A Bright Future For Horse Farms

A Bright Future For Horse Farms

by | Mar 4, 2021 | News, Uncategorized

So many of Marion County’s iconic local businesses have chosen to align with our mission of farmland preservation, year after year. We recognize together that a bright future for horse farms is a bright future for us all.

Don Stewart Stables

Leader- NEW

We are pleased to welcome Don Stewart Stables as a new member! In the Hunter/Jumper world, Don Stewart Stables has a sterling reputation and a 45 year history.During that time, he’s proven his expertise by winning innumerable championships as a rider and a coach at all the major shows, including Devon, the Pennsylvania National, the Washington International and at the National Horse Show. Don is currently focused on developing and training horses and expanding into the jumper arena. He and his wife, Nancy, are based here in Ocala.

Florida Horse Park Logo

Florida Horse Park

Leader – RENEWING

Our home town horse park has been an enthusiastic supporter of Horse Farms Forever since 2018 when we began with a fight to keep the state toll road out of the Farmland Preservation Area. The Horse Park is a private non-profit organization operating on state-owned land. They truly serve the equine community at the grass roots by offering facilities for a range of equine events as diverse as can be. There’s always something fun to do at the Horse Park.

 

Newport Hay

Patron – RENEWING

In the distinguished field of hay suppliers that Ocala has to offer, Newport Hay works hard to earn and keep their customers. They apply that same degree of effort to supporting causes they believe in. Newport Hay eagerly stepped up to get behind our first Conservation Summit in 2020. They love to make their customers famous. Have you entered their Show and Tell? 

 

Florida Thoroughbred Breeders & Owners Association (FTBOA)

Charter – RENEWING

The FTBOA coined the phrase Horse Capital of the World® for Ocala/Marion County. Their support brings the horsepower of the Florida Thoroughbred industry behind it. We are so grateful for the FTBOA, who acts as a media partner for us as well as a supporting member. Check out their fun Florida Thoroughbred History Moment videos on their website.

Photo by Elma Garcia Cannavino

This Week in Ocala

Check out what some of our Corporate Members are offering in the next couple of weeks:

MARCH 1-27
Horse Fever Rides Again
The Horse Fever public art project was created in 2001 by Marion Cultural Alliance (MCA) in partnership with Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association.

 

MARCH 3-7
Winter Spectacular #9
Featuring “A New Way to Go” The NSBA Hunter/Jumper and $4 Million in prizes
World Equestrian Center

MARCH 4
Ocala RV Show
Florida Horse Park

MARCH 4
LPGA Drive On Championship
Golden Ocala

MARCH 4-7
Grand Oaks Live Combined Driving Event
Grand Oaks Resort

MARCH 16-17
OBS March sale of 2 year olds in training, under tack March 11-13
Ocala Breeder’s Sales

 

 

 

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 

Join Now
Marion County Votes for Farmland

Marion County Votes for Farmland

by | Feb 3, 2021 | News

Farmland Matters

As the year turns over, Horse Farms Forever celebrates the growth of our membership at the grass roots. Although 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, the economy in Ocala/Marion County remained strong. Threats to the integrity of the Farmland Preservation Area did not abate, and there’s no sign that they will in the future. More and more farm owners, concerned citizens and businesses have joined us, publicly aligning with our mission to preserve the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Ocala/Marion County and protect the Farmland Preservation Area. Here are our new Individual and Corporate members from the last 2 months:

Welcome to the Herd!

Leader

Jessin Blossom

Partner

Jill Norair

Friends

Lura Bergh
Victoria Conway
Ann Cottongim
Janice Garvin
James Henningsen
Leyla Hook
Ellen Seavey Oman
Alyssa Pascucci
Corinne Zellner

Flourishing at the Grass Roots

In 2020, we welcomed hundreds of new members. Our growth at the grass roots (Friend) level shows growing support for our mission in the community-at-large.

Join Horse Farms Forever

Businesses

Serving the Suncoast since 1953. Icard Merrill has been named to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Law Firms List for eleven years running.

All the info. All the pages. All the time. The Equine Chronicle brings Ocala’s equine community together with features, events, and training tips.

ACE Equestrian offers top quality durable elastic equestrian belts and accessories. Proudly celebrate the equestrian and sporting lifestyles.

Why Support Horse Farms Forever?

Horse Farms Forever was born in 2018 to fight the State’s plans to build a toll road through the Farmland Preservation Area. A small group of farms, businesses and individuals came together with the County, and successfully convinced the State to respect our iconic farmland. In two short years, Horse Farms Forever (HFF) has become a lightning rod, attracting and gathering the voices in Marion County who care about protecting the character and culture created by horses and horse farms. HFF is now an effective 501c3 nonprofit organization with a clear mission to:

  • Protect the Farmland Preservation Area,
  • Promote the equestrian culture and character of Marion County,
  • Preserve farmland for future generations, and
  • Plan collaboratively with government and community stakeholders to ensure that open spaces and beautiful places remain forever.

Since our inception, we have steadily added members, both Individual and Corporate. Member support fuels our Threat Reserve Fund – this critical resource enables us to quickly ramp up our activity when our watchdog efforts uncover a new development or roadway threat to the FPA.

If you have been following us lately, you have seen us tackle two such threats in rapid succession. As we have raised awareness in the community, new friends and supporters have emerged and joined us. Our new members are individuals and businesses who share a deep regard for farmland and want play a part in keeping our area healthy, beautiful and worthy of being called the Horse Capital of the World®. It is not necessary to be in the horse business or to even own a horse to appreciate how horses and horse farms create a special sense of place that is worth preserving. We want to represent everyone who cares about the Farmland Preservation Area and protecting it for future generations. Thank you, new and renewing members, for your support. We are stronger together.

"Thank you so much for being there to support our farmland. It takes a lot of dedication and resources to do what you do. I am proud to be a member."

Sandra Vann

"So glad to see HFF continue to increase in numbers! As we’ve just witnessed, HFF is the best defense against the constant threat to the Farmland Preservation Area and our peaceful way of life. I do think “Border Collies” is a fitting description…….all paws on board…..keep those wolves out!"

Peter Fleming

"Hooray! Horse Farms Forever is a great organization, able to rally its members and the community effectively. You made it so easy to understand the issues and to contact the Commissioners. Great job."

John Toenjes

"Congratulations. You all are doing a fantastic job staying ahead of and on top of all the threats against our farm preservation areas. Thank you for watching out for the future of farm lands. God bless you."

Erna Jean Miller

"As a Real Estate Broker living in the Ocala area for over 30 years and dealing almost exclusively in Equine properties, I must agree strongly with those interested in preserving the FPA and the ambiance connected with the horses and farms that ARE Ocala. Many changes have occurred here over the years, and the majority of those changes are not in favor of keeping Ocala peaceful and beautiful."

Patricia Hawkesworth

"Thank you for keeping me in the loop of everything. I don’t have a horse farm but we live very close to all of you and I love our surroundings and we are so very lucky to see your beautiful horse farms and cattle farms. I truly love living here and it would truly be awful for this expansion to happen in our community. I love the quiet and beauty of this land. Thank you for all that you do."

Sunni Ziroff

"So glad to see a proactive group addressing this. Farmland lost is farmland lost forever. We watched development in Virginia and the way it ruined the countryside before preservation groups realized the consequences. By that time it was too little too late in many instances especially northern Virginia."

Pug & Susie Hart

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Marion County Future Growth Committee Hears From Horse Farms Forever

Marion County Future Growth Committee Hears From Horse Farms Forever

by | Jan 4, 2021 | News, Plan

Marion County’s Available Land Within The Urban Growth Boundary is Greater Than the City of Miami.

Marion County is seeking input as they develop their 5-year strategic plan.

Horse Farms Forever was invited to present at Marion County’s Growth and Future Planning Strategic Committee meeting on December 10th. The Committee is seeking input from stakeholders about growth and development as the county develops a five-year strategic plan. It is led by Angel Roussel, Assistant County Administrator of Public Works, and includes staff from Growth Services, Community Services and Utilities. Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, who represents the Farmland Preservation Area, is also a member.

 “We are focused on a long-term strategy of protecting horse farms and the Farmland Preservation Area in order to ensure that our global brand as Horse Capital of the World® will remain for future generations. Without our horses, and horse farms, what would Marion County be known for? If we are not proactive in protecting our brand, we will lose the very thing that makes Ocala/Marion county so unique and special.” said Sara Powell Fennessy, Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever.

The Horse Farms Forever team of Sara Powell-Fennessy and Busy Shires Byerly voiced concerns about development pressure on the Farmland Preservation Area. About 2,500 acres of the Farmland Preservation Area has already been lost to urban uses since the FPA was created 15 years ago.

They also shared Horse Farms Forever’s position of support for planned growth within the Urban Growth Boundary and opposition to sprawl, particularly when it threatens to compromise the Farmland Preservation Area.

Marion County has approximately 3,800 farms (including horse farms) on about 322,000 acres. (1) Some view agricultural lands as fallow fields just waiting to be converted to their “highest and best use” as urban development. For the mineral rich soils of Marion County, the “highest and best use” is agriculture, especially in the Farmland Preservation Area. The American Farmland Trust’s The State of the States Report also recently confirmed that the soils in the Farmland Preservation Area are PVR soils: Productive, Versatile and Resilient. (2) Agricultural lands also help to balance county budgets because they don’t require expensive public infrastructure and services.

Sources

  1. https://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2012/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Florida/cp12083.pdf
  2. https://farmlandinfo.org/publications/farms-under-threat-the-state-of-the-states/

“Growth is inevitable. Marion County is growing at a rapid rate, the question is not if we will grow, but where, when, and how. There are about 35,000 acres – roughly 55 square miles – of permitted land inside the Urban Growth Boundary. There is more land available within the Urban Growth Boundary than the size of Miami, so why are we putting so much pressure on our precious farmland?”

Sara Powell-Fennessy

Executive Director, Horse Farms Forever

By promoting sustainable growth management policies, we can work together to protect the very thing that makes Marion County so special. The goal is to positively change planning and zoning laws – to help protect our quality of life, economy, and horse farms for future generations. 

Busy Shires Byerly

Director of Conservation Strategies, Horse Farms Forever

Horse Farms Forever offered suggestions that will protect the Farmland Preservation Area and help manage growth.

Short Term:

  • Respect the Farmland Preservation Area (FPA) and Urban Growth Boundary.
  • Respect the Comprehensive Plan- it should not be subject to change with every developer’s request.
  • Strengthen the definition of the Farmland Preservation Area in the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Development Code regulations.
  • Revise the Ag Zoning and Special Use Permit process to be compatible with the FPA.

Long Term:

Horse Farms Forever wants to be a catalyst, along with other community leaders, for the development of a Rural Land Management Plan (RLMP) for Marion County.  A RLMP is a plan that outlines compatible land uses for the rural area. It will identify issues, resources, policies and methods for the long-term viability of agriculture, while balancing growth and development.

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 Today!
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New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever

New and Renewing Members Continue to Strengthen Horse Farms Forever

by | Dec 9, 2020 | News

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 .

Join Now

Welcome New Corporate Member, Tillman Engineering

Welcome New Corporate Member, Tillman Engineering

by | Nov 23, 2020 | News

David Tillman (center) with Doug Cone of Cone Distributing (left) and HFF Board President, Bernie Little (right) at the Conservation Summit on November 19. Photo by Dillon Video.

Engineering Sensible Growth

As we inspire Marion County to uphold and protect its global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®, it is gratifying to see the wide range of members who are joining us. Everyone has a stake in keeping Ocala/Marion County open and beautiful, including our development and real estate companies. We’re going to grow. The question is where, when and how.

One new member who is an expert in sensible growth planning and natural resource protection is Tillman and Associates Engineering. Tillman sponsored and attended our Conservation Summit last week. We are grateful for their support and the expertise that President David Tillman brings to the table. As experts in civil engineering who also recognize the importance of preserving the character and culture that horses and horse farms bring to Ocala/Marion County, Tillman is an important ally and resource.

I am excited to be a part of Horse Farms Forever. I have always felt that a healthy balance of preservation and growth will be the success of Marion County. Our horse farms are a true treasure worthy of protection.

David Tillman

President, Tillman and Associates Engineering

We are especially pleased to welcome David Tillman as the newest corporate member of Horse Farms Forever. Not only are David and his company the ‘gold standard’ in roadway, storm water, and bridge design, traffic operations, maintenance, survey, materials investigation, and construction engineering, David is an avid outdoorsman and a champion of preserving the landscapes that make Ocala/Marion County a great place for outdoor recreation.

Bernie Little

President, Horse Farms Forever

Tillman and Associates’ staff of land development and entitlement professionals has over 100 years of combined Civil Engineering, Land Planning, Surveying, Landscape Architecture, and Environmental Engineering experience. Mr. Tillman has served in many different aspects of the civil engineering field. These include: roadway design, storm water design, bridge design, traffic operations, maintenance, survey, materials investigation, and construction engineering. Currently, he is working with the Roberts family on Golden Ocala and the World Equestrian Center. He has managed the permitting for over 16,000 acres within The Villages Project, as well as over 40 FEMA map revisions. Mr. Tillman was the engineer of record on US 441 widening at The Villages as well as the widening of CR 42, just north of The Villages. Mr. Tillman is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology. He serves on the Marion County LDRC as Chairman, holds the treasury position for the Ocala Silver Springs Rotary Club, is a chapter coordinator for Mathcounts sponsored by the Florida Engineering Society, and is also an FDEP Certified Stormwater Management Inspector. He is also a member of the Marion County Building Industry Association and the CEP.

Corporate Membership

Looking for a way to show that you care about open spaces and 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 

Join Now

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.

Join or Donate Now