Many people admit to a secret desire to go horseback riding on the beach. The concept of riding along the water’s edge on a beautiful horse, or cantering through the surf, seems to epitomize a carefree and exhilarating experience. Dream no more. BeachHorses.com of Bradenton can make your fantasies come true!
If you live near or are visiting the Sarasota or Bradenton area, you are fortunate to be close to the only stables in Florida that actually offer horseback riding on the beach. What’s more, they also offer Horse Surfing, and are the only place in the world you can experience this.
Beach Rides with BeachHorses.com
BeachHorses.com have been offering trail rides in the area since 2006. When the 10,000 acre Deer Prairie Creek Preserve was opened to the public in 2008 they saw a wonderful opportunity to provide horseback riding experiences in this beautiful natural Florida landscape. The company now also offers up to two beach rides every day, daylight hours and weather permitting.
Photo courtesy BeachHorses.com
The beach rides and swims are carefully planned to coincide with low tide so there is the maximum amount of firm sand for beach rides.
As well as enjoying a bracing ride along the beach with your guide you can take your horse swimming in the calm waters at Palma Sola Bay. The horses love it as the saltwater is a cooling and refreshing experience for them. It’s a truly fabulous experience that few people ever get to try, so their gift certificates make the perfect surprise for a birthday, graduation or anniversary celebration.
Photo credit Debi Pittman Wilkey
Horses generally need at least 4 feet of water before they lift their hooves and begin to swim. Most swimming horseback rides are in 6-8 feet of water. BeachHorses.com will also teach you how to HorseSurf™ and HorseSki™ as optional extras for those who really feel at home with horses in the water. You may even by joined by some of the playful dolphins that inhabit these waters.
Health and Safety Requirements for Swimming with Horses
Everyone under the age of 16 is required by law in Florida to wear an ASTM/SEI certified equestrian helmet which is provided as part of your swimming horse experience. However, they provide helmets for any rider who wants to wear protective head gear.
Photo courtesy BeachHorses.com
Life jackets are mandatory for anyone under the age of 18 and are optional for adults. They slip on easily over your swimwear and once again they are provided as part of your beach ride adventure.
As you can imagine, these swims are extremely tiring for the thoroughbred polo ponies, quarter horses and other breeds. Swimming against the resistance of water is the equivalent of a strenuous workout for the horses. Although they love the water and look forward to their swim, BeachHorses.com needs to make sure the horses are not overtired so the ride time has to be limited to 45-55 minutes maximum.
If you would like to watch these swimming horses, visit at any low tide during daylight hours and watch the fun from Palma Sola Bay Park – and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture this unique experience.
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