How to Learn about the Florida Cracker Horse

This little known breed of horses traces its bloodlines back to stock brought in by the Spanish explorers. Here's how to find out more about this unique breed of horses.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• internet access
• a library card

1. Watch the video (link below) on the Florida Agriculture site.
2. Books on the pioneer history of Florida mention the Cracker Horse, but not by name. Its identification as a breed is fairly recent. Try reading A Land Remembered by Patrick Smith or Florida Cow Hunter: The Life and Times of Bone Mizell by Jim Bob Tinsley or Gator Creek by Carol Overstreet. They are fiction and memoirs of cattle ranching in early Florida. The public library can interlibrary loan these titles for you.
3. Check out characteristics of the horses through the breeders' association (link below).
4. Photo from FL Dept. of Agriculture If you want to see these horses, there are breeders in these Florida towns: Okeechobee, Newberry, Chiefland, Balm, Trenton, San Antonio, and Lakeland. See the contact information in the Breeders List (link below).
5. The horses can also be viewed at such events as trail rides, historic cattle drive re-enactments, and horse shows in Florida. Contact the breeders association to find upcoming events.
6. Check out other articles and news items by seaching the words "cracker horse" or "Florida Cracker horse" online.