Written by: Jenny Ross
Client: Saddle Ridge
Release Date: 2008-04-21

Sebring, FL – April 21, 2008 – Saddle Ridge, an all-natural equestrian community located near Sebring, FL, is incorporating additional “green” and environmentally friendly practices into its real estate development and equestrian properties. Saddle Ridge, currently under construction, merges an equestrian lifestyle with eco-conscious living.

The 1,200 acre community, with only 96 parcels, has been designed to preserve the natural state of the land and ensure privacy for its residents. Saddle Ridge is the first of its kind in the horse industry with regard to its commitment and sustainability in development practices, land conservation, building methods and horse-keeping. In celebration of Earth Day, Saddle Ridge will meet with representatives from the Florida Friendly Program to learn more about earth friendly ways of landscaping.

The Florida Friendly Program is an organization that focuses on environmental protection with respect to landscaping and water practices. Irrigation uses an overwhelming amount of water from the municipal water supplies, and the Florida Friendly Program concentrates on efficient watering and educating others about the negative effects of fertilizers and pesticides on nature. Additionally, the organization stresses the importance of selecting eco-friendly plants, utilizing mulch and compost, protecting wildlife, managing the yard effectively, recycling, reducing water run-off, and preserving the waterfront.

“We are excited to meet with the Florida Friendly Program,” commented Janie Coffey, an agent for Saddle Ridge and Papillon Real Estate LLC. “Earth Day is another reminder that it’s our responsibility to protect the planet. In all areas of our lives, there is a green way to go about things. I think it’s our job to learn about these green solutions and incorporate them into our daily routines.”

Coffey will attend the meeting with Mary Ann Simonds, one of many green experts that Saddle Ridge has hired to contribute to the equestrian community’s eco-friendly practices. Simonds’ experience ranges from sustainable development and strategic planning to eco-tourism and equine behavior.

“Creating an all-natural equestrian community is of utmost importance to us,” added Coffey. “We are developing the site and building our green homes by the Florida Building Coalition’s standards. We continue to take the wildlife into consideration with the construction of our equestrian properties, and we’re learning about horse care and manure management that is safe for the environment.” She noted, “Mary Ann is creating an advisory council of public and private organizations that are involved in environmental and equestrian planning.”

Saddle Ridge is exceedingly committed to constructing an environmentally conscious, deed-restricted development; therefore, additional consultants have collaborated with Saddle Ridge to ensure that the building practices coincide with a green lifestyle. Gregory J. Sawka of the Southeast Soil & Environmental Service Inc. recently teamed with Saddle Ridge as a soil consultant and engineer. Through composite samples, he performed tests to examine the suitability of the soil for horse grazing.

The community of Saddle Ridge and its all-natural equestrian properties will provide miles of bridle trails, a 20 acre equestrian community center with a covered arena, a dressage arena, a hunter/jumper field, a community barn and acres of pastures and fields. For a limited time, Saddle Ridge is offering a select number of 10 acre parcels, a 3,000 square foot custom home and a three-stall barn for only $690,000. Only 15 packages remain.

To learn more about Saddle Ridge, please visit www.SaddleRidgeFl.com or call 1-866-962-5263.

To find out more about the Florida Friendly Program, please go to www.floridayards.org.

Janie Coffey, Broker, GRI, TRC

Papillon Real Estate, LLC

786-252-4970

janie@janiecoffey.com

(if you ARE an Active Rain member)

(Subscribe in a reader if you are NOT an Active Rain Member)