Horseback Riding on The Space Coast
By Brittany Osburn 
Ecotourism is one of the main draws to those visiting The Space Coast. Whether by car, boat, or even horseback riding, there are options out there for everyone! Being that we are only 2 hours south-east of Ocala, which is known as “the horse capital of the world” it’s not surprising that Brevard has so many options for those who want to get back to nature and see things from a different point of view!
The Space Coast offers a variety of different ecosystems! Doing an eco-tour by horseback gives you the opportunity to see many types of vegetation and animals in just an hour or two! The local trail riding stables all have educated guides who are happy to point out all of the native plants and animals.
If you are looking for an adrenalin rush, some of the riding stables will offer guided trail rides where you can walk, trot, and lope on down the trail. Or if slow and steady is more your pace, there are more relaxing rides that take you through the wooded trails.
If you have a camera, bring it! Wildlife usually is not as quick to run off when you encounter them on horseback!
If you would rather stick to a fenced in arena for a few rides and learn the basics, there are lesson stables that specialize in teaching anyone from beginners to advanced riders as well. That way you can ride down the trail with confidence and a little more knowledge! And maybe appreciate how much of a sport horseback riding really is!
So are you looking for a great way to disconnect from the rest of the world for couple of hours or more? Ready to get back to nature and enjoy the sights from the back of a 1,000 pound living and breathing animal? Then pick a day and give one of these local stables a call!
One of my favorite quotes is from Winston Churchill: “there is nothing better for the inside of a man than the outside of a horse” and I find it true in my day-to-day life. No better way to unwind and forget your worries than to saddle up and ride off into the sunset!
I have been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember! As a little girl, I would run around on all fours pretending to be a horse. When my friends would come over to play, we would set up a jump course throughout the yard and jump over obstacles like an eventer does.
I read every horse book there was, drew them, and dreamed about them constantly. I begged my parents to buy me a horse and every Christmas morning I would check the back yard just in case there was a pony out there waiting for me!
When I was 12 years old, I finally got the opportunity to volunteer at a local trail riding stable. I cleaned stalls in exchange for lessons and went from stall cleaner to trail guide in less than 2 years.
When I finally turned 16 and got a steady job, I borrowed $1000 from my grandfather and on March 10, 2000, I bought my first horse, Dusty. That is the day that my lifelong dream came true! And even though Dusty had to be retired in 2003 and passed away in 2008, I have always had one or 2 horses in my life to love and ride.
When I bought Dusty I knew I wanted to barrel race. Barrel racing is a timed rodeo event where horse and rider run through a cloverleaf pattern with three barrels in an arena.
Above: Brittany racing her all black paint – Below: Brittany’s sister April at local barrel competition.
In Brevard County there are a few arenas that hold barrel races and even rodeos regularly. The barrel races are always open to the public and there is no charge to come out and watch.
They always have good food at the concession stand too, so families can come out to eat and spend a few hours watching some fast horses and riders compete. It’s been 13 years since I started barrel racing and I still compete a few times a month.
I currently own two amazing horses, a 7-year-old solid black registered paint mare and a 6-year-old palomino quarter horse gelding. The only thing that has changed is that I run for money now instead of ribbons, but the rush is still the same!
Here is a list of local riding stables. All are by reservation only so call to book your ride today!
Desert Acres
5035 Florida Palm Ave • Cocoa, FL 32927
(321) 759-1605
www.desertacresstables.com
Hidden Acres Thoroughbred Rescue
6360 Arborwood Ave. • Cocoa, FL 32927
(321) 543-2924
www.hiddenacresequinetrainingandrescue.com
Horseback Trail Rides
1020 Camp Rd • Cocoa, FL 32927
(321) 632-7085
www.floridahorsebacktrailrides.com
If you are interested in some free entertainment and coming out to watch some amazing athletes for no cost (other than your concession stand purchases) check out bitandspurcocoa.com and the Facebook page for North Brevard Horsemans Club for a list of their local rodeos and barrel racing events!