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Special Delivery: Brook Ledge Horse Transportation’s Commitment to Conservation

Special Delivery: Brook Ledge Horse Transportation’s Commitment to Conservation

by | Oct 28, 2022 | Events, News

Horse Farms Forever is honored to have Brook Ledge Horse Transportation as our Title Sponsor of our Conservation Summit for the third year in a row. This year’s topic – Traffic and Transportation – is especially important for their business.

An HFF member since 2018, Brook Ledge is a family business that cares about Marion County’s horses and horse farms.

In 1955, Bill and Bob Gotwals started in the trucking business with one truck. Since that time, the family owned and operated business has grown to include Brook Ledge Inc. and XpressWay. Brook Ledge Inc. is now one of the largest Horse Transportation companies in North America. In addition to operating out of its home office in Oley, PA, Brook Ledge Inc. maintains terminals on small farms in Lexington, KY and here in Ocala. There are three generations of Gotwals currently working at Brook Ledge.

Brook Ledge and the people behind the name are committed to providing the most outstanding service possible in horse transportation. They ship famous show and racehorses to pasture companions and faithful steeds. They understand that whether your horse is a companion or a champion they are all equally important and this is why they treat each horse with the highest care and attention.

Brook Ledge’s fleet is operated by expert drivers and video monitoring of the horses while in transport, and frequent communication during the route provides peace of mind for horse owners.

Brook Ledge is incredibly proud to present their customers with lifelong horsemen and women to ship and care for their horses. Their professional drivers come from a wide range of equine backgrounds consisting of trainers, farriers, professional competitive riders, grooms, horse farm managers, who all have extensive horse experience. Most of the drivers are current or past horse owners and many are second and third generation horse people—the horse is in their blood.

One of the many ways that Brook Ledge gives back to the equine community is through their Brook Ledge Road Scholar award. Through this program, they gift round-trip travel to one full-time student who wants to take their horse to college but doesn’t have the means to get them there. This opportunity is open to any incoming or current undergraduate student under the age of 24. Interested students apply at https://www.brookledge.com/roadscholar  and the winning applicant is most heavily weighted on need and the quality of their applicant essay.

As a business, we think about how we can give back to this place and the horse farms and families that we’ve been able to serve.

We’re truly blessed to have what we have – these horse farms and that rich belt of land that grows good horses. If you’re not nurturing the whole system – land, business and the equine industry, there won’t be anything left for our kids to be a part of.

It’s so easy to think in the ‘now,’ but the ‘now is tomorrow and the next day. We want to encourage growth in Marion County but there is still plenty of land where that can strategically happen so that everyone can flourish in such a wonderful place that is Marion County.

Brian Roberts

Manager, Ocala Depot, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation
Summit Info

Watch the Brook Ledge Feature Video:

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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.

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Proactive Planning to Save Farmland

Proactive Planning to Save Farmland

by | Nov 19, 2021 | Events, News, Plan, Uncategorized

Elma Garcia Cannavino

In Ocala, A Win-Win Is Possible

It’s a familiar and sad chain of events when farmland is lost- growth leads to unplanned development which leads to sprawl. Without intention, open spaces and beautiful places shrink away and the character of a community is changed beyond recognition. Matt Varney comes from a family of real estate developers, and he’s passionate about farmland preservation. Together with Rob and Chris Desino, they operate Ocala Horse Properties – representing the largest portfolio of horse properties in the world. Ocala Horse Properties has been a steadfast ally in forwarding our mission, right from the beginning. Varney and the Desinos are all Founding Members, and Ocala Horse Properties is a Corporate Founder and Gold Sponsor of this year’s Conservation Summit.

We had a conversation about conservation with Matt Varney.

Why is it important to have a Conservation Summit?

“We look into the faces of buyers who come to this area for the first time,” says 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. Horse Farms Forever is looking out for that future.”

Why is now an important time for conversations about conservation?

“Most communities find out too late that shortsighted development has taken over. They then have to react,” warns Varney. “That is not the case here. When we had the Coastal Connector proposal three years ago, Horse Farms Forever formed and reacted very quickly to stop it. In 4 to 5 months, we organized a grassroots effort that can often take years. Now, we are in a position to be proactive, protecting the land before it is threatened.” Varney contends that Marion County is in a position of opportunity right now, and is poised for smart growth.

“Marion County can responsibly grow in a lot of different directions,” he says. “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.”

Why are you looking forward to the Summit?

“We brought John Malone to Ocala. He was a customer of ours,” notes Varney. “He is one of the most interesting people I’ve ever met. His passion for land and knowledge for conservation is at a completely different level – something we should all strive for. He is a role model.” It is clear that Varney shares our excitement at the opportunity to learn from an icon, but he also recognizes the pure fact that when people who care get together, good things happen.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a large group of leaders and neighbors gathered together to learn and connect around the subject of farmland preservation,” concludes Varney.

So are we! Thank you, Ocala Horse Properties, for helping to make the Summit possible. See you at Ocala Breeder’s Sales on November 23!

Meet Some of our Gold Sponsors

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Ocala Horse Properties

Selling horse farms is our one and only business — not a hobby or a part-time job. With the OHP Team, you hire the entire company of three agents, not just one agent! We are united with one mission & only one mission: to sell your property!

We have been the number 1 Ocala Farm Sales realtors for the past 13 years and counting. And, as leaders who set the pace for how to do business and serve our clients, it’s no surprise that others locally and across the nation seek to emulate us.

Lugano Diamonds

Located in The Equestrian Hotel at The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida. This world-class facility is the largest equestrian complex in the United States and we are very proud to be a founding partner. Our newest salon can be found in the lobby of the hotel overlooking the VIP Terrace and Grand Prix arena.

JP Morgan Chase

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations are integrated into the policies and principles that govern our business and reflect our commitment to sustainable growth.

Our approach to ESG management includes having robust governance systems, risk management and controls; striving to serve our customers exceptionally and transparently; investing in our employees and cultivating a diverse and inclusive work environment; working to strengthen the communities in which we live and work; and advancing sustainable solutions for our clients and within our operations.

Tri-Eagle Sales

Tri-Eagle Sales has been the leading beverage wholesaler in the North and North Central Florida area since 1996. Our 210 knowledgeable beverage professionals service over 2,000 retail customers in our 14-county territory from our two facilities in Tallahassee and Ocala. 

Niall Brennan Stables

Success is no accident was chosen as Niall Brennan’s motto because it embodies his philosophy of life. Sometimes people are lucky in the horse business but success generally comes from hard work, attention to detail, integrity, leaving nothing to chance, and striving to fine tune the quality services of our program. NBS is the leader or amongst the leaders in EVERY Category from Winner to Grade One Stakes Winner at the Two Year Old Sales from 2015 -2019.  

 

Learn More About The 2023 Summit
Lunch Menu
Agenda
Ensuring Marion County’s Tomorrow

Ensuring Marion County’s Tomorrow

by | Nov 15, 2021 | Events, News, Plan, Uncategorized

A Conversation about Conservation with Todd Rudnianyn of Neighborhood Storage

The Rudnianyns are landowners, philanthropists, and real estate developers here in Marion County. Todd Rudnianyn recently aligned his business, Neighborhood Storage, with Horse Farms Forever as a Charter Member and Gold Sponsor of our Conservation Summit, coming right up on November 23.

Rudnianyn is a Marion county native. He is fluent in English, Korean, and Spanish. We thank Neighborhood Storage for their support of our mission, and Todd Rudnianyn for being so kind to engage with us in a conversation about conservation:

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

“Conservation is key to ensuring that there is a tomorrow for our community,” says Rudnianyn. “Marion County is growing – and that’s a good thing! – but having thoughtful, strategic, honest conversations about conservation will help us grow smarter, and without losing sight of one of the things that makes folks want to live here in the first place – our beautiful outdoors!”

What do we stand to gain through farmland preservation?

“Farmland preservation means more than just supporting local agriculture, maintaining our county’s rural beauty, and limiting urban sprawl; it also means protecting the very thing that makes us who we are! Our local farmland – fed by our famous aquifer, and among the most scenic in the country – has helped put Ocala and Marion County on the map, and future generations deserve to enjoy this incredible natural resource too,” he concludes.

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

“If we don’t find the time to address the topic of conservation now, then a time will come – sooner than we think – when there will be no more time left,” warns Rudnianyn. “Marion County is growing now, people are moving here now, and so the time to start talking solutions is now. Too late is a terrible time to try to get it right.”

How would you describe Marion County’s unique identity?

“From natural springs and pristine forests, from sprawling farmland to vibrant downtown squares, from the largest equestrian complex in the United States to boutique restaurants, wineries, and arts venues, Marion County offers all of the amenities of a big city against a backdrop of natural splendor,” he accurately describes. “We have a lot to be proud of here, and a lot to protect.”

Meet Some of our Gold Sponsors

horse-farms-forever-farmland-preservation-area-ocala-marion-county

Neighborhood Storage

If you are looking for a storage unit in Ocala, Belleview, or anywhere else in Marion County, you’ve come to the right place!

We promise to provide each of our customers with quality storage space & friendly, caring storage consultants. Our goal is to provide you with helpful tips, maps, directions and contact information to each of our 25 storage facilities in the Ocala, Florida area. We strive to make your stay at Neighborhood Storage Center the most comfortable and convenient experience possible!

Cone Distributing

Cone Distributing is a beverage distributor presently operating in 22 counties in north central Florida, with offices in Ocala and Tallahassee.

Douglas P. Cone, Jr. founded the company in 1985 when he was only 31 years old. Mr. Cone and his team built the company on healthy and mutually profitable relationships by providing the right product, at the right time, in the right place.

Initially, the company’s territory was limited to only four rural counties and carried brands from just a few suppliers. Since the inception of the company, ownership and management have been very strategic and innovative in their approach to better serving the state of Florida.

Team Cone is committed to seeking the highest standards at every level, and our leadership team continuously looks for strategic growth opportunities in geographic territory and suppliers.

Great American Insurance Group

For nearly 150 years, Americans have trusted Great American to protect them. Their innovative insurance solutions and specialization serves niche marketplaces that they know well. This expertise gives them a successful foundation that spans generations.

Whether your client owns one pleasure horse or has a barn full of Kentucky Derby contenders, horses are an ongoing investment that deserve expert insurance coverage. With the wide variety of horse breeds and uses, it’s important to choose a carrier that understands the unique risks of every equine situation.

Pyranha-Adeptus

For over 40 years Pyranha, Inc has been innovating and providing pest control solutions for the residential and livestock industry. Pyranha not only offers ready-to-use and concentrated insecticide products as well as their misting systems, but they also offer a line of odor-management products ideal for homes, kennels, livestock areas and more.

The Equine Chronicle

The Equine Chronicle is sent out free of charge to every AQHA, APHA, ApHC, NSBA and NRHA judge. The Equine chronicle is also distributed FREE of charge at most AQHA, APHA and ApHC horse shows nationwide by over 150 distributors. And with a circulation of over 60,000 copies reaching that count, it’s no wonder The Equine Chronicle is…THE BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK!

 

Learn More About The 2023 Summit
Lunch Menu
Agenda
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
Tiny Horse Take Over

Tiny Horse Take Over

by | Sep 15, 2021 | Events, News

Meet The Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses At The Conservation Summit

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.

Bringing Love Where It Is Needed Most

Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses ease human suffering during times of natural emergencies, violence, traumatic events and loss with the assistance of highly trained horses, volunteers and the generosity of donors.

 

The horses also work with medical professionals in oncology units, intensive care units and with occupational, speech and physical therapists. As part of treatment teams, the horses support patients who have suffered strokes, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, amputations and burns.

 

Gentle Carousel’s literacy program, Reading Is Magic, brings therapy horses inside schools, at risk youth programs, literacy events and libraries to inspire young readers and “bring books to life.”

Don’t you want to hug one? Of course you do! See you at the Summit!

Learn More About Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses!

Add all that light and joy to your Social Media:

Support The Horses
Register for the Summit
Learn More

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