THE ALTOONA TRAIL RIDERS OF LAKE COUNTY

RIDING AND CAMPING ON SOME OF STATE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL RECREATION LANDS

Written by: Kym Rouse Holzwart

The Altoona Trail Riders club is based out of the unincorporated community of Altoona, Florida, located in picturesque northeastern Lake County—near Lake Dorr and Ocala National Forest. The current version of the riding club was founded in 1995 to preserve equestrian trails, participate in community service, and promote family fun. Glenda Dawkins founded the club because the area was becoming an epicenter of recreational trail riding; many trail riders had relocated from South Florida to the Altoona area after the devastation caused by Hurricane Andrew in 1992.

Originally, the club was made up of riders who took part in competitive trail rides throughout the winter. Members were involved in the Florida 100-mile CTR, which began in 1951. That ride no longer has as many participants as during its heyday and has moved to different locations over the years. It is still conducted every winter by the Florida Horsemen’s Association and, for the past few years, has been at Ocala-based Florida Horse Park.

The Altoona Trail Riders also paved the way for increasing the popularity of another equestrian event—obstacle challenges. For years, until 2014, the group held an annual obstacle challenge on the beautiful grounds of Rocking Horse Stables in Altoona. Obstacle challenges and practices are now popular events and are held in many locations throughout the state. The club currently has about 120 members. It holds a monthly meeting, with a guest speaker, at Altoona Elementary School on the first Thursday of every month. Monthly day rides and campouts with horses are held at many different locations throughout north-central Florida, from September through May.

Camping and riding locations include the following: Ocala National Forest, the Cross-Florida Greenway, the Citrus Tract and Croom Tract of Withlacoochee State Forest, Seminole State Forest, Fechtel Tract at Lower Wekiva River Preserve State Park, and Indian Lake State Forest. Also included are Lake Norris Conservation Area, Sawgrass Island Preserve, Lake Louisa State Park, Silver Springs Forest

Top left, young riders having fun on a ride hosted by the club. Middle right, holding a "horsey" yard sale to raise scholarship funds. Other photos from rides on some of Florida's most beautiful recreation lands.

Conservation Area, Sunnyhill Restoration Area, Seminole Winds Ranch, and McCulley Farms.

Every June, the group holds a year-end banquet in which both fun and serious awards are given out, including “Trail Horse of the Year” and “Trail Rider of the Year.” The Altoona Trail Riders club also participates in holiday parades. As part of its community service, the Altoona Trail Riders club has hosted several Children’s Miracle Network charity trail rides, as well as charity trail rides for the Hospice of Lake County.

The Altoona Trail Riders regularly assist in maintaining the area’s equestrian trails. Many members also belong to the Back Country Horsemen of Southeast Ocala Forest and participate in workdays maintaining the horse trails in Ocala National Forest.

Each year, the club gives a $500 scholarship to a high school senior who is furthering his or her education in the equine industry, land and resource management, agriculture, or animal husbandry. Money to fund the scholarship is raised by holding an annual “horsey” yard sale every March.

If you are interested in trail riding and camping with lots of friendly, fun people on some of Florida’s most beautiful recreation lands, learning more about horses, and giving back to the community, contact the Altoona Trail Riders. Everyone is welcome! FCM

The Altoona Trail Riders