Osceola National Forest:Osceola l00

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From: Jean Wonser 
Email: cpfjean@bellsouth.net

The permanent horse trails in the Osceola were about as wet as they get as flood levels are comparable to l977 according to The National Weather Service.  Nevertheless the trails were planned to periodically re-enter the Forest Service Roads which are basically sand-with clay and lime mix, some being harder, some softer but seldom covered with water.

The yellow trail was re-routed somewhat to avoid two areas with constant water about mid cannon.  This left about three stretches with periodic water spots  involving approximately 2,3,and 2 miles;  This loop adds the challenge of a creek crossing called Robinson Branch which must be crossed as tagged or risk swimming.  Two shetland ponys made the crossing however and were seen in Camp after the ride. 

Balance of the mileage on each of the three loops was  either Forest Rd. or jeep trail;

The Red loop of l8.5 miles had the following approximate intermitant water mostly mid cannon or less: 2,2,2,2  miles;  One of the areas that was nearly constant will be rerouted for l999 if conditions are similar;

Blue loop of l8.5 miles had three stretches of mid cannon or less water as: 2,2,2 miles.  The middle 2 miles was nearly constant and is planned to be re-routed for The Osceola l00 in l999. 

I hope this gives some insight into the challenge of riding on the edges of real wetlands, the Okeefeenokee Swamp in GA.  The Osceola is just a heartbeat away to the South.  During the dry months of the year (mainly September and October;  April and May) the place can be so dry there is no water for the horses on trail.  

Naturally there is an art form to riding in water this much.  I have submitted an article for Horse and Pony in Florida about some of my personal observations which some of you may enjoy.  A rider from KY told me Sunday he had a great time riding The Osceola and could not have envisioned what it would be like.

Water improves sand making it mostly hard.  We have some sand that is mushy but nothing to compare to southern clay.  Under normal conditions the trails are grassed in.  I expect it will take most of the year for the trails to recover from the beating taken from 4x4's during this wet hunting season.  

All riders survived and nobody even saw a gator!  Come see us at Panther Run November 8, l998  the one weekend out of hunting; and The Osceola second weekend of January l999, first week out of deer season.  

I will not try to give the results as the trail design is my area; 

Jean Wonser, Trenton Florida
CPF Carrera & CPF Zywy