The event takes place on the 10,426-acre Lake X Ranch—a magnificent expanse of relatively undisturbed uplands, flatwoods, and wetlands. There are no cattle on the ranch, and the lands are managed using techniques such as prescribed fire to maintain and conserve a mosaic of Central Florida’s unique habitats and ecosystems. Wetlands and wet flatwoods make up a significant portion of the ranch, so be prepared to ride through plenty of water if you
attend during a wet year.

The ranch is owned by the Kenneth Kirchman Foundation, which aims to educate the public—especially children—about Florida’s wildlife and ecology. The foundation partners with the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office and the Osceola County School District to offer unique educational programs, workshops, and field trips.

Nestled within the ranch is the 1,400-acre Lake X, a pristine body of water with an interesting history. Some of boating’s most significant innovations have occurred at Mercury Marine’s Lake X Testing Facility. Founded in 1939 by Carl Kiekhaefer, Mercury Marine needed a winter testing facility. While they have state-of-the-art facilities in Fond du Lac and Oshkosh, Wisconsin—and run test boats on Lake Winnebago and other water bodies during spring, summer, and fall—testing could not take place in the cold Wisconsin winters.

Mr. Kiekhaefer visited Florida in the late 1950s searching for a lake where his team could field test engines and other products during the winter. He selected Lake Conlin in Osceola County, which was remote but conveniently located in Central Florida. The lake was renamed “Lake X” because Mercury Marine could conduct extensive product testing and development in secret, as the secluded lake was surrounded by 10,000 acres of forests and wetlands. Mercury Marine sold the property in 1984 to Kenneth Kirchman—a Florida native, avid outdoorsman, prominent Orlando businessman, and founder of the Kirchman Corporation—who transformed it into a nature preserve. Returning to Lake X in 2017 with a long-term lease from the Kirchman Foundation, Mercury Marine continues testing new technologies, developing products, and collaborating with boat builders. Note: the Lake X Testing Facility is off-limits during the trail ride.

Thanks to generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, and a well-organized event team, nothing is skimped on this trail ride! You can arrive with your horse, set up camp, and register beginning early Thursday morning. Attending the evening camper meeting is mandatory. Camping is unique—set up on and along a one-mile airplane runway that transforms into a bustling camping village. Rigs and RVs park on either side of the paved portion, while horses are kept in portable corrals or other enclosures on the grassy shoulders. Luxury bathroom trailers (yes, even with showers!) are stationed along the runway. The runway’s center becomes a busy travel lane for rigs, horses, wagons, bicycles, and more. A shuttle bus runs each evening along the runway, picking up guests for dinner and returning them to camp after activities, with round trips continuing until the evening’s events conclude.

From Thursday through Sunday, open riding is allowed, and you can enjoy trails, the arena, or the obstacle course at your leisure. However, most riders opt for the guided trail rides, which offer the best way to explore the ranch. Half-day rides are offered on Friday and Sunday, with a full-day guided ride on Saturday. In January, riders could choose between two half-day rides on Friday—one returning to base camp, the other ending at the arena, where everyone enjoyed fabulous freshly grilled burgers and a fun-filled afternoon of arena games and obstacle challenges. Saturday’s all-day ride included a boxed lunch served on the trail.

Bring your appetite and stretchy jeans—delicious dinners are served every evening, complete with a main course, salad, sides, and dessert! For the 2025 ride, the menu included cowboy chicken on Thursday night, a shrimp boil Friday, a steak dinner Saturday, and Italian night on Sunday.

There’s entertainment most afternoons and every evening. With plenty of activities for kids, it’s a great event for the whole family! In January, guests could attend a Police Horse Sensory Clinic on Thursday night, play bingo and learn line dancing on Friday, win raffle prizes and enjoy live country music on Saturday, and participate in a dog show and whip-cracking contest on Sunday, followed by more bingo. Between the riding and all the fun, you’ll have no trouble sleeping at night!

The 2026 ride is scheduled for January 15–19. If you’re interested in participating, join the Lt. Roger Haddock Memorial Trail Ride Facebook® group to receive ride updates. The event is limited to a set number of riders, so register early—it sells out quickly every year. FCM