Florida the Original Ranchland-Indiantown Rodeo

When you watch the rodeo don't forget that Florida was the first place in the new world where horses and cattle landed more than four centuries ago. The stock has been roamin' around the 'Gator State* since De Soto, the Spanish explorer, landed at Charlotte Harbor on Florida's west coast in 1531. Rodeos, cowboys and roundups are as natural to Florida as to the far west. The first cowboys were Indians, fine horsemen and skilled riders. This was long before cattle and horses appeared on the western plains of Texas. Even around Indiantown years ago, enormous herds of cattle roamed in their wild state. New blood lines were introduced into Florida some 40 years ago and today the 'Gator State' ranks high as a national cattle producer.