October 22, 2023 • 20 mins
As the Horse Capital of the World®, Ocala/Marion County has long been known for its abundance of horse farms and rolling pasture land. But today, the Ocala Metro is also gaining attention as one of the fastest-growing metro areas in the U.S. Hear from Sara Fennessy with Horse Farms Forever, as she shares how her organization advocates for smart growth, educates the broader public on the importance of conservation, and works to preserve all that makes Ocala/Marion County such a special community to live, work, and play.
Nonprofit featured in this episode: Horse Farms Forever
Sara Fennessy
Sara Fennessy is a fifth-generation horsewoman with a lifelong family history focused primarily on the Thoroughbred and show-horse sectors. She currently serves as director of community affairs for Horse Farms Forever, a nonprofit focused on inspiring the conversation of horse farms by preserving the natural pasture land for horses and their habitats, and to protect the soil and water on which they depend, while minimizing land use conflicts in Ocala/Marion County, Florida.
During her 12 years in Marion County, Florida, she has devoted herself to a career of outreach, communication, management, and promotion in the local community and equine industry. Today, she now owns, rides, and shows hunter jumpers.
The Catalyst is hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios, located in Ocala, Florida. New episodes, guests, and perspectives of leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy podcasts.
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Episode Transcript
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Natalie McComb (00:06):
The Catalyst, a CEP podcast on bold leadership
in the Ocala Metro, hosted bythe Ocala Metro Chamber and
Economic Partnership, sponsoredby Douglas law firm and recorded
live at Wiley Productionspodcast studios located in
Ocala, Florida.
(00:30):
Welcome to The Catalyst. I'myour host Natalie McComb, Vice
President for the Ocala MetroChamber and Economic Partnership
Foundation. And I'm joined todayby Sara Fennessy, Director of
Community Affairs at Horse FarmsForever. Great to have you on
the show, Sara.
@Sara Fennessy (00:43):
Thank you so much for having me. It's an
honor.
Natalie McComb (00:46):
You describe yourself as a fifth-generation
horse woman. So you clearlyfollowed in the footsteps of
your family. But tell us moreabout what that means.
@Sara Fennessy (00:53):
Yeah so, I come from a long line of ranchers and
homesteaders,and horses aredeeply engraved in my veins and
throughout my family. So my bothmy grandfathers were involved in
the thoroughbred industry. So mydad's father was a successful
(01:13):
jockey on the West Coast. Helater went on to run the jockeys
guild. My mom's father trainedracehorses, and my mom picked up
on that she also trainedracehorses, my folks met on the
back of a racetrack, and my dadis a thoroughbred business
industry executive. So I reallyhad no choice being involved in
(01:34):
the equine industry. There arephotos of me strapped on a horse
with a seat belt and a pacifierin my mouth. I was on the back
of a horse before I could evenwalk. So I really had no choice
but to fall into this careerpath. And I'm so happy and proud
to continue that legacy of myfamilies.
Natalie McComb (01:53):
Wow. So you kind of fell in love with it. But, as
you said, You were you were ledto water so to speak, right?
@Sara Fennessy (01:59):
Yes, I had no choice. Yeah.
Natalie McComb (02:00):
Wonderful. And, and for those who may not be
familiar, because I know there'sa lot of different disciplines.
There's a lot of different waysthat folks train and show
horses. What are some of thosedisciplines of course that
you've had experience in, butthat you'd like to highlight?
@Sara Fennessy (02:16):
Yeah, so there's, there's so many,
there's such a broad array ofthings. So of course, you have
thoroughbred racing, you havehunter jumpers, which is
something that I do. So that'swhere you're jumping, and you're
being judged on your style.
There's jumping, so jumpers arejudged for time. There's western
riding, there's westernpleasure, Polo. And most of each
(02:39):
breed has its own set ofdisciplines that they compete in
as well. So it's so vast, it'sso array and there's really
something for everyone.
Natalie McComb (02:52):
But your day job is Director of Community Affairs
at Horse Farms Forever, which isa nonprofit organization based
here in Ocala. So tell us moreabout that organization and its
mission.
@Sara Fennessy (03:02):
Yes, so Horse Farms Forever, was founded in
2018, when the threat of thecoastal connector toll road was
imposed here on Marion County,so that was going to be a large
highway that was dredged to gothrough the heart of some of the
most precious and historic farmsin the world that are right here
(03:22):
in Marion County. So Horse FarmsForever, was formed in response
to that threat. Fortunately, theFlorida Department of
Transportation had the goodjudgment to abandon that project
and those routes. And fromthere, our board of directors
was very adamant that there wasgoing to be a tremendous need
for horse farms forever due tothe fact that Marion County is
(03:43):
one of the fastest-growing areasin the country. And so it's so
important that we're able tostrike that balance of
preservation and growth. SoHorse Farms Forever, works to
help protect and preserve ourhorse farms and our identity and
global brand as Horse Capital ofthe World.
Natalie McComb (04:00):
And I know one of the areas that that you're
working to protect is known asthe Farmland Preservation Area.
Can you describe what that isand what makes that so special?
@Sara Fennessy (04:09):
Yeah, absolutely. So the farmland
preservation area isapproximately 193,000 acres and
it is within the Northwestcorridor of Marion County. So it
makes up approximately 1/4 ofthe county and that is
significant. And the FarmlandPreservation Area is home to
most of the county's horsefarms. There's about 1200 horse
(04:31):
farms here in Marion County, andmost of which are within the
Farmland Preservation Area,including some of the world's
most iconic farms. The thingthat makes the Farmland
Preservation Area so unique andso special is the soil. So the
soils within the FarmlandPreservation Area can only be
found in four places in thewhole world. And so the soils
(04:54):
are full of calcium and a richkarst base that literally
creates strong bones in horses.
So there's no coincidence thatMarion County continues to
produce some of the best equineathletes in the world. The
Farmland Preservation Area alsoserves as a recharge area for
our springs, and the FarmlandPreservation Area. While the
(05:15):
word preservation is in itsname, it is not protected in the
way that government lands are.
There is nothing thatpermanently protects the area.
The Farmland Preservation Areawas created in 2005 by the Board
of County Commissioners. And thegoverning body, if you will, of
(05:37):
the Farmland Preservation Areais the comprehensive plan and
the land development code. Sothe Board of County
Commissioners quite literallyholds the eraser, and the
boundaries are drawn in pencil.
And we are working hard to etchthose boundaries in stone. So
one of the things that HorseFarms Forever has done recently
is amend the county'scomprehensive plan to include
(05:59):
stronger language that will helpprotect the FPA. And the
language includes that anydevelopment within the area must
enhance the rural and equinecharacter and rural character of
the area. So it is our job. Andit is our goal to really see
that through. And again, makesure that those boundaries are
etched in stone.
Natalie McComb (06:21):
And part of that plan is obviously laying out the
urban growth boundary as well.
So the areas of the county thatare kind of ripe for development
and where future development andbusiness is kind of laid out
within the county with the horsefarm preservation area being to
the west, and really our statepark there to the east. So it's
great that you all are workingkind of hand in hand with
(06:45):
government to to be sure thatthose boundaries are clear. And
obviously that you protect thatintegrity. And our history.
@Sara Fennessy (06:54):
Absolutely. And Horse Farms Forever is not
anti-growth, we are notanti-development, we support
growth. And we know that growthis necessary and needed,
obviously, in the light of thetremendous pressures that we are
facing as we continue to grow.
So we are really trying tostrike that balance and help
mitigate and guide good growth.
(07:14):
And there's plenty of room herein Marion County for us to
continue to grow outside of theFarmland Preservation Area.
Natalie McComb (07:20):
Yeah, and I know, one statistic that I heard
as well is that there's onehorse for every four people in
Marion County, which some folksmay or may not may not know
that, but when you drive out tothe west side of the county, you
can certainly see that and thebeautiful farms that are out
there. And you know, you'reclearly passionate about what
you do. What drew you to HorseFarms Forever, and what makes
(07:43):
you so passionate about theorganization?
@Sara Fennessy (07:45):
So when I was first introduced to Horse Farms
Forever and heard what theorganization ultimately had set
out to accomplish, it reallystruck a chord obviously with me
deeply on a personal level,because everything that the
organization stands toaccomplish is what I've grown up
(08:06):
around. It's what my wholefamily's purpose has been. It's
what I'm passionate about. Andit is, of course, my dream and
my hope that my future childrenand future generations here in
Marion County, we'll be luckyenough to experience the beauty
and everything that the FarmlandPreservation Area adds to Marion
County, I mean, we are sofortunate to have something as
(08:29):
special as the FarmlandPreservation Area, right here in
our backyard. So it immediatelyresonated with me and I knew
right away, this was my calling,and I'm so fortunate to be doing
what I love to do every singleday.
Natalie McComb (08:42):
And how does Horse Farms Forever advocate for
smart growth?
@Sara Fennessy (08:46):
So again, we are well aware that Marion County is
growing and growing at a rapidrate. When we are in the face of
development, or the FarmlandPreservation Area is faced with
a threat, we work very hard totry to come up with solutions.
Are there better alternativesfor this development? You know,
(09:10):
and we really try to get to theroot cause of why? What's the
thought process? Why do you feelas though this is needed here
when there is so many areas inMarion County that are better
positioned for that kind ofgrowth and development. So we
review and research every singledevelopment application that
(09:31):
comes before the county. So thatis a daunting job as you can
imagine. But it's important andwe try to be proactive and
working with the developers, theCounty, the county staff to be
proactive in coming up withsolutions. You know that will
ultimately best serve not onlythe Farmland Preservation Area,
(09:53):
but Marion County and it's soimportant that we strike that
balance of smart growth and goodgrowth. So we really try to help
guide that growth. Obviously, asyou mentioned, the urban growth
boundary is the perfect place.
And that is where growth isintended.
Natalie McComb (10:09):
And you have a wonderful section of your
website that outlines currentand developing threats to the
Farmland Preservation Area, lotsof wonderful charts and graphs,
and clearly a lot of researchthat you and your team put into
it. What are you hoping toaccomplish by posting these
updates for the audience?
@Sara Fennessy (10:25):
Yes, so as I mentioned, Horse Farms Forever
as a watchdog, it is our duty toeducate our members as to what
is going on here in the county.
And so we look to betransparent. And we look to seek
input from our members and fromthe community as a whole on
these applications, soultimately, our goal is to be
(10:49):
transparent, and to educate thecommunity. The three pillars of
Horse Farms Forever that we'refocused on are education,
awareness, and idea exchange. Sothat is exactly what we are
looking to accomplish throughour educational posts.
Natalie McComb (11:06):
And Marion County is the Horse Capital of
the World. And the numbers arecertainly impressive, to say the
least. But in your opinion, whyare they so vital to businesses
unrelated to the equineindustry? How does the equine
industry support otherbusinesses here?
@Sara Fennessy (11:22):
So if you think about it, every single business
here in Marin County benefitsfrom our equine industry, and
the significant impact that ithas here, the numbers are old,
that show over $2.6 billion aregenerated by our equine
industry, hotels, restaurants,shops, you name it, everyone
(11:47):
benefits from our equineindustry, and stands to lose
something without it. So we arewe are so fortunate to have such
a vital equine industry. And theequine industry makes up
approximately 1/4 of the jobshere in Marion County. So it's
significant.
Natalie McComb (12:05):
So what's the hardest part of your job? I can
imagine that being a leader inthis space can be challenging at
times.
@Sara Fennessy (12:12):
Sure. So I'm going to try to word this as
eloquently as possible. So thehardest part about my job is
trying to wrap my mind aroundthe fact that not everybody
thinks the same way that we do.
Not everybody appreciates howlucky we are to have something
like the Farmland PreservationArea, right here in our
(12:33):
backyard. And to further that,it's even harder to imagine what
the consequences look like formy generation and for the future
generations here in MarionCounty. If we are not proactive
in protecting and preserving thevery thing that makes Ocala and
(12:54):
Marion County, so unique andspecial. Every commercial
development that is proposedwithin the Farmland Preservation
Area, takes away a piece ofhistory with it, it is erasing
our identity. And so for me, thehardest part about my job is
wrapping my mind around the factthat there are people out there
(13:16):
who truly don't understand howfortunate we are to have
something like that, how rare itis, and how lucky we are to have
something like the FPA righthere in our backyard.
Natalie McComb (13:27):
And this must be obviously a big reason why
you're out there talking tofolks who are out there
attending meetings, and beingproactive, but Horse Farms
Forever also has a variety ofevents throughout the year and
other outreach opportunities. Sothe community, even outside of
the equine world can be educatedabout these things and know what
(13:51):
resources are out there for themto research some of this on
their own, right? When they hearabout a proposed new development
or new building. I know you haveyour annual conservation Summit
coming up on November 16. Whatis the theme this year of that
summit?
@Sara Fennessy (14:05):
So we host our conservation summit every year
in the fall, and each summit istitled Conversations About
Conservation. We are so excited.
Our keynote speaker this year isCarlton Ward and Carlton Ward is
a National Geographic Explorer.
So Carlton was featured on afilm called Path of the Panther,
(14:27):
which is currently on Hulu, it'son Disney Plus and it was
produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.
So Carlton was responsible forsetting up cameras and traps all
along the panhandle of Florida,and captured the elusive Florida
panther which really showed thatthe Florida wildlife corridor
spans through so much moreFlorida than we realized and
(14:50):
ultimately, Carlton's effortswere key and were instrumental
in getting so much of the statedesignated as the Florida
Wildlife Corridor. So that is ahuge win for the state of
Florida. And in fact 40% ofMarion County is actually within
the Florida wildlife corridor.
(15:11):
So this is a huge win andextremely exciting and who
better to help inspire thecommunity about conservation
than Carlton Ward. JoiningCarlton will also be Tracy Dean
with Conservation Florida, andMallory Lykes Dimmitt with the
Florida Wildlife CorridorFoundation. So we are so excited
for this year's panel ofspeakers. It's definitely going
(15:33):
to be our biggest and mostexciting event to date. The
event will be November 16 atOcala Breeders Sales, doors open
at four o'clock for a booksigning, if people would like to
have the chance to meet Carlton,be sure to show up we will have
appetizers, drinks, and we'rejust really excited for a a fun
(15:55):
and educational evening.
Natalie McComb (15:56):
Who are you most excited for?
@Sara Fennessy (15:58):
I would say of course I'm most excited for
Carlton. He's a legend. Anybodywho is a conservation buff or
National Geographic buff, he hasreally done some amazing work.
And his energy is contagious. Sowe are just so excited for the
passion that he's going to bringto the stage and I can't wait to
meet him.
Natalie McComb (16:18):
And what in the end, you're having this summit
you're bringing folks togetherboth your members of Horse Farms
Forever, but members of thelarger community, members of the
business community, what is thepurpose? What are you hoping to
accomplish by bringing thisgroup together annually?
@Sara Fennessy (16:34):
We are hoping to inspire the community about
conservation. It's only throughthese conversations that we are
able to really highlight howsignificant and how amazing
Florida is and all of thenatural resources that we have
here. And how fortunate we areagain to have something like the
(16:55):
Farmland Preservation Area andall the natural wonders that we
have here. So the ultimate goalis to really bring the community
together and to create thisconservation ethic here in
Marion County and to build uponthat.
Natalie McComb (17:09):
And for those listeners, we will be sure to
include the link to Horse FarmsForever on today's episode page,
so you can click and learn moreabout this wonderful
organization and their upcomingevents. And now a word from our
@Sponsor (17:22):
Douglas Law Fi
sponsor.
Douglas law firm. We are afull-service law firm with many
practice areas to serve yourparticular needs. The Douglas
law firm is located in downtownOcala at 110 North Magnolia
Avenue, give us a call today fora free consultation, or visit us
at DHClawyers.com.
Natalie McComb (17:45):
And now, it's my favorite part of the program our
lightning round questions. Allright, what advice Sara, would
you give yourself at age 15?
That's wonderful. How would you
@Sara Fennessy (17:55):
At age 15, looking back and I was heavily
describe yourself in one word?
entrenched in showing horses atthat point. In thinking about
this, I guess I am. I'm very bigon quotes. And I'm very big on
words to live by. So my favoritewords to live by now that I wish
(18:16):
I knew then would be, "I stillremember the days that I prayed
for what I have now." And thatis something that hangs on my
wall. I look at it every day.
And those are really the guidingwords to my life. And I wish I
could have shared those words inthat piece of advice with 15
year old Sara.
(18:41):
Determined.
Natalie McComb (18:43):
Best part about living in Ocala?
@Sara Fennessy (18:46):
The horses.
Natalie McComb (18:49):
Who is a business owner or other leader
you admire?
@Tracy Straub (18:52):
Well, I of course, admire my boss and
president of Horse FarmsForever, very much, Mr. Bernie
Little. He is really, trulyinspiring. And I am so thankful
that he created Horse FarmsForever. He's the reason that we
are all here today. And I'm justinspired by him every day. He is
(19:14):
quite the businessman. And ofcourse, I also admire my father
very much. Again, he is alifelong equine industry
executive. He's taught me a lotof tough lessons along the way.
And I really just admire hisethic, his determination, and I
(19:34):
really aspire to be like himwhen it comes to business. So
I'm so fortunate to have had,you know, two mentors and role
models like that in my life.
Natalie McComb (19:44):
Well, thank you again, Sara, for being on The
Catalyst. Again, we were herewith Sara Fennessy, Director of
Community Affairs at Horse FarmsForever. Thank you for being on
the show.
@Sara Fennessy (19:53):
Thank you so much for having me. It was fun.
Natalie McComb (19:56):
Thank you for joining us for another episode
of The Catalyst hosted by theOcala Metro Chamber and Economic
Partnership, sponsored byDouglas Law Firm and recorded
live at Wiley Productionspodcast studios. New episodes,
guests, and perspectives onleadership premiere twice a
month. Follow us on Apple,Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you
(20:19):
enjoy your podcasts. Have asuggestion for a future guest
email us atthecatalyst@ocalacep.com
The Catalyst, a CEP podcast on bold leadership
in the Ocala Metro, hosted bythe Ocala Metro Chamber and
Economic Partnership, sponsoredby Douglas law firm and recorded
live at Wiley Productionspodcast studios located in
Ocala, Florida.
(00:30):
Welcome to The Catalyst. I'myour host Natalie McComb, Vice
President for the Ocala MetroChamber and Economic Partnership
Foundation. And I'm joined todayby Sara Fennessy, Director of
Community Affairs at Horse FarmsForever. Great to have you on
the show, Sara.
@Sara Fennessy (00:43):
Thank you so much for having me. It's an
honor.
Natalie McComb (00:46):
You describe yourself as a fifth-generation
horse woman. So you clearlyfollowed in the footsteps of
your family. But tell us moreabout what that means.
@Sara Fennessy (00:53):
Yeah so, I come from a long line of ranchers and
homesteaders,and horses aredeeply engraved in my veins and
throughout my family. So my bothmy grandfathers were involved in
the thoroughbred industry. So mydad's father was a successful
(01:13):
jockey on the West Coast. Helater went on to run the jockeys
guild. My mom's father trainedracehorses, and my mom picked up
on that she also trainedracehorses, my folks met on the
back of a racetrack, and my dadis a thoroughbred business
industry executive. So I reallyhad no choice being involved in
(01:34):
the equine industry. There arephotos of me strapped on a horse
with a seat belt and a pacifierin my mouth. I was on the back
of a horse before I could evenwalk. So I really had no choice
but to fall into this careerpath. And I'm so happy and proud
to continue that legacy of myfamilies.
Natalie McComb (01:53):
Wow. So you kind of fell in love with it. But, as
you said, You were you were ledto water so to speak, right?
@Sara Fennessy (01:59):
Yes, I had no choice. Yeah.
Natalie McComb (02:00):
Wonderful. And, and for those who may not be
familiar, because I know there'sa lot of different disciplines.
There's a lot of different waysthat folks train and show
horses. What are some of thosedisciplines of course that
you've had experience in, butthat you'd like to highlight?
@Sara Fennessy (02:16):
Yeah, so there's, there's so many,
there's such a broad array ofthings. So of course, you have
thoroughbred racing, you havehunter jumpers, which is
something that I do. So that'swhere you're jumping, and you're
being judged on your style.
There's jumping, so jumpers arejudged for time. There's western
riding, there's westernpleasure, Polo. And most of each
(02:39):
breed has its own set ofdisciplines that they compete in
as well. So it's so vast, it'sso array and there's really
something for everyone.
Natalie McComb (02:52):
But your day job is Director of Community Affairs
at Horse Farms Forever, which isa nonprofit organization based
here in Ocala. So tell us moreabout that organization and its
mission.
@Sara Fennessy (03:02):
Yes, so Horse Farms Forever, was founded in
2018, when the threat of thecoastal connector toll road was
imposed here on Marion County,so that was going to be a large
highway that was dredged to gothrough the heart of some of the
most precious and historic farmsin the world that are right here
(03:22):
in Marion County. So Horse FarmsForever, was formed in response
to that threat. Fortunately, theFlorida Department of
Transportation had the goodjudgment to abandon that project
and those routes. And fromthere, our board of directors
was very adamant that there wasgoing to be a tremendous need
for horse farms forever due tothe fact that Marion County is
(03:43):
one of the fastest-growing areasin the country. And so it's so
important that we're able tostrike that balance of
preservation and growth. SoHorse Farms Forever, works to
help protect and preserve ourhorse farms and our identity and
global brand as Horse Capital ofthe World.
Natalie McComb (04:00):
And I know one of the areas that that you're
working to protect is known asthe Farmland Preservation Area.
Can you describe what that isand what makes that so special?
@Sara Fennessy (04:09):
Yeah, absolutely. So the farmland
preservation area isapproximately 193,000 acres and
it is within the Northwestcorridor of Marion County. So it
makes up approximately 1/4 ofthe county and that is
significant. And the FarmlandPreservation Area is home to
most of the county's horsefarms. There's about 1200 horse
(04:31):
farms here in Marion County, andmost of which are within the
Farmland Preservation Area,including some of the world's
most iconic farms. The thingthat makes the Farmland
Preservation Area so unique andso special is the soil. So the
soils within the FarmlandPreservation Area can only be
found in four places in thewhole world. And so the soils
(04:54):
are full of calcium and a richkarst base that literally
creates strong bones in horses.
So there's no coincidence thatMarion County continues to
produce some of the best equineathletes in the world. The
Farmland Preservation Area alsoserves as a recharge area for
our springs, and the FarmlandPreservation Area. While the
(05:15):
word preservation is in itsname, it is not protected in the
way that government lands are.
There is nothing thatpermanently protects the area.
The Farmland Preservation Areawas created in 2005 by the Board
of County Commissioners. And thegoverning body, if you will, of
(05:37):
the Farmland Preservation Areais the comprehensive plan and
the land development code. Sothe Board of County
Commissioners quite literallyholds the eraser, and the
boundaries are drawn in pencil.
And we are working hard to etchthose boundaries in stone. So
one of the things that HorseFarms Forever has done recently
is amend the county'scomprehensive plan to include
(05:59):
stronger language that will helpprotect the FPA. And the
language includes that anydevelopment within the area must
enhance the rural and equinecharacter and rural character of
the area. So it is our job. Andit is our goal to really see
that through. And again, makesure that those boundaries are
etched in stone.
Natalie McComb (06:21):
And part of that plan is obviously laying out the
urban growth boundary as well.
So the areas of the county thatare kind of ripe for development
and where future development andbusiness is kind of laid out
within the county with the horsefarm preservation area being to
the west, and really our statepark there to the east. So it's
great that you all are workingkind of hand in hand with
(06:45):
government to to be sure thatthose boundaries are clear. And
obviously that you protect thatintegrity. And our history.
@Sara Fennessy (06:54):
Absolutely. And Horse Farms Forever is not
anti-growth, we are notanti-development, we support
growth. And we know that growthis necessary and needed,
obviously, in the light of thetremendous pressures that we are
facing as we continue to grow.
So we are really trying tostrike that balance and help
mitigate and guide good growth.
(07:14):
And there's plenty of room herein Marion County for us to
continue to grow outside of theFarmland Preservation Area.
Natalie McComb (07:20):
Yeah, and I know, one statistic that I heard
as well is that there's onehorse for every four people in
Marion County, which some folksmay or may not may not know
that, but when you drive out tothe west side of the county, you
can certainly see that and thebeautiful farms that are out
there. And you know, you'reclearly passionate about what
you do. What drew you to HorseFarms Forever, and what makes
(07:43):
you so passionate about theorganization?
@Sara Fennessy (07:45):
So when I was first introduced to Horse Farms
Forever and heard what theorganization ultimately had set
out to accomplish, it reallystruck a chord obviously with me
deeply on a personal level,because everything that the
organization stands toaccomplish is what I've grown up
(08:06):
around. It's what my wholefamily's purpose has been. It's
what I'm passionate about. Andit is, of course, my dream and
my hope that my future childrenand future generations here in
Marion County, we'll be luckyenough to experience the beauty
and everything that the FarmlandPreservation Area adds to Marion
County, I mean, we are sofortunate to have something as
(08:29):
special as the FarmlandPreservation Area, right here in
our backyard. So it immediatelyresonated with me and I knew
right away, this was my calling,and I'm so fortunate to be doing
what I love to do every singleday.
Natalie McComb (08:42):
And how does Horse Farms Forever advocate for
smart growth?
@Sara Fennessy (08:46):
So again, we are well aware that Marion County is
growing and growing at a rapidrate. When we are in the face of
development, or the FarmlandPreservation Area is faced with
a threat, we work very hard totry to come up with solutions.
Are there better alternativesfor this development? You know,
(09:10):
and we really try to get to theroot cause of why? What's the
thought process? Why do you feelas though this is needed here
when there is so many areas inMarion County that are better
positioned for that kind ofgrowth and development. So we
review and research every singledevelopment application that
(09:31):
comes before the county. So thatis a daunting job as you can
imagine. But it's important andwe try to be proactive and
working with the developers, theCounty, the county staff to be
proactive in coming up withsolutions. You know that will
ultimately best serve not onlythe Farmland Preservation Area,
(09:53):
but Marion County and it's soimportant that we strike that
balance of smart growth and goodgrowth. So we really try to help
guide that growth. Obviously, asyou mentioned, the urban growth
boundary is the perfect place.
And that is where growth isintended.
Natalie McComb (10:09):
And you have a wonderful section of your
website that outlines currentand developing threats to the
Farmland Preservation Area, lotsof wonderful charts and graphs,
and clearly a lot of researchthat you and your team put into
it. What are you hoping toaccomplish by posting these
updates for the audience?
@Sara Fennessy (10:25):
Yes, so as I mentioned, Horse Farms Forever
as a watchdog, it is our duty toeducate our members as to what
is going on here in the county.
And so we look to betransparent. And we look to seek
input from our members and fromthe community as a whole on
these applications, soultimately, our goal is to be
(10:49):
transparent, and to educate thecommunity. The three pillars of
Horse Farms Forever that we'refocused on are education,
awareness, and idea exchange. Sothat is exactly what we are
looking to accomplish throughour educational posts.
Natalie McComb (11:06):
And Marion County is the Horse Capital of
the World. And the numbers arecertainly impressive, to say the
least. But in your opinion, whyare they so vital to businesses
unrelated to the equineindustry? How does the equine
industry support otherbusinesses here?
@Sara Fennessy (11:22):
So if you think about it, every single business
here in Marin County benefitsfrom our equine industry, and
the significant impact that ithas here, the numbers are old,
that show over $2.6 billion aregenerated by our equine
industry, hotels, restaurants,shops, you name it, everyone
(11:47):
benefits from our equineindustry, and stands to lose
something without it. So we arewe are so fortunate to have such
a vital equine industry. And theequine industry makes up
approximately 1/4 of the jobshere in Marion County. So it's
significant.
Natalie McComb (12:05):
So what's the hardest part of your job? I can
imagine that being a leader inthis space can be challenging at
times.
@Sara Fennessy (12:12):
Sure. So I'm going to try to word this as
eloquently as possible. So thehardest part about my job is
trying to wrap my mind aroundthe fact that not everybody
thinks the same way that we do.
Not everybody appreciates howlucky we are to have something
like the Farmland PreservationArea, right here in our
(12:33):
backyard. And to further that,it's even harder to imagine what
the consequences look like formy generation and for the future
generations here in MarionCounty. If we are not proactive
in protecting and preserving thevery thing that makes Ocala and
(12:54):
Marion County, so unique andspecial. Every commercial
development that is proposedwithin the Farmland Preservation
Area, takes away a piece ofhistory with it, it is erasing
our identity. And so for me, thehardest part about my job is
wrapping my mind around the factthat there are people out there
(13:16):
who truly don't understand howfortunate we are to have
something like that, how rare itis, and how lucky we are to have
something like the FPA righthere in our backyard.
Natalie McComb (13:27):
And this must be obviously a big reason why
you're out there talking tofolks who are out there
attending meetings, and beingproactive, but Horse Farms
Forever also has a variety ofevents throughout the year and
other outreach opportunities. Sothe community, even outside of
the equine world can be educatedabout these things and know what
(13:51):
resources are out there for themto research some of this on
their own, right? When they hearabout a proposed new development
or new building. I know you haveyour annual conservation Summit
coming up on November 16. Whatis the theme this year of that
summit?
@Sara Fennessy (14:05):
So we host our conservation summit every year
in the fall, and each summit istitled Conversations About
Conservation. We are so excited.
Our keynote speaker this year isCarlton Ward and Carlton Ward is
a National Geographic Explorer.
So Carlton was featured on afilm called Path of the Panther,
(14:27):
which is currently on Hulu, it'son Disney Plus and it was
produced by Leonardo DiCaprio.
So Carlton was responsible forsetting up cameras and traps all
along the panhandle of Florida,and captured the elusive Florida
panther which really showed thatthe Florida wildlife corridor
spans through so much moreFlorida than we realized and
(14:50):
ultimately, Carlton's effortswere key and were instrumental
in getting so much of the statedesignated as the Florida
Wildlife Corridor. So that is ahuge win for the state of
Florida. And in fact 40% ofMarion County is actually within
the Florida wildlife corridor.
(15:11):
So this is a huge win andextremely exciting and who
better to help inspire thecommunity about conservation
than Carlton Ward. JoiningCarlton will also be Tracy Dean
with Conservation Florida, andMallory Lykes Dimmitt with the
Florida Wildlife CorridorFoundation. So we are so excited
for this year's panel ofspeakers. It's definitely going
(15:33):
to be our biggest and mostexciting event to date. The
event will be November 16 atOcala Breeders Sales, doors open
at four o'clock for a booksigning, if people would like to
have the chance to meet Carlton,be sure to show up we will have
appetizers, drinks, and we'rejust really excited for a a fun
(15:55):
and educational evening.
Natalie McComb (15:56):
Who are you most excited for?
@Sara Fennessy (15:58):
I would say of course I'm most excited for
Carlton. He's a legend. Anybodywho is a conservation buff or
National Geographic buff, he hasreally done some amazing work.
And his energy is contagious. Sowe are just so excited for the
passion that he's going to bringto the stage and I can't wait to
meet him.
Natalie McComb (16:18):
And what in the end, you're having this summit
you're bringing folks togetherboth your members of Horse Farms
Forever, but members of thelarger community, members of the
business community, what is thepurpose? What are you hoping to
accomplish by bringing thisgroup together annually?
@Sara Fennessy (16:34):
We are hoping to inspire the community about
conservation. It's only throughthese conversations that we are
able to really highlight howsignificant and how amazing
Florida is and all of thenatural resources that we have
here. And how fortunate we areagain to have something like the
(16:55):
Farmland Preservation Area andall the natural wonders that we
have here. So the ultimate goalis to really bring the community
together and to create thisconservation ethic here in
Marion County and to build uponthat.
Natalie McComb (17:09):
And for those listeners, we will be sure to
include the link to Horse FarmsForever on today's episode page,
so you can click and learn moreabout this wonderful
organization and their upcomingevents. And now a word from our
@Sponsor (17:22):
Douglas Law Fi
sponsor.
Douglas law firm. We are afull-service law firm with many
practice areas to serve yourparticular needs. The Douglas
law firm is located in downtownOcala at 110 North Magnolia
Avenue, give us a call today fora free consultation, or visit us
at DHClawyers.com.
Natalie McComb (17:45):
And now, it's my favorite part of the program our
lightning round questions. Allright, what advice Sara, would
you give yourself at age 15?
That's wonderful. How would you
@Sara Fennessy (17:55):
At age 15, looking back and I was heavily
describe yourself in one word?
entrenched in showing horses atthat point. In thinking about
this, I guess I am. I'm very bigon quotes. And I'm very big on
words to live by. So my favoritewords to live by now that I wish
(18:16):
I knew then would be, "I stillremember the days that I prayed
for what I have now." And thatis something that hangs on my
wall. I look at it every day.
And those are really the guidingwords to my life. And I wish I
could have shared those words inthat piece of advice with 15
year old Sara.
(18:41):
Determined.
Natalie McComb (18:43):
Best part about living in Ocala?
@Sara Fennessy (18:46):
The horses.
Natalie McComb (18:49):
Who is a business owner or other leader
you admire?
@Tracy Straub (18:52):
Well, I of course, admire my boss and
president of Horse FarmsForever, very much, Mr. Bernie
Little. He is really, trulyinspiring. And I am so thankful
that he created Horse FarmsForever. He's the reason that we
are all here today. And I'm justinspired by him every day. He is
(19:14):
quite the businessman. And ofcourse, I also admire my father
very much. Again, he is alifelong equine industry
executive. He's taught me a lotof tough lessons along the way.
And I really just admire hisethic, his determination, and I
(19:34):
really aspire to be like himwhen it comes to business. So
I'm so fortunate to have had,you know, two mentors and role
models like that in my life.
Natalie McComb (19:44):
Well, thank you again, Sara, for being on The
Catalyst. Again, we were herewith Sara Fennessy, Director of
Community Affairs at Horse FarmsForever. Thank you for being on
the show.
@Sara Fennessy (19:53):
Thank you so much for having me. It was fun.
Natalie McComb (19:56):
Thank you for joining us for another episode
of The Catalyst hosted by theOcala Metro Chamber and Economic
Partnership, sponsored byDouglas Law Firm and recorded
live at Wiley Productionspodcast studios. New episodes,
guests, and perspectives onleadership premiere twice a
month. Follow us on Apple,Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you
(20:19):
enjoy your podcasts. Have asuggestion for a future guest
email us atthecatalyst@ocalacep.com
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