March 6, 2008
Bronson Welcomes Cracker Horse Riders On Historic Journey
Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles H. Bronson today greeted cracker horse riders as they ended their journey revisiting Florida’s past. Bronson was at Tallahassee’s famed Hernando de Soto State Historic Site when the two riders concluded their 10-day ride, which is intended to raise awareness about proposed legislation to designate the Cracker horse as Florida’s official Heritage Horse.
The riders, Billy Ray Hunter and Carlton Dudley, began their historic journey on February 25 from the Tampa area, following the exact path taken by Hernando de Soto as the explorer traveled through Florida in 1539 claiming the land for Spain. The Spanish horse that made landfall with de Soto is genetically linked to today’s Florida Cracker horse. Hunter, a retired law enforcement officer, and Dudley, a retired firefighter, rode riding registered Florida Cracker horses and made stops along the trail to educate the public about the horse’s past and future. Hunter and Dudley were joined by other riders along the way during portions of their trip and had an additional 12 riders on Cracker horses join them for the final leg of the journey.
The Cracker horses adapted well to Florida’s climate and played an important role in the development of the state’s cattle industry, which continues today. The Spanish horse was first introduced to Florida by Juan Ponce de Leon about 18 years earlier. They were among the first horses to reach the continental United States. They are known for their unusual strength and endurance, herding instinct, quickness and fast walking gait.
“The Cracker horses are an integral part of Florida’s agricultural past,” Bronson said. “After hundreds of years the breed continues, and I think it is appropriate that they be designated as the state’s official Heritage Horse.”
Bronson met up with the horsemen at the Hernando de Soto Historic State Site in Tallahassee. Members of the Florida Cracker Horse Association were also on hand to greet Hunter, Dudley and the other riders when they arrived.
For more information about Florida’s Cracker livestock, visit www.florida-agriculture.com/livestock/cracker_cattle.htm
For more information:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
comptol@doacs.state.fl.us
