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Florida's State Forest Trailtrotter Program
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New: ‘Nicole's Law’ effective October 1st, 2009 for all state forest equestrian riders under 16 years of age.
Wetland restoration is an integral part of the Division of Forestry’s management of state forest resources.
Find out more about these projects in the Hydrological Restoration Activity Report.
Resource Management Plans guide management activities on state forests using a stewardship ethic that assures these resources will be available for the benefit and enjoyment of all people of the state, both present and future. Find out more.
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Become a Trailtrotter!
Do you enjoy riding horses? Have you wanted
to explore on horseback but haven't had the opportunity?
You are now holding your ticket to a grand tour of Florida's
State Forests.
Saddle Up
The best way to learn about a state forest
is to experience it first hand, and this is what the Florida
State Forests Trailtrotter Program is all about. Here's
what you need to do:
- Ride a total of 8 trails in a minimum of 4 state forests,
selecting trails from the Trailtrotter's Trail List.
At the trailhead of each trail that you ride, obtain
one pre-paid postal survey card. Fill in the card and
put it in the mail after you complete the ride.
- Record your progress in the Trailtrotter's Log (pdf). As you send in your postal survey
cards, we will send you a sticker for each one. You
will affix the sticker next to the entry for each trail
you ride.
- When you have ridden and logged your 8 trails, complete
the Trailtrotter's Log and mail it to us. We will send you a beautiful patch
that you can sew on a shirt, vest or jacket. In addition,
you'll receive a certificate commemorating your achievement
signed by Agriculture Commissioner Charles Bronson.
- A supplemental handout is available at trailhead kiosks
that provides directions to all of the state forests
involved in the Trailtrotter Program.
Ride On
There's more to this program than one patch
and one certificate. Much more. There are two additional levels to this program. The
same brochure can be used for all three. Once you have
completed the first level, just pick up another one of
these brochures and start on the next level.
- Trailsaddler: If you ride 16 trails from the Trail List, you will achieve
the next level: Trailsaddler. For your accomplishment, you
will receive a new patch and certificate.
- Trailwrangler: If you ride 24 trails from the Trail List, you will achieve
the third and final level: Trailwrangler. For this accomplishment,
you will receive one last patch and certificate. When put
together, the three patches form one interlocking pattern.
But remember: you must complete all three levels of the
program to obtain the completed design.
Reap the Benefits
The benefits are many when you participate
in the Florida State Forests Trailtrotter Program. You can
improve your riding skills at your own rate without the
pressure of competition. Your only competitor is yourself.
Also, you get to experience the beauty of Florida's state
forests. The opportunity to have personal experience with
nature is rare these days, and this program will give
you that opportunity.
Finally, you will feel the pride of accomplishment. So
find the nearest state forest on the Trail List and get
started.
Tips for Your Visit
- Current Certified copies of Coggins Test are required
for all horses in all Florida State Forests.
- Stay on marked trails to avoid trampling sensitive
vegetation.
- For safety, keep horses at a good distance between
each other when riding in groups.
- Bring plenty of drinking water for horse and rider.
- All riders should be aware of what is going on around
them at all times.
- Be courteous to hikers, bicyclists, and hunters when
they are met in the woods.
- Wear ribbons in the tails of horses for stallions
(yellow), biters (blue), and kickers (red).
- Take your time and enjoy the beauty of our State Forests.
Contact Us
For
additional information on equestrian trails or
to obtain a pre-paid postal survey card (if they
weren't available at the trailhead):
Space, Solitude, and Self-Reliance
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