S. Florida's top family horse trail rides
By SouthFlorida.com and South Florida Parenting
Important: This article was last updated on October 20, 2004. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.
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Family trail rides are fun and relaxing -- and offer a glimpse of Old Florida from the back of a horse
There's no shortage of places in South Florida for families to swim, boat, fish, play tennis and sunbathe. But, surprisingly, despite the disappearance of so much of its acreage to development, South Florida is also ripe with places where families can mount up and enjoy a trail ride together.
"It's great together time," says Lena Smigel, who lives in Lake Worth and goes riding regularly with her 7-year-old daughter Emilee. Emilee started riding when she was 3, taking lessons, but the two now enjoy trail rides as well. "We like to go and groom the horses too," Smigel said. "It's nice and peaceful, and we make new friends."
But Smigel also said that riding is more than just fun; it's helping Emilee become more responsible as well. She's learned how to take care of the tack, groom the horses, saddle them up and hose them down after they've been ridden.
Most equestrian facilities have horses that are suitable in temperament for everyone, from complete novices to expert riders. Many offer lessons and summer camp. But Johnson's Folly Equestrian Farm owner Nongae Johnson said her customers just love to ride on the trails. "Even though you're not leaving the county, everyone enjoys it because it's completely wooded," she said. "It's always five to 10 degrees cooler on the trail."
Riders frequently encounter wildlife on the trail. There are woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals and a couple of blue herons that sit in a tree by the barn. There are few bugs because the farm is so close to the heart of Delray Beach, rather than being out in the swampy lands of the Everglades.
Before your family takes to the trails, make sure you're dressed properly. Owners of equestrian facilities uniformly recommend that trail riders wear long pants or jeans and closed-toe shoes. Many recommend long-sleeved shirts as well. Nearly all require children to wear helmets; some require adults to do so as well.
There's no shortage of places in South Florida for families to swim, boat, fish, play tennis and sunbathe. But, surprisingly, despite the disappearance of so much of its acreage to development, South Florida is also ripe with places where families can mount up and enjoy a trail ride together.
"It's great together time," says Lena Smigel, who lives in Lake Worth and goes riding regularly with her 7-year-old daughter Emilee. Emilee started riding when she was 3, taking lessons, but the two now enjoy trail rides as well. "We like to go and groom the horses too," Smigel said. "It's nice and peaceful, and we make new friends."
But Smigel also said that riding is more than just fun; it's helping Emilee become more responsible as well. She's learned how to take care of the tack, groom the horses, saddle them up and hose them down after they've been ridden.
Most equestrian facilities have horses that are suitable in temperament for everyone, from complete novices to expert riders. Many offer lessons and summer camp. But Johnson's Folly Equestrian Farm owner Nongae Johnson said her customers just love to ride on the trails. "Even though you're not leaving the county, everyone enjoys it because it's completely wooded," she said. "It's always five to 10 degrees cooler on the trail."
Riders frequently encounter wildlife on the trail. There are woodpeckers, blue jays, cardinals and a couple of blue herons that sit in a tree by the barn. There are few bugs because the farm is so close to the heart of Delray Beach, rather than being out in the swampy lands of the Everglades.
Before your family takes to the trails, make sure you're dressed properly. Owners of equestrian facilities uniformly recommend that trail riders wear long pants or jeans and closed-toe shoes. Many recommend long-sleeved shirts as well. Nearly all require children to wear helmets; some require adults to do so as well.