About Black Prong

Black Prong is a unique, 90-acre resort for nature enthusiasts, equestrians, and anyone looking for a tranquil getaway.

Nestled in central Florida directly next to Goethe State Forest, Black Prong is as much a steward of nature as are the equestrians who enjoy its peaceful setting. Whether you’re a traveling horse owner seeking a winter home base or a nature lover seeking quiet day-to-day communion with the forests of central Florida, Black Prong is the relaxing home-away-from-home for each individual. In addition to many on-site lodging opportunities for both humans and horses alike, Black Prong offers venue rental in our pavilion and the expansive grounds for private occasions, corporate events, wellness retreats, and weddings.

Sunsets over black prong family-friendly florida nature resort

Where does the name “Black Prong” come from?

Since the time of the Seminole Indians, the Black Prong ‘drain’—one of the Goethe State Forest’s creeks—has been used to mark the forest’s northeast side. The name “Black Prong” is said to originate as a descriptor for the branching prong of the forest drain system that has dark-stained water due to the tannins released by decomposing pine leaves. When the land was acquired by the Florida State Forest Service, it became the namesake of the Black Prong Trailhead. Our resort is also named after this long-held tradition of the land around us.

Black Prong was acquired in May 2019 by Florida horseman and entrepreneur Reid Nagle and his wife Sarah.

Black Prong was founded in the early 2000’s by Alan and Maureen Aulson, two horse people who split their time between Massachussets and north central Florida. They started the facility as a location that would provide combined drivers a place to visit and train their horses during the winter. That vision quickly evolved to incorporate newly built barns and apartments along with an RV park for many other events outside of combined driving. The facility now hosts herding dog trials, multiple dog shows, and other trail riding and endurance competitions throughout the year. When Reid and Sarah purchased the facility they wanted to continue and expand upon Alan and Maureen’s vision, keeping Black Prong equestrian-focused with an emphasis on accommodating guests and horses in a luxury setting that would take advantage of the 53,000 acre Goethe State Forest which surrounds the Village.