Take the Plunge with Horseback River Riding

by Nancy DeVault

Water and animal enthusiasts can feel the rush of Florida’s up-close encounters by swimming with dolphins, manatees, sharks and astonishingly, horses. Labeled the “Horse Capital of the World”, Marion County boasts more horses than any other county in the nation, so it should come as no surprise that these maned mammals are making a splash with river rides on the outskirts of the Ocala National Forest. Although they are known to roam farm fields and race tracks, swimming may seem like an atypical action for a horse. “Horses are actually just like other animals or people,” reveals Tina Rhoads, owner of Makin’ Tracks Trail Rides. “They have emotions; they think, they feel and they have varying likes and dislikes, including water.” Established 15 years ago as a result of a passion project, Makin’ Tracks Trail Rides is a family-owned, self-funded equine rescue, and she is the tour guide operator. “I took in stray horses just like how people take in stray cats, and I found myself with too many. So I started the company to support the rescues,” Rhoads explains. The current herd embraces 11 rescues, although that number fluctuates as Rhoads adopts displaced horses in and out.

Makin’ Tracks leads standard oneand two-hour trail rides all year long, but the company’s most popular outings are dubbed River Rides, which are best enjoyed during the spring and summer. These unique, three-hour excursions encompass a trail ride out, swimming with horses and a return ride, with each part averaging one hour.

Participants arrive to the Makin’ Tracks’ farm grounds to receive basic riding instructions and get acquainted with the horses and guides. Then riders trek along a sandy path on the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway, a lush 110-mile corridor spanning the state from the Gulf of Mexico to the St. Johns River. The Greenway offers a hospitable landscape for horseback riders to marvel at wildflowers and for those with eagle eyes, wild critters such as black bears, deer, otters, snakes and colorful birds soaring above in the blue sky.

The excitement intensifies upon arrival at the Ocklawaha River, flowing along the muddy western border of the Ocala National Forest. During this stopover, participants can enjoy riverside relaxation and recreation underneath ancient cypress trees. “Our guides untack the horses down to bareback for those that want to swim,” Rhoads says. Surf-savvy riders may take several whirls in the water on the horses and even dare to cannonball off for gleeful gushes.

Customers of all skill levels come from near and far to saddle up and suit up. “We have a combination of locals and visitors from all over, including abroad,” notes Rhoads.

Patron Lynn Hope says the River Ride was “one to tick off the bucket list,” especially because nothing like it is available back in her hometown of East Yorkshire, England. As an experienced rider, she was thrilled to immerse herself in the one-of-a-kind venture alongside her daughter-in-law while vacationing last spring. “It was a brilliant adventure, even though I couldn’t stay on [the horse in the water] for long,” Hope shares. She says the two guides were fun, laughing and encouraging the entire time, and the extraordinary experience rekindled her daughter-in-law’s passion for riding. Ashley Kelleher, of Reading, Pennsylvania, also credits the friendly guides with sparking her newfound interest. “I had never been on a horse before but, trust me, I have since and will continue to,” she affirms. On a trip to visit her Gainesville-based family last fall, Kelleher opted for a standard trail ride, but happily dove deeper with the help of Mother Nature. “It had rained, so the trail was very watery. There was a part where the river overflowed, and so the water was almost up to the horses’ knees as they walked through it,” recalls Kelleher, who is planning on another “relaxing” ride with Makin’ Tracks.

Seasonal River Rides cost $100 per person, with bookings opening up as soon as the water is warm enough and when hunting season wraps, says Rhoads. Riders should provide their own helmets (children younger than 16 years of age are required by Florida law to wear protective headgear); there are no changing rooms along the river bank; and packed picnics are permitted.

Makin’ Tracks Trail Rides is located at 15901 NE 137th Ct., in Fort McCoy. For more information, call 352-342-8891 or visit OcalaTrailRides.com.