2025

Dear Equestrians:

Florida boasts a very large population of horses and Ocala, FL calls itself the Equestrian Capital.  At the same time, Florida has one of the largest state public land buying programs in the nation.  Florida has both vast quantities of public federal lands, state lands, water management district lands, and local lands.   

Most equestrian disciplines are represented in Florida.  While recreational and competitive trail and endurance riding get little recognition, there are thousands of equestrians pursuing trailriding for their primary use of horses.  That is where the Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA), the Back Country Horsemen of Florida (BCHFL), and its local chapters come in.  

We have four local chapters in Florida:

Back Country Horsemen of Southeast Ocala Forest – Ocala National Forest and surrounding areas

Florida Forever Back Country Horsemen – Citrus Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest and surrounding areas

Nature Coast Back Country Horsemen – Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest and surrounding areas

North Florida Back Country Horsemen – North Florida from Escambia County to Duval County and south to Putnam and Levy Counties

Our local chapters work to keep public lands in their areas open to equestrians for recreational opportunities.  They work with the local and state land managers on new trails, maintain existing trails, and help plan for the future.  Without their public involvement, we would have minimal equestrian trail opportunities.

BCHFL has a vision to connect all the “equestrian-friendly” trailheads together in a network with a designation as a “Florida Equestrian Heritage Trail.“  This designation would allow equestrians to have the kind of information they want about trailheads and trails, recognize the historic (past, present and future) significance of the horse in Florida, and promote equestrian pursuits on Florida’s public lands.  As a start, in 2025 the North Florida Back Country Horsemen put together a book of 66 trailheads/trails in north Florida that are equestrian-friendly, available to its members via electronic document.  

We invite you to join the BCH chapter near you, or start your own BCH chapter, to help us keep public lands open to equestrians and ensure a trailriding future for all of us!  

Best wishes,

Nancy Stephens

Chairman

BCHFL