Florida Horseback Riding Trails

Florida State Parks Horse Trail Directory

Horseback Trail Riding

Florida horseback riding trails. Florida has hundreds of horse trails in county, state, and national parks. Here is a link to a current directory of all trails as listed by Florida trail riding groups. This list includes guided trail rides for those who want to ride on rented horses, but is mostly links to trails where you will ride your own horse.

Preparing for shorter horseback trail rides and day rides means accounting for water for you and your horse as well as some nourishment along the way. Watch these informative videos about the basics of trail riding and horse camping.

Water

Water is a must for rider and horse and how you carry water is important. For rider use, water bottles come in plastic or stainless steel with insulated carriers that fit over the saddle horn.

You will also want to have a collapsible water bucket to bring water to your horse. For a horse that is has been worked, give the horse small amounts of water of eight to ten sips every five minutes until the horse has cooled down and is no longer thirsty. Hay bags and nosebags are a necessity if you intend to feed your horse along the way.

GPS

Water sources for your horse will part of your trail ride planning and can be made easier with the use of a GPS with topographical maps loaded. It's generally wise to be prepared when heading into unfamiliar territory, and a GPS can provide protection if conditions turn out to be less than ideal. Bad weather can reduce visibility and wash out trails. Fog, rain, or snow can all be problematic and make trail finding a hit or miss proposition. A GPS can also save you on early-season horseback packing trips where snow might hide an otherwise obvious trail.

Food and Snacks

Preparing for shorter trail rides and day rides means accounting for water for you and your horse as well as some nourishment along the way. Trail snacks are an easy and fast way to carry food for short trips. These may include a trail mix or nutrition bars that can easily be stuffed into jacket pockets or saddle bags.

For longer journeys, dried meals provide a light weight alternative that offers easy preparation and a satisfying hot meal. These meals require boiling water so you will want to plan on having pot to heat the water and a safe way to make a fire.

Rain Gear

Suitable rain gear for trail riding can consist of a simple poncho or rain suit that can be folded into a small package and stowed in your saddle bag. If you are packing, don’t forget a tarp for covering your gear. Overnight stays will require a tent or waterproof shelter to stay dry and comfortable.

And speaking of rain, don't forget your phone, GPS and other valuables need to be kept waterproof from rain or an free from dust along the trail. Consider these reusable loksak bags that are guaranteed to keep you gear water and dust free.

Sun Protection

Often underestimated is the effects of the sun while on the trail all day even in the winter. The best protection for your face and neck is a wide brimmed western hat plus a 50+ pf sunblock lotion. Consider a western handkerchief tied around your neck to prevent painful sunburn on the back of your neck.

Sunblock or rash guard clothing with spf factor of 50+ is a must. Most blue jeans provide superior protection against the sun, but all shirts don’t offer the same level of protection. Long sleeve shirts with wicking capabilities will provide protection and coolness during those hotter days.

Horseback Camping in Florida

When preparing your horse for overnight camping on the trail, it is important to get your horse used to hobbles or picket lines before you go. The same goes for a horse being used a pack horse for the first time. Your horse will have to feel comfortable with pack load and with ponying behind your trail horse.

Trail Riding Videos

Watch these informative trail riding videos with John Lyons riding topics about horseback riding. These trail riding videos are especially useful for first time trail riders and for those wishing a refresher.