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Highlands Today

Riders Recreate Life On The Cracker Trail

Kathy Waters/Highlands Today

Kellie Munn feeds Paco a snack Wednesday while taking a break at Cracker Trail Elementary.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: February 20, 2008

Florida Cracker Trail Ride 2008 Photo Gallery

SEBRING — What sounded like the rapid snapping of cap pistols filled the air on Wednesday, while students at Cracker Trail Elementary School responded by cheering wildly.

Nearby, more than 140 horses took their fill of water, while some seemed spooked by the clamor of more than 200 appreciative children, amid the loud snapping.

The elementary school is a regular stop on the 120-mile-long Cracker Trail Ride.
Some had never seen a horse or heard the "crack" of the whips made by cowboys and cowgirls. The event brought history home to kindergarten through fifth-graders and gave them insight into the school's name.

Eighteen-year old Kaylelyn Pella, of Lorida, participated in her second Cracker Trail Ride and enjoyed "cracking" a whip during an outdoor demonstration for students.

Some of more than 140 cowpokes explained about long range trail riders who drove cattle, and then demonstrated with their whips why the cowboys were called "Florida Crackers."

"It's something you don't get to see everyday," said Pella, about the reaction of most students. "The little look in their eyes – they can't believe it. Everybody's heroes are cowboys and cowgirls."

Sonya McCabe is 11 and hails from Largo. She rode "Peppy" during her second trail ride.
"We learned the story of the Cracker Trail and I get to know a horse really well," said McCabe.

Her father, Patrick McCabe, talked about the trail, which runs about 20 miles each day along roadside right of ways, and considered other reasons to enjoy the event.

"This gives us an opportunity as a family to do something away from TV," said Patrick McCabe, who along with Sonya was sharing the ride with his wife, Kathryn. "We can regroup and appreciate nature better – away from everyday life and work."

By recreating a cattle drive, the annual event draws attention to Florida's horse and cattle history. It stretches from Sunday to Friday, and begins just east of Bradenton and ends in Fort Pierce, about 120 miles later.

The cowpokes nurse their saddle sores at ranches each night and eat supplied meals. Sheriff's deputies said there were no reported injuries through Wednesday afternoon and also reported that drivers treated the caravan with respect.

Kindergarten teacher Debbie LaBarr said this was a banner day for 7-year old student Kirklin Boney to shine. Times had changed since when the school's name was considered by some as having negative connotations, said the teacher.

Boney comes from a long line of ranchers and farmers and regularly rides horses. He was asked to show off his skills with a whip for fellow classmates.

"The Cracker Trail Ride gives us a connection," said LaBarr. "Especially, when people realize this area has a pioneering history.

"For Kirklin, this is his life. It makes him proud – for one day of the year – of who he is."

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