Horseback riding on the beach is one of the most idyllic scenarios you could find yourself in. Whether you read about it in a romance novel or saw a picturesque instagram post, you’ve likely daydreamed about it at some point. The good news is that horseback riding on the beach is an incredibly common activity in coastal areas, and you might just be able to make those daydreams a reality if you’re ever in the area. However, you might find yourself wondering, how do the horses feel about it?
Do Horses Like the Beach?
Just like humans, horses have personal preferences, too. The short answer is yes, most horses do enjoy the beach. The texture of the sand is fun for many of them to walk on, just like a child, and many horses love to splash in the water. However, horses can tire easily due to the added resistance that comes with walking on the sand. They have to lift their legs higher and carrying you with them is quite the workout. So, horses do enjoy the beach, but it’s important to not over do it so they don’t get injured.
Many people don’t know this, but horses do often enjoy swimming and are quite good at it. You can’t swim at every beach, the waves need to be very calm or nonexistent and wildlife as well as temperature of the water are also important factors. However, if you find yourself in the perfect scenario with calm, clear waters on a warm day, you just might go for a little paddle with your equine friend. They will likely enjoy it as much as you do, but just like with the sand, everything in moderation is key.
Overall, being at the beach is a great, yet fun workout for most horses. Some horses might be more sensitive than others and won’t enjoy the crashing waves or changes in terrain, but if you choose to go on a guided tour, you can be confident the horse you’re placed with will enjoy the ride as much as you do. It’s just best to be cautious if you bring your own horse to a beach and aren’t sure how they’ll react.
Where Can I Go Horseback Riding on the Beach?
Virtually any well populated coastal area is likely to have several horseback rides that lead to the beach. Places like California, Texas, Florida, and numerous international destinations offer exceptional experiences for riding on the beach. Most of these places will only take a few people at a time though, so if your party is extra large you may want to shop around or go riding in chunks so everyone gets a turn.
Many ranches that offer horseback rides on the beach will offer sunset or sunrise packages for optimal views, and some may specialize in horses that go swimming with you. The safety of you and your horse are what matters above all, so plans may change depending on the weather or other conditions, but you can be certain you’ll have a great time regardless.
Do I Need Experience to go Horseback Riding on the Beach?
The short answer is no, not really. There may be particular excursions with some ranches that require a certain age, level of experience, or have a weight limit. Otherwise, anyone can go. These horses are incredibly well trained if they’re going to the beach on a daily basis, and they’ll be particularly accustomed to new riders. Going for a horseback ride on the beach is a rather popular coastal activity for tourists, so they’ll be able to accommodate brand new riders.
It’s important to follow the instructions that are provided to you though. They’re not just telling you to wear closed toed shoes because they want your feet to sweat, it’s for safety and your own good. Don’t try to get the horse to go any faster or step out of line, and make sure to only go where you are instructed and permitted to go. You can put everyone in danger if you don’t listen carefully, while this is a fun experience it can quickly become a dangerous one if you’re not careful.
Horseback Riding on the Beach
While many horses do enjoy riding on the beach, it can still be a physical challenge for them, so be sure to not overdo it. If you’re going on a guided tour while on vacation, this won’t be a concern as a horse who is used to it will be provided for you. The excursions may look different depending on where you go, so if you want a particular activity such as swimming with your horse, be sure to do your research before you go.
Going for a horseback ride on the beach is something everyone should do at least once in their life. Whether you’re an experienced rider or have never even seen a horse up close, this is something everyone can enjoy. If you choose to go on a guided tour in a coastal area, you’ll be in great hands and provided a horse that will enjoy the ride just as much as you do. If you choose to bring your own horse to a beach somewhere, rest assured it’ll be a lifelong memory for you both.
