TerraNova’s Environmental Initiatives

A Land that Breathes Life, Love and Spirit

It's 8:00 pm on a Friday. A young equestrian lays a final swipe of glossy polish on her faithful riding boots. Her pony peers up at her, poking his soft, pink muzzle out of the stall window, eager for a pat and the gentle whisper of goodnight. The sun will soon fall behind the trees for the night sky to await the thrill of tomorrow. Which stars will be wished upon tonight?

Inside the cozy barn, horses munch their alfalfa in harmony with the symphony of crickets and toads outside. The stillness is eerie, at first, as if all living beings have been wrapped in a blanket of tranquility; but there's a palpable comfort to the quietude. This place, nestled between ancient oaks and the peaceful waters of the Myakka River, is TerraNova Equestrian Center. A place of opportunity, it represents a unity between past, present and future -- where old and new are intertwined to tell a story of a land that breathes life, love and spirit into all who visit.

Preserving the Natural Landscape

Since its inception, TerraNova Equestrian Center has been dedicated to preserving the natural landscape and ensuring a habitat for wildlife to thrive by protecting existing wetlands and woodland areas. Animal enthusiasts may spot a variety of wildlife, from white-tailed deer to great egrets, sandhill cranes and otters.

Alongside wild animals, plants of all varieties call this land home. Without a single tree sacrificed during the construction of TerraNova Equestrian Center, over 1,000 trees have since been planted, including a selection of native oaks and cedars, and a family favorite -- magnolia trees. Their sweet blossoms fill the air with a delightful scent throughout the year, attracting vital pollinators that will travel to the on-site nursery, pollinating flowers and plants to be used as living decorations in the show arena each season.

Surface Water Recycling

A unique element to the competitions, live floral decorations are used in each arena, and floral waste is reduced by replanting, propagating, and nourishing plants in between competitions. These plants are irrigated by the retention pond, which collect drainage from the arenas and other surface water to prevent runoff. Silt settles to the bottom, while clear water rises to the top to be used for irrigation of the nursery, cross-country course, and the arenas.

Ribbon Recycling Program

TerraNova Equestrian Center is proud to partner with Green is the New Blue, an environmental non-profit that strives to reduce the environmental impacts of equine-related events and activities. During horse shows, the ribbon recycling program encourages riders to turn in their unwanted ribbons, instead of leaving them behind to become crinkled, dirty and unable to be used again.

Plastic Reduction

Competitors may notice a plastic-free ingate, where they are encouraged to bring their own water bottles to fill up from water coolers instead of taking single-use plastic bottles. In the barns and in the bathrooms, water stations can be found for easy access to drinking water, reducing the need for single-use plastic.

In the pavilion, efforts are made to reduce plastic-ware by using compostable utensils, plates, cups and straws during brunches and social events. Each day, in the pavilion, show office and bathrooms, all-natural cleaning products are used to reduce the exposure to toxic cleaning agents.

Natural Ventilation and Lighting

In the barns, the tall ceilings provide natrual airflow and venitlation, eliminating the need for large fans which require energy. The skylights also feature natural lighting, reducing lifth pollution and energy consumption. At night, lights are used on timers, sparingly, for safety purposes only, ensuring that over-illumination is prevented.

Equisafe Fencing

Equisafe fencing surround each arena, horse path and pasture. It is a sustainable fencing alternative made of recycled plastic. Unlike wood fencing, the panels do not rot or crack, saving trees and timber waste. Equisafe fencing requires no paint, which conserves resources. True to its name, Equisafe fencing is also safer for horses as it cannot splinter, reducing the risk of injury if a horse were to collide with it.

Inside one paddock of Equisafe fending is the famed TerraNova Tiny Town, a technology-free area that encourages children to get outdoors and use their imaginations. After all, they are the next generation to enjoy this work put forth day by day.

Harmony with Nature

With these initiatives backed by a unified goal, harmony with nature can be achieved when progress and environmental stewardship walk hand in hand. With each passing day filled with cheers and joy and every passing night still with quiet peace, TerraNova Equestrian Center echoes the heartbeat of this harmony, inspiring all who visit to cherish and protect the world we share.