home contact about  
   
 

about the association
history
breed characteristics
news, updates  events
breeders list, horses for sale, horses wanted

contact the fcha




"The Cracker Horse"

Written by Vicky Baldwin
Accompaniment and reading by Terry James Swett.

 

 

  Florida Cracker Association News, Events, Updates  

 

Cracker Horses –
Florida’s Heritage Horse

It’s official! 
On the last day of the Florida legislative session, May 2, 2008, lawmakers voted to designate the Florida Cracker Horse as the state’s official heritage horse.  

 

 

FCH Retraces hernando De Soto Trail

Dudley & Hunter Retrace Trail

Dudley & Hunter Retrace Trail

On February 25, 2008, Billy Ray Hunter and Carlton Dudley began a trek of almost 300 miles on horseback along the Hernando DeSoto Trail.  The ride was intended to raise awareness about proposed legislation designating the Cracker horse as Florida’s official Heritage Horse.   (Senate Bill 230 by Senator Carey Baker and House Bill 131 by Representative Frank Attkisson).

On March 6, 2008, Hunter and Dudley, along with twelve other Cracker horses and riders arrived at the De Soto State Historic Site in Tallahassee, Florida.  The group was met by various state officials to include Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Charles Bronson.  According to Bronson, “The Cracker horses are an integral part of Florida’s agricultural past. After hundreds of years, the breed continues and I think it is appropriate that they be designated as the state’s official Heritage Horse.”

To all of those who participated in and contributed to this successful event – thank you.

Click here for photos from the trail

 

 

Bill Boston and Judi Allison
Photo by Chris Mikula

De Soto Landing Tribute
FCHA members Bill Boston and Judi Allison participated in the 469th Commemoration of the landing of the De Soto Expedition at De Soto National Memorial in Bradenton, Florida.  On Saturday, April 26, the “Conquistadors” helped reenact the event as they rode along the Manatee River. 

 

 

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services recently produced a video stating “Cracker horses are living, tangible links to Florida’s history….”

Click here to download the video.

 

 

For those interested in purchasing a shirt with the FCHA logo (above) please contact:

Three Rivers Embroidery & Hat Co.
16031 NE 6th Ave.
Trenton, FL 32693
352-463-3505 - threeriversemb@bellsouth.net

Men’s shirts ($25-35) are similar to picture -- long sleeve, but with snaps, chest pockets and western yoke fronts.

Women’s shirts ($22.00) are short sleeve denim, slightly tapered, button front (22.00).

Price does not include tax (Florida residence 7%) or shipping ($8.00).