Randi's Happy Horses Questions-Victor's Restaurant Question?

[CoolCanadian]

What did you order for lunch? How much money should I bring to pay for lunch for a family of four people and no beer (three kids 16., 14 and 10). Why is this excursion so popular? We're first time riders. Any advice? I don't want to go as slow as a pony ride but we've never been on a horse before and I'd like to learn as much as possible. We're really excited. Randi has received so many good reviews! :D

Thanks, Susan

[morriscats]

For our family of 4 we had a plate of garlic shrimp, a plate of breaded shrimp, onion rings, guacamole and chips - more than enough - along with beer, cokes, etc and the bill was $25.00. So reasonable. And good. Randi is a kick - he tells you all about the island as you ride in the cart to the horses. If there are babies born, she shows you them and you meet her staff. The ride is what you want it to be - some just walked along, some galloped. Whatever you want. My horse liked walking in the water on the beach - You will love this tour. Sit and talk to Randi when you get to Victors - tell her hi from us.

[JohnQ]

we also rode with Randi. The tour is a chance to take a walk (or ride I guess!) back in time about 40yrs to see what Mexico used to be like. There is very little modern on Stone Island. Randi arranges all transportation, gets you situated on best horse for you and your experience. You can ride as close to or far back from others, horses know where to go, the beach is nice, take lots of pictures. We didn't take video with us since we didn't know what to expect. Randi's people will take all your extra stuff to Victors after ride. Nice laid back day and the riding is not hard, as we had not ridden for at least 30 yrs.

[Belgarion42]

I've been reading a lot about Victor's, and it's good to get an idea here how much $$ to bring. But I have another question: Since the food is so good, I'd love to try to bring some home. Is that possible, or is it maybe possible to have them ship it to us? I know it wouldn't be exactly the same as eating it there, but it might still be very good.

[coolcat12]

Randi's sounds so fun. We are riding with her in March and I can't wait. I have some questions though...Do people swim at the beach after the ride? If so is there anywhere to change clothes? Did you carry a backpack or anything? Thanks!

Jill

[JohnQ]

Jill,

There is a restroom at Victors to change in. When we went in Feb, lots of people had shorts on, some with a bathing suit underneath. From past posts on the subject, many of the women say to definitely wear a sport bra or whatever for support (not my area of expertise!!)

 

You should have 1 1/2-2hrs at Victors. A few of our group got their feet wet, some just sat and drank beer with Randi, or just enjoyed the peace. There are a few vendors who will offer you opportunities, but if you don't want to be bothered, they are gone. Randi had a guard standing there to make sure. They will bring your backpack etc over to Victors, but be sure and take your camera with you for pictures. Tony and Maria will take pictures of people on the other end of the beach before heading for Victors. Sometimes they will drop you off in the Golden Zone for shopping on the way back if you ask in advance.

[dmk]

What's the best thing to wear riding with Randi's horses?

[Cruisin Rick]

We went with Randi's last time in Mazatlan. She pick's you up at the pier and has transportation for you to the dock to Stone Island. It's a working fishing pier and be sure to have your camera ready. They could name this "Pelican City". Those Pelicans are everywhere just waiting for scraps from the fishing boats. Once on Stone Island, which is directly across from where you dock, you get on a cart pulled by a tractor and are taken through a small community of modest homes to where you'll meet your trusty steed. ( make sure you don't get Diablo...lol) As somebody said, it's like going back in time, literally.

 

We were novice riders but they went through some simple instructions for us city folk. Then you mount up and start riding towards the Mango fields. Randi let's you kind of do your own thing as long as you stay with the group. She even tells you this isn't a head to tail ride . After you pass through the fields, you enter the beach and we had our picture taken on our horses with the surf in the background. We enlarged that photo and framed it! Don't miss out on a great photo op .

 

At the end of the ride, you'll find your way to Victor's. It's a thatched covered dining area on the beach. Randi buys you a drink or soda and the food is up to you. We had a seafood combo plate and it was very good. I didn't really care for the people walking around the table trying to sell their goods but Randi held them off untill after we ate. I guess you just have to expect that in Mexico..

 

After the meal, you get back into the cart and it's a reverse transport to your ship. Randi escorts you all the way back.

BTW, Randi had some T-Shirts for sale that say's "Randi's Happy Horses" My wife bought one and still wears it occasionally. She's always wondered if someday, somebody will say..." I've been there!".... but not yet!

 

At any rate, this is a fun excursion and one you'll remember. Much better than walking around the Golden Zone looking in shops. Do it.

[morriscats]

DMK,

I wore capris - my grandaughters and daughter wore shorts but kept their beach towel and put it over the sadle. They did fine - it was really hot the day we rode. Sandals are fine too - just make sure they are the kind with straps to keep them on your feet. When you get your horse, make sure one of the helpers adjust the stirrups - mine were too long and my feet went to sleep! We had so much fun though and the memories of the grandkids and kids riding on that beach will be with Nana and Papa will be with us always. Enjoy!!

[dmk]

Thanks, morriscats.

 

Capris sound like a good idea ( thin ones ). I had thought of shorts but was concerned about the chafing of the saddle.

[megsterl]

im going a rcl cruise and wondering if this tour is offered through there excursions. let me know what the name of the tour that im looking for. i keep hearing the name of the operator but im not seeing that on rc excersion page. if anyone can help that would be geat happy sailing

[Cruisin Rick]

Hey Megsterl,

 

Randi's excursion isn't offered by the cruise lines. You book it yourself with Randi online. You pay after your ride while sipping a brewski at Victors. I wish I had her e-mail but it's not hard to find if you look around.

By the way, she picks you up at the ship and escorts you back to the dock. she know's the routine well.

[megsterl]

so it is safe to take an excursion that isnt booked through the cruisline. i dont want to sound like im a "stupid american", but i have heard a lot of horror stores about people taking private tours.

[Cruisin Rick]

I would say it's very safe. It's right across from the dock where your ship is. Randi has done this for a long time and she get's you back to the ship in PLENTY of time. I also am hesitant on many non-ship related excursions but I wouldn't be concerned on this one.

[D4]

Don't be afraid to book with Randi. She's from the US and moved to Mazatlan years ago. Her helpers are Mexican but also speak English and they're very helpful. And you don't pay until your ride is over.

 

We rode with her in July. It was our 10th cruise and we've never had so much fun on an excursion. We had never ridden before and the horses they matched us with were perfect.

 

I think it's best that you can't book Randi through the cruiseline. She offers a great ride for a small number of people and you get very personal attention. Anything through the cruiseline would be a huge number of people and horses and it would be very impersonal.

[candigirl41]

I have gone with Randi twice and never had a problem getting back with extra time for a beer and shopping at the portside location. If you need her e-mail just e-mail me at

candigirl41@aol.com

 

Candi

[JJPNYC]

One clothing tip from my wife is to wear a sports bra. A very simple tip but one also that from what I gathered most people over-look.

 

But yes, I just did Randi's a couple of weeks ago and she and the horses are everything you've heard and then some. For us, this was the highlight of the trip. Plus a great side benefit is that Stone Island is not a tourist trap in any regard so you get an authentic Mexican experience.

[Belle]

I've rode with Randi two times and will be riding with her again in five weeks!

You'll love it..don't hesitate to book with her. Wonderful person!

 

I wore capri pants and sandals with buckles so they wouldn't fall off while I was riding.

 

Another hint, I take a small purse that goes over my shoulder/neck and take

an instant camera for pictures. It takes good pictures and in case I would drop it, I'm not ruining a good camera. It fits in the purse with my sail & sign card and my money for Randi and Victors.

 

Bon Voyage !

[Bmrsmom]

My husband and I just got back from Randi's Happy Horses, we had a blast, the food at Victors was very good, a nice relaxing day, did enjoy the element of Mexico. The people are very friendly. I would give this a definate DO, you won't regreat it.

[Iggipolka]

Can you pay Randi and for the food at Victor's with US Dollars?

[candigirl41]

Iggipolka, Yes you can pay with U.S. dollars. Have a great trip.

 

Candi

[Iggipolka]

Great! Thanks. I have to say that I'm impressed with how quickly Randi responds to emails. I emailed her at 11pm 2-5-05 and there was a response from her waiting in my mailbox at 7am 2-6-05! She did say that she's having problems with her hotmail address and to email her at: randi@randishappyhorses.com

 

Woohoo! Randi's Happy Horses is the first 1st shore excursion i've booked for my upcoming cruise! :>

[mrspoppypuff]

Does anyone know the maximum number of riders Randi will accept?

[JohnQ]

I think she normally takes up to 12 in a group, but not sure if she has one ot two more horses if needed for a couple more? We had about 10-12 with her helpers Tony, Maria, and Randi.

[jelbnl]

Does anyone know the maximum number of riders Randi will accept?

I can tell you that she sometimes takes more than 12. We're on the Magic in July, and a group of 15 of us have reserved with Randi. So, we're going to be a big group!