Farmland Preservation Month Quality of Life Survey Highlights Importance of Farmland Preservation

Farmland Preservation Month Quality of Life Survey Highlights Importance of Farmland Preservation

by | Apr 13, 2022 | News

As published in the Ocala Star Banner on April 16, 2022:

April is Farmland Preservation Month in Marion County. In honor of this important designation by the Marion County Commission, Horse Farms Forever is pleased to present the results of the recently conducted Quality of Life Survey  in Marion County.

The Survey results concluded that residents feel strongly about protecting Marion County’s rural charm and beauty by preserving farmland and natural resources. Population growth, new development, roads, access to emergency services, and countywide internet service were also key issues of concern. The Survey was organized by Horse Farms Forever and supported by five sponsors including the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP), College of Central Florida, Ocala Horse Properties, the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA), and the Hotel Design Group. The Matrix Group, an independent research firm, conducted the Survey in July 2021.

A representative sampling was mailed to approximately 15,000 residents and over 1,200 households responded. The demographics covered a broad spectrum of zip codes, education levels, and age groups. Nearly 60 percent were urban residents and about half were female.

“This is a great time to understand the community’s perspective to learn how best to plan and manage growth for the benefit of all in the near and distant future,” said Dr. Jennifer Fryns, Associate VP of Career and Professional Programs at the College of Central Florida about the Survey questionnaire.

The questions for the Survey covered a broad range of topics including growth, economic development, education, traffic, housing, tourism, and farmland preservation. Even with the broad range of Survey questions, it may come as no surprise that residents ranked the preservation of land and natural resources as the most important issue facing Marion County. The second most important issue was transportation and traffic, third was population growth, fourth was housing availability and affordability, fifth was economic development, sixth was employment opportunities. Other issues included education, internet access, and homelessness.

Over 90% of the respondents agreed with the statement:

Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area is home to some of the richest soils and pristine fresh water aquifers in the world and that it is critical to maintain its resources to ensure that the community’s legacy as the Horse Capital of the World® remain for future generations.

In addition, 86% of respondents also supported comprehensive planning at the county level that both protects agricultural lands and enhances urban areas. The Survey is an important step in defining the issues facing Marion County.

Kevin Sheilley

“We can speculate as to what people think. We can talk to our friends and acquaintances, but we likely will only hear what we already know, so it can risk becoming an echo chamber,” said Ocala Metro CEP President Kevin Sheilley about the Survey questionnaire. “A survey gives a chance to get input and feedback from a broad spectrum of our community.”

Over the next 20 years, Marion County’s population is predicted to increase by 150,000 new residents to reach over 500,000 people, according to the US Census Bureau. This rapid growth has brought the topic of the preservation of land and natural resources to the forefront.

Matt Varney

“Ocala is incredibly unique in that it is growing on two different tracks. On one hand, we are adding diverse industry, housing and jobs – classic urban growth. But also, we have one of the largest regional farmland preservation areas in the country and a thriving equine industry dependent on those farms,” said Matt Varney, Broker with Ocala Horse Properties about the Survey questionnaire. “The survey will show the importance of both of these growth directions, and inspire our leaders to plan accordingly.”

The objective of the Survey was to gather information about how residents feel about their overall quality of life and vision for the community’s future. The results also have the potential to guide planning and policy decisions at the county level. Together with our partners and stakeholders, Horse Farms Forever® hopes to inspire positive and lasting change in terms of farmland preservation to help protect the open spaces and beautiful places that make Marion County so special. 

The mission of Horse Farms Forever is to inspire conservation of horse farms through education, awareness and idea exchange so as to preserve natural pasture land focusing on horses and their habitats, to protect soil and water on which they depend, and minimize land use conflicts in Marion County, Florida. Horse Farms Forever is located in Ocala, FL. www.horsefarmsforever.com

The Quality of Life Survey was conducted by The Matrix Group, an independent insights and consulting firm based in Lexington, Kentucky. The QOL Survey was mailed to 15,000 households, which is considered a representative sampling of the estimated 135,000 households in Marion County. 

Busy Shires

What About Zoning?

The Zoning regulations are found in the Land Development Code, which is a separate document with specific guidelines to implement the Goals, Objectives, and Policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Zoning regulates development through land use classifications and specifies the areas in which residential, industrial, recreational or commercial activities may take place. The Land Development Code was adopted through a series of ordinances by the County Commission, which means that the regulations cannot be changed or waived, except by a further vote of the County Commission.

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!
Join or Donate Now
Conversations About Conservation Summit 2021

Conversations About Conservation Summit 2021

by | Dec 16, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Photo by Russell Crowder.

Conversations About Conservation 2021 Summit Was A Tremendous Success.

Thanks to everyone who made the time, during Thanksgiving week, to attend the second annual Conservation Summit at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company on November 23rd.

Over 400 people attended the event in person and online and the event was supported by over 40 sponsors! Our diverse sponsors ranged from the equine industry to health care and to the construction and development industry. This tremendous level of support is a testament of how important this Conversation about Conservation is for the future of Marion County. The purpose of the Summit was to inspire a community wide Conversation about how to preserve the horse farms and agricultural lands that are fundamental to Marion County’s global brand as the Horse Capital of the World®.

We were so honored to have Dr. John C. Malone, CEO of Liberty Media, as our Keynote Speaker, who shared his passion about land conservation and sustainable forestry and cattle ranching practices. “I’ve always been a conservationist from a sustainability point of view,” he said.

Thank you to George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, for the heartfelt introduction of Dr. Malone.

Thank you to Kevin T. Sheilley, President & CEO of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership (Ocala CEP) for your candid presentation about Marion County’s booming economy and how to balance growth with preserving open space and farms. You did a great job presenting the Quality of Life Survey results in an engaging manner. (P.S. We knew the answer to the question about protecting the Farmland Preservation Area before we asked the question.) https://ocalacep.com/the-cep/team/

Thank you also to Mark Casse, Canadian and National Hall of Fame Trainer, for presenting the Acorn Conservation Award to Charlotte Weber.

Thank you, most of all, to Charlotte Weber, for your careful stewardship of Live Oak Stud for over 50 years.

And Special Thanks to Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company for donating the sales arena for the Summit.

One of the comments on the feedback survey summarized the key points of the Summit: “Hearing from Kevin Sheilley about the economic impact of the horse industry and that the growth of the horse industry and protection of farmland can work together with other smart growth in the County. Thanks to Horse Farms Forever for bringing the right people together and remaining ever vigilant in protecting our local treasure – farmland. “

We hope you were inspired too and we thank you for all that you do!

We wish you a Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year!

Speakers

George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm, introduced John Malone, telling us all the story of how the Malones came to own Ocala’s largest Thoroughbred farm, and how the farm has thrived under John and Leslie’s leadership.

Mark Casse presented his friend and colleague, Charlotte Weber, with the Acorn Conservation Award.

Casse also got in some face time with Magic, one of the Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

“Think of these beautiful, iconic horse pastures as our ocean; and the magnificent live oak trees as our coral reefs,” said HFF President, Bernie Little – reminding us all that we are stewards of an environmental gift here in Marion County that is woven tightly to our culture and identity.

“I came here, as many of you did, because it was rural. It was quiet. You could have a nice little place. Now? 10,000 houses going up on this corner, 20,000 on the next. It gives me great concern…help us preserve it,” said Charlotte Weber.

Acorn Conservation Award winner, Charlotte Weber, with HFF President, Bernie Little and Mark Casse.

The beautiful Acorn Award, sculpted in Bronze by Colorado artist, Bryce Pettit.

“The ideas of growth and conservation are not always in conflict,” said Guest speaker Kevin Sheilley, President and CEO of the Ocala Metro CEP. “We really can have it all.”

“Ocala, which has this great heritage in horses and Thoroughbred horses, it’s kind of a unique area when you think about areas that deserve preservation. There aren’t that many places on the planet that are great for raising and training horses. The best ones have deep limestone soils,” said  John Malone, Liberty Media Chairman and owner of Bridlewood Farm.

“It is no coincidence that many of the world’s best horses have ties to Ocala. Our mineral rich soils have produced some of the strongest, best equine athletes in the world,” said Sara Powell Fennessy, HFF Executive Director.

“Beauty alone will not protect our farms. But there are several win-win solutions to protect land – from the Comprehensive Plan to Conservation Easements,” said Busy Shires, HFF Director of Conservation Strategies.

Guests

Katie Reynolds Wentz, Regional Sales Manager, Triple Crown Feed and Bill Vander Brink, Co-Owner of Elite Equestrian Magazine.

Scout – miniature therapy horse extraordinaire!

HFF Founder, Pauline Hartogh

Guests arriving. Over 400 registered to attend.

Thanks to an amazing corps of volunteers, each guest was greeted with a program and directions on where to find an amazing catered lunch by Fresh Green Tomatoes Catering Company.

HFF’s Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires, with Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn, Jorge Garcia-Bangochea with Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horse, Magic, and HFF’s Executive Director, Sara Fennessy.

HFF President Bernie Little and Dean Saunders

Guy Marwick, Executive Director of The Felburn Foundation, his wife Pat, daughter-in-law Elia and his son Matt Marwick.

HFF Volunteer Nancy DiMaggio discusses the FPA Map with a Guest.

Juliet W. Reid, Chester Weber, and Niki Popp Tripodi.

Marion County Commissioner Michelle Stone, Assistant County Administrator Public Works & Growth Services, Tracy Straub, Growth Services Director, Mary Elizabeth Burgess, and Executive Director at Ocala/Marion County Visitors & Convention Bureau, Loretta Shaffer.

Advent Health Foundation’s Executive Director, Jenna Krager, shares a smile with Magic from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

HFF President Bernie Little with Horse Protection Association of Florida’s new Executive Director, Christine Massinger.

Sponsors

Jorge Garcia-Bengochea and Magic from Gentle Carousel Miniature Therapy Horses.

(L to R) Jim Henningsen, President of College of Central Florida, Christopher Knife College of Central Florida Foundation Executive Director, Joe Johnson, CEO of Advent Health Ocala and guest.

Sam Reid and Gary Hartogh, HFF Founder.

Matt Varney from Ocala Horse Properties with Juliet W. Reid.

Mary Phelps of Markel Equine Insurance and Horses Daily (R) along with Gina Capone of Ocala Florida News (L).

Jacqueline Taylor of Equus TV.

Lonny Powell, CEO of the FTBOA (R), with wife, Karen Powell (L) and daughter, HFF Executive Director, Sara Powell Fennessy (Center).

Staff & Board

HFF President, Bernie Little (R) with wife and HFF Founder, Mary Jane Hunt (L).

Board Vice President, Rob Desino (c), with Founders Jim Cannavino, Matt Varney and Elma Garcia Cannavino, and guest, Luann McElduff.

Executive Director, Sara Powell Fennessy.

Director of Communications, Michelle Grald.

Director of Conservation Strategies, Busy Shires.

Summit Articles and Videos

 

Guest Survey: "What Did You Enjoy Most?"

  • “Especially touching was the spontaneous standing ovation for Charlotte Weber, it was very wonderful to be part of that experience and see her family there with her. The information was fascinating regarding statistics and growth in Marion county. I was amazed to see such a large and diversified crowd in attendance and heard nothing but very positive comments about the entire event either directly or in passing. Excellent job to all!”
  • “My favorite part was the opening speaker (Sara Fennessy’s) ability to address the room. I liked Kevin Sheilley’s presentation and really liked the Acorn Award and thought it was so cool to see Mark Casse in person! He is a celebrity to my family. All of the staff did a great job conducting and participating in the event. A job well done HFF!”
  • “Kevin Sheilley was engaging and such a character. I learned a lot. “
  • “Hearing from the Kevin Sheilley about the economic impact of the horse industry and that the growth of the horse industry and protection of farmland can work together with other smart growth in the County. Thanks to Horse Farms Forever for bringing the right people together and remaining ever vigilant in protecting our local treasure- farmland. “
  • “John Malone is always calm, optimistic and inspiring. George Isaac’s introduction of JM was epic. Kevin Sheilley’s presentation was very informative. He expresses an understanding of the need for urban development as well as preservation. The proof, as they say, will be in the results. Tough job as you can’t please all the people all of the time! Everyone involved made it a great experience.”
  • “This was a well organized event. Thank you for all your hard work. It is certainly appreciated. Having lived in Marion County for about 25 years and watched its growth it is comforting to know that everyone is doing their best to preserve what we love best about it. Long live SLOWCALA.”

Guest Survey: "Ideas For Future Summits"

    • “Keep up the good work! Remind people you are a non-profit and how the operation is structured!”

    • “Testimonials from select farms & breed interests. Drill-down next year on next steps/call to action, updating of issues current & of import at the time.”

    • “What we need to do to assist with conserving our horse farms. “

    • “Transportation and how it relates to conservation. Proposed new Marion County Roads. 75 Interchange North of 27. World Equestrian Center”

    • “More about conservation easements, other alternatives to save the agricultural lands in Marion County”

    • “I would like to know more about any State level protection efforts, laws, programs that are intended to encourage conservation of lands. What can be done by Horse Farms Forever to strengthen those state level efforts, if any exist now? It is wonderful to rely on wealthy and sympathetic land owners but we ultimately need more than that to ensure significant conservation in and outside of Marion County. “

    • “I feel it’s helpful for the people who do not want urban sprawl to understand what plans need to be passed to be able to contain the growth. (i.e., infrastructure such as city water/sewer, etc.). That infrastructure is going to cost money and if it is easier for homes to be built without damaging the environment close together, the need to take over more land will be less.”

    • “Would like to know about volunteer opportunities.”

Thanks to Our Sponsors!

Starting With Our Presenting Sponsor,
Brook Ledge Horse Transportation!

 

Gold 

Cone

Jacqueline B. Mars

Misty Lane Cattle Co.
Niall Brennan Farm Horse Farms Forever Ocala Marion County

Silver

Bronze

Florida Horse Park Logo
Florida Horse Park Logo

Marketing Partners:

Florida Horse Park Logo
Florida Horse Park Logo
Florida Horse Park Logo

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!
Join or Donate Now
Charlotte Weber Honored with the Acorn Conservation Award

Charlotte Weber Honored with the Acorn Conservation Award

by | Oct 19, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

Owner Charlotte Weber, left, with trainer Mark Casse, center,
and jockey John Velazquez, right, after champion World Approval won a stakes race at Tampa Bay Downs.
(Eclipse Sportswire)

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 Acorn Conservation Award is given to an individual that has made a significant contribution to the preservation of horse farms in Marion County. Presenting the award to Mrs. Weber will be Mr. Mark Casse, a two-time Hall of Fame trainer, who trained Weber’s horse World Approval. It is fitting that Casse present Weber with the Acorn Award for her efforts to preserve horse farms in Marion County, as they have won many of the top horse racing awards together.

World Approval was named Florida Bred Horse of the Year by the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association (FTBOA) in 2017. That same year he was also named the Florida-bred Champion Older Male, Florida-bred Champion Turf Horse and Florida-bred Champion Male Sprinter. Weber’s Live Oak Plantation (racing name) was also named the Florida Owner of the Year and her Live Oak Stud was named the Florida Breeder of the Year.

Casse is one of the most respected and decorated horse racing trainers in North America. Over his 50-year career, he has captured many prestigious awards and won several of the top races.

Please join Horse Farms Forever in honoring Mrs. Weber. The Acorn Award Presentation will be a highlight of the Conservation Summit Program on November 23.

About Charlotte Weber

For over 50 years, Weber has owned and managed the expansive 5,000-acre Live Oak Stud. The picturesque farm with the majestic live oak trees and rolling hills is one of the most scenic along SR 40 just west of Ocala. The farm is home to an award-winning Thoroughbred breeding, training, and racing operation. Her homebred Thoroughbreds have won several Breeders’ Cup World Championships, Eclipse Awards, FTBOA awards, and multiple Grade One wins on the dirt and the turf. Weber also raises a large herd of Brahman and Charolais cattle, and a variety of crossbreds.

In addition, the Weber family hosts the Live Oak International Combined Driving and Show Jumping Tournament, one of the largest international-level events in the U.S.

Weber chose Marion County to raise horses and cattle because of the mineral rich soil and Florida’s mild climate.

“The quality of Live Oak’s environment and the excellent climate of Florida contribute greatly to the production of world-class Thoroughbreds. Beneath the canopy of live oak trees, horses benefit from the lush green, nutrient-rich grass covering the gently rolling hills of Live Oak Stud. Romping in the golden Florida sunshine from the day they are born, Live Oak horses grow the strong bones and muscles needed to be champion Thoroughbred racehorses,” states her Live Oak Stud website.

About Mark Casse

Mr. Casse’s numerous accolades include winning two legs of the Triple Crown with two horses in 2019, winning eight Canadian Triple Crown races, induction into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in 2020, induction into the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame in 2016, and becoming the first U.S. winner of the Royal Ascot’s Queen Anne race in England with Tepin.

Casse’s horse racing roots run deep. Mark and his two brothers followed in the footsteps of their father, Norman Casse, who was one of the founders of the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Company. The third generation has also taken up the reins, as Mark’s son, Norman, is now a successful trainer.

While Casse has found international success, he calls Ocala his home. He and his wife, Tina, own a 135-acre training center in the Ocala Horse Complex. He’s been in Ocala for over 50 years and is proud to pass that legacy on to his family.

Casse strongly supports the mission of Horse Farms Forever to protect the character and culture that horses, horse farms and the horse industry bring to Marion County.

“It was important for me to be involved with Horse Farms Forever because it’s been my entire life. I’ve been in Ocala for over 50 years and that’s why my dad moved to Ocala,” says Casse. “Can you think of a better industry than horses? I don’t want to see them go. You can build around them. This is Ocala and it’s my life!”
Register
Does Farmland Preservation Matter To Marion County?

Does Farmland Preservation Matter To Marion County?

by | Oct 15, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

We’re About To Find Out.

In just a month, the Marion County Quality of Life Survey results will be revealed at our Conservation Summit. These results will be the culmination of a year’s work, building a collaborative partnership with the business community and working with an independent research firm.

“Growth is booming In Ocala/Marion in both population and commercially,” says Dr. Jennifer Fryns, Associate VP of Career and Professional Programs at the College of Central Florida. “This is a great time to understand the community’s perspective to learn how best to plan and manage this growth for the benefit of all in the near and distant future.”

While Horse Farms Forever was the catalyst for the Survey, we are honored to collaborate with five sponsors who represent the business and non-profit community in Marion County: Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, College of Central Florida, Ocala Horse Properties, Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owners’ Association and Hotel Development and Management Group. The Matrix Group, an independent insights and consulting firm based in Lexington, Kentucky, is administering, processing and tabulating responses. Working closely with our partners, we sought to ask the questions that are on the minds of Marion County’s residents.

Marion County Quality of Life Survey

Internet Access

Population Growth

Jobs

Green Space

Roads & Traffic

Farmland Preservation

Springs Protection

Equine Industry

Housing

Outside The Echo Chamber

Horse Farms Forever is about preserving the character and culture that horses, horse farms, and the Farmland Preservation Area bring to Marion County. But in order to make a difference, we need to know if these values are shared within the greater community.

“We can speculate as to what people think. We can talk to our friends and acquaintances, but we likely will only hear what we already know, so it can risk becoming an echo chamber,” says Ocala Metro CEP President Kevin Sheilley. “A survey gives a chance to get input and feedback from a broad spectrum of our community. It doesn’t necessarily mean all those opinions are based in fact, but it is important to understand the broader picture.”

A Pivot Point

This is a time ripe with opportunity, and Ocala is not just another sunbelt boomtown. Lonny Powell, CEO of the Florida Thoroughbred Breeder’s and Owner’s Association puts it succinctly:

“Never have the issues of growth, farmland preservation, economy, agriculture and our County quality of life intersected so. The time is right for the Survey.”

Ocala Horse Properties’ Matt Varney drills down further:

“Ocala is incredibly unique in that it is growing on two different tracks. On one hand, we are adding diverse industry, housing and jobs – classic urban growth. But also, we have one of the largest regional farmland preservation areas in the country and a thriving equine industry dependent on those farms,” says Varney. “The survey will show the importance of both of these growth directions, and inspire our leaders to plan accordingly,” he asserts.

The Survey results have potential to guide planning and policy at both the County and State levels. Together with our partners, we hope to inspire positive and lasting change in terms of farmland preservation but also in terms of jobs, internet access, housing, and education.

Win-Win or Train Wreck?

Are the two tracks of growth described by Varney destined to collide, or can they thrive alongside each other?

“Marion County can responsibly grow in a lot of different directions,” adds Varney. “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.”

Sheilley reminds us of the interdependency of the two tracks:

“If you are unemployed, struggling, unsure of how to plan for your family, you do not have quality of life. All the open space and farms in the world will not improve that. Growth allows us to support the needs of many while preserving and enhancing those pieces which help to provide a great quality of life in our community.”

Who Drives Conservation?

Can a county-wide conservation movement be driven by the business community? It can when we remember that, here in Ocala/Marion, eighteen-percent of our GDP is generated by the equine industry. Just as a manufacturing town needs factories, and a tourist town needs attractions, the Horse Capital of the World® needs horse farms. Sheilley concurs:

“We are the voice of business and our mission is to be the catalyst of a prosperous community – not the business community, not the Southeast community, not the farm country community but the WHOLE community. You can grow the economy, create economic diversification, support entrepreneurship for all people, and maintain the parts that make Ocala unique. We know what a powerful economic driver the equine industry is and can be in the future.”

Ocala’s Magic

How powerful is Ocala’s global brand as Horse Capital of the World®? The Survey will give us an indication of how deeply it is woven into the fabric of everyday lives. Ocala Horse Properties sees that power first-hand in its client interactions:

“We look into the faces of buyers who come to this area for the first time,” answers Ocala Horse Properties’ 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,” he concludes.

Generation Next

The College of Central Florida serves to support the skills requirements of the present workforce and the dreams of future generations with life-changing education. They chose to participate in the Survey as part of their continuous practice of tuning their offerings to the community’s changing needs.

“The demands in workforce development are our top priorities while supporting the cultural endeavors of the region,” says Fryns,  “We’re part of the fabric of the community. Participating in this important survey at this moment in time is what we are here to do as we work to serve our mission. We are excited to see the results and look forward to the ensuing discussions.”

Join The Conversation

On November 23 at Ocala Breeder’s Sales (OBS), Kevin Sheilley will present the results of the Quality of Life Survey in detail on behalf of The Matrix Group. We hope you will join us there and participate in shaping a healthy future for Marion County and its horse farms. In-person and live-stream options are available. To learn more, visit: https://www.horsefarmsforever.com/conservation-summit/

Thank you, Survey Sponsors and Partners!
Learn More & Register
John and Leslie Malone Honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

John and Leslie Malone Honored with the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award

by | Sep 16, 2021 | Events, News, Plan

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.

The award, established in 2014 as a partnership between TOBA and ELCR to help increase awareness of the importance of land conservation to the Thoroughbred industry and to serve as an inspiration to others within the industry, is presented annually at the TOBA National Awards dinner.

John Malone, the largest landowner in the United States, is no stranger to the conservation world. A well-respected philanthropist and supporter of land preservation, John is the founder of the Malone Family Land Preservation Foundation and a member of the board of The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest land-conservation nonprofit organizations in the country. Leslie Malone, a horse lover since childhood, is a well-known equestrian and major supporter of the U.S. Olympic Dressage Team.

“I have had the pleasure of working for the Malones since the fall of 2013, and since traveled to many of the properties they own,” said Bridlewood farm manager George Isaacs. “There is a common interwoven philosophy that binds them all together. Stewardship, commitment, and perpetuity for the land, animals, and people.”

Among the Malones’ many conservation achievements was the permanent protection of Riveredge Farm, the prestigious thoroughbred horse farm previously known as Sycamore Hall Farm in Maryland, which was on track to become a  residential development before the Malones purchased the property and protected it with a 532-acre conservation easement. Riveredge is now maintained as a 600-acre world-class sport horse facility.

According to the Bangor Daily News, in addition to preserving land in Florida and Maryland for thoroughbred operations, John Malone also owns large expanses of land in Maine, New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming and New Hampshire and has earned a reputation as a conservation-minded buyer who maintains the traditional uses of the properties he buys.

“The Malones’ long-term commitment to land conservation serves as an impressive example for not only the Thoroughbred community but our equine community at large,” said ELCR President Ken Haddad. “We are thrilled to honor them with the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award.”

John Malone is the keynote speaker of Horse Farms Forever’s Conservation Summit, to be held at Ocala Breeder’s Sales on November 23, 2021. This will be a great opportunity to hear one of this nation’s great land conservationists speak directly to the challenges facing Marion County. The Summit can be attended live at OBS or virtually via livestream. 

Bridlewood Farm General Manager, George Isaacs, with ELCR Executive Director, Holley Groshek, accepting the 2021 Robert N. Clay Conservation Award on behalf of the Malones at the TOBA Awards Dinner in Lexington, Kentucky.

Bridlewood Farm

The Malones purchased the 800-acre historic Bridlewood Farm in Ocala, Florida in August 2013, and spearheaded its revitalization as a working thoroughbred operation. It now covers 2,000 acres. The Malones also demonstrated their commitment to protecting Central Florida’s prestigious horse lands as founding members of Horse Farms Forever. Their Bridlewood farm manager, George Isaacs, serves on the board of Horse Farms Forever, which was also the 2020 recipient of the Robert N. Clay Conservation Award. The Malones’ leadership led to other local farms joining the movement to protect the unique heritage and culture of Central Florida horse farms.

About Equine Land Conservation Resource (ELCR): ELCR builds awareness of the loss of lands available for horse-related activities and facilitates the protection and conservation of those lands, working to ensure America’s equine heritage lives on and the emotional, physical, and economic benefits of the horse-human relationship remains accessible. ELCR serves as an information resource and clearinghouse on conserving horse properties, land use planning, land stewardship/best management practices, trails, liability, and equine economic impact. For more information about ELCR, visit www.elcr.org or call (859) 455-8383.

About the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association (TOBA): TOBA, based in Lexington, Ky., was formed in 1961 and is a national trade organization of leading Thoroughbred breeders and owners. TOBA’s mission is to improve the economics, integrity, and pleasure of the sport on behalf of Thoroughbred owners and breeders. Projects managed by TOBA include the American Graded Stakes Committee, Claiming Crown, Ownership Seminars, Ownerview.com and the Sales Integrity Program. TOBA provides international representation for U.S. owners and breeders on the International Grading and Race Planning Advisory Committee, International Cataloguing Standards Committee, and International Breeders Federation. Thoroughbred Charities of America (TCA) is the charitable arm of TOBA. TOBA is the owner of The Blood-Horse Inc. and is represented as a founding member on the board of directors of the National Thoroughbred Racing Association and the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium.

Learn More and 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 Today!
Join or Donate Now