Horseback Riding in Florida

Horseback riding in Florida is truly a picturesque getaway. People travel to Florida specifically for horseback riding due to the diversity of riding terrains that the state has to offer. Not only does Florida offer bountiful forest trails and open pastures, but it is one of the few places in the country where you are able to freely ride a horse down the beachside beside the rolling ocean waves. 

While planning your horseback riding trip in Florida, There are a few key things to keep in mind. Including:

What to Bring

Travel Light: While it may not seem like it if you’ve never been on a horse, horseback riding is actually a very physical activity for the rider. You should keep this in mind when both packing and dressing for your trip. There are definitely a few essentials that you should consider bringing with you, however. These include:

• Plenty of water – It’s a good idea to have a large water flask or other container that can hold up to at least a liter of water to avoid dehydration, especially on longer outings. 
• Sunscreen & bug repellent – While Florida’s tropical climate offers pristine weather and beautiful scenery, it also ensures that these are always a must have. 
• Sunglasses – While not absolutely necessary, you might want to have your favorite pair of shades on hand to block out the bright Florida sunlight! 
• Hand sanitizer – You should always have some on hand if you are planning on coming into close contact with unfamiliar animals. 
• Small snack – while you may not need this item on shorter trips, you should always pack some fruit or protein bars for longer journeys. 

What to Wear

While you don’t have to slide into the saddle looking like a full-blown cowboy, there is a rhyme and reason behind the outfits you see most horseback riders sporting. Safety and comfort are the two main concerns when creating a suitable horseback riding outfit. A few things to keep in mind when planning your wardrobe for your trip include:

• Riding Helmet – Helmets that are specifically made for the purpose of horseback riding can be purchased online or at large animal feed stores. These helmets are lightweight, comfortable, and specially designed to withstand the impact of horse riding accidents. If you don’t want to purchase your own riding helmet, most stables provide helmets for their guests to wear. You can also just wear a motorcycle or bike helmet if you’d like.  

• Shoes – Closed-toed shoes that have a small heel are the most suitable type of shoe for horseback riding. The heel enables the rider to grip the stirrup more easily while riding, both reducing the chance of slipping and giving the rider more control. There are specially made horseback riding shoes for purchase, however any type of  boot or heeled shoe that you are comfortable wearing should work just fine. 

• Pants – You should always wear long, tight-fitting pants such as jeans or leggings. Wearing shorts or loose-fitting pants while horseback riding typically leads to chafing of the inner thighs where your leg comes into contact with the horse. 

• Shirt – As long as the shirt is fitted, long and short-sleeved shirts are suitable for horseback riding. 

• Clothes to avoid – the number one danger to be wary of when it comes to your horseback riding outfit is any piece of clothing that could become tangled in the horse’s riding equipment. This includes (but is not limited to) any loose clothing such as sweaters or gym shorts, scarves, long necklaces, and thin straps on tank tops. 

Where to Visit

Are you looking for a good location to go horseback riding? You’re in luck! Horseback riding in Florida is pretty popular, meaning there’s a good variety of venues throughout the state to choose from. Ready to embrace your inner cowboy/cowgirl persona? Click the banner below to check out our Horseback riding directory guide and spark some fresh ideas for your next horseback riding Florida adventure!