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The arrival of cattle ranches spring us forward to the present day horse communities Central Florida offers – a reminder that we are all linked through past actions in history. When the Spanish left Florida, their sturdy horses and cattle remained behind. Pasture fencing did not become commonplace in Florida until the 1950s, so the cattle ranged freely across the land. They were reined in by cowboys’ cracking whips - hence the terms ‘cracker cattle’ and ‘cracker horse’ came into popular use.
The land that is Bella Terra was once a sprawling 450-acre cattle ranch known as the Hosmer H3 Ranch. Generations of Hosmers had been stewards of this land since 1951 - over a half-century of natural preservation by just one family."
During the late 1990’s, Craig Gallagher happened upon this property as he sought outdoor spaces to explore with his young children. He came to realize that he would participate in, and even spearhead the preservation of, this beautiful land as equestrian homes in Florida.
Bella Terra residents appreciate the top equestrian lifestyle. While people in nearby cities count the sighting of a squirrel as a prime wildlife experience, we share much more. The state’s indigenous animals are our neighbors. We enjoy a morning cup of coffee with a sighting of osprey, red-tail hawk and mockingbirds. We’re soothed by shady oaks and pines.
And yet we still feel the presence of the native Tocobago Indians. Tools and arrowheads linked to the tribe are still being unearthed. We are proud to share the tribe’s commitment to the land.
Join us. Live the natural lifestyle as a homeowner in one of the horse communities Central Florida has come to love. Add your family to our timeline, and you’ll become part of the history of this beloved, beautiful land.
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