Last Updated on April 3, 2024
Did you know that 30% of all Florida farms are for Florida horses? Florida is also home to the Horse Capital of the World … Take a bow, Ocala.
More than 700 horse farms dot the Marion County landscape ranging from a small two-acre farm to the largest spread of 4,500 acres.
Some say it’s the nutrient-rich Florida limestone soil that creates healthier grass for stronger horses while others believe it’s Ocala’s equestrian history and close-knit tradition that has created a legacy of winners.
Ocala is the perfect place to celebrate “I Love Horses” Day, but there are plenty of other places across the state if Ocala is too far from home right now.
Check out Authentic Florida’s list of the top places to “horse around” in Florida. It’s also a great time to add any of these adventures to your future Florida bucket list.
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Panhandle
Broke-A-Toe Horseback Riding, Cape San Blas
Broke-A-Toe Cape San Blas Horseback Riding on the Beach is a relaxing, safe way to enjoy the coast, and families have rated it the #1 thing to do on TripAdvisor.
They offer multiple types of rides including one-hour, sunrise, sunset, 1.5-hour, and private rides. Broke-A-Toe gets high marks for having horses that are gentle, confident, and consistent in their job.
Broke-A-Toe Address: 240 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456
While in the area, check out 8 Authentic Things to Do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida”
Rockin M Ranch, Cape San Blas
Are you looking for a family-friendly fun way to explore the sandy white beaches of Cape San Blas, Florida? Come and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Florida’s Forgotten Coast at Rockin M Ranch.
They specialize in horseback riding on the beach and beginner-friendly lessons. All rides are guided by professional, friendly guides.
The ride is a walk on horseback by the water and on the beach the whole time.
Rockin M Ranch Address: 240 Cape San Blas Road, Cape San Blas, Florida 32456
Two-Bit Stable Horseback Riding on the Beach, Cape San Blas
Two-Bit Stable offers a relaxing ride next to the waves of the Gulf. It’s just another way to experience the laid-back atmosphere of this stunning area.
Riding experience is not an issue as all of their horses, aka “Beach Bums”, are professionally trained and love their jobs. The horses love interacting with their riders.
Their unique personalities combined with the breathtaking setting make for a perfect outing.
Two-Bit Stable Address: 240 Cape San Blas Rd, Port St Joe, FL 32456
North Florida
Amelia Island Horseback Riding, Amelia Island
When you make a reservation with Amelia Island Horseback Riding, you’ll meet the owner at Peters Point Beach Front Park on South Fletcher Avenue, near the Ritz-Carlton Hotel on Amelia Island.
The owner will customize a ride to your interests, including trotting and cantering for those with extensive riding experience. They offer many daytime rides as well as sunrise and sunset rides.
Amelia Island Horseback Riding Address: 4600 Peters Point Rd, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034
While you are in the area check out the Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville
North Central Florida
Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm, Alachua
In Alachua, Florida (near Gainesville), you can visit Mill Creek Farm and 140 retired horses with an admission cost of only two carrots.
The retirement home for horses is home to “retirees” who can enjoy their lives in spacious, tree-lined pastures and roam freely with other horses.
They provide lifetime care to elderly horses seized by law enforcement agencies, and rescued by the SPCA or other humane societies, as well as horses retired from government services such as police patrol or state and federal parks.
Retirement Home for Horses at Mill Creek Farm Address: 20307 Co Rd 235A, Alachua, FL 32615
Make sure to also check out 10 Awesome Things To Do in Gainesville.
Zip the Canyons, Ocala
This is not your typical horseback tour. There are elevation changes of 100′ or more that you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. This experience offers amazing views of both the Big Cliff Canyon and the Sky High Canyon.
The ride takes you down into the canyon and alongside our lakes, scenic vistas, through the woods, and beside the enormous cliff walls. These incredible views are unparalleled and only at The Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park.
Zip the Canyons Address: 8045 NW Gainesville Rd, Ocala, FL 34475
Don’t miss these 12 Outdoor Ocala Adventures while visiting Ocala.
Central West Florida
C Ponies, Bradenton, Lithia, Venice, St. Petersburg
Horseback riding on the beach is like a Florida-style trail ride – but better. Ride rescued Drum and Gypsy Vanner horses, and even enjoy an exhilarating swim with these majestic beauties.
C Ponies offers a variety of rides at different locations throughout the Tampa area ranging from ocean and trail rides to sunset and beach excursions.
You can even have a “bucket list” experience that involves riding the horse straight out into the Gulf on a sandbar for nearly a mile. 90% of the horses are purchased from terrible environments, and it is their journey to try to save as many of these horses as possible.
C Ponies Address: 8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
While you are in Bradenton visit Our 10 Favorite Shops in Bradenton’s Village of the Arts.
The Real Beach Horses, Bradenton
Another spot specializing in immersing in the water with your horse, Beachhorses.com has trademarked the term horse surfing to describe what they do, which includes riding horses while they swim off the beach in the gentle Gulf waters.
For the most adventurous, swimming behind a horse holding its tail or standing up on the horse in the water. All in all, they have multiple rides ranging from chill to thrill.
The Real Beach Horses Address: 8400 Manatee Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34209
Central Florida
CabaYoga at Dark Horse Farm, Sanford
At CabaYoga in Sanford, you can reconnect with your wild spirit through the symbiotic bareback practice of horse yoga, inspired by the ancient traditions of Ashtanga Yoga and the effortless therapeutic energy exchange between horse and human.
You can book private equine yoga, private Ashtanga yoga, or socially distanced yoga outdoors with the company of horses. The herd includes Jeffery, Izzy, and Bling.
You can also stay at Dark Horse Farm in a private cottage through Airbnb. Your room is in a house on a horse farm, with views of pastures and woods.
Watch the horses graze, or visit them in the barn. They are all friendly and love attention. They love carrots. You can book the room on AirBnb.
CabaYoga at Dark Horse Farm Address: 3671 Genova Ct, Oviedo, FL 32765
If you love yoga, don’t miss the 8 Unique Yoga Classes In Florida to Check Out
Freedom Ride, Kissimmee
Freedom Ride is dedicated to enriching the lives and experiences of children and adults with disabilities in the Central Florida area through therapeutic horseback riding and related activities.
They offer therapeutic horseback riding, equine-assisted learning, and an equine-assisted therapy program for US Veterans. If you want to volunteer with Freedom Ride, you can assist with cleaning stalls, grooming the horses, helping students in their lessons, fundraisers, and special events.
No horse experience is required, but all volunteers should be comfortable working with and around horses.
Freedom Ride Address: 3919 Bay Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32808
Looking to make it a day trip? Check out our favorite things to do in Kissimmee.
South Florida
A and A Adventure Horse Trails, Ft. Lauderdale
There’s nothing quite like the outdoors. With your boots tied tight and a trusty horse beneath you, come and journey through the forgotten wilderness of South Florida.
And that’s just what you’re going to do here at A&A. A&A offers enjoyable, fun guided horseback tours for all abilities. They have multiple rides including half-hour, one-hour, two-hour, three-hour, and full day as well as group adventures and special occasion rides.
So, saddle up and find your cowboy hat.
A&A Adventure Horse Trail Rides Address: 2764 SW 83rd Ave, Miramar, FL 33025
Jonathan Dickinson State Park, Hobe Sound
Jonathan Dickinson State Park offers a variety of Equestrian Activities that are fun for young and young at heart alike. These activities are only offered seasonally each year from Thanksgiving through Easter, weather permitting.
You can enjoy a one-hour guided horseback ride for beginner and advanced riders on protected parklands with views of cypress heads and pine Flatwoods.
You may even catch a glimpse of wildlife like white-tailed deer, bald eagles, osprey, or alligators. Another option is a horse-drawn tram tour that you can take as a group or family through the park.
The tram guides will entertain you with tales of the history of the area while showing and describing the native plant and animal life.
Jonathan Dickinson State Park Address: 16450 SE Federal Hwy, Hobe Sound, FL 33455
Tours on Horseback, Fort Pierce
If you are stressed or feeling overwhelmed by your career, you need a relaxing getaway.
Tours on Horseback will let you experience a different point of view of the world—from the saddle of an equine friend. Book a different kind of vacation where you and your loved ones can relax while saddled up for one of our horseback tours.
You can ride through the beach on South Hutchinson Island or the trails of St. Lucie County Preserve on a one-hour, two-hour, half-day, or full-day ride.
Tours on Horseback Address: 3600 S Ocean Dr. Fort Pierce FL 34949
More Florida Horseback Riding Options
- Mahan Farm – 8150 Mahan Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32309
- Iron Horse Stables – 11 Eden Lane, Cantonment, FL 32533
Looking for more Authentic Florida fun?