The Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association (FTBOA) inducted 15 new members into its Hall of Fame on October 24, 2025, in Ocala, Florida, recognizing individuals and farms that have significantly shaped the thoroughbred industry in Marion County. This third-ever induction ceremony honored influential figures such as Arthur I. Appleton, founder of Bridlewood Farm, David O’Farrell of Ocala Stud, and Charlotte Weber of Live Oak Plantation, all of whom have contributed to Marion County’s reputation as the “Horse Capital of the World.” The inductees’ legacies include breeding Florida-bred champions and promoting the region as a premier location for raising racehorses, with many emphasizing the importance of preserving the area’s rural heritage amid development pressures.
The ceremony also celebrated the Wolfson family, notably Steven Wolfson Sr., whose father Louis Wolfson owned Harbor View Farm and the 1978 Triple Crown winner Affirmed. The event highlighted the deep family traditions and enduring passion behind Florida’s thoroughbred industry, reflecting decades of dedication and success. Overall, the FTBOA Hall of Fame induction underscored the lasting impact these breeders and owners have had on the global racing community and the future of thoroughbred pedigrees.
