PRESERVING, DEVELOPING, PROMOTING ALL THINGS EQUINE

SOUTH FLORIDA TRAIL RIDERS OF MIAMI-DADE ‘VERY BUSY, ACTIVE AND FUN’

Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

South Florida Trail Riders of Miami-Dade is based out of Princeton, Florida, about 7 miles northeast of Homestead and 25 miles southwest of Miami. Formed in 1978, the primary goals of the organization are to preserve lands for equestrian activities—most notably trail riding; develop equestrian trails and facilities; promote equestrian activities; and promote legislation in favor of equestrians and horse-related activities.

e non-profit, all-volunteer club currently consists of about 500 members. While all members are interested in riding and caring for horses, they come from a variety of equestrian disciplines and come from all walks of life. e group is very busy, active and fun. It o ers a large variety of activities, including trail rides, camping trips, clinics, educational opportunities, parades and fundraisers.

Via Zoom, meetings are held the first Monday of each month, and a “Happy Hour” is held every third Monday of the month. An informative monthly newsletter is produced by South Florida Trail Riders, and the newsletter includes classified ads by local business and news from the organization’s many committees.

Trail rides and camping trips are hosted by South Florida Trail Riders every month—holding socially distant, safe trail rides is a priority. is is the group for you if you want to ride in Everglades National Park! Fun trail rides are typically scheduled to celebrate major holidays, and while most events are held in South Florida, the group does travel. Locations to which the group recently traveled north and held camping trips include Lake Louisa State Park, the Citrus Tract of the Withlacoochee State Forest, and the Cross Florida Greenway. Out-of-state adventures are held as well; South Florida Trail Riders is hosting a camping trip at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee in late April and into early May.

Many members are regular participants in notable equestrian events held in Florida to celebrate the Sunshine State’s rich culture and history. Included are the Great Florida Cattle Drive, the annual cross-state Florida Cracker Trail Ride, the Osceola Wagon Train and Trail Ride, as well as related events.

South Florida Trail Riders of Miami-Dade is serious about the numerous parades in which members participate—so serious, in fact, that the group has a Parade Committee and a Parade Team. Getting on the Parade Team, which requires an application and adhering to organization guidelines, is a privilege. e Parade Team consists of a driver with a clean, full-sized pick-up truck, and banner carriers, pooper scoopers, horse-drawn carts, riders and walkers—of all ages. Even if you don’t have a horse, you can be a Parade Team member!

Top le , Cowboy Day is a popular family event. Top right, the group's Parade Team participates in numerous parades. Below right, being on the Parade Team is fun and also a privilege. Below le , annual educational events are held for children.

Because giving back to the community is so important to South Florida Trail Riders, it hosts and participates in many events each year. ese range from educational activities for children to making funnel cakes at rodeos. Fundraising events undertaken by the organization include the annual trail ride to raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which has taken place for almost 30 years; and, for the past 11 years, the annual Autism Ride to raise money for children to participate in therapeutic riding sessions.

In addition, South Florida Trail Riders of Miami-Dade donates yearly to the following organizations: the South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Horse Protection Association of Florida, and the Florida Research Institute for Equine Nurturing, Development & Safety, Inc. It is also known as F.R.I.E.N.D.S. Horse Rescue & Sanctuary. FCM

South Florida Trail Riders of Miami-Dade 305-446-7737, s rmiamidade.org Email: s r@watv.net