Charlotte Weber Honored with the Acorn Conservation Award
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 Award will be presented by Hall of Fame trainer, Mark Casse.
Does Farmland Preservation Matter To Marion County?
In just a month, the Marion County Quality of Life Survey results will be revealed at our Conservation Summit. These results are the culmination of a year’s work, building a collaborative partnership with the business community and working with an independent research firm.
Visual Inspiration For Conservation
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.
Marion County Talks Conservation
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 of Central Florida, and Linda Bammann of Laughing Horse Farm. Here’s what they had to say.
Four New Sponsors Join The Conversation
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.”
2021 Summit
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!
John and Leslie Malone Honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award
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.
Tiny Horse Take Over
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.
New To The Herd
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.
Welcome New Partners and Friends
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. Live Oak International, Chase Bank, de Meric Thoroughbred Sales, The Equine Chronicle, Equus Inn, Woodstove and Fireplace Center, Quail Roost Foundation, Mid Florida Heating and Air, Showcase Properties of Central Florida.
Help Protect Our Farms - Join Today!
Together, we can help preserve the character and culture that horses, horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area make unique to Marion County.
Join the herd. Every voice matters.
Be the first to know!
When the farmland watchdogs sound the alarm, you’ll hear first.