Are you searching for the perfect place to swim with your horse? Riding on your horse as it moves through the water is an incredible experience. To fully enjoy swimming with your four-legged companion, it’s important to pick a safe location that allows you to have fun without compromising safety or beautiful scenery.
Swimming on horseback offers a one-of-a-kind and thrilling adventure, combining the pleasure of riding horses with the liberating sensation of swimming. Riding along the sandy beaches, the rhythmic sound of hooves mingles with the gentle crash of waves, creating a serene atmosphere. Swimming on horseback in these beautiful locales is an extraordinary way to explore and bond with the horse and the environment.
Awareness of local regulations and safety guidelines is essential when planning such activities. For instance, in the UK, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ensures that horse riders have the right to access certain public lands, including pathways leading to suitable swimming spots. Following these laws and guidelines, riders can safely enjoy the unforgettable experience of swimming on horseback in some of the world’s most beautiful natural settings.
Here are our top picks of our favorite places to swim on horseback in the USA. We’ve also included the must-visit sites that offer swimming sessions with horses outside the USA. Now, let’s explore the list:
1. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
The stress-relieving ocean breeze is even better when riding a horse exploring Garden City and Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. You can even take your horse into the water and swim with the friendly tour guides for an unforgettable experience.
2. Sweetgrass Creek, Montana
The Sweetgrass Creek River offers a scenic view in Montana and is also an ideal place to swim with a horse as the water drops from the spring run-off. A family-owned cattle ranch in the stunning national park offers horse riding holidays perfect for wannabe cowboys and pleasure riders who want to swim in the creek.
3. Bradenton, Florida
You can also take horses into the refreshing water for a swim in Palma Sola Bay in Bradenton, Florida. It’s a warmer destination and an ideal spot for beach riding and swimming, and if you’re a little daring, you can even try horse surfing there. No need to worry about losing your balance because the warm Florida waters will cushion you if you fall. It offers a unique experience that is more than just the typical beach ride, but this is definitely a spot for more experienced riders.
4. Bonaire’s Lac Bay in the Caribbean
Once you reach the white sand beach in Lac Bay, you’ll have the chance to experience a rare bareback swim with your four-legged buddy. The water depth gradually increases so your horse has a steady transition from wading to swimming while the guide supervises you to ensure you’re safe and having fun.
5. Dominica
The Caribbean has much more to offer; it’s one of the most pristine beaches, and Dominica has one of the best beaches. Since it is covered with rainforest and mountain slopes, you and your horse can enjoy a ride through the unique forestry before heading to cool off in the crystal waters. The perfect place to experience the adventurous trails and try bareback swimming with a horse.
6. St. Croix, US Virgin Islands
This exciting destination in the US Virgin Islands offers two exciting and unique horseback rides, including beach swims. Whether you’re exploring the island’s scenic north shore or its beautiful west coast, your eyes will have a fantastic treat- the beauty of nature. You can also take the horse into the water, take the sunset ride, and get a tour of its most beautiful landmarks.
7. Keratokambos, Crete, EU
The stunning beaches, beautiful sunshine, and archaeological sites make Crete an ideal holiday destination. It’s also considered a horse-riding paradise where you can explore its craggy mountains, quaint villages, and beautiful olive groves on horseback with horses from Odysseia Stables. You can also enjoy swimming with the horses in the clear water of the Libyan Sea, which doubles the fun experience.
8. Bali, Indonesia
This tropical paradise in Indonesia, filled with green forests, blue waters, stunning beaches, and coral reefs, is also a perfect place to swim on horseback. With the help of local operators and trekking centers, you can experience this fantastic activity while enjoying the beautiful green backdrop.
9. Vilanculos, Mozambique
Mozambique’s white-sand beaches also offer many opportunities to explore and enjoy the relaxing place with a trail ride. If the tide permits, you can dip in the Sea with a four-legged companion, which will be fun and refreshing.
World’s Best Stables That Offer “Swimming With Horse” Sessions
1. Tampa, Florida
A classic Ranch called “In The Breeze” was established in Florida and offered free swimming lessons with equines. You can choose between two swimming locations – the beachside swimming hole and the natural lake. You are guaranteed to enjoy a relaxing experience without compromising safety since the guides will look out for you along the way, and the water stays above 22 degrees all year round.
Price: 75 minutes for £74 per person
2. Buccoo, Tobago
A stable called “Being with Horses’ in Tobago provides an opportunity to learn more about natural horsemanship in a unique environment. You can try riding a horse while swimming on the shallows of the beautiful turquoise ocean and across the bay and even venture on an education tour of a local castle.
Price: £74 per person
3. Gros Islet, St. Lucia
If you’re looking for a fun tour for you and your horse on a tropical island, a stable known as “Island Riders” might be the one for you. The tour includes a stop at a nearby bar offering refreshments, a ride along the white sand beach, and a splash in the island’s turquoise ocean with the horses. You can also choose what kind of scenery you prefer. Whether you opt for a beach, grassland, or village, the guide will happily grant your choice of tour and make sure you have a fun time.
Price: 2 hours for £37 per person
4. Carn Marth Lake, Cornwall
Wheal Buller Riding School’s offering in Redruth, Cornwall, offers a saddle-free swimming experience with horses in the English Countryside. Bring your swimming costume, towel, and clothes in your backpack, and let the life jackets do the job while you enjoy swimming on horseback. You can also try out other riding trips they offer, like beach excursions, and join the pub-stop Sundays and “own a pony” days (a great event for young cowboy wannabes).
Price: ‘Afternoon swim’ for £45 per person
5. Al Sahra Desert Resort, Dubai
If you thought you couldn’t swim on horseback in desert country, then the Desert Ranch will prove you wrong, as you can swap camels for a horse in the stable. The ranch has many horses, but you can also bring your horse to freely ride from the stables to the beach, where your equine can enjoy the water. They also hold swimming with horses sessions every Monday from 7 am to 9 am, perfect for equine enthusiasts and those looking to start swimming with horses.
Swimming on horseback is more than just an activity—it’s a journey that allows you to connect with nature in a profound way. Each destination offers its unique charm and beauty. So saddle up, dive in, and embark on an unforgettable adventure that combines the freedom of horseback riding with the exhilaration of swimming in some of the world’s most stunning locales.
