Official Ride Rules

1. All participants do acknowledge and agree that each and every aspect of their participation is by Florida law, an equine activity, and the FCTA, their agents, licensees, landlords, invitees, landowners, and permitees are all individually and cumulatively deemed Equine Activity Sponsors and not subject to liability under the Florida Statute.

2. All participants must comply with the Laws of the State of Florida and FCTA Official Ride Rules

3. The designated Trail Boss and Outriders are here to assist you and your animals. Give them your utmost respect and attention. Be courteous and respectful of your fellow riders. All participants are under the direction of the Trail Boss. The Trail Boss will enforce these rules singularly and exclusively in line with his/her responsibility for the overall safety of all participants. Any deviation in behavior from the Trail Boss authority will be grounds for immediate expulsion from any camp-out, ride or function, or from the Annual Cross State Ride. If you have a concern or a problem while in camp or on the trail, please notify the Trail Boss, an Outrider, or a Board of Director.

4. WARNING: Under Florida Law, an equine activity sponsor or equine professional is not liable for an injury to, or the death of, a participant in equine activities resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities. (Florida Statutes 773.01-773.05)

5. WARNING: In reference to helmets, the Association will NOT be held liable per “Nicole’s Law” as an “Agricultural Practice or Pursuit, Historical Reenactment, or Parade.” (Chapter 2009-105, House Bill #169, Section 4 (c), Section 6(a))

6. Every rider or camper must be a 2024 FCTA member to participate in the Annual Cross State Ride.

7. The Annual Cross State ride is open to advanced riders and trained horses. All horses in camp or on the ride must be able to handle traffic, noise, bridges, water, parades, whip cracking,etc. Do not plan to condition your horse or to train your horse on this ride.

8. THE OFFICIAL RIDE RULES OF THE ANNUAL CROSS STATE RIDE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED ON THE RIDE. NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN AFTER THE START OF THE RIDE. EVEN IF YOU CANNOT COMPLETE THE RIDE OR IF YOU OR YOUR HORSE ARE REMOVED FROM THE RIDE.

9. No whip cracking after dark unless in designated areas. Designated areas to be picked daily and will be announced.

10. There will be a Mandatory Rider’s Meeting on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m. before ride-out.

11. Registration is an absolute MUST if you plan to ride ANY DAY.

12. All persons in camp or on the Cross State Annual Ride must be registered and must sign a Contract for Release and Indemnification. This includes all riders, campers, guests, ride staff and entertainers. It is the responsibility of the participant to maintain their event identification with them at all times.

13. Any riders or campers under the age of 18 must be accompanied and supervised by their natural parent or legal guardian, in camp or on the Ride. Natural parent or legal guardian MUST become a member prior to the start of the 2024 Ride and MUST complete a notarized Contract for Release naming the responsible accompanying adult.

14. A record of negative test for equine infectious anemia (COGGINS) conducted within 12 months is required. This 12-month period must be good through the whole ride. An agricultural inspector will be present at all camp locations to inspect your animals.

15. All riders MUST stay behind wagons, unless otherwise designated by the Trail Boss. Only riders assisting the wagons are allowed alongside the teams.

16. When riding along the roads, the grass right-of -way is the designated trail. Do not ride on the pavement unless obstacles dictate or as directed by the Trail Boss. Do not cross to the other side of the road unless supervised by the Trail Boss or Outrider.

17. The FCTA will provide water for horses in camp and on the trail. DO NOT crowd wagons at watering sites. Wagon horses are to drink first. For safety, stay mounted when watering your horse. Do not mount or dismount or tie your horse to the horse wagons, pick-up wagon, port-a-potty wagon, water wagons, or logo wagons. The FCTA does not provide water for human consumption or bathing or showering purposes.

18. Glass containers are prohibited on the trail. DO NOT dispose of your garbage on the trail, in campsite or at the water breaks. Dispose of trash in the appropriate receptacles. Do not take your trash to the Caterer. There will be dumpsters provided along the trail at designated night camps.

19. Consumption of alcohol during ride hours is prohibited. Refrain from excessive use of alcohol at camp. Public intoxication will NOT be tolerated.

20. No unnecessary running past other riders.

21. Refrain from riding close to pasture fences, where livestock is kept, especially loose horses. NO running through pastures or land on the way into campsites where there are or might be pastured cattle or horses. DO NOT CHASE LANDOWNER’S LIVESTOCK.

22. Stay off people’s lawn and out of citrus groves. Do not pick fruit or vegetation along the trail.

23. If you or your horse has a problem, notify the Trail Boss or an Outrider. Drop to the rear if you need to load on the pick-up wagon. Horses showing undue stress will be pulled from the ride. The pick-up trailer is for the relief of the distressed animals and riders only, and it must be made available for true emergencies and distress situations.

24. All horses must have bridles, reins, and saddles while on the trail. No riding in a halter, no double-riding, no pony-ing of un-ridden horses, no bareback riding on the trail, and no stallions allowed.

25. All riders must be dressed appropriately for riding. Authentic clothing is encouraged. No sneakers, sandals or bare feet, no bathing suits or inappropriate apparel, (shorts, flip flops, etc.), or clothing with inappropriate or offensive language on the trail.

26. No dumping of holding tanks (grey or black) in camp or anywhere on the trail. Please find & use legal dump stations.

27. Horses known to kick, or horses that begin kicking on the trail, must wear a red tail ribbon at all times.

28. Quiet time is designated as 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. No unnecessary loudness or activity at this time. No generators running in quiet time, except in the vicinity of cook wagons. While in camp, be courteous to your neighbors and fellow campers.

29. All pets must be confined to the owner’s camp site. No pets allowed on the trail, lunch or water breaks, or in food areas. Be a responsible pet owner. In camp, dogs must be kept on a leash.

30. No equine that stands less than forty-two inches (42″) at the withers will be allowed to participate in the Annual Cross State Ride.