Makin’ Tracks Trail Rides

Been trail riding with Tina and Corey for almost 6 months now and enjoyed every ride with them. They are the only trail ride company in Ocala to offer swimming with the horses, which is the best value. The tour starts off with a one hour ride in the forest heading to the Ocklawaha River. The trails and scenery are very nice as we get to see the lush greens and hear the occasional birds and squirrels. Most of the trails are sand and grass, making it very easy for anyone to handle. There are the occasional low branches, but Tina always gives out an early warning so we can navigate through them easily (either by ducking or steering the horses to one side). Once we approach the river, we get down from our horses and enjoy a 1 hour break at the river. During the time at the river, each guest will have a turn or two to have a 3 to 5 minute ride in the river on one of the horses. Corey will lead the horse to the river with the rider sitting bareback on the horse. The horse will swim into the deep end of the river, encouraging the rider to lie on the horse (or stay seated), hold onto their mane, and enjoy the ride. After the ride is over, the rider is encouraged to stand on the horse and jump/​dive off into the river. It is a great photo-​op, and Tina takes great photos of each guest riding the horse in the river, then jumping/​diving off the horse at the end. The river is clean, clear, and refreshing at about 72 °F temperature. There are also hand swings to Tarzan into the river, and logs to sit and enjoy the scenery. One the river break is over, we take a shorter path back home for another fun 40 minutes to 1 hour ride. The pace of the trail ride is normally walking only, however, trotting and cantering is absolutely possible and allowed if Tina and Corey see you comfortable in doing so. The whole tour is about 3 hours long (with about 1.75 — 2 hours of trail riding and another 5 to 10 minutes of riding in the river), and is a great value for $ 70. I also done a full day ride with them (where you get to ride as long as you want for a day), where we rode around a lake and a town for about 4 — 5 hours, then around her neighborhood for another 2 hours. It was also a good value at $ 160 for a full day.
Almost all of her horses are rescues that were either previously abuse/​abandoned by their previous owners, or no longer could be afforded by them. Tina has helped turn them from sad, scared, and emaciated horses into well fed, well cared, and happy horses. So far I have ridden Bella, Bones, Rio, and Bonnie. All the horses I have ridden are friendly, forgiving, and responsive. However, I must say that Bonnie is my favorite so far as she is very obedient and her trots/​canters are so smooth and fun to ride. Beginner riders should have no fear as they have horses who are beginner friendly. Instruction on commanding and steering the horse is given before the ride with Tina and Corey always checking up to make sure each rider is safe and comfortable. Once they see you comfortable in your control, position, and balance on the horses, trotting and cantering is possible and allowed during the trail ride (depends on the rider). Thus, more experienced riders will also have a blast during their ride.
Both Tina and Corey are great people to ride with, going above and beyond to make sure each guest is happy and enjoying the ride. They are one of the nicest people I rode with. They care more about the well being of their horses, and the satisfaction of their guests over money. While they are not a non-​profit organization, most of the money they make off their trail rides goes towards the horses. I been riding with them once every month for almost 6 months now and look forward and enjoyed every ride with them. Swimming with the horses is one of the most memorable and enjoyable experiences I ever done. It is worth every penny and I highly recommend you to try it. The horses will thank you for it!