About The Breed
The Florida Cracker Horse, officially recognized as Florida’s state horse, traces its ancestry back to Spanish horses brought over in the 1500s. These agile and resilient horses were invaluable to Florida’s early cattle industry, earning their name from the “cracking” sound of the cowmen’s whips. Standing 13 to 15.2 hands tall and weighing 700 to 1,000 pounds, they are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and toughness. When ranching practices shifted in the 1930s, some families preserved the breed by maintaining distinct bloodlines. Today, with only around 1,000 registered horses, Florida Cracker Horses remain a living testament to the state’s rich heritage and its pioneering spirit.
Quest Info
This episode highlights natural horsemanship trainer Nancy Slater and her Florida Cracker Horses.
