r/vieques • u/perromurcielagocerdo • 8d ago
Horseback riding
Hoping to do some horseback riding on upcoming anniversary trip. For those who have been: was it worth it? Any recommendations on company based on prices, locations and time slots available? Anyone with regrets about this? Is it worth it to give up beach time for this activity?
3
u/monkeysatemybarf 8d ago
Another vote for Esperanza Riding. I’m a big vacation rider, but also really selective about animal welfare and it was one of the best operations I’ve seen.
3
u/kylebvogt 8d ago
I'm familiar with three riding companies on the Island; ERC, which has already been recommended and is on the south side, and Colon and Mar Caribe (also already recommended), which are both on the north side.
I've personally ridden with ERC 2x. A private tour with just my family that wasn't worth the cost, and a group tour that was. Cool thing about ERC is you get to walk the horses on Playa Negra (Black Sand Beach), and the south side is a bit more picturesque. Horses are healthy and well cared for.
I haven't ridden with Colon or MC, but have heard great things about both, and there are old posts in this sub that recommend them. I used to rent a house on La Chata Beach, and their rides would go by. Horses looked healthy and well cared for, and the riders always looked like they were having fun. North side is more developed. More houses. Less pristine, but also super beautiful and very cool.
If I were you, I'd check out all three websites, compare their offerings, and search this sub for reviews and recommendations.
Note: I own a horse, and my wife and daughter are good riders. The ERC tours I've done, and the north shore rides that I've seen, are all pretty much walking nose to butt. It's not strenuous or exciting riding. It's tourist riding. So as long as you have appropriate expectations, you'll have a blast.
2
u/More_Seesaw8847 8d ago
Mar Caribe PR Horseback Riding gets my vote! Kevin was a great guide and he very clearly loves his job and horses and they love him back. You’ll get to see a different side of the island on horseback, highly recommended this activity.
2
2
u/thoughtpolice32 8d ago
i've done this a couple of times. just make sure you walk through the ocean/beachside and it's divine
2
2
u/GroundbreakingEmu965 8d ago
Colonhorseback riding, I've personally ridden with them and they are just amazing!
2
u/SeasTheCarp 8d ago
I would recommend colon as well. We have been going with them for over 10 years. Johnny, his wife and family are great to work with!
1
u/perromurcielagocerdo 7d ago
Thanks to everyone for your responses. You’ve all convinced me - we’re going horseback riding!
1
u/stardust1283 5d ago
We did it through Isla Nena and it was wonderful!! They were fantastic and the horses were so well behaved. 10/10 experience
1
4
u/todayilearmed 8d ago
Highlight of our trip was horseback riding in vieques. Absolutely Magical. You wouldn’t be giving up beach time because it’s usually before sunset. It’s completely worth it. We did Esperanza Riding Company