FORT MCCOY HORSE FIELD GUIDE
Three Hours on Horseback Through the Cross Florida Greenway — River Stop May Include a Swim
A three-hour guided trail ride with Makin Tracks Trail Rides through the Cross Florida Greenway that includes a river stop and family‑friendly options.
Three Hours on Horseback Through the Cross Florida Greenway — River Stop May Include a Swim.
Adventure brief
Three Hours on Horseback Through the Cross Florida Greenway — River Stop May Include a Swim
Ride through Florida’s Cross Florida Greenway on a guided three‑hour trail that threads scenic tracks to a riverfront stop where guests may dismount and even swim from horseback; the outing is run by Makin Tracks Trail Rides and is pitched for families and mixed‑ability groups.
On horseback, the Ocala backcountry takes on a different rhythm. The '3 Hour River Ride - Public Ride' departs from a meeting point at 15901 NE 137 Court, Fort McCoy, FL 32134, and threads through the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway where oak hammocks, sandhill pine, and palmetto open onto a slow, cypress-lined river. Guides lead families along sandy singletrack and wider firebreaks for a one-hour approach, an hour at the river with the option to swim from horseback when conditions allow, and an hour's ride back to the farm.
This is a ride built for mixed-ability groups: gentle, sure-footed horses, basic instruction at the trailhead, and tandem seating for children ages 2–5 make it a rare Florida equestrian outing that welcomes the youngest riders. Expect steady gaits rather than fast gallops—terrain is sandy with occasional roots and limestone outcrops that hint at the region's karst geology. Birdsong and the rustle of palmettos are constant companions; you may spot wading birds along the river bend and deer slipping through the hammocks.
Why book this experience? It’s one of the most accessible ways to cross a working slice of Florida wildland without hours of bushwhacking. Riders follow established trails through the Cross Florida Greenway, an important wildlife corridor created on the abandoned canal route; the stretch you travel highlights freshwater river habitat, coastal plain uplands, and ancient oak stands unique to Marion County. The operator runs family-friendly schedules, charges per person, and asks riders to arrive at their scheduled time—no early arrival required.
Practical notes: the itinerary is a 1-hour ride in, 1-hour river stop (may include swimming on horseback), then 1-hour return. Tandem rides are offered for small children; call ahead with questions. Bring closed-toe shoes, sun protection, and a light change of clothes if you hope to swim. Horses are suited to beginner and intermediate riders, and guides provide a short lesson before departure so your ride time starts when you are up in the saddle and comfortable.
This ride works as a half-day outing when based in nearby Ocala, offering a calm, tactile way to read the landscape—hoofbeats in sand, a cool splash at riverbank, and an off-the-beaten path view of Florida that few visitors experience.
Rides cost $120 per person; bookings indicate Pay Deposit ONLY, and children as young as 2 can ride tandem with an adult. Meeting at 15901 NE 137 Court puts you near Cross Florida Greenway trailheads; guides supply a detour map if needed. Bring water, insect repellent, a small dry bag for phones, and a towel if you plan to swim. The river access plus easy trails makes this a standout half‑day option for families and first‑time riders and seasoned locals alike.
Route Schematic
Route & Key Stops
The public ride follows a simple itinerary of trail, river stop, and return — each element is scheduled to create a balanced three‑hour experience.
Farm Meeting & Preparation
Meet at the farm for check‑in; staff load horses and prepare the group for the short transfer to the trailhead and provide a basic riding lesson before you begin.
Trail to the River (~1 hour)
A one‑hour guided trail ride through the Cross Florida Greenway to the riverfront.
Riverside Stop (~1 hour)
A roughly one‑hour stop at the river; the visit may include swimming on horseback.
Return Trail (~1 hour)
A final hour of guided riding back to the farm to complete the three‑hour outing.
Participants must meet age guidance (ages 2+; tandem seating is available for children ages 2–5). Guides schedule arrival times and may adjust logistics; plan a little extra time for check‑in and contact the operator if you do not receive the detour map.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Arrive to a calm, organized start at the farm
Riders meet at the operator’s farm and are scheduled for specific arrival times — there’s no need to arrive early, but staff ask that you allow some extra time for check‑in and loading the horses for the trailhead.
Hands‑on help before you ride
At the trailhead guides provide a basic lesson, assist riders into the saddles, and ensure everyone is ready before the ride officially begins.
An hour in, an hour at the river, an hour back
The format is deliberate: roughly one hour of trail to the river, a one‑hour river stop (which may include swimming on horseback), then about one hour riding back to the farm.
What the day feels like
What the three hours feel like
The ride unfolds as a measured loop: a guided hour leads you through Cross Florida Greenway trails to a riverside pause, then after an hour at the water you remount for a final hour back. Guides handle mounting and a short lesson so your paid ride time begins once you’re actually in the saddle—making the outing easy for families and new riders.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this ride suits — and who should call ahead
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The outing is three hours long. The operator schedules specific arrival times so there’s generally no need to arrive early, but allow extra time for check‑in and loading horses.
Public 3 Hour River Rides are listed at $120 per person; booking terms note a deposit policy—contact the operator for current payment instructions.
Children age 2 and older may ride; tandem riding is an option for children ages 2–5—call the operator with questions or to arrange seating.
Meet at the operator’s farm location; if you book online and do not receive the detour map, contact the operator to obtain directions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the ride?
The tour is three hours in total: about one hour riding to the river, one hour at the river, and one hour riding back.
Where do we meet?
Meet at 15901 NE 137 Court, Fort McCoy, FL 32134 — the operator’s farm.
What is the cost?
3 Hour River Rides are $120 per person.
Can young children join?
Yes — children age 2 and up may participate; tandem riding is available for children ages 2–5. Call the operator with any questions about younger riders.
Will we swim?
The river stop may include swimming on horseback, depending on conditions and guide direction.
When does my paid ride time start?
Guides give a basic lesson and help you mount at the trailhead; your paid ride time does not start until you are actually riding.
What if I don’t receive directions after booking?
If you do not receive the detour map after scheduling online, be sure to contact the operator to obtain directions.
How this guide was prepared
This field guide is synthesized using verified supplier specifications, route descriptions, and destination data. Some booking links may generate affiliate revenue for ADV Guides.
- Verified: 2026-11-01T19:41:48.035Z
Some booking links may generate revenue for ADV Guides or The Adventure Collective.
Availability, pricing, schedules and operating details can change.
Trip details and contextual sources were reviewed by ADV Guides Editorial.