Robert McGinley
ROBERT MCGINLEY grew up on his family’s 400-plus acre Barrington-area “Horizon Farms” property where he gained an appreciation for wild, natural, open spaces. He is an accomplished environmental landscape photographer (robertmcginleyphotography.com), and founder and President of the Fox River Valley Hound Heritage Foundation (houndheritage.org) dedicated to the historical tradition of riding horses to hounds as well as supporting conservation and land protection initiatives to facilitate the sport. He is also an acclaimed filmmaker who has written and directed a number of feature films, including Shredder Orpheus, Jimmy Zip, and Danger Diva (robertmcginleyfilms.com).
McGinley’s passion for land conservation has always been paramount. In 2003, the McGinley family found a way to protect the land they love by creating the largest permanent land conservation easement in Illinois, supported by the Barrington Area Conservation Trust. While the McGinley family does not own Horizon Farms anymore, the conservation easement guarantees that the farm, its beautiful landscape, wetlands, and woodlands will be preserved.
“There is the pure aesthetic experience of lush fields, rolling hills, forests, and wetlands that collectively make the area a special place,” McGinley says. “I have often thought that Horizon Farm is not just a piece of property, but it is a work of art. That’s probably why I feel compelled to photograph, memorialize and protect the land and the lightscapes it presents.”
WHAT’S ON HIS BUCKET LIST:
Protection and preservation of open space; enhancement of the sustainability of wild life and habitat.
Retrace the history of mankind’s oldest team sport by playing polo on every continent.
Optimize the experience of riding horses to hounds and all equestrian disciplines in our community.