Horseback Riding

Horse back riding is permitted in parts of the Carlton Reserve and a horse trailer parking lot with water hose is provided. Please help the volunteers who maintain the trails and markers for you: 

“LEAVE NO TRACE” in the parking area.

NO DOGS are allowed.

Riders must carry proof of current negative Coggins test.

Horse are NOT PERMITTED in the public use area: the visitors cabin, bathrooms, picnic areas, handicapped access trails (blue, pink, yellow, green, orange self-guiding trails).

A red marked trail leaves the equestrian parking lot near the map kiosk and may be used to access over 20 miles of marked equestrian trails. Some trails connect to trails into Myakka Prairie and Myakka River State Park where permits and/or access fees may be required. 

Maps are usually available in the kiosk but may also be downloaded from our MAPS page in pdf format.

Trails in the Carlton Reserve are multi-use trails: hiking, biking and horse riding so please be courteous when meeting other trail users.

Horses are available to rent for riding at nearby at Deer Prairie Creek (turn right at the Stop sign at the east end of Border Road and follow brown signs to parking lot at the end of Forbes Trail. Private vendor's website : https://www.deerprairiecreek.com