February 26, 2025 

To Whom It May Concern, 

Horse Farms Forever (HFF) firmly supports the vitality and heritage of our world-renowned Thoroughbred racing, breeding, and training industry. Our global brand as the Horse Capital of the World® is deeply rooted in the rich history of this industry and the world-class farms it encompasses. 

Florida’s Thoroughbred industry is a significant economic contributor in Marion County. This sector generates billions of dollars annually for our local economy, representing over 22% of the GDP. Additionally, our equine industry accounts for more than 1/5 of the jobs and occupies over 20% of the land for horse-related purposes. The equine industry and our farmland are the lifeblood of our community. 

Our identity as the Horse Capital of the World® has been built on the foundation of the Thoroughbred industry. Many of the world’s most iconic Thoroughbred farms are located right here in the heart of Marion County’s Farmland Preservation Area. The importance of our equine industry to the entirety of Marion County cannot be overstated. 

Horse Farms Forever advocates for the preservation of our farmland and equine and agricultural industries for future generations, as they are vital to the economics, cultural foundation, and way of life in Marion County. 

Sincerely,
Sara Fennessy
Executive Director 

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