TOP FIVE PLACES IN THE WORLD TO SWIM WITH HORSES
Compiled by www.equinecollective.co.uk
There are so many adventure experiences on offer out there now – from tying yourself to a plastic chair and being thrown off a cliff to the longest Zip Line in the world in the UAE– for us however the most amazing experience in the world has to be swimming with horses.
Whether you are riding or swimming alongside this is the most beautiful marriage of human and horse – especially after a long ride on a hot day in the saddle. The feeling of weightlessness as the horse enters the water is indescribable – to have a 700kg animal powering through the water alongside you before resting in the shallows and allowing you to climb back on board once again is a once in a lifetime experience.
With this in mind we have put together a list of the finest places to swim with horses in the world. Granted they made the grade by also offering incredible post ride experiences from spa safari in Bali to a cocktail at sundown watching over the giraffes in Africa, but all are unified by the bonding of water and horse.
First off must be the incredible Mozambique Horse Safari where Pat, Mandy and Charlotte invite you to come and share in the epic adventures of the 104 horses rescued from South Africa. To start the ride, the guides lead the horse into the sea where there is a sense of excitement as they thrash the water, then lay down to wallow and roll. This is the most wonderful wake up for the horses – equivalent to a splash of cold water for a human. Once the horses have settled riders are invited to to mount bareback and wade out to the deeper water following their guide along the coastline past colourful dhows and sandy beaches towards distant Mangrove trees. As the riders get into the deeper sea they will feel the exploding surge and strength as the horse propels forward. It is an experience that cannot be described, each horse is different and it is truly something not to miss.
This is available from beginners up and prices start from: £50 pp for a day rider Ocean Walk – accommodation is charged seperately.
http://www.mozambiquehorsesafari.com/
Next, we take a skip hop and a jump across to South Africa to experience Horizon Horseback who have been running horseback safaris in Africa since 1993. The home from home company offer three horse safaris (Signature Safari, African Explorer and the Tuli Safari) in South Africa and Botswana and with a huge herd of horses there is something for everyone – from beginners up.
As if galloping alongside giraffes and zebras is not enough the ending to these rides is always marked by this incredible unity of horse and rider as they submerge into the dam and cool off. The feeling of weightlessness as the horse leaves the ground promises to leave guests with a lasting memory.
Prices start from £225 which includes accommodation and meal per person per night.
Third in line and a mere 6,058 miles away to the shores of the remote island of Sumba and the wild horses of NIHI
Each morning the herd of 20 wild horses are released from Sandalwood Stables each morning to gallop along the 2.5km beach and swim in the sea. For guests enjoying a morning coffee at the hotel this is a truly magical spectacle to witness and it is often of some surprise how much the horses then love engaging with the guests – from playing football to swimming together the horses really enjoy the interaction with humans and the stables also offer everything from yoga to meditation and safari spa rides through the jungle to the NIHIoka Spa.
Beach rides range from £75 pp for a one hour ride.
Up next is an option closer to home based in the beloved and well-known Cornwall. We all recognise Cornwall for its captivating scenery, dramatic coastline and spectacular beaches that provide the perfect natural playground for many water sports; but did we include swimming with horses on this list? Whether you are an experienced horse rider or all but a novice, ‘Cornwall Swimming Horses’ will be nothing but the ideal experience for you, with everyone’s horse tailored to their specific needs. During the booking process, you will be assessed on your riding abilities in order to ensure the best outcome, before you are then taken down to the seaside to breathe in the fresh salty air whilst coming face to face with the experience of a lifetime. Not only will you be riding down the beach on top of these majestic animals but you will also be offered the incredible opportunity to venture into the wild waves on horseback for some swimming. At only £150 per person, this 3 hour escape is a must have addition to any Cornish adventure https://www.cornwallswimminghorses.co.uk/
And last but most certainly not least, the Half Moon Equestrian Centre is located on the breath-taking island of Jamaica. Horses aside a trip to Half Moon can include a relax at the spa, an exploration of Jamaican cuisine at their dining hall, the opportunity to visit the famous golf course and let’s not forget the most amazing offer of all, horseback swimming in the turquoise waters. For over 30 years, Half Moon have outdone themselves in creating what can only be described as an irresistible, out of this world and incredible venture. It is one thing to be able to boast that you have swum in the crystal blue seas of Jamaica, but to share your swim with an animal as magical as the horse, is truly a next level experience that anyone would be humbled by. The feeling of being carried effortlessly through the water by these creatures is one that’s completely unmatched and should become number one in your ‘must do’ post lockdown bucket list. https://www.halfmoon.com/activities/equestrian-centre
