In early 2008, the Oaks Equestrian Center joined as a pilot member of the Audubon Lifestyles Sustainable Equestrian Facility Program, a voluntary program that is setting the standard for sustainably-managed equestrian facilities. The facility was recently recognized by Audubon Lifestyles as the epitome of sustainability, by receiving a Five-Star rating. In doing so, the Oaks Equestrian Center became the first equestrian facility in the world to receive the designation. In addition to receiving the Five-Star rating from Audubon Lifestyles, the Oaks Equestrian Center has also been issued the Seal of Sustainability from the International Sustainability Council (ISC). The Oaks is a project of Dicks Realty, which is located in Lake City, Florida, in the triangle between Ocala, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee. The planned neighborhood development has over 1,200 rolling acres, filled with large, mature oak trees, and is located near the Osceola National Forest. The development includes more than 15 miles of looped riding trails, giving residents and property users the feeling of being in a wilderness. In addition, the cross-country course (custom-designed by Olympian David O'Connor) and custom top-of-the-line 33-stall barn is complemented by a competition-quality outdoor ring, covered round pen, and large covered arena. These features and more distinguish the O'Connor Signature at the Oaks Equestrian Center as a truly premier and one-of-a kind equestrian facility.

In June 2009, the O'Connor Signature at the Oaks Equestrian Center prepared for the on-site audit conducted by R. Eric Dodson, CEO of Audubon Lifestyles. "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to the O'Connor Signature at the Oaks Equestrian Center, and the staff should be commended for doing an outstanding job. Rhonda Gailey, the General Manager, in particular provided me with invaluable information about the equestrian industry and the issues related to properly managing an equestrian facility. This information will undoubtedly lead to further improvements and help to strengthen the Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program. I am grateful to the Oaks Equestrian Center and their participation as a pilot member, and I am certainly proud to showcase the Oaks Equestrian Center as the first Five-Star Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility and to issue the International Sustainability Council's Seal of Sustainability to the facility," commented Mr. Dodson.

"Participating in this process seemed like a natural fit for us, as the O'Connor Signature Brand itself was developed using sustainable models that included economic, social, and environmental considerations," said Rhonda Gailey, General Manager for the Oaks Equestrian Center. The Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Program includes guidelines and incentives for equestrian facility owners and managers seeking to adopt economic, environmental, and socially-responsible best practices. In addition, the program includes safety protocols for horses and riders, as well as criteria for facility planning, environmental practices, and operations. Through these standards, equestrian facilities will be recognized for following design and operational parameters that promote all aspects of sustainability.

In addition to setting the standard for sustainably-managed equestrian facilities, the Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program was developed to offer achievable yet comprehensive sustainable programming to equestrian managers and owners, and to reward facilities that do more than the minimum, through a series of recognition and branding opportunities. Not every facility will choose the path toward sustainability, but those that chose to participate will become the leaders in the industry.

To learn more about Audubon Lifestyles, visit: www.audubonlifestyles.org.