Dark horse

At the annual Horse-A-Ween celebration, the woods are filled with fright while horse play carries on.

By JANE BOKUN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 26, 2001

CITRUS PARK -- In the Breeze Ranch hosts its annual Horse-A-Ween celebration this weekend with ghosts, witches and the occasional black widow spider adding to the equestrian mix.

"Come on out and we'll scare the pants off of you," said Murphy McNabb, a manager at the 300-acre ranch north of Linebaugh Avenue.

The celebration this year includes bonfires, marshmallow and hot dog roasts, games and horse rides. Woods throughout the property will be peppered with hanging skeletons and youth volunteers geared up for Halloween fright.

"We'll have kids hiding in the bushes ready to jump out," McNabb said. The 10- to 16-year-old volunteers help out at the ranch in exchange for riding privileges. They will try not to frighten younger children with their antics, McNabb said.

The event, open to children of any age, will be repeated from 6 to 9 p.m. on Halloween. Entrance to the ranch is free. The only charge, McNabb said, will be for refreshments and rides.

Pony rides will be offered at $2 for 15 minutes and hayrides for $4 per person from 6 to 11:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday. Family hayrides will cost $15. Children and adults also can ride horses for $15 an hour.

In The Breeze is at 7514 Gardner Road. For information, call (813) 264-1919.

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