MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — Early Sunday morning, more than 100 horseback riders hit the trail - The Florida Cracker Trail. 

  • 100 horseback riders crossing south Florida
  • 120 miles from Bradenton to Fort Pierce across Florida Cracker Trail
  • Weeklong trip concludes next Saturday

The ride is roughly 120 miles and spans from Bradenton to Fort Pierce. The annual ride crosses the state in celebration of Florida's role in introducing horses and cattle to the new world. 

“We’re not nearly as land-big as Texas but we produce more beef cattle, and we were the original cattlemen in the United States," explained Suzanne Park, who helped to organize the ride. 

The riders gathered Saturday at Kibler Ranch near Myakka City to prepare for the nearly week long trip. Every mile is done on horseback and each night the riders are staying at a designated campsite. 

Many of these riders feel that Florida's deep-rooted history is being threatened by developers moving through the heart of the state and converting thousands of miles of ranch land into communities and developments. 

“We’re more than beaches and Disney World," Park said. 

For many of the riders, this annual week in February has become family tradition.  

“Its hot, its grueling, its more of an endurance ride, but like I tell people… it either gets in you or it gets on you," said Mike Harrison, who has been making the trip since 1992. 

The ride wraps up Saturday with a parade in Fort Pierce.