Cracker Horses and Cattle

Explore the incredible history of Florida’s cracker horses and cattle with author Carol Matthews. These animals, first brought to Florida by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in 1521, became the foundation of the state’s early ranching industry. From the missions of north Florida to the thriving ranches of Paynes Prairie, discover how these herds shaped trade, transportation, and agriculture for over 500 years.

By the 1960s, cracker cattle and horses were nearly extinct, but thanks to preservation efforts, they remain living symbols of Florida’s ranching heritage.