OCALA, FL (352today.com) – As the equestrian events at the 2024 Olympic Summer Games captivate audiences worldwide, the significance of proper care of horses is in the spotlight.

The backdrop of Paris is a stunning stage to showcase equestrian sports like dressage, show jumping, and 3-day eventing.

 

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In the Horse Capital of the World, Angelo and Jan Berrettini of Berrettini Feed Specialists have dedicated 50 years to ensuring horses receive the best nutrition to perform at their peak.

“We’ve always stood behind what we do 100 percent,” said Angelo.

Jan (left) and Angelo (right) Berrettini started their hay and feed business in 1974. Here they’re outside their second location on Highway 27. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
The Berrettini’s celebrated their 50th anniversary with a monthlong customer appreciation earlier this year. A lot has changed on Highway 40 since the original store opened in Ocala 50 years ago. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

|MEDAL MEMORIES: A $600 horse and a silver medal. The Olympic Games in Paris conjure up memories for Ocala equestrian

Early beginnings

The couple’s journey began in 1974 when they moved to Florida, driven by their passion for horses.

“We saw down in South Florida there was a real need for high-quality forage,” Angelo reminisced. From their humble beginnings, they’ve grown Berrettini Feed Specialists into a cornerstone of the Ocala equestrian community, providing top-tier feed and forage that fuels champions.

Jan Berrettini holds an old photograph of what is now considered a vintage pickup truck. She says this is how it all started back in 1974. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

The Berrettinis’ philosophy centers on the belief that horses are athletes, and like their human counterparts, their performance hinges on optimal nutrition.

Angelo equated it to the fuel grade you put in your car. The higher the octane in the tank, the better the engine performs.

“If you had a race car, you’re not going to put 87 in it. You may put 100 in it,” explained Angelo. “If we would find ourselves being more educated about what’s in the bag as far as what these horses need for optimum nutrition, we might feed our animals better.”

Measure of success

The Berrettinis sell Tribute brand feed and work with horse owners to personalize the feed plan.

They measure their success by their clientele’s.

“This past year, we fed last year’s Kentucky Derby winner, Mage,” Angelo shared. And, Casey Deary, three-time Futurity champion whose posters are proudly displayed on the feed store’s walls.

“He’s one of the top three money-earning riders in the country and he’s sponsored by Tribute,” said Angelo. “It’s not about selling a bag of feed; it’s about getting them to the podium and being part of the chain.”

The Berrettinis started out with one store on Highway 40.

Due to demand, Angelo Berrettini says he expanded the facility two years ago, so they have an acre of covered storage so they can stock multiple varieties of forage; among them Alfalfa, Timothy and Orchard. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
Different varieties of Tribute feed are stacked in the Berrettini Feed Specialists warehouse. Angelo Berrettini says he enjoys working with his customers to find the proper nutrition for each horse. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
The Berrettinis say they’re blessed to have several key employees who’ve been with them for years. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
A poster of Futurity Champion Casey Deary who is sponsored by Tribute Equine Nutrition. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
The walls of Berrettini Feed Specialists are lined with posters of champion riders and horses who are on a Tribute Equine Nutrition plan. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today
The Berrettinis second hay and feed store is located in the Heart of the Horse Capital of the World on Highway 27 in Marion County about 10 miles from the World Equestrian Center. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

“Back then Pine Street had one red light. (Highway) 200 was a dirt road and most of the farms around here had 150, 200, 300 head of horses,” said Angelo. Now with a second facility on Highway 27 that has an acre under roof, the Berrettinis focus on providing premium forage year-round.

“What you want in forage is no dust, no mold, high color, and softness,” Angelo explained. He says horses naturally gravitate towards softer forage, which is easier to digest and provides better nutrition.

By forging relationships with growers in drier climates like Nevada and Idaho, the Berrettinis ensure a consistent supply of high-quality forage that meets their exacting standards.

Jan and Angelo, who have foaled numerous horses, liken equine nutrition to human prenatal care.

“It’s just like a woman that’s going to get pregnant. If she’s eating a good diet, stays away from alcohol and cigarettes she’s going to raise a healthier baby,” Angelo said. This holistic approach underscores the importance of diet from gestation through the horse’s active years.

Handing over the reins

While the industry has evolved over the years, the Berrettinis remain steadfast in their commitment to customer satisfaction.

“We know that you got to inspect what you expect. If you do that and stay focused, usually the outcome is the one you’re looking for,” said Angelo who after five decades is gradually handing over the reins to the business to their son, Michael.

“He does a wonderful job of running the day-to-day and managing the business. We’re blessed to have several key people that we employ that have been with us for quite some time,” said Angelo.

Angelo (left) and Jan (right) Berrettini share a light moment in the store in April 2024 which was decorated to celebrate their company’s 50th anniversary. Courtesy: Denise Vickers/352today

As Ocala continues to grow, the Berrettinis hope the area remains true to its equestrian roots.

“I just hope it stays horsey,” Jan mused, reflecting on the community they’ve helped nurture. The couple points to the World Equestrian Center as a positive influence in diversifying the equestrian disciplines in the area.

In an industry where Olympic dreams are made, the Berrettinis’ dedication to horse nutrition promises that Ocala’s equine athletes will continue to be fueled for the future.

“I don’t want to just sell someone a bag of feed or a bale of hay,” Angelo said. “Having someone be successful ties everything in a nice bow.”