Horseback Riding in Florida

Posted On April 19, 2022

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1. Horseback on Goethe State Forest on Horseback
2. Trail rides at Cactus Jacks Trail Rides
3. Rides on the beach at Rockin M Ranch
4. Rides at Haile Equestrian Center
5. Rides at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Horseback riding in Florida is fun for anyone of any level. Make sure to check out these Horseback riding hot spots next time you are in the sunshine state!

Tour Goethe State Forest on Horseback

The Goethe State Forest is a 53,398-acre park in Florida near the gulf coast. It’s located just north of Dunnellon and is accessible via four trailheads on County Road 337. Equestrians have access to the trails and are the main users of the park’s trails. For more information, contact the Goethe State Forest. You can also read reviews of the Goethe State Forest on TripAdvisor.

Goethe State Forest is 35 minutes southwest of Ocala, Florida. It offers 16 miles of marked trails on its 53-acre property, friendly land managers, and camping facilities. There’s even year-round sunshine. The Goethe State Forest is approximately 20 miles long and features 126 miles of marked trails. There are three multiuse trailheads: Tidewater at the southern end of the forest, Apex in the middle, and Black Prong at the northern end.

Rides at Goethe State Forest can be challenging, but not impossible. The forest is home to many different types of horses and riders of all levels. There are horseback trails and off-road biking trails. There are also well-marked hiking and back-packing trails. Camping is allowed on the forest’s primary roads, although primitive camping requires a State Forest Service permit. Goethe State Forest headquarters is about 3/4 mile south of SR121.

Goethe is home to several equestrian facilities, including Black Prong Equestrian Center, a nice facility with stalls for trail riders. Lorel Molder, owner of the Goethe Trailhead Ranch, has an arena and six barns with stalls. The property also features a convenience store, round pen, and 73 full hookup RV sites. This park also hosts an annual carriage racing competition.

Trail rides at Cactus Jacks Trail Rides

Cactus Jacks Trail Rides is located in Ocala, FL. The company specializes in horseback riding tours. Riders can ride on handsome thoroughbreds and quarter horses. A ride with the horses is an excellent way to socialize with nature and have fun. The company’s knowledgeable guides will point out the natural inhabitants. They can also help riders learn to communicate with their horses.

When planning a romantic getaway, you’ll want to make reservations for your horseback riding trip. Cactus Jacks Trail Rides welcomes singles, couples, and groups. Make sure to call ahead and reserve your spot to avoid disappointment. Stay in a nearby hotel and enjoy huge discounts on your stay at Cactus Jacks Trail Rides. We offer big discounts for our guests! You can enjoy our trails without breaking the bank.

Rides on the beach at Rockin M Ranch

If you’re on a budget but still want to take a romantic vacation, you can take your date on a horseback ride on the beach at Rockin M Ranch. The ranch specializes in rides on the beach and offers beginner-friendly lessons. The riders ride on gentle trails along the shore. The rides last around two hours and you can even catch the sunset! The horses are well-trained and experienced.

The staff at Rockin M Ranch will take care of you and your horse while you enjoy the beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean. You will be provided with all the supplies necessary, and the horses are gentle and friendly, allowing you to focus on the scenery instead of worrying about the safety of your horse. There is also a short instructional session before each ride. The horses will not run, and you can be assured that they will not bite or kick you!

The McMillians grew up on the ranch and have since built a thriving business on their passion for horses. They have a small farm in Dalkeith, Florida, and offer beach rides for both tourists and locals. At Rockin M Ranch, you can take a lesson to improve your riding skills, or simply enjoy a leisurely ride with your loved one. No matter what your age or experience level, you’re guaranteed to have a fun time.

Rides at Haile Equestrian Center

Experience the thrill of riding a horse at Haile Equestrian Center. This premier horse facility is located in the prestigious Haile Plantation. Offering quality riding lessons for beginners to advanced riders, the center offers casual horseback riding and leasing options. They also have a large herd of lesson horses that range from beginner-safe Quarter Horses to high-quality imported Warmbloods. Each lesson allows riders to interact with the horses and learn the basics of horse care.

All lessons at Haile Equestrian are conducted rain or shine. In the event of severe weather, a lesson may be cancelled. In addition, lessons for the Horse Management Program will be conducted unmounted to teach clients the proper care for horses. Make-up lessons are available upon request, but they must be completed within two weeks of the original lesson. Please note that lessons must be pre-paid. To avoid cancellation, clients are encouraged to book lessons in advance.

Clients are welcome to bring guests to the facility. However, they must sign a liability release, and guests must remain in designated viewing areas during the lesson. Guests are not allowed to move faster than walking pace. Smoking, alcohol, and pets are prohibited on the grounds. Riders are also responsible for their own clothing, helmets, and shoes. All riders must wear an ASTM/SEI-approved helmet and close-toed shoes.

If you are a beginner or are in the process of learning how to ride a horse, Haile Equestrian can provide you with lessons. During your lessons, instructors will assign horses to students, and clients must follow instructions given by the instructors. If a client is not responsive to instruction or violates the rules, the instructor may terminate the lesson. You are responsible for inspecting and checking your equipment before riding, and for following the instructions of the instructors.

Rides at Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodeo

Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodea is a dude ranch located in unspoiled Florida wilderness, about one hour from Orlando. The ranch’s accommodations are cowboy-themed and recently upgraded with new hardwood floors, modern amenities, and a zip line. The ranch has also added a mechanical bull and a 10-unit “glamping” village for adventurous vacationers. To keep visitors entertained, Westgate offers an afternoon rodeo and daily activities like roping.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, Westgate River Ranch Resort & Rodea offers pony rides and pony sweeps. Guests can fill out an Activities Waiver online before their trip and enjoy the views from the open-air arena. You’ll also find a general store with refreshments and snacks, as well as a horseshoe court. A variety of rides are available, including horseback riding, airboat and swamp buggy rides, trap shooting, archery, and petting farms. If you’d like to experience the rodeo in a unique way, there are a variety of shows, including the Saturday Night Rodeo.

The Swamp Buggy ride, which takes about 45 minutes, is a fun way to get an up-close view of the 1,700 acres of the ranch. The Swamp Buggy’s huge tires mean it can travel almost anywhere, making it a great way to spot wildlife and see the local scenery. The Swamp Buggy is a fun way to spend an afternoon, and it also offers spectacular views of the Florida wildlife.

Accommodations are available in a variety of “luxe” teepees. Luxe Teepees feature a fireplace, kitchenette, and claw-foot tub. Luxe Conestoga Wagons are more luxurious and have a king-sized bed and full bathroom. Guests staying in a lodge are within walking distance of the Rodeo Arena.