1. The Florida Cracker Trail Ride: Preserving Florida’s Horse and Cattle Heritage Tara M. Minton Coordinator of Economic Analysis University of Florida/IFAS Drawing of Florida cowman, Bone Mizell, by Frederick Remington, 1895. National Extension Tourism Conference 2004

2. Florida Cattle History Florida is America’s oldest cattle-producing state Ponce de Leon brought cows to Florida in 1521 Cattle escaped & evolved into Florida’s “piney woods” cattle Knowledge of cattle spread during the 1700s through Spanish missionaries & Seminole Indians Cattle Barons reigned Florida in 1800s & early 1900s Cattle Barons, Desoto County, FL early 1900s

3. Florida Crackers Range was open, fences were not used until 1950s Cowmen hunt for wild cattle in Florida’s thick woods & brush…they are called cowhunters (not cowboys) Use small cow ponies & well-trained cow dogs 10-12 foot braided leather whips used to control cattle…giving them the name “Florida Crackers” Brands and ear marks used to distinguish cattle Green Cove Springs, FL 1880s

4. The Cattle Drive Cattle were hunted and gathered into herds Large herds were driven from all over the state to the market on Florida’s West coast at Punta Rassa Cattle were sold & loaded onto ships bound for Cuba Cowmen would ride home together with saddlebags full of Spanish gold doubloons Florida Cattleman, 1890s

5. Punta Rassa, Florida Cattle market Near mouth of Tampa Bay Prosperous cowtown Pictures of hotel & wharf at Punta Rassa Hotel 1913 Wharf 1890s Postcard

6. The Florida Cracker Trail Ride Re-enactment of the return ride cattlemen would make on horseback from Florida’s west coast

7. The Florida Cracker Trail had humble beginnings… 1987- Florida State Legislature designated the Trail First ride in May 1988 Led by Roger Haney from Hardee County, small group of cowmen and their cow ponies rode across Florida from Bradenton to Ft. Pierce They just wanted to do it “for old times sake!”

8. …Now its an Annual Event I participated in the 2004 ride. 17 th Annual Cross-State Ride 120 miles on horseback Across 5 Florida counties From Bradenton to Ft. Pierce 120 participants Photo by South Florida Water Management District Cracker Trail route across Florida

9. Florida Cracker Trail Association FCTA Mission: to promote, maintain and enhance the natural beauty of the Florida Cracker Trail…that will showcase the natural beauty of our state…from the Atlantic to the Gulf of Mexico Main event: FL Cracker Trail Ride FCTA also hosts or supports: –quarterly meetings & rides –preservation of riding areas –equestrian therapy for the handicapped –special events FCTA Website: www.crackertrail.org

10. Daily Events on the Trail Ride 17-22 miles each day All meals are catered Morning & afternoon rest breaks Lunch stop, move campers & trailers Night camp, dinner & evening entertainment

11. Evening Entertainment Historical Storytelling Folk Music Cowhunter Poetry Arena Games Auction Barn Dance Awards Ceremony Friday Dance with Bonfire and Band Barn at Hickory Hammock Preservation currently being restored through a cooperative project with the FCTA & SFWMD.

12. Entertainment for Kids Whip Cracking Lessons Whip Cracking Contest Steer Roping Contest Arena Games Historical Facts Quiz from “Mystery Riders” Prizes for Winners! Many children give a report to their classmates when they return to school.

13. Cracker Trail Ride Participant Survey February 22-28, 2004 Two-page questionnaire Administered at evening camp near dinnertime FCTA Board Members encouraged ride participants to complete survey 86 survey respondents 72% response rate

14. Typical Ride Participant white, married female, 40-49 years old, lives in Florida high school diploma, annual income < $75,000 heard about ride from a friend, has participated for 4 or more years enjoys spending time with friends, participates with 4 or more people, camps in horse trailer with sleeping quarters

15. Typical Ride Participant (cont.) feels ride is safe, is satisfied with ride fees, spends additional $175 mostly on vehicle items such as gasoline historical storytelling is favorite ride entertainment participates in other riding events & other FCTA events feels heritage preservation is important Pictures from the trail!

16. Parade through Ft. Pierce, FL Ride ends with parade through Ft. Pierce Commemorative saddle raffle Riders mingle with spectators & answer numerous questions Lunch at local downtown restaurants

17. The Trail ends at the Beach Riders camp with horses at Ft. Pierce beach Riders find time to put their feet up!

18. Acknowledgements UF/IFAS/Indian River REC Florida Cracker Trail Association Historical photos from Florida State Archives Current photos by Judge Nelson Bailey Many thanks to…