Ocala Summit Highlights Horse-Farm Conservation Amid Growth

Horse Farms Forever’s annual conservation summit in Ocala brought together community members and officials to discuss protecting Marion County’s horse farms and working lands as the area grows. Speakers, including wildlife filmmaker Carlton Ward Jr. and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, emphasized the connection between the region’s equine identity and conserving the land that supports it. The organization presented its 2026 Acorn Conservation Award to the O’Farrell family of Ocala Stud. Attendees also discussed a proposed Ocala racetrack, for which developers say they have secured acreage, and a sports complex approved for the World Equestrian Center. The sports complex faces a legal challenge from Live Oak Stud owner Charlotte Weber, who is seeking to halt construction.