The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Owner’s Association held their Annual Membership Meeting at the North Hall of the Marion County Agriculture Center Auditorium Friday where they elected members to fill the five board vacancies.
Getting reelected to the board was Joseph Barbazon of Morriston, Brent Fernung of Ocala and Dr. Phil M. Matthews of Ocala. Newly elected to the board were Fred Brei and Joseph M. O’Farrell III, also both of Ocala.
Barbazon is a second generation horseman who has been doing business in Marion County since 1970. He and his wife Helen now operate Pleasant Acres Farm where they offer boarding, foaling, layups and sales prep. Fernung has been working in Marion County for some 30 years and he now owns and operates Journeyman Stud in north Marion County with his wife Crystal. Matthews has been a practicing veterinarian in Ocala since 1981 and is now a partner in Peterson and Smith Equine Hospital as well as being a thoroughbred breeder.
Brei and his wife Jane operate Jacks or Better Farm in Ocala where they breed primarily to race. O’Farrell is a third generation horseman and native of Ocala where he handles the financial side of the family farm, Ocala Stud.
After the annual membership meeting, the new board met to elect the executive committee of which Matthews was reelected President, Brent Fernung was reelected as First Vice President and George Russell was elected Second Vice President. Sheila DiMare was reelected as Secretary and Bonnie M. Heath III was reelected as Treasurer.
