The stillness of the night was broken Sunday by the two words horse owners dread: “LOOSE HORSE!”

The Great Florida Cattle Drive participants, camped on the Deluca Preserve, knew what they had to do. They pulled on boots and rushed out of their tents, many clad in long Johns or pajamas, and took care of the problem.

Two hundred and thirty-eight horses and riders are taking part in the 2026 Great Florida Cattle Drives, which will end Saturday, Jan. 31 at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Rodeo Arena.

The riders have come from all over Florida as well as other states such as New York and Illinois, The ride includes children as young as 8 as well as “elders" over age 80. They share a love of horses and of history.

Each morning, the riders pack up their tents and gear before sunrise, and load it onto trailers which take it to the next camp site, At the end of each day’s ride, they set up camp for the night.

They will be tested by weather, unpredictable cattle and the occasional loose horse. They will earn the motto: It ain’t for sissies!