One summer day, Joe O’Donnell conversed with his wife and daughter inside a gazebo overlooking a small lake, taking a midday break from running their horse boarding facility; Irish Acres.
The scene around them was picturesque – horses strolled in the distance, the sky bore a bright blue. Their dogs relaxed beside them.
Irish Acres, at 14375 Starkey Road in West Delray, is a pocket of tranquility that feels removed from the loud rush of cars exiting the nearby turnpike, or the bustle of shoppers at nearby stores and restaurants, some opening in recent years.
This contrast is exactly what concerns the O’Donnells: How can they be expected to maintain a serene environment for the horses under their care as the Ag Reserve becomes more populated and more development clusters around them?
“I wish I were far more optimistic about where things are going. I really do,” Joe O’Donnell said. The O’Donnells are among several equestrian operators who have watched the Ag Reserve’s growth over the years. These equestrian operators have been working to preserve their lifestyle and adapt to the changes, ultimately trying to maintain healthy environments for the horses within one of the state’s most lucrative industries.
This article appeared in the Sun Sentinel, January 18, 2026
