is going to accumulate in this drainage basin, and if the rainfall totals are high enough….they will bridge the levee and move significant water offsite and to the southeast. This map illustrates how water moves across the land. The red polygon is the proposed site. Red and yellow hues are higher elevations, green- mid-level elevation, and blue hues are lower elevations. If this graphic doesn’t illustrate what off-site impacts will occur (and where), I don’t know what will. The proposed site is in an extremely large drainage basin with significant areas of local recharge.

Soils of Local Importance

Lest you think this is a boggy and useless piece of property, we’d like to point out that the proposed ATV Park sits in the middle of one of the largest areas of “#8 soil” in the County. This soil is considered ideal for agriculture, particularly for pasturing livestock. It is designated as “Locally Important Farmland” by the USDA. The Farmland Preservation Area was created to protect these soils. Our supply of them is finite and valuable for farming.

No Brainer For You?

Last week, we wrote about how the decibel limit for ATV noise can not be met on this site. Today, Rick Robbins showed that the soils can not support an ATV Drag Strip and Racing Trails. Read the comments on our blogs – neighbor after neighbor is asking the County to oppose and deny this flawed plan in the wrong location. In an upcoming blog, we’ll show that there are many existing good locations for ATV trail riding and racing. It is not necessary to invade the Farmland Preservation Area.

What’s your story? The Commissioners need to hear it.

 

Email the Commissioners
Attend the June 17th Hearing