Today is
National "I Love Horses" Day. Horses played an important role in Jungle history. The first horses arrived in
the Jungle in 1528 when the
Narváez Expedition landed at the Jungle Prada Site ‒ they were among the earliest horses introduced to the New World by the Spanish. The horses were beloved by the conquistadors and they played a crucial role in the first inland exploration of North America. Ultimately, the all of the horses and all but four of the expeditionary force perished in the harsh conditions. To honor their sacrifice, the Spanish named a bay to the north of Panama City, Florida, Bay of the Horses.
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| Proposed monument on St. Petersburg's waterfront to the Narváez Expedition also honors the horses. Source: The History Council |
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Bay of the Horses
source:http://www.floridahistory.com/vaca-1a.html |
Horses were a familiar sight in the Jungle from 1925 until 1941. When Walter P. Fuller began making improvements to the Jungle neighborhood in 1925, a major part of his plan included the Jungle Riding Academy, Jungle stables and a Jungle polo team. There were 15 miles of bridle paths for horseback enthusiasts through the scenic Jungle in what is now Azalea Park. In an arena next to the Jungle Hotel, there was a big annual horse show with competitors from around the country. Thoroughbred horses from Kentucky and elsewhere wintered in the Jungle with their human companions from the north. The Jungle horses competed in horse shows and were featured in parades across Florida.
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| St. Petersburg Times January 26, 1928 |
The following article mentions a ribbon won by Julia Ruth, the daughter of Babe Ruth, at a junior horse show competition at the Jungle Country Club:
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| St. Petersburg Times February 26, 1934 |
