The Catalyst

Farmland Preservation: Sara Fennessy

• Season 1 • Episode 6

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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.

Natalie McComb:

The Catalyst, a CEP podcast on bold leadership in the Ocala Metro, hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas law firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios located in Ocala, Florida. Welcome to The Catalyst. I'm your host Natalie McComb, Vice President for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership Foundation. And I'm joined today by Sara Fennessy, Director of Community Affairs at Horse Farms Forever. Great to have you on the show, Sara.

@Sara Fennessy:

Thank you so much for having me. It's an honor.

Natalie McComb:

You describe yourself as a fifth-generation horse woman. So you clearly followed in the footsteps of your family. But tell us more about what that means.

@Sara Fennessy:

Yeah so, I come from a long line of ranchers and homesteaders,and horses are deeply engraved in my veins and throughout my family. So my both my grandfathers were involved in the thoroughbred industry. So my dad's father was a successful jockey on the West Coast. He later went on to run the jockeys guild. My mom's father trained racehorses, and my mom picked up on that she also trained racehorses, my folks met on the back of a racetrack, and my dad is a thoroughbred business industry executive. So I really had no choice being involved in the equine industry. There are photos of me strapped on a horse with a seat belt and a pacifier in my mouth. I was on the back of a horse before I could even walk. So I really had no choice but to fall into this career path. And I'm so happy and proud to continue that legacy of my families.

Natalie McComb:

Wow. So you kind of fell in love with it. But, as you said, You were you were led to water so to speak, right?

@Sara Fennessy:

Yes, I had no choice. Yeah.

Natalie McComb:

Wonderful. And, and for those who may not be familiar, because I know there's a lot of different disciplines. There's a lot of different ways that folks train and show horses. What are some of those disciplines of course that you've had experience in, but that you'd like to highlight?

@Sara Fennessy:

Yeah, so there's, there's so many, there's such a broad array of things. So of course, you have thoroughbred racing, you have hunter jumpers, which is something that I do. So that's where you're jumping, and you're being judged on your style. There's jumping, so jumpers are judged for time. There's western riding, there's western pleasure, Polo. And most of each breed has its own set of disciplines that they compete in as well. So it's so vast, it's so array and there's really something for everyone.

Natalie McComb:

But your day job is Director of Community Affairs at Horse Farms Forever, which is a nonprofit organization based here in Ocala. So tell us more about that organization and its mission.

@Sara Fennessy:

Yes, so Horse Farms Forever, was founded in 2018, when the threat of the coastal connector toll road was imposed here on Marion County, so that was going to be a large highway that was dredged to go through the heart of some of the most precious and historic farms in the world that are right here in Marion County. So Horse Farms Forever, was formed in response to that threat. Fortunately, the Florida Department of Transportation had the good judgment to abandon that project and those routes. And from there, our board of directors was very adamant that there was going to be a tremendous need for horse farms forever due to the fact that Marion County is one of the fastest-growing areas in the country. And so it's so important that we're able to strike that balance of preservation and growth. So Horse Farms Forever, works to help protect and preserve our horse farms and our identity and global brand as Horse Capital of the World.

Natalie McComb:

And I know one of the areas that that you're working to protect is known as the Farmland Preservation Area. Can you describe what that is and what makes that so special?

@Sara Fennessy:

Yeah, absolutely. So the farmland preservation area is approximately 193,000 acres and it is within the Northwest corridor of Marion County. So it makes up approximately 1/4 of the county and that is significant. And the Farmland Preservation Area is home to most of the county's horse farms. There's about 1200 horse farms here in Marion County, and most of which are within the Farmland Preservation Area, including some of the world's most iconic farms. The thing that makes the Farmland Preservation Area so unique and so special is the soil. So the soils within the Farmland Preservation Area can only be found in four places in the whole world. And so the soils are full of calcium and a rich karst base that literally creates strong bones in horses. So there's no coincidence that Marion County continues to produce some of the best equine athletes in the world. The Farmland Preservation Area also serves as a recharge area for our springs, and the Farmland Preservation Area. While the word preservation is in its name, it is not protected in the way that government lands are. There is nothing that permanently protects the area. The Farmland Preservation Area was created in 2005 by the Board of County Commissioners. And the governing body, if you will, of the Farmland Preservation Area is the comprehensive plan and the land development code. So the Board of County Commissioners quite literally holds the eraser, and the boundaries are drawn in pencil. And we are working hard to etch those boundaries in stone. So one of the things that Horse Farms Forever has done recently is amend the county's comprehensive plan to include stronger language that will help protect the FPA. And the language includes that any development within the area must enhance the rural and equine character and rural character of the area. So it is our job. And it is our goal to really see that through. And again, make sure that those boundaries are etched in stone.

Natalie McComb:

And part of that plan is obviously laying out the urban growth boundary as well. So the areas of the county that are kind of ripe for development and where future development and business is kind of laid out within the county with the horse farm preservation area being to the west, and really our state park there to the east. So it's great that you all are working kind of hand in hand with government to to be sure that those boundaries are clear. And obviously that you protect that integrity. And our history.

@Sara Fennessy:

Absolutely. And Horse Farms Forever is not anti-growth, we are not anti-development, we support growth. And we know that growth is necessary and needed, obviously, in the light of the tremendous pressures that we are facing as we continue to grow. So we are really trying to strike that balance and help mitigate and guide good growth. And there's plenty of room here in Marion County for us to continue to grow outside of the Farmland Preservation Area.

Natalie McComb:

Yeah, and I know, one statistic that I heard as well is that there's one horse for every four people in Marion County, which some folks may or may not may not know that, but when you drive out to the west side of the county, you can certainly see that and the beautiful farms that are out there. And you know, you're clearly passionate about what you do. What drew you to Horse Farms Forever, and what makes you so passionate about the organization?

@Sara Fennessy:

So when I was first introduced to Horse Farms Forever and heard what the organization ultimately had set out to accomplish, it really struck a chord obviously with me deeply on a personal level, because everything that the organization stands to accomplish is what I've grown up around. It's what my whole family's purpose has been. It's what I'm passionate about. And it is, of course, my dream and my hope that my future children and future generations here in Marion County, we'll be lucky enough to experience the beauty and everything that the Farmland Preservation Area adds to Marion County, I mean, we are so fortunate to have something as special as the Farmland Preservation Area, right here in our backyard. So it immediately resonated 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 single day.

Natalie McComb:

And how does Horse Farms Forever advocate for smart growth?

@Sara Fennessy:

So again, we are well aware that Marion County is growing and growing at a rapid rate. When we are in the face of development, or the Farmland Preservation Area is faced with a threat, we work very hard to try to come up with solutions. Are there better alternatives for this development? You know, and we really try to get to the root cause of why? What's the thought process? Why do you feel as though this is needed here when there is so many areas in Marion County that are better positioned for that kind of growth and development. So we review and research every single development application that comes before the county. So that is a daunting job as you can imagine. But it's important and we try to be proactive and working with the developers, the County, the county staff to be proactive in coming up with solutions. You know that will ultimately best serve not only the Farmland Preservation Area, but Marion County and it's so important that we strike that balance of smart growth and good growth. So we really try to help guide that growth. Obviously, as you mentioned, the urban growth boundary is the perfect place. And that is where growth is intended.

Natalie McComb:

And you have a wonderful section of your website that outlines current and developing threats to the Farmland Preservation Area, lots of wonderful charts and graphs, and clearly a lot of research that you and your team put into it. What are you hoping to accomplish by posting these updates for the audience?

@Sara Fennessy:

Yes, so as I mentioned, Horse Farms Forever as a watchdog, it is our duty to educate our members as to what is going on here in the county. And so we look to be transparent. And we look to seek input from our members and from the community as a whole on these applications, so ultimately, our goal is to be transparent, and to educate the community. The three pillars of Horse Farms Forever that we're focused on are education, awareness, and idea exchange. So that is exactly what we are looking to accomplish through our educational posts.

Natalie McComb:

And Marion County is the Horse Capital of the World. And the numbers are certainly impressive, to say the least. But in your opinion, why are they so vital to businesses unrelated to the equine industry? How does the equine industry support other businesses here?

@Sara Fennessy:

So if you think about it, every single business here in Marin County benefits from our equine industry, and the significant impact that it has here, the numbers are old, that show over $2.6 billion are generated by our equine industry, hotels, restaurants, shops, you name it, everyone benefits from our equine industry, and stands to lose something without it. So we are we are so fortunate to have such a vital equine industry. And the equine industry makes up approximately 1/4 of the jobs here in Marion County. So it's significant.

Natalie McComb:

So what's the hardest part of your job? I can imagine that being a leader in this space can be challenging at times.

@Sara Fennessy:

Sure. So I'm going to try to word this as eloquently as possible. So the hardest part about my job is trying to wrap my mind around the fact that not everybody thinks the same way that we do. Not everybody appreciates how lucky we are to have something like the Farmland Preservation Area, right here in our backyard. And to further that, it's even harder to imagine what the consequences look like for my generation and for the future generations here in Marion County. If we are not proactive in protecting and preserving the very thing that makes Ocala and Marion County, so unique and special. Every commercial development that is proposed within the Farmland Preservation Area, takes away a piece of history with it, it is erasing our identity. And so for me, the hardest part about my job is wrapping my mind around the fact that there are people out there who truly don't understand how fortunate we are to have something like that, how rare it is, and how lucky we are to have something like the FPA right here in our backyard.

Natalie McComb:

And this must be obviously a big reason why you're out there talking to folks who are out there attending meetings, and being proactive, but Horse Farms Forever also has a variety of events throughout the year and other outreach opportunities. So the community, even outside of the equine world can be educated about these things and know what resources are out there for them to research some of this on their own, right? When they hear about a proposed new development or new building. I know you have your annual conservation Summit coming up on November 16. What is the theme this year of that summit?

@Sara Fennessy:

So we host our conservation summit every year in the fall, and each summit is titled Conversations About Conservation. We are so excited. Our keynote speaker this year is Carlton Ward and Carlton Ward is a National Geographic Explorer. So Carlton was featured on a film called Path of the Panther, which is currently on Hulu, it's on Disney Plus and it was produced by Leonardo DiCaprio. So Carlton was responsible for setting up cameras and traps all along the panhandle of Florida, and captured the elusive Florida panther which really showed that the Florida wildlife corridor spans through so much more Florida than we realized and ultimately, Carlton's efforts were key and were instrumental in getting so much of the state designated as the Florida Wildlife Corridor. So that is a huge win for the state of Florida. And in fact 40% of Marion County is actually within the Florida wildlife corridor. So this is a huge win and extremely exciting and who better to help inspire the community about conservation than Carlton Ward. Joining Carlton will also be Tracy Dean with Conservation Florida, and Mallory Lykes Dimmitt with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation. So we are so excited for this year's panel of speakers. It's definitely going to be our biggest and most exciting event to date. The event will be November 16 at Ocala Breeders Sales, doors open at four o'clock for a book signing, if people would like to have the chance to meet Carlton, be sure to show up we will have appetizers, drinks, and we're just really excited for a a fun and educational evening.

Natalie McComb:

Who are you most excited for?

@Sara Fennessy:

I would say of course I'm most excited for Carlton. He's a legend. Anybody who is a conservation buff or National Geographic buff, he has really done some amazing work. And his energy is contagious. So we are just so excited for the passion that he's going to bring to the stage and I can't wait to meet him.

Natalie McComb:

And what in the end, you're having this summit you're bringing folks together both your members of Horse Farms Forever, but members of the larger community, members of the business community, what is the purpose? What are you hoping to accomplish by bringing this group together annually?

@Sara Fennessy:

We are hoping to inspire the community about conservation. It's only through these conversations that we are able to really highlight how significant and how amazing Florida is and all of the natural resources that we have here. And how fortunate we are again to have something like the Farmland Preservation Area and all the natural wonders that we have here. So the ultimate goal is to really bring the community together and to create this conservation ethic here in Marion County and to build upon that.

Natalie McComb:

And for those listeners, we will be sure to include the link to Horse Farms Forever on today's episode page, so you can click and learn more about this wonderful organization and their upcoming events. And now a word from our

@Sponsor: Douglas Law Firm:

Hello, I'm Charlie Douglas with the sponsor. Douglas law firm. We are a full-service law firm with many practice areas to serve your particular needs. The Douglas law firm is located in downtown Ocala at 110 North Magnolia Avenue, give us a call today for a free consultation, or visit us at DHClawyers.com.

Natalie McComb:

And now, it's my favorite part of the program our lightning round questions. All right, what advice Sara, would you give yourself at age 15? That's wonderful. How would you

@Sara Fennessy:

At age 15, looking back and I was heavily describe yourself in one word? entrenched in showing horses at that point. In thinking about this, I guess I am. I'm very big on quotes. And I'm very big on words to live by. So my favorite words to live by now that I wish I knew then would be, "I still remember the days that I prayed for what I have now." And that is something that hangs on my wall. I look at it every day. And those are really the guiding words to my life. And I wish I could have shared those words in that piece of advice with 15 year old Sara. Determined.

Natalie McComb:

Best part about living in Ocala?

@Sara Fennessy:

The horses.

Natalie McComb:

Who is a business owner or other leader you admire?

@Tracy Straub:

Well, I of course, admire my boss and president of Horse Farms Forever, very much, Mr. Bernie Little. He is really, truly inspiring. And I am so thankful that he created Horse Farms Forever. He's the reason that we are all here today. And I'm just inspired by him every day. He is quite the businessman. And of course, I also admire my father very much. Again, he is a lifelong equine industry executive. He's taught me a lot of tough lessons along the way. And I really just admire his ethic, his determination, and I really aspire to be like him when 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:

Well, thank you again, Sara, for being on The Catalyst. Again, we were here with Sara Fennessy, Director of Community Affairs at Horse Farms Forever. Thank you for being on the show.

@Sara Fennessy:

Thank you so much for having me. It was fun.

Natalie McComb:

Thank you for joining us for another episode of The Catalyst hosted by the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, sponsored by Douglas Law Firm and recorded live at Wiley Productions podcast studios. New episodes, guests, and perspectives on leadership premiere twice a month. Follow us on Apple, Amazon, Spotify, or wherever you enjoy your podcasts. Have a suggestion for a future guest email us at thecatalyst@ocalacep.com