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Ms. Dr. Phil
   
Location: My happy place | Interesting read, I have a question for people who travel to FL with horses. I know the health requirements for out of state horses, but do you have to stop any place when entering the state to show paperwork? Seems I remember years ago you had to stop. I'm asking because I get to leave to cold midwest and head down around Ocala, to trail ride and camp for a week then a week in Live Oak. Can't wait to escape the cold. Also how bad are the bugs mid February to early March? Thanks a bunch, you lucky warm weather people.
Edited by Palopony 2019-02-04 10:24 PM
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"Heck's Coming With Me"
Posts: 10794
 
Location: Kansas | I keep remembering horse races shown on telecasts from Hialeah and Gulfstream where all the horses went to the gate soaked in sweat and steaming from the combination of heat and humidity. Can't imagine how they keep them reasonably cool in their stalls with only a fan. Doesn't sound like a climate that would suit those who can't deal with humidity. Sometimes even in Kansas it gets really oppressive on hot summer days. | |
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 Hugs to You
Posts: 7550
Location: In The Land of Cotton | Palopony - 2019-02-04 11:21 PM Interesting read, I have a question for people who travel to FL with horses. I know the health requirements for out of state horses, but do you have to stop any place when entering the state to show paperwork? Seems I remember years ago you had to stop. I'm asking because I get to leave to cold midwest and head down around Ocala, to trail ride and camp for a week then a week in Live Oak. Can't wait to escape the cold. Also how bad are the bugs mid February to early March? Thanks a bunch, you lucky warm weather people.
When you come into the state on state highways and the interstates there are agricultural stations. They are ususally around the weigh stations. You must stop at the ag stations. All you need is a current health paper and current coggins.
And, yes, there are bugs in February/March. Though not as bad. Normal spray will keep them away from you and your horse.
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 Poor Cracker Girl
Posts: 12150
Location: Feeding mosquitos, FL | 3canstorun - 2019-02-05 8:06 AM Palopony - 2019-02-04 11:21 PM Interesting read, I have a question for people who travel to FL with horses. I know the health requirements for out of state horses, but do you have to stop any place when entering the state to show paperwork? Seems I remember years ago you had to stop. I'm asking because I get to leave to cold midwest and head down around Ocala, to trail ride and camp for a week then a week in Live Oak. Can't wait to escape the cold. Also how bad are the bugs mid February to early March? Thanks a bunch, you lucky warm weather people. When you come into the state on state highways and the interstates there are agricultural stations. They are ususally around the weigh stations. You must stop at the ag stations. All you need is a current health paper and current coggins.
And, yes, there are bugs in February/March. Though not as bad. Normal spray will keep them away from you and your horse.
Oooh are you going to Suwannee River? I love that place.
Yes! Stop at the ag station whenever you see one even if you haven't crossed a state line. They will run you down and give you a hefty ticket like you committed some major crime. Ask me how I know.  | |
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Ms. Dr. Phil
Location: My happy place | TrackinBubba - 2019-02-05 8:19 AM 3canstorun - 2019-02-05 8:06 AM Palopony - 2019-02-04 11:21 PM Interesting read, I have a question for people who travel to FL with horses. I know the health requirements for out of state horses, but do you have to stop any place when entering the state to show paperwork? Seems I remember years ago you had to stop. I'm asking because I get to leave to cold midwest and head down around Ocala, to trail ride and camp for a week then a week in Live Oak. Can't wait to escape the cold. Also how bad are the bugs mid February to early March? Thanks a bunch, you lucky warm weather people. When you come into the state on state highways and the interstates there are agricultural stations. They are ususally around the weigh stations. You must stop at the ag stations. All you need is a current health paper and current coggins.
And, yes, there are bugs in February/March. Though not as bad. Normal spray will keep them away from you and your horse.
Yes! Stop at the ag station whenever you see one even if you haven't crossed a state line. They will run you down and give you a hefty ticket like you committed some major crime. Ask me how I know.
I don't know if we are going to the Suwannee River we are going to the Goethe National Forest for a week then to a place in Live Oak. We are going with friends who have been there before. I'm really not a trail rider but since I'm getting old and cutting is way to $$$, I have found new ways to enjoy my horses. I say that but .... trail riding on a (quick as a cat) cutting horse is an experience. If you all know of any fun things to do in the area please let me know. This is one trail ride I am excited about, can't wait to escape to the warm weather.
I do have to take a 12 week old puppy with me who weighs 26 lbs already, and a chihuahua should be a real treat in a motor home. At least it won't be cold when she has to go out. | |
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 My Heart Be Happy
Posts: 9159
Location: Arkansas | Palopony - 2019-02-05 8:05 AM TrackinBubba - 2019-02-05 8:19 AM 3canstorun - 2019-02-05 8:06 AM Palopony - 2019-02-04 11:21 PM Interesting read, I have a question for people who travel to FL with horses. I know the health requirements for out of state horses, but do you have to stop any place when entering the state to show paperwork? Seems I remember years ago you had to stop. I'm asking because I get to leave to cold midwest and head down around Ocala, to trail ride and camp for a week then a week in Live Oak. Can't wait to escape the cold. Also how bad are the bugs mid February to early March? Thanks a bunch, you lucky warm weather people. When you come into the state on state highways and the interstates there are agricultural stations. They are ususally around the weigh stations. You must stop at the ag stations. All you need is a current health paper and current coggins.
And, yes, there are bugs in February/March. Though not as bad. Normal spray will keep them away from you and your horse.
Yes! Stop at the ag station whenever you see one even if you haven't crossed a state line. They will run you down and give you a hefty ticket like you committed some major crime. Ask me how I know.
I do have to take a 12 week old puppy with me who weighs 26 lbs already, and a chihuahua should be a real treat in a motor home. At least it won't be cold when she has to go out.
One of my closest friends use to ride her main cutting mare when we rode out around her house. And Bit would squat and "work" the same culvert every time. Glad it was her and not me! | |
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Member
Posts: 27
Location: North central Florida | I live in the same area as the Goethe State Forest. Not sure when you are planning to come for your visit, just be aware that Spring Turkey Season begins here March 16-22, 23-31 and April 1-7. Legal shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise until 1:00 pm. It is possible that hunters could be in many of the designated riding areas as these are not exclusively horseback riding only. The fee to access the state forest trails is $2.00 per day (self pay, honor system). The trails are well marked and there are a variety of trail distances with watering stations periodically. Many endurance trail rides are held here because of the extensive trails. Most of the trails are dirt paths. https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Our-Forests/State-Forests/Goethe-State-Forest You might also consider trail riding on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway during your visit (no entry fees). There are a series of trailheads, many with overnight camping available in Marion County (Dunnellon, Ocala areas). The trails are shared (horsebackriding, hiking, biking, but no hunters allowed). In my personal experience, I haven't found these trails to be as well marked as Goethe, but it's been a few years since I've been on the Greenway. I would suggest downloading a GPS trail tracking app on your cell phone just in case. https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/marjorie-harris-carr-cross-florida-greenway Don't forget to pack your bug spray (for horse and rider), hat, sunscreen, water bottles and evidence of a Negative Coggins test less than 12 months old. We currently have quite a bit of standing water as we had a very rainy summer and winter and it hasn't been warm enough to evaporate all that water (the trees are not drawing water just yet either). Just be aware there could be many areas with long water sloughs. HAPPY TRAILS! 
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A Cool Sharp One
| I just saw an article that rated Ocala as the least "tech savvy" area of Florida..... well that is because everyone is riding their horses! | |
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