"Papillon Real Estate, LLC specializes in equestrian properties in the state of Florida. In order to best advise our clients, we have performed an analysis of the equestrian communities throughout the state. We rated the developments from a one to five, depending on how well-designed - with both horse and owner in mind - the communities were (five being highest). We were quite surprised and disappointed at the number of developments that called themselves 'equestrian communities', yet offered little more than a logo with a horse, lots large enough to accommodate horses and a path running alongside the road which the developer boasted to be 'miles of bridle trails'. Such communities earned a one, or at best, a two in our system. Most communities rated a three and only one earned a Five-Star rating, The Oaks in Lake City, FL. Designed by Equestrian Services, LLC, this development ""got it right", from the combination of lot sizes, shaded quiet bridle trails, a first-rate equestrian community center and a cross-country course designed by Olympian David O'Connor. Other spot-on equestrian amenities include a covered arena, concierge horse care, pre-designed farm layouts and competition dressage and hunter/jumper arenas. Add these gold-standard amenities to rolling hills and magnificent oak trees and you have a truly winning community designed with the equestrian at heart."

-- Janie Coffey, Owner/Designated Broker, Papillion Real Estate

"In riding the trails and in the riding venues, it is clear that every aspect of this community puts the horse first and maximizes the equestrian experience for its residents."

-- Jeff Kibbie, cross-country course designer and builder, rider and eventing competitor

"The entire Equestrian Services team has something to be proud of with the opening of The Oaks at Lake City. I am privileged to be able to witness the changes that you are bringing about in the industry."

-- Quentin Wiest, Bergen Equestrian Center, Bergen County Improvement Authority, NJ

"Our family is moving to The Oaks from upstate New York. Our goal was to move south – to a warmer climate – and with four dogs we needed to find a community with plenty of space. We learned about The Oaks while researching "dog park" communities online. Our home site has two acres with plenty of trees. We had lived in Florida near Ocala and loved being surrounded by horses. The Oaks is elegant and breathtaking! The land is beautiful, and we are looking forward to being permanent residents. Our homework in searching for a dog-friendly and warmer climate community for our family concluded when we discovered and visited The Oaks."

– Myrna Silva and family (including four dogs), The Oaks, Lot 7

"My husband and I are excited about building our new home on Lot 40 in The Oaks. When we first visited The Oaks at the ground-breaking ceremony in Lake City [where we currently live], we knew it was the place for us. I grew up riding in England and had horses while living in the States. But I gave up riding seven years ago due to family priorities. My youngest child is graduating from high school in May. I now will have the time to enjoy and take up riding again. I have been talking with Shelley Van den Neste [the new general manager and riding director] on how to proceed. My husband and I plan to buy horses in the near future; in fact, our lot has the land for us to build our own barn. But after seeing The Oaks Equestrian Center, we knew this would be the best place to keep my horses. It's incredible, A+ in my book. With the O'Connors' involvement in the design of the equestrian amenities, we knew the facility would provide the best for riders and horses. First-class, well-done to everyone involved. Thank you to the O'Connors for bringing their first Signature Community to Lake City, Florida."

– Anne and Tim Hurst, The Oaks, Lot 40

"The Equestrian Center, 15 miles of looped trails and the surrounding areas are key reasons my husband and I purchased a home site at The Oaks. We have three horses and plan to live in New Hampshire and The Oaks at Lake City for six months a year. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to ride daily and have the weekends to pleasure ride on the Oaks' trails with the ease of convenience of walking from my home pasture and over to the barn to pick up my horse. The Equestrian Center's concierge service is impressive and is something we've always wanted for our horses. The knowledge that there will always be conveniences including ample hay, on-site blanket cleaning services and a farrier on staff is quite pleasing. And the O'Connor's participation in the development of the equestrian amenities guarantees the credibility of property. We are particularly pleased with the spirit of the Oaks, a community that will offer a unique equestrian lifestyle to retirees and families."

– Catherine Dowd, home site purchaser, The Oaks, Lot 52