Have you ever wanted to experience a real cattle drive? Plans are underway for the next Great Florida Cattle Drive, Jan 26-31, 2026.

The week-long event will celebrate Florida’s history as cattle country, as participants on horseback drive a herd of cattle across Florida ranchland.

The re-enactment drives began in 1995 to honor Florida’s rich ranching heritage, a reminder of times when wild cattle were collected, driven to ports and exported to Cuba.

Re-enactment drives were also held in 2006, 2016 and 2022.

The 2022 drive was originally planned for 2021 to celebrate the arrival of cattle in North America in 1521. It was postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anyone can go, so long as you have a horse to ride or a horse- or mule- drawn wagon to ride in. Those who plan to go are advised to start early on conditioning their horses and themselves for the physical demands of the trail. Cattle drives do not move quickly. For past drives, the herd covered about 10 to 12 miles a day.  Riders were in the saddle for six to nine hours a day.

In 2022, about a third of the riders were in the “elder” category – over 60 years of age. The oldest was 91. The youngest rider was 5 years old.

Most participants ride their own horses, but there are options to lease a horse for the event.

For updates, follow the Great Florida Cattle Drive on Facebook or see the website at greatfloridacattledrive.com.