Behind the Golden Gates
The World Equestrian Center and Golden Ocala are major enhancements to our equine-powered economy and lifestyle here in Marion County. The Roberts Family, owners of both, were one of our first Founding Members, and recently demonstrated their commitment Horse Farms Forever’s mission by renewing again at the Founder Level. Please join us in thanking the Roberts Family, Golden Ocala, & World Equestrian Center for caring about preserving our open spaces and beautiful places for future generations.
Let’s shine the spotlight on the contributions that these monumental facilities will make to the Horse Capital of the World® as the community anticipates the opening of the World Equestrian Center in 2021.
Meet Our New Founder, Mandy Pope
For over 30 years, Mandy Pope has given the term “girl power” a whole new meaning in the Thoroughbred racing industry as she continuously makes the headlines. From an early age, it was apparent that Mandy would pursue a lifelong love of horses. She bought her first horse, Blue Whisper, as a high-school student at St. Mary’s School in Raleigh. In 1980, her ambition of breeding, selling, training, and racehorses led her to Ocala where she now owns and operates the world-renowned Whisper Hill Farm.
Horse Farms Forever Gains a New Founder
Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing individuals and businesses who support open spaces and beautiful places.
New & Renewing Members in the Dog Days of Summer
Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing individuals and businesses who support open spaces and beautiful places.
Renewing Founders Explain The Relevance of HFF in These Times
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.
Sidelines Magazine Features HFF’s Busy Byerly
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.
Behind the Gate: Team Cone
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.
Good News for the Farmland Preservation Area
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.
Horse Farms Forever Welcomes New Member Businesses
Every new member makes us stronger. We welcome the following new and renewing businesses who have chosen to stand with us: Agricon, Cloverly Farm, Fox Hill Paso Fino Farm, Lane’s Mark Farm, Oakmont Rehabilitation & Wellness, Ocala Jockey Club, Photonic Health, and Michael J. Saxe.
Florida Bred Horses Make Strong Showing in the Belmont!
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.
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.