2009-07-07 07:00:53 -

(Palm Harbor, FL – July1, 2009) In early 2008 the O'Connor Signature at 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 O'Connor Signature at the Oaks Equestrian Center has now become the first equestrian facility in the world to receive the designation. In addition to receiving the Five-Star rating from Audubon Lifestyles, the O'Connor Signature at 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 a property users the feeling of being in a wilderness but the property is only thirty minutes away from Gainesville, FL, which was chosen as the "Best City to Live in the USA" in 2007. 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 a 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. To learn more about the Oaks visit: www.theoakslakecity.com.

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 the O'Connor Signature at the Oaks Equestrian Center and their participation as a pilot member, and I am certainly proud to showcase the O'Connor Signature at 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 O'Connor Signature at 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.

Audubon Lifestyles, based in Palm Harbor, Florida, is a non-profit organization that provides education, advisory services and certification assistance, based on the ISC Principles of Sustainability. The organization facilitates sustainable living and lifestyles by assisting businesses and individuals in sustainable solutions that are reliable, practical and efficient, and believes that the most natural way to achieve success and to foster sustainability is by working to balance the triple bottom line of people, profit, and planet. They operate with the main purpose of benefiting society by offering a number of sustainably based programs and services. To learn more please visit: www.audubonlifestyles.org.

Requirements in the Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility Program include developing a Nutrient Management Plan, requiring that all persons under the age of 18 wear approved helmets, ensuring that horses have access to clean, fresh water at all times, having only non-barbed wire fencing where horses are contained, and providing proof of negative Coggins tests for horses at the facility. In addition, a facility must adopt a Sustainability Charter to publicly display their intent to run and manage their facility sustainably. Lastly, the facility must complete a sustainability audit, specifically designed for equestrian facilities. The audit provides opportunities to meet and exceed minimum requirements in the following categories: Economics & Business, Horse Care & Safety, Facility & Operations, Environmental, and Outreach & Education. Upon completion of the audit, the equestrian facility will be awarded a rating of up to five stars. Any facility awarded a Three-Star rating or higher will also receive the International Sustainability Council (ISC) Seal of Sustainability.

Striving for, and ultimately achieving, the Seal of Sustainability from the International Sustainability Council (ISC) means that the equestrian facility is setting a new standard for excellence. The ISC Seal of Sustainability means that the facility has adopted and put into place recognized best-management practices that equal environmental superiority, social responsibility and economic viability. The ISC Seal of Sustainability is the hallmark of excellence, not only regarding the facility itself, but in regard to the actual equestrian experience for individuals that enjoy equestrian activities, as well as the symbol of excellence in care of the horses residing in those facilities.

The ISC is a non-profit coalition of thought-leaders dedicated to advancing understanding of the relationships among ecological, social and economic systems for the mutual benefit of people and the environment. The Council's main purposes include promoting the adoption of the Principles of Sustainability, serving as a think-tank on all topics pertaining to sustainability, acting as a virtual warehouse of information related to topics related to sustainability, and showcasing and recognizing specific places, businesses, organizations and individuals who are leading the way towards a more sustainable planet. To learn more, visit www.thesustainabilitycouncil.org.


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