Horse Farms Forever hosted a special, invitation-only “Behind the Gate” at Bridlewood Farm to honor our Founding Members and top-level donors — an experience few ever get to witness.
It was a perfect morning that unfolded — as the early morning fog lifted, guests were welcomed over rolling hills to the heart of the training track. Live oaks draped in Spanish moss framed a breathtaking landscape, where horses grazed peacefully across lush green pastures.
This was more than a view—it was a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. It was also a way to say thank you to the champions – our Founder Members – who make our mission possible.
A Community of Champions 
Moments like these are made possible only through the support of our donors. We are deeply grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Duke Energy, and to AdventHealth for their generous support in bringing this special experience to life.
We are also grateful to our newest Founder Member – Janelle Mertins Bulmahn, who presented Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director, with a generous donation in honor of her late husband, Paul Bulmahn. In 2006, Paul founded Gold Mark Farm, a large Thoroughbred farm in Ocala.
A Legacy Built on Vision
Our guests were also treated to an insightful presentation by George Isaacs, who has been the General Manager of Bridlewood Farm since 1996. George is also a member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever. He shared the history of the Appleton family and their vision for a world class Thoroughbred training facility, which was founded in 1976 by Arthur and Martha Appleton.
Under George’s leadership, Bridlewood has trained over 100 stakes winners. George also helped manage the training and racing career of the 2004 Kentucky Derby & Preakness winner Smarty Jones.
Since 2013, Bridlewood has been owned by John and Leslie Malone, who have expanded the farm to encompass roughly 2,200 acres. The Malones remain committed to the goal of maintaining the world-class racing program.
George Isaacs, General Manager of Bridlewood Farm and member of the Board of Directors for Horse Farms Forever.
A Farm Protected for Future Generations
“Farms like these are what make the Farmland Preservation Area so special,” said George. He also reassured guests that Bridlewood will remain as a farm and Thoroughbred training facility, as it will be preserved as part of the Malone family’s foundation.
In 2025, the Malone’s commitment paid off with two horses, that both received their early training at Bridlewood. The two horses – collectively won all three legs of the Triple Crown – Sovereignty won the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, and Journalism won the Preakness. Journalism, which is under a one-third ownership by Bridlewood, was also second in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Sovereignty is owned by Godolphin.
The Heart of the Horse Capital of the World®
These iconic and historic horse farms are what make Marion County the Horse Capital of the World®. Protecting our horse farms requires a tremendous level of commitment. Your support fuels the advocacy, education, and action needed to ensure these scenic landscapes—and the livelihoods they sustain—are protected for future generations.
Carlos Pesantez, VP of Zone Operations, Duke Energy; Gaylen Holloway, Director of Government Relations & Community Affairs, Duke Energy; Mike Mangan, Account Executive, Duke Energy; Amy Mangan. Executive Director. AdventHealth Ocala Foundation; and Tom James, Vice President of Business Services, Ocala CEP.
Nate Chambers and Tom James.
Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director and Mary O’Neal.
Elisabeth Brinton, Michelle Stone, Marion County Commissioner; Reba Hicks, and Ocala Mayor Ben Marciano.
Elma Garcia-Cannavino, HFF Director; Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director.
Julie Hendrix, Executive Administrator, The Felburn Foundation; Chris Hite, and Guy Marwick, Former Director, The Felburn Foundation.
Shirley Rudnianyn, Todd Rudnianyn, Rachel Perez, and Matthew McClain, Marion County Commissioner
Bill Kearns, Matthew McClain, Marion County Commissioner, Bartow McDonald, Anne Louise Drake, and Tom James.
Gaylen Holloway, Director of Government Relations & Community Affairs, Duke Energy; HFF Director of Conservation, Busy Shires; AnneMarie Sanchez, Community Relations Liason, Duke Energy; Tasha and Michael Osbourne.
HFF President, Bernie Little, George Isaacs, Elisabeth Brinton, and Jim Henningsen, President, College of Central Florida
Amy Mangan, Executive Director, AdventHealth Ocala Foundation; Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director; Billye Mallory, Community Relations Manager, AdventHealth Ocala; and AdventHealth staff: Kelly McCubbin, Heather Gilardi, and Lilli MacKay.
Janelle Mertins Bulmahn presents Sara Fennessy, HFF Executive Director with a check in honor of her late husband Paul Bulmahn.
HFF Executive Director Sara Fennessy, Karen and Shannon Cobbs, and Tasha Osbourne.
John Rudnianyn, Laura and Bartow McDonald, and George Isaacs.
Brandon and Diannah Perry and Shannon Cobbs.
Jacque Juntilla, Mary Bancroft, Nancy and Patrick DeCavaignac
Mike Mangan, Account Executive, Duke Energy; HFF President Bernie Little; Curtis Wynn, CEO, SECO Energy.
All Photos Courtesy of Sean M. Dowie Photography