TDN Weekend December 2016 Issue 9
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1087484
Eventually the Nygaards made the decision to purchase a farm of their own where they could breed and raise their own horses. Living in New York at the time, the sunny days and mild winters in Ocala seemed perfect. "Originally we purchased a 40-acre property, but almost immediately the neighbor kept asking to buy us out until eventually it made no sense not to accept his offer," she said. "Shortly thereafter we bought the Ocala Jockey Club, figuring with my legal background and Erik's real estate background, we could resolve some of the title issues that at the time deterred others from buying the beautiful prop- erty. Thankfully we did." The 954-acre Ocala Jockey Club is a multi-use facili- ty. Originally designed as an equestrian community, the facility has 178 stalls throughout its seven barns, a 5/8- mile training track, ample pastures for individual and group turnout, a grass competition arena, an expansive cross-country course, and miles of land for hacking. Also located on the property is a townhome village with prop- erties available for seasonal or year-round rental and a clubhouse that serves as the centerpiece of the farm and can be rented out for special events. I think having had an off-track Thoroughbred... I was a bit more sensitive to wanting to show what Thoroughbreds can do after the track. " "