HP Community > Breed Ambassadors > Post Reply     

Florida Cracker Horses

Player Avatar
Minette 🌙 can we, can we surrender
October 27th, 2017 9:19:39pm
247 Posts

For those who don't know I'm Sirena and I'm the Florida Cracker Horse ambassador!!!


History


Florida Cracker Horses are descended from Spanish horses that were brought over to Florida in the 16th century.  When the Spanish eventually left they took their treasures with them but left behind their horses and cattle.  Over time, the horses became well adapted and thrived in the Florida climate.  They became the dominant breed in the south until the early 1900s and were popular among the Florida Cowboys called Crackers.  The name is derived from the sound of the whip when it cracks through the air.  When the Dust Bowl happened Florida Cracker Horses were shoved to the side when cattle from that region came to Florida and American Quarter Horses took their place.  This almost drove the breed to extinction.  However, a few families kept the breed alive and they have become a vital part of Florida's history and is even the state horse.


Characteristics


They are a gaited breed with Spanish characteristics.  Ranging from 13 to 15 hands they come in almost all colors and excel as stock horses.    


Want a new breed?


I will offer free private shows to any breeders and will raffle off tickets as long as there are 3 active breeders.  Currently, my Harry Potter line is my ambassador line.  If you are interested in breeding Florida Cracker horses just send me a message, my ambassador line will always be free.




Macy May Keel bugs Gray page pon

 


View Comments 1


Default Avatar
Arabolical //
October 29th, 2017 3:27:45am
2 Posts

Intrigued...




 

Player Avatar
Minette 🌙 can we, can we surrender
October 31st, 2017 8:41:44pm
247 Posts

Some History For You...

The Florida Cracker Horse is descended from Spanish horses that were brought over when Spain first came to Florida.  Eventually when it came time for the Spaniards to leave, they left behind some of their horses and cows (Cracker cattle) in order to make room for some of the treasures they found here.  The horses roamed free and adapted to the climate and landscape of Florida.  They were very important to the Seminole Indians and Florida cowboys.  At that time Florida cowboys were given the name “Crackers” because of the sound their whip made as it cracked through the air.  That’s why these horses and cattle were also given the name Cracker.  Since the Cracker horses were so well suited to this environment it made sense to use them to round up the cattle which at the time were free roaming.  During the Great Depression things changed.  Cattle in the west were brought to Florida and with them they brought new ranching methods.  Cattle now had to be fenced in so they could be easily vaccinated.  The demand for the smaller Cracker horse dropped dramatically as more people turned towards Quarter horses. They are a rare breed that is a vital part of Florida's history.

 

Characteristics

The Florida Cracker is a small cow horse that stands between 13.2 and 15.2 hands.

As far as I can tell, any coat colors are possible but solids are most common.

They are a gaited breed.

  

*All photos and information are courtesy of the Florida Cracker Horse Association*




Macy May Keel bugs Gray page pon

 

Player Avatar
benz - [vyatka]
November 2nd, 2017 2:31:26pm
48 Posts

Ooo! Me! I sent you a message! 




 

Player Avatar
kodiak ⇢ let it snow
November 3rd, 2017 8:52:36pm
129 Posts

This is such a cool breed!




 

Player Avatar
Minette 🌙 can we, can we surrender
November 3rd, 2017 10:58:16pm
247 Posts

They are!  Florida Crackers are a vital part of Florida's history which is what really drew me to them since I've lived here my whole life!

Unfortunately, there's hardly any stock available of them but most horse stock could be substituted instead.  

Here's an interesting article about them! http://spacecoastdaily.com/2012/07/floridas-heritage-horse-repurposed-as-mental-health-counselor/




Macy May Keel bugs Gray page pon

 

Player Avatar
Minette 🌙 can we, can we surrender
August 10th, 2018 10:02:19pm
247 Posts

I'm interested in selling my Harry Potter line they're 2nd gen, 13 years old, and 630-750k points

Make me an offer if you're interested! 




Macy May Keel bugs Gray page pon

 

View Comments 1