Horseback Riding Near WEC — Ride the Cross Florida Greenway
Visiting the World Equestrian Center (WEC) and looking for something uniquely Ocala? Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides offers guided horseback riding through the beautiful Cross Florida Greenway — beginner-friendly, scenic, and led by experienced guides who know these horses and trails.
Why Ride with Cactus Jack’s Near WEC
- Guided rides through the Cross Florida Greenway with live oak hammocks, pine forest, wildlife, and classic Old Florida scenery.
- Beginner-friendly. Prior horseback riding experience is not required.
- Small guided groups with a maximum of 6 riders.
- Horses are matched as closely as possible to each rider’s size, experience, and comfort level.
- Cactus Jack’s has been serving riders since 2009.
- Convenient Ocala location near the World Equestrian Center.
Located at the Cross Florida Greenway in Ocala — Florida’s Horse Capital.
Ride Options & Pricing
| Ride | Weekday | Weekend |
|---|---|---|
|
Wrangler Pine Loop 1-Hour Guided Trail Ride |
$70 + tax | $80 + tax |
|
Oak Hammock Trail 90-Minute Guided Trail Ride |
$90 + tax | $100 + tax |
|
Wildflower Ride 2-Hour Guided Trail Ride |
$110 + tax | $120 + tax |
Weekend pricing applies Saturday and Sunday. Please arrive 30 minutes early for check-in, safety information, and to meet your horse.
Rider Requirements
- Minimum age: 13 years old.
- Weight: 80 lbs minimum — 260 lbs maximum.
- Helmets: Required for riders age 17 and younger. Helmets are provided.
- Guests must be in suitable health to participate.
- Guests who are pregnant may not ride.
- Oxygen tanks are not permitted.
- Prior horseback riding experience is not required.
What to Wear
- Closed-toe shoes are required.
- Long pants are recommended for comfort.
- No sandals or flip-flops.
- No double riding — one rider per horse.
- Riders mount using our loading area regardless of previous riding experience.
- We use comfortable Australian Trail and Western saddles.
Where We Ride
11100 SW 16th Ave
Ocala, FL 34476
Ride Through the Cross Florida Greenway
Our guided horseback tours take place on the Cross Florida Greenway, one of Florida’s most distinctive protected trail systems. The Greenway offers a beautiful mix of live oak hammocks, pine forest, palmettos, wildlife habitat, and peaceful stretches of trail away from the busy side of Ocala.
The landscape also carries an unusual piece of Florida history. Portions of the Greenway follow land associated with the former Cross Florida Barge Canal project. Earthworks left behind from that era created rolling terrain, ridges, dips, and elevation changes that make portions of the trail feel very different from Florida’s typically flat landscape.
Today the Greenway is enjoyed by horseback riders, hikers, cyclists, wildlife watchers, and other outdoor visitors. Riding it on horseback offers a chance to experience both the natural beauty and history of the Ocala area.
Reserve Your Horseback Ride
Choose your ride, check live availability, and reserve online.
Having trouble with the booking window? Open the booking page in a new tab →
Good to Know
- Maximum trail group size is 6 riders.
- Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled ride.
- Rain checks are available when weather prevents a scheduled ride from operating.
- Our horses are cared for as individuals, and riding schedules are managed with their health and well-being in mind.
- A waiver is required before participating.
Please review our complete rider and reservation policies before your visit.
Contact Cactus Jack’s
Cactus Jack’s Trail Rides
11100 SW 16th Ave
Ocala, FL 34476
Phone: 352-266-9326
Email: cjstrailrides@gmail.com
Main Website: cactusjackstrailrides.com
Florida Horse Riding: floridahorseriding.com
Horseback Riding Near WEC FAQs
Do I need prior horseback riding experience?
No. Our trail rides are guided and beginner-friendly. Our team helps match riders with an appropriate horse and provides information before heading onto the trail.
How old do you have to be to ride?
Trail riders must be at least 13 years old.
What is the rider weight limit?
Riders must weigh between 80 and 260 pounds.
What if my group is large?
Our maximum trail group size is 6 riders. If you have questions about your group, contact us before booking.
What should I wear?
Closed-toe shoes are required. Long pants are recommended for comfort. Sandals and flip-flops are not permitted.
How early should we arrive?
Please arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled ride for check-in, paperwork, safety information, and horse assignment.
What saddles do you use?
We primarily use Australian Trail and Western saddles for comfort and support on the trail.
Can pregnant guests ride?
No. Guests who are pregnant may not participate in horseback trail rides.