Shore Excursions

[JoeyandDavid]

On our upcoming cruise we have numerous opportunities to go horseback riding both inland and on the beach. All the tours seem to be similar in that they are 4 hours @ 80 usd a person (ball park rounding prices)

My questions: <]

First, Has anyone every done this adventure on a shore excursion and if they have would they please post observations.

Secondly, if you have not done this ..why?

[mercedes]

My DH did this in St. Lucia on the beach and had a wonderful time, he said it was very relaxing and exhilarating, it was his first time and he does it at every opportunity. I did not, the horse seemed awfully big, it rolled its eyes at me, and I said no way :smiley:

[JoeyandDavid]

Just had a visual LOL :grin:

[Suzila]

I am not a 'horse person'...proven to be not my thing after a bad experience at a dude ranch years ago. Horses and I don't get along.

However, there were two ladies we met on a cruise who did a 4 hour horseback excursion in Mexico. They had both been horseback riding before, but it wasn't a usual activity for them. While they loved it, they both said it was too long and they were extremely sore the next day.

If it's something you're used to doing, then I say go for it...if not, it may be too much for you.

[JoeyandDavid]

Great point Sue .. Thanks... it would tend to tenderize a rump roast now wouldn't it! :grin:

[hazelson]

I am used to horses - my first husband got a little loaded at a Kinsmen meeting and ended up buying our daughter a pony. From then on (aged 6) until she was all grown up (so to speak lol) she had a horse. We never had acreage so she always boarded out. One day I will add it all up - I think I worked most of the time so she could havbe a horse. That being said I love them - the smell especially.

We did the ride with Randi's Happy Horses in Mazatlan and would not have missed it for anything. I had a broken shoulder a few months before and my concern was that I would miss the ride but I managed just fine. DH had never been on a horse before and he loved every minute of it. Horses can be intimidating because of their size but most are very gentle and willing to please. They also tend to "follow the leader" so there is not much that can go wrong :rolleyes:

Just get to know your horse before you get on - a couple of carrots from the buffet go a long way :grin: and they like a gentle voice and a firm hand. Oh - and wear long pants and sturdy shoes.

Do it - by all means! But keep it to a nice slow walk - don't try a teeth- rattling gallop lol.

[Lisa63]

I haven't done a horseback riding excursion for two reasons. First, my husband and I are both... shall we say... "fluffy" and I don't want to hurt the horses. Second, I think it would scare our son.

Yet, nearly every passenger I have spoken with that has done this type of excursion gave it high marks, especially those that rode on the beach.

[TheSkipper]

Have not done it either. Weight limit is usually 225 lbs and I'm about 10 lbs over the limit. Don't want to kill the poor horse. We did go riding at Christmas here in Las Vegas and the horse they assigned me looked about the size of a Clydesdale! But, she was very gentle and a lot of fun except I walked like John Wayne for two days afterward.

[JohnG]

The horseback riding along the beach and in the water is offered at Half Moon Cay, the Holland America private island that Carnival is now also using. It has been voted the most beautiful private island, and this excursions sells out regularly.

[popsec]

It's odd that I've always had horses (and make my living now selling horse tack) and I've never been on one of the horseback excursions. I'm not sure why not as it was always a fantasy of mine to gallop a horse on the beach. Guess maybe age has finally caught up with me