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!”