For quite some time Britt has been asking to ride a horse, his requests have increased since we began the State Forest Trailwalker program, because at the same time we found out about that, we discovered that they had a Trailtrotter program for those who ride their horses on various trails in the State Forest. So for sometime we've been on the look out for a way to make this dream a reality, however it is expensive to do trail riding and the state forest require you to bring your own horses.
However, while researching various state parks and other options around Florida I discovered the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway. The Greenway is a 110 mile stretch of land and is the land that the federal government at one point intended to turn into a canal. Today it has more than 300 miles of trails traversing it. It's most well known for the land bridge that spans I-75 allowing wildlife to safely cross the interstate. In my reading about the area, I discovered Cactus Jack's Trail Rides, a horseback riding facility that does group trail rides through the Greenway in the Ocala region. This was a perfect place for us to access the Greenway since it was less than an hour from the house.
One of our adventure goals for this year is to give each of the four oldest children a special experience gift instead of doing more stuff. That gave us the perfect opportunity to make Britt's desire happen. The Friday before his birthday we loaded up the family and told him what the day's surprise was. He was ecstatic. Of course he asked if he could wear his sword during the ride (no), and if we could run at all (another no). But that didn't dampen his outlook at all. When we arrived we signed all the waivers and the like, and then they told us who would be on which horse, so since we had some time, the kids set off to meet their mounts. Kate got Chunky, Rebecca got Gypsey, Ruth got Rosie, Britt got Ivan, I got Ginger, and Gary was assigned Big Belle.
When it was time to ride, they went over a short number of safety instructions, and explained to the kids how to "steer." Then they began loading up each one of the kids in the order that they would ride down the trail. Kate loaded up first on her 28 year old gelding and the oldest and most patient of all their horses, as she was going to ride right behind our trail guide Ms. Madison. Next was Ruth on Rosie a 26 year old mare, followed by Rebecca on Gypsy. Britt and Ivan who is a 23 year old gelding came next. Lastly, Ginger and I along with Belle and Gary saddled up. We also had one other lady in her 50s along who was celebrating her birthday on Pokey.
As we rode the 2.5 miles through the Greenway, Ms. Madison told us about various plants and the history of the area. She also shared the story of how they acquired Chunky for $200 from a man at the gas station who was carrying a load of horses to the auction. He's a happy little horse, who enjoys the work, and complains on days that he is only out to pasture. After that she told how they rescued Big Belle in the Everglades. Apparently Belle who is a Percheron cross was an Amish plow horse in the past, and somehow ended up stranded in the Everglade, where she was found half starved, covered in sores, with an eye hanging out of her head. They were called for the Florida Game Wardens and asked if they wanted to try to save her, and 6 months and 50 pounds later she was a gentle trail horse who loves the meander along the trail.
All too soon for the kids, we were nearly back, and they begged to try trotting. Ms. Madison said, that we could give it a try, even though I was skeptical that the kids would be able to. Just then, Ginger who had been acting ornery from the get go, got moody and kicked Big Belle, and hopped around a bit. It took me a moment to settle her down, but I didn't get knocked off. Poor Belle got blamed for instigating it, though Gary says she didn't do a thing. So with the two of them misbehaving we decided trotting would have to wait for another trip.
We had a great time, and found both Ms. Madison and her brother to be great people, they run the place together and do a fine job. If you'd like to make a trip the address to the Cactus Jacks is 11100 South West 16th Ave, Ocala, Florida. They offer one hour, ninety minute, two hour, and three hour trail rides for ages six and up. Trail rides leave at 9, 1, and 3:30, but they fill up quickly and suggest making an online reservation at least a week or 2 out.
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