In his seminal book A Land Remembered published in 1984 author Patrick Smith traced three generations of a family homesteading in Florida.
Life was tough. Mosquitoes were relentless in their pursuit of human blood and bad guys burned down their first house. But they persisted, built again in another location and gathered herds of cattle – descendents of cows left behind by Spanish explorers.
The annual cattle drives from the Jacksonville area to the west coast Punta Gorda area where freighters waited to take the beef cattle live to Cuba – these drives were fraught with danger. That caught my attention. Cattle drives and cowboys. We had the Wild West right here in Florida. Who knew?
Mount Up and Enjoy Horseback Riding
The cattle drives are gone, except for occasional reenactments, but you can mount up and enjoy horseback riding all over the state.
Riders start off on the horse trail at Silver Springs State Park in Ocala. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
Here is one trip I haven’t done but it sounds intriguing. The Horseback Adventure at Forever Florida in St. Cloud promises to blaze a pioneer style trail. This hour and a half ride on a walking trail goes along historic paths and through a creek.
This adventure is for riders of all skill levels and first timers are welcome. Children must be at least ten years old and be with a parent or guardian. Wearing long pants and closed toed shoes are both a must do. The tour operators promise to match horses with each individual’s personality and experience. Worth it to go and see what kind of horse has your personality! Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Call (866)-854-3837. Price per person is $69.99.
In Venice, located 16 miles south of Sarasota, one horseback riding vendor is Deer Prairie Creek Preserve. Rides are offered October through May. Western saddles used. Prices start at $60 an hour. Note that price is for two people each paying $60 for a one –hour ride. Children must be at least eight years old.
Florida is rightly famous for sun and fun. Beachhorses.com in Bradenton captures both with horseback riding on the beach and then into Palma Sola Bay. Yes, you will be on a horse that is swimming. Price is $124.95 per person plus taxes and fees. Times vary with the tides (they do low tide).
For more beach riding – Amelia Island, north of Jacksonville, has rides on the beach through Amelia Horseback Riding Cost is $90 per person for an hour. The owner is Debbie Manser and she takes two to four people at a time on her rides.
Note: Most horse riding web sites have calendars with available dates marked or numbers to call.
Two hours north of Orlando, Marion County and Ocala call themselves “Horse Capital of the World” so there – Just move over Kentucky. This horse capital thing is great news for horse lovers. Visit horse farms, see demonstrations and even go riding on the horse trails at Silver Springs State Park.
Check out the self-guided tour of horse farms with a deep list of farms that welcome visitors.
Horseback Riding in Silver Springs State Park
Silver Springs State Park has an equestrian entrance down the road from the main park entrance (the old Silver Springs) in Ocala The trail goes through a wetland habitat so bring lots of bug spray in the summer. Bring your own horse; there is room for horse trailers. Don’t have a horse but want to ride? Consider taking a trail ride from one to two hours with Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides.
Checking out the possible routes at Silver Springs State Park, Ocala. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
They take ages six and up. Prices for Silver Springs State Park ride are $45 an hour plus tax. Call for reservations at (352) 266-9326. Cactus Jack is also the designated horseback-riding provider for the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway.
The ride is mostly shady and goes through pine forests, meadows and oak hammocks. $45 plus tax per person for one hour, $55 plus taxes for an hour and a half and $65 for two hours. A two-hour ride gives you the choice of staying in the woods or riding the Greenway Land Bridge that spans Interstate 75 – a unique structure made for walkers and horseback riders – no cars allowed!
When you see natural Florida on horseback it is a step back in time, a kinship with Spanish explorers, Native Americans and Tobias MacIvey, his wife Emma and his son Zechariah, the pioneer family in A Land Remembered.
Two horses taking a break. Photo by Lucy Beebe Tobias
UPCOMING
Lucy Tobias is teaching a one-day workshop in Ocala for getting on track with your writing. The link is: http://masterthepossibilities.com/classes.php?cid=26
When: May 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
Where: Master the Possibilities, a program of On Top of the World in Ocala.
Cost: $50 for residents. $55 for non residents. Lunch is included.
Writing exercises and hands on beginning of your novel, children’s book, memoir, you name it! Bring paper or an electronic tablet. This will be a great day! Jump in and sign up.
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