Horse Riding in Florida, USA

From Trail Riding to Beach Rides ... Horse Riding in Florida can be a unique experience

As a hobby, for work, for competition or just as a tourist activity, horse riding has been popular for millennia. In the United States it is now more popular than ever, especially in warm climates such as Florida.

Florida is horse riding heaven

Florida has a rich, diverse landscape and pleasant weather for most of the year, which makes for great horseback riding.

There are also a great variety of horse breeds to choose from; along with numerous equestrian events for horse lovers to watch or take part in.

Florida Facts

Florida is a state in the extreme southeastern United States, and it is known as the "Sunshine State". It is a peninsula, meaning that it is surrounded on three sides by water; in Florida's case, this is the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.

So many miles of coastline, along with abundant forests, create a lovely backdrop for horse riding in Florida. In addition, Florida has average temperatures in the 70s, and the air is quite humid, both of which mean ideal conditions for horseback riding.

Types of Horses in Florida

Florida has many different types of horses to suit the needs of any rider.

Some of the horse breeds in Florida include Friesians, Rocky Mountains, Paints, and Palominos.

With any one of these breeds, riders have the choice to explore Florida?s many riding trails, shorelines and national forests.

Ocala National Forest is home to a wide variety of trails, including the North Loop and the Flatwoods.

Seminole State Forest also has many trails.

But, some horse riders may simply want to enjoy the scenery while riding on Florida?s many beaches, an experience that makes horse riding in Florida unique.

Horse Riding Events in Florida

However, many horse riders want to do more than just recreational riding; luckily, Florida has many horse shows and competitions for spectators and contestants alike.

The Gold Coast Quarter Horse show, located in Tampa, is one of the state?s largest displays of equines.

Lady Lake is home to the Everglades Sunspotted Color Breed Classic, where palominos compete for top prizes.

and; horse fans looking for excitement can enjoy the All-Florida Championship Rodeo in Arcadia, which has been entertaining equestrian audiences for over 80 years.

Equestrian Centers & Facilities in Florida ...

Finally, Florida has numerous equestrian centers to make horse riding in Florida easier for all riders. These facilities provide a place to receive training, purchase or lease horses, and board horses that are not in use.

Bobbin Hollow Equestrian Center - 239 592-1033

3375 County Road 862, Naples, FL 34109

Bobbin Hollow is located in Naples and serves riders in the southern part of the state. A top-flight equine academy dedicated to the advancement of Saddlebred and Morgan horses

Thunder Oaks Ranch - 321 631-1504

2511 N Friday Rd, Cocoa, FL 32926

Thunder Oaks offers pleasure riding, horse lessons and training. They have a variety of horses that range from quiet trail horses, to quality show horses ranging from english jumping, to western pleasure and barrel racing.

Windemere Equestrian Center - 904 777-5650

6900 Morse Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32244

Jacksonville has the Windemere Equestrian Center, which provides services to riders in the northern part of the state, particularly young and novice riders. It is a full service facility on roughly 18 acres and offers a 24 stall indoor barn, 2 large arenas with outdoor lighting, a full course of fences, and spacious turnout

Horseback Trail Rides - 321-632-7085

1020 Camp Road, Cocoa FL 32927

Florida's Horseback Trail Rides offers miles of riding trails on over 2,000 acres of magnificent Florida forest in north Brevard County, a herd of beautiful, gentle, well-trained horses, and a staff of experienced, friendly, trail guides

Red Hills Horse Trials - 850-580-4020

PO Box 14869, Tallahassee, FL 32317

Tallahassee, Florida's capital city is the site of the Red Hills Horse Trials. Named for the sloping terrain and rich red earth known as the "red hills" of north Florida and south Georgia, the Horse Trials features a challenging cross-country course designed by Captain Mark Phillips, Chef d'Equipe and Technical Advisor for the United States Equestrian Team and a former member of the Great Britain Olympic team.

Florida Horse Park - 352 307-6699

11008 S. HIGHWAY 475 OCALA, FL 34480

The Florida Horse Park is situated on 500 acres in the heart of Central Florida, and is a world class facility that is fast becoming the centerpiece of Florida's equestrian community. The Florida Horse Park hosts national and international competitions as well as events in virtually every equine discipline.

Many different factors help to make horse riding in Florida so popular

Including its mild climate and miles of breathtaking coastlines as well as Florida's many different riding trails located in its national forests.

Competitive horse owners and spectators can also take part in a wide variety of equestrian events. And; Florida also has many locations where riders can receive instruction and board their horses.

With so many equestrian options, horse riders in Florida can rest assured that Florida will always remain an ideal state to enjoy their favorite pastime.

Author: Debbie Irwin ... If you offer horse riding or other equestrian services in Florida and you're not in the above list, be sure to Submit Your Details to our Florida Section.