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About

Black Prong Equestrian Village is a unique, 90 acre resort for the elite equestrian athlete, traveling trail rider, and nature enthusiast.

Nestled in central Florida directly next to Goethe State Forest, Black Prong is as much a steward of nature as are the equestrians who enjoy its peaceful setting. Whether you’re a traveling trail rider seeking a winter home base, professional looking for quiet training facilities close to HITS and WEC, or a nature lover seeking quiet day-to-day communion with the forests of central Florida, Black Prong Equestrian Village is the relaxing home-away-from-home for each individual. In addition to many on site lodging opportunities for both humans and horses alike, Black Prong offers facility rentals of the Main Pavilion and the grounds for private personal and corporate events, horse shows, dog shows, and weddings.
Black Prong Goethe State Forest Trails
Reid and Sarah, members of The Black Prong team

Black Prong Equestrian Village was acquired in May 2019 by Florida horseman and entrepreneur Reid Nagle and his wife Sarah.

Black Prong was founded in the early 2000’s by Alan and Maureen Aulson, two horse people who split their time between Massachussets and north central Florida. They started the facility as a location that would provide combined drivers a place to visit and train their horses during the winter. That vision quickly evolved to incorporate newly built barns and apartments along with an RV park for many other events outside of combined driving. The facility now hosts herding dog trials, multiple dog shows, and other trail riding and endurance competitions throughout the year. When Reid and Sarah purchased the facility they wanted to continue and expand upon Alan and Maureen’s vision, keeping Black Prong equestrian-focused with an emphasis on accommodating guests and horses in a luxury setting that would take advantage of the 53,000 acre Goethe State Forest which surrounds the Village.

To lead the effort and make the vision a reality, the Nagles appointed Clayton Bratcher “Mayor” of Black Prong Equestrian Village. He, together with the knowledgeable staff that had been assembled by the Aulsons and supplemented with other key hires, have worked tirelessly over the summer and fall of 2020 to achieve the first round of upgrades designed to make Black Prong a luxury equestrian and outdoor resort that will appeal to a multitude of equestrian disciplines and outdoor enthusiasts.

About

Our Team

Clayton Bratcher, member of The Black Prong team

Clayton's Bio

Clayton, a Florida native, graduated from the University of Florida in 2016 and began his career working for Reid and Sarah Nagle as farm manager of Big Lick Farm. When the Nagles purchased Black Prong in early 2019, Clayton was appointed mayor of Black Prong and charged with overseeing all daily operations of the Black Prong facility, feed store properties, and the implementation of the long-term company strategies. In addition to being mayor of Black Prong, Clayton also serves as President of Big Lick LLC’s Florida Real Estate Operations, which oversees the Black Prong businesses as well as the development and operation of Big Lick Stall Rental at Oak Ridge Training Center- a 200 acre thoroughbred training facility that focuses on Stall Rentals to top level thoroughbred pinhookers and trainers. In his spare time, Clayton enjoys spending time with his fiancé Meghann, team sorting and fishing.

Clayton Bratcher

Mayor

Michelle of the Black Prong Equestrian Village estate

Michele's Bio

Michele moved to Williston in 2017 and brings 30+ years in equestrian event management experience to Black Prong. Specializing in office management, organization, and logistics coordination, she embraces the opportunity to achieve the vision that Reid & Sarah Nagle have created for Black Prong. Michele enjoys time outdoors on the Nature Coast with her husband and 2 dogs.

Michele Markward

General Manager

Tom Doan, member of The Black Prong team

Tom's Bio

A Michigan native, Tom moved to the Bronson area in 2005 and started working for Alan and Maureen Aulson at their Black Prong Equestrian Center. He has played a fundamental part in the development of what Black Prong is today and will play a vital role in the future development of the new Equestrian Village. In his spare time, Tom enjoys visiting new places and making memories with family and friends.

Tom Doan

Operations Manager

LiaDourdis, a team member at Black Prong equestrian village

Lia's Bio

Lia is the Guest relations specialist and the volunteer coordinator for all Black Prong events. She is the voice on the phone and the first person you meet when you arrive. The focus and best part of her job is ensuring all guests enjoy themselves and have a five-star experience. She was raised in Athens Greece (the source of her unique accent) and moved back to the US in 2005. She is a proud mother of a US Army Soldier and a UF Shands monitor support tech. In her free time, she likes traveling and making memories. She hopes to one day see the whole US.

Lia Dourdis

Guest Relations Specialist

OPERATIONS STAFF

The team at Black Prong

Black Prong Staff

From left to right : Wayne Winters – Operations, Delma Chavez – Housekeeping, Lia Dourdis – Guest Relations Specialist, Denise Nichols – Housekeeping, Junior Plascencia – Operations

The team at Black Prong

Black Prong Staff

From left to right :
Wayne Winters – Operations
Delma Chavez – Housekeeping
Lia Dourdis – Guest Relations Specialist
Denise Nichols – Housekeeping
Junior Plascencia – Operations

The team at Black Prong

Black Prong Staff

From left to right:

Wayne Winters
Operations

Delma Chavez
Housekeeping

Lia Dourdis
Guest Relations Specialist

Denise Nichols
Housekeeping

Junior Plascencia
Operations