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Florida Cracker Horse
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| Group |
Warmblood |
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| Influences |
Spanish Stock |
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| Characteristics |
- Strong herding instinct
- Medium build
- 13.2 to 15 hands
- Short back
- Sloping rump
- Low tail
- Thick mane
- Some crest to neck
- Quickness and endurance
- Flat comfortable walk
- Some are gaited!
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| Colors |
- All colors!
- Predominant colors are:
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| Odd Facts |
Rare breed, only 312 exist
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Overview:
The Florida Cracker Horse is similar to many other Indian breeds. Originally of Spanish descent they adapted themselves to the natural climate of the region, in this case the interior of Florida. Basically a feral horse, they were used by the Seminoles and early Florida cattlemen. They were an essential part of the cattle industry in Florida beginning over 500 years ago. They gained their name from the Florida cowboys which were nicknamed 'Crackers' because of the sound the riders made cracking their whips in the air. Also the small agile horses were perfect for working the Spanish cattle at the time
Physical Description:
They stand between 13.2 to 15 hands (14.2 normal) high, weighing 650 to 900 pounds. They have a straight or slightly concave profile. Eyes are grey or blue. The throat latch is prominent, the jaw short and well defined. The neck is fine and narrow without an excessive crest. The short back is narrow but strong, with well sprung ribs. The croup is sloping and short, with the tail set medium low. They can be any color with solids and greys predominant. They have easy ground covering gaits, including a flatfoot walk, running walk, trot, and an ambling or Paso-type gait. they are willing workers with lots of stamina and spirit. They are able to exist on sparse feed also due to their Spanish background.
Origin:
They are descendants of Spanish stock brought to Florida in the 1500s by Spanish conquistadores. They were used mainly as cattle horses. In the 1930s, during the Great Depression, more cattle entered Florida from the Dust Bowl. These cattle brought with then the screw worm parasites. Since ranchers had to rope and tie the cattle down to treat them, they went to the larger Quarter Horses. Thus the breed started to disappear. There is an effort to preserve them in Florida. In Lake Kissimmee State Park, they are working at it in a frontier-type cow camp. The Florida Cracker Horse Association was created in 1989 to aid in their preservation. At this time there are only 300 to 312 horses. They are very rare.
Other Facts:
Although there is no documented information, it is believed that the discrepancy in conformation and size of many early American Indian ponies, no matter how close in relation to geography, is due to the Spanish horse ancestry's quick adaptability to land and feed. This is the probable reason the Florida Cracker Horse is much smaller than its close relation, the Cherokee Buckskin. The Cracker Horse was also called Chicksaw Pony, Seminole Pony, March Tackee, Prairie Pony, Florida Horse, Florida Cow Pony, Grass Gut, and others.
Breed organization, and where to write to receive more information:
- Florida Cracker Horse Association, Inc.
- Sam Getzen, Executive Director
- P.O. Box 186
- Newberry, FL 32669-1086
For more information visit:
© 1997-2002 NorthWest Breyer Horse Club.
Published February 1999 in the North West Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (ma)
