Want to take your couple’s trip or family vacation on the Gulf Coast to new levels of fun while making truly unforgettable memories? Broke-A-Toe horseback riding excursions on the gorgeous beaches of Cape San Blas are all about making dreams come true.
A playful take on the name of the company founder, Dr. Tom Brocato, Broke-A-Toe has been operating for more than 20 years. This makes it the Florida panhandle’s oldest-running business for horseback riding on the beach. Broke-A-Toe has been around for so long that guests who’d visited as children now return to share the experience with their own pint-sized cowboys and cowgirls. The takeaway? It’s a pretty special place. It’s also located on the only beach in all of northwest Florida to allow horseback riding.
Depending on the season and the number of available hours, Broke-A-Toe rides can be scheduled for either one or one and a half hours. (Summer rides are always an hour due to the heat.) The normal riding experience includes a brief lesson covering mounting and dismounting. The rest of the time is designated for the ride itself.
One of our favorite things about Broke-A-Toe is that family members are allowed to ride alongside each other as opposed to in a long line. This not only helps your group experience the fun together, but it also gives guides better control over the group throughout the tour.
Another great thing about Broke-A-Toe horseback riding tours? Anyone can do it. In fact, the majority of Broke-A-Toe’s riders have never been on a horse before! Gentle, confident and reliable horses are chosen with this in mind. The friendly and professional guides earn rave reviews for their helpfulness, too.
Broke-A-Toe offers convenient online booking for advance reservations which allows you to easily request a ride. These requests are reviewed daily; you’ll get a confirmation email within 24 hours. Online requests must be made two full weeks in advance so if you’re booking a tour with less than two weeks’ notice, call to determine availability.
Keep in mind that because rain is part of life in Florida in the summer, Broke-A-Toe typically “works” with the weather so your ride time may be adjusted accordingly. You won’t be riding in the pouring rain or in a lighting storm, but light showers are a go! In the event that Broke-A-Toe does cancel your ride, they’ll do everything in their power to help you reschedule. Also, please arrive 15 minutes in advance to get ready for your ride, but no earlier as the staff is busy between bookings taking care of the horses.
Broke-a-Toe also conveniently offers photo packages of your horseback rise, as well as a family photo afterward on Cape San Blas’s breathtaking dunes. You get a compilation disc of all of the photos, and many people use these for Christmas cards, engagement announcements and more.
For an entirely different way of connecting with the stunning coastal waters and their aquatic inhabitants, Broke-A-Toe also offers see-through canoe guided day and sunset trips.
Insider Tips:
– You won’t be allowed to carry a backpack or heavy camera bag on your ride, but Broke-A-Toe does provide one horn bag for each group for carrying smaller items, such as water and phones. Bring only the essentials, and apply bug spray and sunscreen prior to the trip.
– While many people want to feed the horses, it’s only allowed under certain conditions. If any members of your party are set on giving the horses a treat, inquire when you make your reservation as to whether it will be possible.
– Comfortable clothes are recommended, including closed-toed shoes, if possible. Because it can get windy on the beach, all hats should fit snugly and/or have chin straps.
– The guides and helpers work hard to ensure that your ride is safe and fun. Tips are not only allowed but encouraged!