One of the best ways to appreciate the natural charms of wild Florida is by horseback. The state abounds with trails which can be explored this way.
There’s a rich history of ranching in the state and I can highly recommend visiting a rodeo while you’re in Florida. It’s a great way to witness the skills honed by the the cow hunters that drove cattle in the ranchlands and swamplands of Florida over the last three centuries.
Saddle Up!
It’s no surprise, then, that we get asked quite frequently about places to ride while vacationing near Orlando. Unfortunately though, there aren’t that many opportunities in Kissimmee to get into the saddle yourself.
There are a few horse riding schools that offer excursions out towards St Cloud, the Forever Florida horseback riding experience being a notable example.
But I’m really pleased to report that last week the Ellis Exclusive Villas team ventured out in the opposite direction to explore a wonderful, less touristy way to experience some of Florida’s natural beauty from the saddle.
The Dream Catcher Horse Ranch
Dream Catcher Horse Ranch is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating animals in need. It’s just north of Clermont, around a 50-minute drive north west of our homes in Kissimmee, slightly less from our homes out towards Davenport.
If you are a keen rider and would like to get out on horseback during your vacation, I have to say it is well worth the drive out.
Arriving at Dream Catcher Horse Ranch was a treat in itself. We drove up the beautiful pine tree lined Toad Road to arrive at the idyllic lake by which the ranch is located.
The ranch offers lessons, trail rides and instructor-led rides. But if you do want to ride, it’s worth calling in advance to book, especially at the weekends, because it can get busy.
For those less keen to ride, it is possible to explore the ranch on a barn tour or simply enjoy the idyllic setting from the comfort of a shaded seat.
The children loved meeting the newly hatched chicks, and then we saddled up to explore the trails. The picturesque lakeside trails offered much to see: grazing cattle, verdant fields and the unmistakable Floridian wetlands. Crossing the wetlands was a high point of our trek; we felt like real Floridian cow hunters!
Funding the Rescue Work
All the horses at Dream Catcher Horse Ranch are sanctuary horses who have found their way there either through Lake county animal services or via private owners. The latest addition to the Dream Catcher Horse Ranch stables is a horse called CJ whose owner became ill and had to give him up. Unfortunately, his first new home didn’t look after him properly and he is now being nursed back to health by the experts at Dream Catcher Horse Ranch.
It is a good feeling to know that by taking a trek from these stables your money is helping CJ and horses like him be nursed back to health and eventually be rehabilitated.
It’s also possible to sponsor rescue horses through the ranch; just $50 a month will pay for the necessary feed and medical care and sponsors can then groom and take care of their sponsored horse.
Whether you are local and can sponsor a horse or if you simply fancy a different and laid-back way to see another side of Florida (it’s a great complement the usual Disney excursions) I’d definitely recommend getting in touch with Dream Catcher Horse Ranch.
We enjoyed a great day out.
What you need to know
• Wear sensible shoes. Flip-flops and sandals are not suitable for riding. You need rain boots (wellies) or closed in (closed toe) shoes.
• Address: Dream Catcher Horse Ranch, 10639 Toad Road, Clermont, FL 34715.
• Clermont lies to the west of Orlando, north west of the Disney World complex. You’ll need to head north on highway 27.
• See more on Facebook: facebook.com/dreamcatcherhorses
• Book in advance, especially at weekends by telephoning: 407-702-8332 or 325-398-5491
• 1 hour lessons from $35
• Trail rides $40 – $50
• Instructor led pony treks $10
• Barn tours $5 per person
