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About Black Prong

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 Trail Ride
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 Bratcher

Mayor

Michelle of the Black Prong Equestrian Village estate

Michele Markward

General Manager

Ryan Woods

Operations Manager

Michele Collins

Guest Relations Manager