The Oaks Equestrian Center is the first equestrian facility worldwide to receive the Five-Star 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).
Eric Dodson, CEO of Audubon Lifestyles said, "I thoroughly enjoyed my visit and the staff should be commended for doing an outstanding job. We're delighted to showcase the O'Connor Signature Oaks Equestrian Center as the first Five-Star Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Facility, and to issue the ISC's Seal of Sustainability," he said.
The facility's 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 Oaks Equestrian Center as a truly premier and one-of-a-kind equestrian facility.
"Participating in this process was 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 of The Oaks.
The Audubon Lifestyles Equestrian Program includes guidelines and incentives for equestrian facility owners and managers seeking to adopt economic, environmental and socially-responsible practices. The program also includes safety protocols for horses and riders, as well as criteria for facility planning, environmental practices and operations and is setting the standard for sustainably-managed equestrian facilities and the equestrian industry.
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About Equestrian Services, LLC:
Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Charlottesville, Va., Equestrian Services, LLC is an international leader for the delivery of equestrian experiences worldwide and offers three distinctive programs for resorts and communities; the O'Connor Signature Brand, Equi-Spa and Equestrian Entertainment. Equestrian Services provides comprehensive services from feasibility studies through equestrian facility management.
About The Oaks of Lake City:
The Oaks of Lake City encompasses the best of rural living with the best of suburban living. Custom designed in partnership with Dicks Realty, equestrian Olympians David and Karen O'Connor, and Equestrian Services, LLC, The Oaks' grand 1,222 acre, O'Connor Signature Equestrian Center boasts superior amenities and facilities for the equestrian and nature lovers alike. In Lake City, Fla. in the triangle between Ocala, Jacksonville and Tallahassee and near the Osceola National Forest, The Oaks has more than 15 miles of looped riding trails, and is only thirty minutes away from Gainesville, Fla., listed as the "Best City to Live in the USA" in 2007 by Cities Ranked and Rated.