horseback riding in half moon cay

[skylar64]

Has anyone done the horseback riding excursion in half moon cay on the Zuiderdam? We are interested in going with some younger children ages 10 and up and wondering how safe and fun it is. Any information would be helpful. Also, has anyone had their children do the treasure hunt or the teen party on halfmoon cay?:) :) :) :cool::eek:

[the2ofus]

I did the horseback riding on Half Moon Cay during our Westerdam 12/12 - 12/19/04 cruise. I have not seen any special info on horseback riding for children. However, I would say that unless your children are already good riders, this probably would not be an appropriate excursion for them. These are beautiful, full-size horses, not ponies.

I had been ON a horse once, many years ago but had never really ridden a horse. I found it very challenging to ride and to try to keep the horse under control and not yank on the reins when I felt insecure. The horses go single file up a long, dusty and rocky trail to the highest point on the island. From there it is downhill over a rocky trail which is very steep at some points. The horses seem quite sure-footed, but it made me very nervous when it would step on a rock and the rock would roll under foot. We all had to wear helmets on this part of the ride. I was very aware of how powerful and heavy the horses were and the damage they could do to me if I fell off or the horse slipped.

When you ride in the water, you are on a saddle pad, not a saddle and there are no stirrups. There is just a strap at the front of the pad to hold on to. The waves can come up and splash right over the horse. My horse seemed to sense that I was a novice and really tested my ability to control, kept wanting to head for the beach, away from the group.

There are two guides and there were eight riders in our group. One person who was very nervous had her horse being led by one of the guides during the whole trip. (I think maybe she was smart.) People who had ridden before seemed to really enjoy themselves. I am glad I tried it but think I would take at least a few riding lessons first, if I had it to do over again.

[MBeamTX]

My sister also did the horseback riding excursion on the Westerdam 12/12 sailing! She is an experienced rider and loved it. She said it was the best shore excursion she had ever done, and certainly the one most worth the money. But I think she would agree that it's not an excursion for children or adults who aren't already at least comfortable on a horse.

Happy sailing,
Susan

[skylar64]

Thank you both for your advice. It does sound like a wonderful excursion. I am an experienced rider but my kids are not and it does sound somewhat challenging. I will look into lessons for them before we go or pass and just hang on the beach. Again, thanks for your input.

Still looking to see if anyone has done the children's activities on Half moon cay!:) :D

[pumpkin123]

Skylar- you can find some more descriptions by doing a Search of horseback riding on HMC

Does anyone know if the saddles are English or Western for the trail portion of the ride?

[iowacruiser]

The ladies (my wife and my buddys wife) went horseback riding at HMC on our Oosterdam stop there Jan 8th.
My wife rides at home and was expecting the horses to be old plugs that just kind of mosey around..
The opposite is true.. The horses are fairly young (4-7 years old) and have some spunk.
My wife says three people got dumped when they went into the ocean but nobody got hurt.
Best advice from her...Have some experience as a rider..
She loved it and the two of them raved about it all afternoon on the beach

[ASM]

DH and I also went riding on the 12/12 Westerdam cruise. We had a blast. DH is very experienced and loved it. I hadn't ridden in years after a a bad fall ( broken back) and enjoyed geting back in the saddle. The ocean swim was a bit much for me. I'm glad I did it but it was much more strenuous than I anticipated. I don't think this is for kids unless they're VERY comfortable on a horse. The saddles are odd. They are more like English with a semi-Western horn, if that makes any sense. The swim blankets have a strap but aren't very secure unless you're pretty good on a horse. I do recommend this for any rider or athletically inclined type. It's great.

[Kate-AHF]

THough I breed warmblood sport horses I stopped riding about 10 years ago when I started the breeding business. I have been on beach rides in Ireland previously, and they were really not for anyone who didn't have a good seat and rode regularly. But they were fun beyond all measure. Glad to read helmets are required. (the saddles sound like Austailian stock saddles. THey are very comfortable and much more secure than an english saddle.)

I am really thinking about this too...it's been so long and it would feel so good to go for a trail ride and a canter in the surf...but can't decide if I want to abandon my husband on HMC for this when we have so little time there anyway. Decisions, decisions.

Great discussion, thank you!

[spcl4cs_gal]

Hmmm now I am starting to have second thoughts about this excursion. I have ridden a horse but that was many years ago now. The on-land portion doesn't sound too bad but the swimming part has me nervous. :(

[ASM]

spcl4cs-gal:
They change saddles, etc. between the two portions of the ride and let you decide if you want to ride in the ocean or just sit at a table and watch. Go for it. You can decide about that part later.

Kate-AHF:
Thanks for the saddle info. My son said it sounded like what he used in Australia so I bet you're right.

[spcl4cs_gal]

ASM - Thanks for that tip. It's not that I mind getting dumped into the water...how do you manage to stay on anyway? The rope sounds a bit lame.

[the2ofus]

My saddle pad slipped sideways after we hit the first few waves and I got dumped into the water. So there I was, a novice, trying to stay on the horse, trying to make him stop while he wanted to keep going, trying not to yank on the reins as I was slipping.

Fortunately, I am limber enough that I could get my feet under me as I went into the water and I stayed right beside my horse and out of the way of the other horses. The guide was with me almost immediately and took the reins. He cinched the saddle pad tighter and I got on and finished the ride, but the guide stayed with me after that.

Only afterward did I consider the possibility that the horse could have stepped on my feet. I definitely would have let go the reins if he had tried to run away.

I suspect the guides would prefer to have only experienced riders, since novices such as myself must be a worry for them.

Oh, I just remembered. We all were required to sign a waiver at the booth on shore before the ride. However, when I asked for a copy of the waiver, they did not have any to give out. Be sure to ask for it on board before the ride.

[tiger1938cb]

On Jan. 26/05, four of us (off the Rotterdam) from one family did the Horseback Riding Tour on HMC, in the afternoon. My wife and I had not ridden since we were small children (and that wasn't yesterday), our daughter-in-law had only ridden once before, and our son had ridden a few times on larger horses.

We found the tour guides to be very patient; and they were excellent teachers for novices. The land trail was tougher than I picture riding on the level. After doing this tour, I would have to say that a modicum of riding experience would be a definite plus. However, we were glad we did this one.

The water part was a blast. The horses used for this loved the water, and actually galloped when in the water; and some of them even got into water deep enough for them to swim. Like some of the previous posters, my riding pad for the water. started to slip, and I ended up being dunked (only one in our group) which was no big deal. Another swim, for the day was refreshing.

It was one of our top four shore tours that we have taken (over six cruises), in spite of our riding inexperience. However, as I said above, a bit of riding experience would be a definite plus for both horse and rider.

I hope this information may be helpful to other novices who may be considering this tour.

[Balliett]

just back from the ride. The land part saddles varied, some were western. I don't think you have to be an experienced rider, but you should be fit. the guides do check you out and try to select the right horse. Ladies in bikinis got more assistance on and off than I did (the only male on the ride). A ten year old kid with horse experience might be OK. All adults on my particular trip. This was a neat (I hesitate to say thrilling, but close to it) ship excersion. On the other hand, folks walking on the far beach might not appreciate the horse poop, lol.

[richnorto]

I've been watching this, and still have questions. My daughter (now 12) had a year of English riding lessons on horses (7- 12 years old) with an experienced instructor. A couple of the horses were not comfortable with children/inexperienced riders and although she was never thrown, ... this is a trip she want's to try. Without a ring and a coach for control of the animals, what do you think? I've already decided my 9 and 13 year old (inexperienced riders) do not need to go. Is there enough to keep them happy at the beach? I've heard the Watertrax requires driver's license and my son won't have his boat license till May.? Waterpark too juvenile?

[spcl4cs_gal]

just back from the ride. The land part saddles varied, some were western. I don't think you have to be an experienced rider, but you should be fit. the guides do check you out and try to select the right horse.

Check you out? What do you mean by this? Height and weight? Riding experience? How skimpy your bikini is? :(

[steelcity5044]

just did on January 29th cruise on Zuiderdam. I am a very noivice rider and was scared to death but it was the greatest thing I ever did. The land portion was actually scarier than the sea. I found the sea part to be much much easier because no fear if fall off. Also horses seemed much more relaxed and like they were having more fun. The land portion was scary because go up and down hills with shells and rocks that horses slip on and some pretty steep. but I had a blast and would do again in a heart beat. Best thing I have ever done. Guides are really good and knew I was scared so stayed by me and continually asked if I was ok. They will be more than willing to help you out!!

[spcl4cs_gal]

Still nervous about this excursion since I haven't been on a horse in years...how quickly do the horses go while on land and/or in the water? How does one manage to keep the mat (and yourself) on the horse while it is swimming? Someone mentioned that the guides "check you out"...what is meant by this? Any input here would be great. Just trying to decided whether or not to cancel this excursion.

[Balliett]

I was one of the last to be assigned a horse (two weeks ago). I watched the guides carefully. They would bring out a horse, scan the crowd and pick a rider. I can only guess they picked by size and temperament (of both). Once you were on a horse, you parade around a corral until all riders have mounts. I think they watched you ride around the corral, to assess your level. In the water, I noticed that one guiide led a woman's horse by the reins. I think they decided she was anxious and needed more assistance. At the end, some riders dismounted on a little stairs, but they just told me to hop off...but a guide was right there if I had stumbled. Bottom line: They really really don't want anyone injured or overly frightened. Jim

[mojodani]

We did the ride with SteelCity. The guides have you stand in single file, shoulder-to-shoulder, to "size you up" so to speak to match you with a suitable horse.

DD is 12 and had never ridden, nor had DH. I had not been on a horse in 15 years and only once. We used a platform to mount the horses and the guides adjusted the stirrups. Individually, the guides led us to the corral and gave us pointers, the main one being to keep a distance between the horses -- "No butt sniffing!" -- and then we circled the ring for about 15-20 minutes until all pax were mounted.

Staying on the horse in the water was no easy task! Being middle-aged probably didn't help. Hug the horse tightly with your thighs and enjoy the ride!

The water park (near the tender dock) is at the opposite end of the beach from the stables. My 12 yo had fun there also with another pax she had met at Club HAL. There was a 20-something yo fella there at the water park who was having the time of his life on the slides.

Joni

[spcl4cs_gal]

Ok this makes me feel a bit more relaxed about this excursion. I am quite tall but I think that I should wear a sign around my neck that reads "anxious rider on board" so that there is no doubt what type of horse I get. :)

[Pudgesmom]

richnorto-

The ring and the coach are not what kept your daughter safe during her riding lessons. Horses are prey and pattern animals and they seek comfort and safety. Most trail rides are very safe because the horses follow a pattern. It is almost impossible to get them to do anything else, for example back up or turn around. It sounds like this excursion has a little less of a pattern, particularly in the water portion. I would not send my child unless he or she had bareback riding experience and could control a horse on their own. JMHO

Beth

[debjo]

I've been searching around for a cruise line that has a horseback riding excursion and have discovered Holland America. I'm in the very beginning stages of planning a cruise for my 50th birthday in 2006. Among the many items on my "to do list" is cantering a horse along a beach and then swim with them through the waves. I used to go swimming on my first horse in the farm pond back in the 70's...what a rush! That feeling when your horses feet are no longer touching the soil beneath the water and becomes a buoyant creature gliding along is a thrill. And, it sure beats the amount of work the rider has to do to keep in time with the bounce of a trot on land!! I've had many riding and show horses through the years and now find myself with a barn full of registered miniature horses...all of which are too small to ride! I would term myself an experienced rider who, sadly, hasn't been able to ride, for lack of a full-sized horse, in three years. Undoubtedly, my "riding muscles" are very out-of-shape.

My husband is a novice rider (who hasn't ridden in about 10 years) and in order to get him to join me on this excursion, I need to assuage some of his concerns too.

So, back to my dream...having read about this land & water horseback riding excursion with HAL on Half Moon Cay...I now have a few questions for the horsey set that has enjoyed this excursion:

1. Do you really ride the horses, or are you merely a passenger? In other words, does being an experienced rider lessen the "joy" of this experience because the horses just "do their own thing" because they've done it day in and day out for too long?

2. Is the land portion and the water portion of this "ride" limited to riding at a walk only? I really would LOVE to canter on the beach and in the water!

3. Did you find the tack and equipment in good repair and the horses well cared for? Are the horses barefoot or do they wear horseshoes?

4. I don't relish riding barefoot, nor riding in a swimsuit. I understand the "water" aspect of things...I'd prefer to do the ride, at least, in some old jeans and a tee-shirt (over my swimsuit) to prevent chafing and saddle sores, with at least some sneakers or water shoes on my feet (barefeet around horses doesn't seem safe to me...water or not!). Those of you who've done this excursion...do you think my preferred "attire" would be acceptable?

5. With the time spent pairing up horses & riders, and some limited instruction for safety, how much time is actually spent on the land portion of this ride...and how much time is spent on the beach in the water?

Well, that's all the questions for now...hope to hear from anyone with some insights and answers...thanks in advance for your sage words of wisdom.

Debjo

[super_grover]

Hi there. I will try to answer all of your questions, if you need more info just let me know :)
I did the excursion about 2 weeks ago from the Zuiderdam.

1. Do you really ride the horses, or are you merely a passenger? I would book a morning time if you can to lessen the "out all day" factor. I am what I would concider an experienced rider so I will give you my opinion. The land portion is only walking but there are some steep hills that give a bit of a thrill. I would say that you are mostly a passanger but knowing how to ride does help. I had fun. Western tack, by the way.

2. Is the land portion and the water portion of this "ride" limited to riding at a walk only? I really would LOVE to canter on the beach and in the water! As far as I know it is but you could ask the guides if you could canter on the beach. Who knows, they might let you if you demonstrate to them that you know what you are doing.

3. Did you find the tack and equipment in good repair and the horses well cared for? Are the horses barefoot or do they wear horseshoes?
They looked as healthy or healthier than your average trail ride horses. I think being in the water for part of the time helps with the heat issue. Tack was fine, sturrups and cinch adjusted for each rider. The horses are shod on the front and back, I am pretty sure. I remember at one point noticing shoes but I don't remember if it was on all fours or only the front.

4. I don't relish riding barefoot, nor riding in a swimsuit. I understand the "water" aspect of things...I'd prefer to do the ride, at least, in some old jeans and a tee-shirt (over my swimsuit) to prevent chafing and saddle sores, with at least some sneakers or water shoes on my feet (barefeet around horses doesn't seem safe to me...water or not!). Those of you who've done this excursion...do you think my preferred "attire" would be acceptable? The land portion is done with clothing over your bathing suit. Those who showed up in shorts had the saddle covered with a towel to prevent chafing. Some wore water shoes in the water. I am a little confused by the wording of your question but I am sure that if you wanted to wear your jeans and shirt in the water too that would be fine. Remember that there is no "saddle" in the water (read:no lether to chafe). The swimming pad is fabric of somekind.

5. With the time spent pairing up horses & riders, and some limited instruction for safety, how much time is actually spent on the land portion of this ride...and how much time is spent on the beach in the water? The land portion took about 20 minutes for my group but we were behind schedule (see my zuiderdam review for a longer explanation) and the beach ride probably was about the same amount of time, maybe 15 minutes.

IMHO totally worth it, experienced rider or not :) I would definately ask the guides when you are there about cantering on the beach, they are super nice.

[debjo]

For super_grover...
I million thanks for all your answers :D ...you are just the person I was looking for. I'd love to read your review...could you tell me how to find it?

I really appreciate, coming from your level of riding experience, your encouragement to take this excursion. Years ago, when I still had my "large" riding/show horses, I was in the Pocono's and went on a "trail ride" with some friends. It wasn't a great experience...the horses all seemed to be on their "last legs"...literally. :( I felt so sorry for them and wanted to bring them all home to let them run in the pasture for a year to bring their spirits back. With that poor experience, I really didn't want to "disappoint" myself again. Thanks for your high recommendation of the Half Moon Cay riding excursion. ;)

Debjo

[super_grover]

No problemo :) If you click on my user name it will let you "find all posts". You can get to the reviews that way.
I hope you have a good time. It's not exactly Rolex or The Nation's Cup but it's fun if you know what you are getting into.

[JaniceB]

I read somewhere that the horses are between 5 and 10 years old and that they are well cared for. We are doing this excursion on our March 19th cruise. Thanks for asking how long the ride is. I had been wondering the same thing. Thanks Super_Grover for the review.