With a history deeply rooted in Marion County and its surrounding area, Valerie Dailey brings a wealth of experience and education in agriculture, horse breeding, and equine real estate to the FTBOA.
A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Resource Economics and a Masters in Agricultural Operations Management, Dailey has long served agriculture and business markets in Central Florida, blending knowledge and experience in both arenas.
She has been a small breeder since 1985, producing multiple stakes winners including a Breeders’ Cup qualifier. Together with husband Hugh and daughter Samantha, she has owned her own Thoroughbred breeding farm that is based in Marion County, Fla., since 1992.
A member of the FTBOA for decades, she has served as the FTBOA Charity and Social committee chair, board vice president and ultimately the Association’s first female president in 2023. Currently, she serves on the board as an ‘immediate past president’.
“What I bring to the table is my knowledge of agriculture and horses and I’m actively involved in the organization and trade. I bring a different viewpoint in wanting to protect the owners of both large and small farms,” Dailey said.
Her dedication to the equine community, along with her multiple breeding and other collaborations have made her an active and effective advocate for Central Florida agriculture and equine industries.
Dailey has been a Florida Licensed REALTOR® with Showcase Properties of Central Florida since 2005, where she leads as the broker and owner since 2013. In her time with Showcase Properties, Dailey has represented multiple historic Marion County farms, including Bridlewood, Cashel Stud and Winding Oaks Farm. Using her agricultural background, Dailey is deeply immersed in Marion County’s future development and protecting the property rights of breeders in Ocala.
In addition to her FTBOA leadership, Dailey is a long-time member of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, is a director with the Florida REALTORS®, a member of the board with the Ocala/Marion County Board of REALTORS® and serves on the Value Adjustment Board in Marion County.
She also serves on the Florida Thoroughbred PAC board encouraging others in the industry to support legislative efforts supporting the equine community.
Dailey’s Discover Ocala podcast launched in 2023 showcases Marion County community leaders, events promoters and directors from a variety of organizations enhancing Ocala’s quality of life.
She sponsors a variety of organizations, charities, and events throughout Marion County, independently or in conjunction with Showcase Properties of Central Florida. Dailey can be found at 4-H events, the polo grounds, rodeos, the youth fair, horse shows and at the horse races.
Dailey often shares the gift of horsemanship in the community. She donated a Quarter Horse to a local therapy riding program so her horse now resides at Hillcrest High School. She also donated a Thoroughbred to students at North Marion High School to learn hands on the skills needed for yearling sales preparation. The horse was successfully sold the horse at OBS with guidance from Bobby Jones.