The Florida Cracker horse, like the
cattle breed of the same name, traces its ancestry to Spanish stocks
brought to the Americas beginning in the 1500s. The formation of the
Cracker horse breed was parallel to that of the Spanish Mustang and
Spanish Barb further west. The Cracker became a distinctive part of
this breed family due to its geographical isolation and location.
The long history of horse trading between Florida and Cuba meant a
regular and continual introduction of Spanish genetics from Cuba
into the Florida population.
Historically, Cracker horses were an essential part of the cattle
industry in Florida, which began almost 500 years ago and flourishes
today. Florida cowboys were nicknamed "crackers" because of the
sound made by their whips cracking in the air. This name was also
given to the small, agile Spanish horses that were essential for
working Spanish cattle. Over the years, Cracker Horses have been
known by a variety of names: Chicksaw Pony, Seminole Pony, March
Tackie, Praire Pony, Florida Horse, Florida Cow Pony, Grass Gut and
others. |
