As 2024 comes to a close, we are encouraged by the many faithful Founders who continue to gather around Horse Farms Forever’s mission. For there to be horses, there must be horse farms. We look forward to another year in the Horse Capital of the World as we work together with you to keep it that way.

Meet those Founders who stepped up recently to renew and help us to welcome a new Founder to the herd.

Through Mark Emery’s photographs, Margaret Ross Tolbert’s paintings, and Dr. Jason Gulley’s inspiring story about the restoration of Crystal River, this year’s Summit raised awareness about the importance of protecting the Farmland Preservation Area because, it not only helps to protect the equine industry, it also helps to protect the aquifer recharge areas for Rainbow Springs and Silver Springs.

The Land Development Regulation Commission (LDRC) is the commission that has the most impact on how Marion County grows. The LDRC makes recommendations in regards to the adoption and amendment of the Land Development Code and the Zoning Code.

The land, soil and water are the foundation of our decidedly horsey culture. But Marion County is more than a haven for horses. It is a strong identity. It is a thriving industry. And these things are built by people and their organizations.

If you come from another place, you’ve been an outsider as an equestrian. You may have watched open space, trails and facilities disappear in the face of development. Here, equine interests are a third of the economy. People live here because of the horses, not in spite of them. And this means that conservation is good business.

Horse Farms Forever is honored to present the Acorn Conservation Award to Guy Marwick, Founder of the Silver River Museum and Director of The Felburn Foundation. The Award will be presented at the Springs Forever! Conservation Summit to be held on Thursday, November 14 from 5 to 7 PM at the Ocala Breeders’ Sales Arena.