Ensuring Marion County’s Tomorrow

Ensuring Marion County’s Tomorrow

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

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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!

 

2021 Summit

2021 Summit

(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.

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.

Tiny Horse Take Over

Tiny Horse Take Over

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:

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.

A Growing Concern

A Growing Concern

Those who love our open spaces and beautiful places can no longer ignore the growth coming to Ocala/Marion County. We are so thankful for our members, new and renewing, who enable us to keep inspiring CONVERSATIONS about CONSERVATION of our precious farmland. Together, we can turn our concerns into smart planning for a future that both grows our economy and protects our horse farms.

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

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation

Founder – RENEWING

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. Whether your horse is a companion or a champion they are all equally important and treated with the highest care and attention. 

Greater Ocala Dog Club

Partner – NEW

The Greater Ocala Dog Club was founded in 1970 to further the advancement of all breeds of purebred dogs, to protect and advance the interest of all breeds of purebred dogs and to encourage sportsmanlike competition at dog shows and AKC performance events. In addition, the club conducts sanctioned matches, AKC dog shows, companion events and performance events under the rules and regulations of the American Kennel Club. This Club also promotes responsible dog ownership.

Great American Insurance Group

Charter – NEW

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.

Pyranha-Adeptus

Charter – NEW

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.

Ocala Stud

Charter – RENEWING

Ocala Stud sold its first crop of two-year-olds in 1958. Since that time, it has become a tradition for the farm to sell its entire juvenile crop, either at the Ocala Breeders’ in training sales in Ocala, Florida (obssales.com), or privately, right off the farm.

The Farm never races, and never holds back promising juveniles. Yet year after year, runners bred, raised, and sold by Ocala Stud rank among the best of their divisions in the U.S. and abroad.

 

New to the Herd


We welcome you!

Gary Bybee – Leader

Sandy Davis – Friend

Rona Garm – Partner

Brooke Hamlin – Friend

Suzanne Jensen – Friend

Kit Mauer – Friend

Jennifer Shuck – Friend

Winding Way Farm – Friend

Angela Yates – Friend

Who Belongs to Horse Farms Forever?

Individuals, farms, businesses from all over Marion County who share an appreciation for our farmland and a desire to preserve our open spaces and beautiful places. Visit our interactive map for a bird’s eye view.

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 

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.

New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever

New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever

Photo by Elma Garcia-Cannavino

Like one of Marion County’s beautiful live oaks, we are growing broader as an organization even as our roots stretch deep. A dedicated group of supporters continue keep us alive and healthy as our mission gains momentum in the community. Thank you to all who have recognized the importance of open spaces and beautiful places in Ocala/Marion County and the importance of preserving what makes us unique – horses and horse farms.

Founders

Our Founders initial pledges of $10,000 or more in 2018 got us off the ground and helped us to defeat the toll road in the Farmland Preservation Area. Founders who renew each year are demonstrating their iron clad commitment to continuing the work of preservation. New threats are appearing all the time, and the Founders are behind us all the way. We are beyond grateful.

 

Renewing Founders:

  • Paul & Ann Kaplan – who graciously doubled their renewal 
  • Lauren Kay
  • Richard Helms
  • Rick & Danielle Sherman
  • Dave & Ann Quanbeck
  • Chester Weber
  • Dave & Esther Wright

Renewing Founder Businesses:

Ocala Breeder’s Sales

says Tom Ventura, president Ocala Breeder’s Sales:

“Horse Farms Forever’s purpose is to protect the culture that we have here in Ocala. It is just a logical connection for Ocala Breeder’s Sales to be a part of it.”

 

world-equestrian-center-ocala-florida
world-equestrian-center-ocala-florida

Golden Ocala/World Equestrian Center

One of the most exciting developments in the equine history of the county is the upcoming opening of the World Equestrian Center.  The Roberts family, developers of the Golden Ocala Golf and Equestrian Center, and the World Equestrian Center, have aligned with our mission since we began in 2018 and have recently renewed as Founders.

Bridlewood Farm

John and Leslie Malone, owners of Bridlewood Farm, continue to support us as Founders. Bridlewood Farm, a name synonymous with success at the highest levels in Thoroughbred racing, breeding and sales, encompasses more than 1600 acres. 

Charter Members

At the $5,000 level, Charter membership represents a stalwart commitment to Horse Farms Forever’s long term impact. We are thrilled to announce our latest renewing Charter Members:

  • Phyllis Harlow
  • Matt Varney

and NEW Charter Member:

  • Joel Wiessner Productions

Renewing Charter Businesses:

Mars Equestrian

“No doubt, the world would be a lesser universe without the horse. The joy, the sorrow, the beauty, the wildness, the service they render to mankind. We are lucky to be able to share in their story.” Jacqueline Mars

Horses are deeply rooted in MARS history dating back to the 1930s. Giving back through Equestrian partnerships illustrates the MARS commitment for a better world.

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

Brook Ledge Horse Transportation

Our presenting sponsor for the Conservation Summit, Brook Ledge Horse Transportation, has also renewed as a Charter Member. Their motto is “You don’t have to be a world champion to travel like one,” emphasizing the deep care and attention to detail that Brook Ledge puts into every trip. 

Patrons

Thank you for your continued and generous support at the $2,500 level!

 

Renewing Patron Businesses:

Eddie Woods Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

Eddie Woods Stables

Eddie Woods, a native of Meath, Ireland, has built an impressive 240-acre facility in Ocala, through hard work and a tremendous desire to produce quality horses. 

Woods has now been based in Central Florida for more than 15 years, and has increased his knowledge of the Thoroughbred industry working for fellow horsemen Tony and Joanne Everard. His knowledge, management and communication skills all have played a role in his success, and he deploys a pragmatic and disciplined approach while working toward a set of well-defined goals.

Autumn Schweiss Eventing

Having grown up in Minnesota on horses since a very young age, Autumn Schweiss has moved to the heart of horse country in Ocala, Florida, considered by many as the premier eventer’s location in all of the United States.

From here, she continues to compete and is willing to share her vast knowledge of the sport she learned from other renowned world-class clinicians and Olympians during her lifetime.

Imagine Thoroughbreds

Imagine Thoroughbreds is a one stop thoroughbred shop. Imagine Thoroughbreds handles the training of young Thoroughbred race prospects, as well as fitting weanlings and yearlings for upcoming sales. Layups and broodmare care are also available.

Leaders

Renewing Leader Businesses:

Ocala Equine Hospital

Ocala Equine Hospital is a surgical referral center established in 1997 to treat elective surgical cases and orthopedic emergencies. They have a full range of advanced surgical and diagnostic equipment enabling them to provide premiere surgical referral services for the region. Their swimming pool recovery system is unique to the region and complements expertise in fracture repair. They also provide ambulatory services for emergencies, preventative care, lameness, reproduction, radiography and general medical care.

New Founders, Brandon & Diannah Perry

Brandon and Diannah Perry of Paragon Farms & Estates, have made a generous pledge of $100,000 to Horse Farms Forever in honor of Brandon’s mother, Cathy D. Perry. The Perrys conserved their farm in Kentucky with the American Farmland Trust and have enthusiastically joined the movement to conserve our iconic Marion County farmland.

 

New and Renewing Partners and Friends

Welcome to the Herd!

Ann Cottongim
Amber De Berry
Fawzy Ebrahim
Helena Smejda
Dave Squier
William & Noelle Vander Brink

 

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 find out more information or to join please contact our Executive Director, Sara Fennessy at sara.fennessy@
horsefarmsforever.com
.