Saddle Up Tampa Bay: A Guide to Celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse
Defined by energy, a bold spirit and forward movement, there is no better city to celebrate the Year Of the Fire Horse than Tampa Bay. The influence of horses and cowboy-culture, equestrian-style fashion in Western boots and horseshoe charms has taken over, and we are here to help get your boots dirty and celebrate this once-in-a-lifetime legendary combination of the Chinese zodiac right here in Tampa Bay.
1. Saddle Up
Take the kids to a barn to get close with these beautiful, majestic animals. Abby Langford began riding after she attended a Spirit Riding Free-themed birthday party at a barn at age 7. Now 13, she is a part of a local Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) Hunt Seat Team and a local 4-H Club where she has opportunities to learn more about horses.
Hot Tip: Take riding lessons slow. Start off once a week and check in with your child on how they feel. Find a barn and a trainer that fits what you and your child are looking for. The initial investment to the sport is the passion and desire to learn. Take on responsibilities at the barn to help you and your child learn more about the sport.
2. Experience the Spirit: A Night at the Rodeo
Grab your boots and belt buckles and head to the Florida State Fairgrounds or the Hillsborough County Fairgrounds to snag a front-row seat and watch the grit and skill from real cowboys and cowgirls. The vibe is energetic, the crowd is lively and you can feel the heart and soul of the riders in the stands. Rooted in the raw skill of 19th-century cattle wranglers, rodeos remain a gritty dust-kicking sport rooted in tradition, skill and the fire inside each rider and horse as they compete.
Hot Tip: There are many rodeo events annually in Tampa Bay! Check the calendars, plan ahead and invite friends to attend as a group. Grab your boots and have fun!
3. Get Fancy: Visit The World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida
A hundred miles north of Tampa, you’ll find a magical equestrian destination for everyone from novice horse appreciators to world class Olympic equestrians. The elegant destination sits on 378 acres, making it the largest equestrian complex in the United States. Enter the Grand Outdoor Arena to watch a high-stakes show jumping competition, and stay the weekend at the kid-friendly yet upscale The Riding Academy, where equestrian whimsy meets polished play.
Hot Tip: Definitely check the calendar and stay over a weekend when there is a Grand Prix in the Grand Outdoor Arena. If you have an opportunity to catch the Longines League of Nations(™) Ocala, watch the world’s top international teams compete for more than $1.4 million in prize money.
4. Horses On Vacation
On your next vacation, take time to find the horses wherever you go. In Colorado, we found Devil’s Thumb Ranch about 75 miles west of Denver, 6,500 acres that was blissfully away from everything! In Wyoming, we visited the Heart Six Ranch that is nestled between the south entrance to Yellowstone National Park and to the west of the Grand Tetons National Park. Unplugging on new adventures and enjoying the beautiful back country on horseback are where memories are truly made.
5. Kentucky Derby Watch Party at Tampa Bay Downs
On May 2, watch the “fastest 2 minutes in sports” also known as the 152nd Kentucky Derby from one of the most historic horse racing tracks here in Tampa Bay. The Tampa Bay Downs is celebrating 100 years of thoroughbred racing. This venue, which has attracted top riders and trainers, is a deep part of Tampa’s roots into sports, community and tradition.
Hot Tip: You’ll need a ticket for Derby Day, but kids 17 and under are free. Grab a spot at the rail for the best view and wear your best Derby hat! It will definitely be a party you don’t want to miss.
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originally published in the May 2026 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine