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 Day-Use Permit 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 & Horse-Drawn Buggy Riding
Southwest Florida Water Management District (District) strives to provide quality public recreational opportunities on the conservation lands the District manages on behalf of the public. In fact, over 98 percent of all District lands are open to the public with the exception of a few project related lands like water control structures or active construction areas. The District has recently changed the way it is administering equestrian day use on the following properties:
- Cypress Creek Preserve- Parkway Blvd. Entrance
- Conner Preserve
- Lower Hillsborough- Jefferson Equestrian Area
- Upper Hillsborough Preserve
- Chito Branch Reserve
- Green Swamp East – Hampton Tract
- Upper Hillsborough – Alston Tract
Day use permits are to access the larger equestrian trailer parking areas. This permit does not allow for camping or driving a vehicle on unauthorized roads on District property. Users of District property are responsible for the removal of equine waste in camping areas and any other trash associated with riding groups.
To submit for a Equestrian Day Use Permit or if you have any questions email the Recreation team.
Note:
- Reservations must be displayed on the dash of each vehicle.
- Horseback and buggy riding is allowed only on designated or marked trails.
40D-9.150 Equine Activities
- Equestrian activities are allowed on District Lands where identified by posted signage on trails, areas, roads, or equestian campgrounds.
- Persons using equine animals on District lands must have proof of a negative Coggins test for Equine Infectious Anemia in their possession at all times.
- Equestrian activities are prohibited in wetlands, except in areas identified in subsection (1).
- The use of a horse cart as defined by subsection 40D-9.021(11), F.A.C., must be authorized by the District and is allowed only on designated District lands as identified by posted signage on trails, areas, roads, or equestrian campgrounds..
Rulemaking Authority 373.044, 373.113, 373.1391(6) FS. Law Implemented 373.1391, 373.59 FS. History–New 7-20-04, Amended 6-23-21
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