Past Trail Rides / Events:

2012 Gaited Horse Show, Ocala, Fl - April 28-29, 2012

This was our spring gaited horse show. It was great to see the variety of gaited breeds that entered. The show offered many classes in which all horses could compete, it featured two judges, and spanned two days. It was fun being back at the Ocala Foxtrotter Ranch. The place was sparkling. The covered arena was great since it was quite warm. We had several vendors. It was a little difficult that the food vendor didn't show up on Sunday, but we are a tough crowd and something like that didn't stop us. The show committee did an excellent job organizing the show and it ran very smoothly. Everyone had a great time! Here are a few photos from the show. There are many photos on facebook of the riders and horses.

Gathering/Fiddler's Green Ranch, Altoona - March 30-April 1 , 2012

The Gathering was at Fiddler's Green Ranch. Friday afternoon was a little warm, but most of the paddocks had some shade. We set out for a 2 hour ride in the late afternoon. Here you have to ride up a quiet road for a half mile to get to the trails. The trails were marked, but I had a hard time matching them to the map they gave us. Saturday had very pleasant temperatures and clouds. Everyone headed out on a morning ride. It was dusty out there on the trail. I had a layer of dirt on me, shame on me for cleaning and oiling my saddle the day before. After we got our horses washed and comfortable, everyone met at the Zack's trailer for lunch. Later, Ross Harper and Henry Dann gave a farrier's demo. Ross explained how the angle of the hoof can help the fox trotting horse travel better. Everyone learned so much from them. A huge Thank You to Ross and Henry. Thank you Carl and Linda for the use of your horses.    There was a small tack auction afterward.

The dinner was at pool side that evening. We had many interesting center pieces this year for the tables. Ross announced the new board members for the coming year and gave the Blessings. The dinner was excellent, the temperature was pleasant and the friendship was great, everyone talking and laughing. We ended the evening by auctioning the center pieces. Sunday morning was breakfast at Judy Mruz, Ann Hays, and Nancy's villa. They had a variety of goodies. Thank you ladies. Everyone headed out for a last ride before going home, except for a few folks that decided to ride every trail in the Forest and came back late.     We wish everyone a happy, safe, and cool summer!

Campout/Day Ride, Welaka State Forest - February 10-12 , 2012

Welaka State Forest is no stranger to the Foxtrotter Club. This place is picturesque. There were nine brave souls that made it this year. I'm sure many cancelled due to the predicted low temperatures and rain. We all arrived at lunch on Friday and after settling in, everyone saddled up for a gorgeous ride. The temperature was ideal. Later on we feasted on a steak dinner with all the fixings then sat and relaxed together for the evening chit chatting away. Saturday morning we headed out again for a ride. Since it rained a little overnight, we weren't eating any dust this time. When we got back the weather started changing, turning windy and cold. Beth and I braved it out for an afternoon ride that we cut short. That wind was going right through me. Saturday night we all gathered in the cabin out of that cold wind for more chowing down and laughs. Sunday morning it was brrrrr 27 degrees and there was ice in the horse buckets!!!

2012 Gaited Horse Show, Lady Lake, Fl - January 21-22, 2012

This year we had an all gaited horse show. It was great to see the variety of gaited breeds that entered. The show offered many classes in which all horses could compete, it featured two judges, and spanned two days. The Lady Lake Equestrian facility is set up very well to hold a show, with a covered arena, many stalls, and full trailer hookups in front of all the outside stalls. What a convenience! The onsite restaurant offered delicious meals, was open early for breakfast and served food continuously throughout the day. The show committee did an excellent job organizing the show and it ran very smoothly. Everyone had a great time!

Christmas/Hanukkah Party, Ocala, Fl - December 2-4, 2011

Festivities for the weekend started with everyone riding on their own Friday and the evening with Karaoke and a campfire at the Golden Acres Ranch.    Everyone had lots of fun dancing and singing and sharing their stories around the campfire.   Saturday after my trail ride, I ran over to the huge tack sale they had at the Tack Shack and ran into many of the FFTA folks.   Saturday night's party was spectacular.   This years party was held at the Hampton Inn in Ocala.    The folks at the Hampton Inn were very accommodating to our club and made our party so enjoyable.   The tables were so joyously decorated.    Judy Cloninger gave the blessing before dinner.   The meal was excellent.    We have some terrific cooks in our club!   This years tree had lots of beautiful ornaments that we raffled off at the end.   Of course, after was the white elephant exchange, that is always so much fun.

I have to thank the folks that put this evening together because they did a tremendous job.   We hope this sets the stage for everyone's safe and happy holiday season!

Obstacle Challenge in Winter Haven, Fl - November 12, 2011

The Florida Sport Horse Club, Inc, hosted the 4th annual obstacle and versatility clinic and challenge at the ranch of Judy and Charles Cloninger.   Angie, from Seminole Feed had the horse scale. The FFTA ran the concession stand at lunchtime. It was so great to see two clubs work together. I have to say that the Florida Sport Horse folks were very nice to us. I really enjoyed talking with them and seeing so many breeds of horses. Judy was quite the host and had everything running very smooth and a great ranch to have the challenge at. She had some very interesting challenges for the horses. There were 37 horses and riders. There were horses from Lake Butler, Ocala, Clermont, Lutz, Orlando, Geneva, and Sarasota; as well as several locations in Polk County. I can say those weasels got alot of horses. I enjoyed watching that obstacle. The morning started out cool, but what a terrific day for the challenge. We got home at 6:00pm and we were wiped out. Thank you Judy and Charlie.

Halloween Campout at the 7 Bar L Ranch - October 27-30, 2011

It was a big turn out this year for our Halloween weekend. We were able to explore old Florida along 3 trail heads winding around the Suwannee River with pristine white sand bars, palmettos, pine and old oak trees dotting every path you take. The trails are well marked and very navigatable for all riders. The costume parade contest started around 3:30 on Saturday afternoon. This year we had 12 entries. The costumes were remarkable. Later under the pavillion, we had a covered dish dinner . Roy and Janice Mitchell provided the Chili, and everyone else provided salads and desserts. Sunday Morning it was so cold and windy yet several tough ladies cooked up quite a breakfast for everyone. I can't thank them enough!
Day Ride, San Felasco - October 15, 2011

Day ride at San Felasco (between Gainesvill and Alachua).      Your host for this ride was Marilyn Johnson auntming@hotmail.com.

On a beautiful autumn day--October 15--a group of Fox Trotter owners and their horses met to ride the diverse trails of the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park located near Alachua.   For those of you who have not been there, it is not that far from Gainsville.   The Park has miles and miles of horse trails as well as hiking and bike trails that do not interfere with the horse trails.   There are oak hammocks and sweet gum groves plus some ponds and lakes.   The deer graze calmly as horseback riders and horses pass.    The name of the preserve came from a 17th century Spanish mission--San Francisco de Pontano--which was located in the southeaster section of the reserve.   The name San Felasco is the mispronunciation of the name by early settlers and Indians.   The whole preserve covers 7,000 acres with the northern most 2000 acres being designated for multi-use purposes.   After the ride Doug, Marilyn, and Tracy Johnson provided hamburgers with all the trimmings and side dishes plus dessert for the riders to dine among the shade under the spreading oaks.    Well done and relaxing, too.   by Kathie Woodward

Abby Horse Show, Ocala - October 1,2, 2011

Desensitizing Clinic, Altoona  - September 3-4, 2011 

Four of our foxtrotter members attended the Bess Wall trail horse desensitizing and de-spooking Obstacle clinic in Altoona, Fl on Sept 3-4, 2011.    Here are a few of the obstacles they had to accomplish.

Arabian Nights, Orlando  - August 20, 2011 

The FFTA went to the Arabian Nights.    We decided to do a horsey event in the summer, so 18 members were able to attend.    We had VIP status and we were able to tour the barn to see the horses before the show.    After peering in at each horse and talking to the riders, we all were seated in front seat viewing.    The food was excellent.   They had several options to choose from.   The show was so great!    I still cannot figure out how the princess vanished on the table and came riding in on the black stallion.   It was so great to see everyone enjoying the show.    I hope we get to do it again.