Welcome to Anna Maria Island, where horseback riding is one of the best things to do!
In this blog post, we’ll go EVERYTHING you need to know about horseback riding Anna Maria Island.
Let’s take a look at some of the Frequently Asked Questions about horseback riding on Anna Maria Island.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Unique experience: Horseback riding on Anna Maria Island offers a rare opportunity to ride horses along beautiful beaches and through shallow waters, especially during breathtaking sunsets.
- Diverse options: There are two main horseback riding experiences available on the island: beach rides and trail rides. Beach rides provide a scenic coastal experience, while trail rides through Deer Prairie Creek Preserve offer wildlife spotting opportunities.
- Experienced providers: Three major companies—C Ponies, The Real BeachHorses, and Gulf Coast Ponies—offer horseback riding services on the island. Prices vary, with beach rides averaging $100 to $150 per person, and special excursions costing more.
What to expect from Horseback Riding Anna Maria Island?
Horseback riding Anna Maria Island is a unique activity. How often in your life will you be riding horses on a beach during a sunset?
In short, there are 2 OPTIONS for Horseback riding on Anna Maria Island: the Beach rides or the trail rides.
Beach horseback ride
On the one hand, you can expect to ride along the beautiful beaches and even in the shallow waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
For couples looking for a special and romantic experience, consider the SUNSET Platinum Excursion.
Like the classic beach excursion, your horses will take you for a swim in the sea, but you have the added benefit of watching a beautiful sunset while you ride!
The peaceful sound of the waves crashing and the warm sun on your skin made this a truly unforgettable ride for us.
Trail horseback ride
On the other hand, the trail ride option is popular if you want to have a relaxing ride with great wildlife spotting opportunities.
This relaxing activity lasts around 2 hours and takes you on a winding trail through the Deer Prairie Creek Preserve.
During the trail ride, you will see tons of WILDLIFE, such as deer, alligators, armadillos, bald eagles, and more! The trail ride is perfect for all levels, including children aged eight and up.
The rides always happen under the guidance of one of the experts from the organizations.
DID YOU KNOW: Florida Beach Horses, the horses used for beach rides, are rescued from terrible conditions and given a new lease on life.
Take a look here for the Lonely Planet Guide on Anna Maria Island.
Companies Offering Horseback Riding on Anna Maria Island
Three major companies provide a horseback riding service on Anna Maria Island: C Ponies, The Real BeachHorses, and Gulf Coast Ponies.
1) C Ponies offers beach horseback rides into the beautiful water at Palma Sola Bay, near Anna Maria Island.
Horseback riding with C Ponies offers a unique mix of riding and swimming. Owner Carmen Herrmann Hanson has carefully chosen and trained her horses to ensure a safe and fun experience for all.
Carmen, an experienced horsewoman, is the fourth generation of horse trainers in her family. She opened C Ponies Beach Horses to share her love for coastal riding.
This ride is unlike any other. Mounting is easy with the provided steps, and sitting high in the saddle offers a unique view of marine life. The large, gentle horses make riders feel secure as they walk along the beach and through the water.
2) The Real BeachHorses started as a local company offering beach horseback riding and has expanded to include other services.
3) Gulf Coast Ponies is another reliable option for horseback riding, but detailed information about their services was not readily available from the sources provided.
Some of the companies have over a decade of experience in horse handling and a fully trained staff.
How much does it cost to ride the horses on Anna Maria Island?
The cost of horseback riding on Anna Maria Island varies depending on the company and type of ride you choose. On average, a ONE-HOUR beach ride ranges from $100 to $150 per person.
*A Surf Sunset Ride or a sunset platinum excursion can cost 160 USD per person.
Private rides and longer excursions have higher prices. It’s best to check with each company directly for their specific pricing and any potential discounts they may offer.
Make sure you have travel insurance to avoid the burden of EXPENSIVE medical bills in case of an injury! You can check out below how expensive it would be for your holiday! Lucky for you, we partner with VisitorsCoverage who offer the lowest medical insurance!
Why are the horses called Drum horses?
Drum horses are famous for their role in ceremonial occasions, particularly within military and royal contexts, where they carry large, decorative kettledrums.
These horses are specially trained to remain calm in the presence of loud noises and crowds, making them ideal for parades, and, in this case, beach or trail rides.
Typically, drum horses are large and strong, often of the Shire, Clydesdale, or other draft breeds, which can easily bear the weight of the drums and the rider.
Carmen meticulously trains her horses, ensuring they are safe gentle, and have a love for water and swimming. Each of her drum horses is registered with the International Drum Horse Association (IDHA).
What should I wear for horseback riding?
It’s important to dress appropriately for your horseback riding experience.
This includes wearing closed-toe shoes with a small heel (such as boots), comfortable pants that allow you to move freely, and sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun.
How strenuous is horseback riding?
Horseback riding on Anna Maria Island can vary in intensity depending on the type of horse and ride you choose.
For BEGINNERS, this will most likely be a relaxing ride along the beach at a slower pace, while EXPERIENCED RIDERS may opt for a faster-paced ride with more challenging terrain.
Is horseback riding easy?
Yes, horseback riding on Anna Maria Island is easy. While there may be a small learning curve for beginners, most horseback riding companies offer lessons and assistance to help you learn the basics and feel comfortable on your ride.
There should not be any fear that you cannot partake in this activity!
KEEP IN MIND: Horseback riding can be a physically demanding activity (mostly abs and back muscles are used), but with the proper guidance and instruction, you’ll learn in no time.
Can we horseback ride all year round?
Yes, horseback riding on Anna Maria Island is possible all year round.
However, it’s important to check with the company beforehand to ensure they are open and operating during specific times of the year.
During colder months, some stables may offer indoor riding options or adjust their routes to avoid icy or snowy terrain.
In warmer climates, rides may be scheduled earlier or later in the day to avoid excessive heat.
Conclusion
Regardless of the season, beach horseback riding adventures are sure to be a highlight of your trip.
We think this is one of the best and most enjoyable activities on Anna Maria Island.
With its beautiful landscapes and diverse terrain, you can experience the island in a unique way.
Just be sure to plan ahead and communicate with the stables to ensure a safe and successful ride all year round.
Let us know in the comments about your experience!
