Viewing the pine flatwoods, cypress ponds and wildlife-filled wetlands on horseback is one of the many great recreational experiences that can be enjoyed on District lands.
A Time-Honored Tradition
Long-distance rides, multiday rides and overnight trail camping are some of the unique equestrian opportunities offered. Lands that have enough trail miles for a half-day ride or longer are generally open for equestrian use. Equestrian parking areas have been designed to provide ample space for horses to be easily unloaded from small and medium-sized horse trailers. Lands open for equestrian use that do not have equestrian parking areas accessible from a main road may require a free reservation for access through the security gates. Nonpotable water is provided on some lands, but visitors should always bring enough water to meet their horses’ needs. To determine what facilities are available, check the individual property descriptions.
Equestrian/group camping areas are available and can be accessed by vehicles towing horse trailers. These areas have a nonpotable water source and portable restroom facilities available. A free camping reservation is required.
Equestrian Day-Use
- Equestrian reservations are required for access behind the locked gate at the Washburn entrance of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve - Oak Ridge Equestrian Area. and the gates of the Alston Tract at Upper Hillsborough Preserve, as well as Conner Preserve. Reservations are obtained free of charge by submitting a Day-Use Recreation Reservation Application.
- Individuals or group leaders can complete applications and receive reservations.
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Reservations may be faxed or mailed to you and will include gate combinations.
- A new reservation is required for each riding trip.
- Reservations must be displayed on the dash of each vehicle.
- Horseback riding is allowed only on designated or marked trails.
- Proof of a current negative Coggins test must be carried by each rider.
Horse-Drawn Buggy Riding
- All horse-drawn buggy riding requires a reservation for access. Reservations are obtained free of charge by submitting a Day-Use Recreation Reservation Application.
- Individuals or group leaders can complete applications and receive reservations.
- A new reservation is required for each riding trip.
- Reservations must be displayed on the dash of each vehicle.
- Horseback and buggy riding is allowed only on designated or marked trails.
- Proof of a current negative Coggins test must be carried by each rider.
How to contact us:
Land Use and Protection Section (LND)
Southwest Florida Water Management District
2379 Broad Street, Brooksville, FL 34604-6899
Telephone: 1-800-423-1476 (toll-free, FL only) or (352) 796-7211, ext. 4470
Fax: (352) 754-6877
Email: Recreation@WaterMatters.org