Grand Cayman Horse back riding

[vcasey]

I have been debating about doing horse back riding in Grand Cayman while I'm on my 7 day cruise this August 16th.

I have 2 questions for those you who have done this.

1) Its $60 per person is it really worth it?

2) I'm really worried that it'll be too hot and smelly that time of year.

I'd appreciated any comments.

 

[Wavegirl]

We booked horseback ridin with Cayman Islands Discounts and love the ride, definitely worth $60 as they pick you up and take you back after the ride. Its a beautiful location.

We've rode the morning ride before as well as the afternoon and I'd suggest the morning if you are concerned about the heat. Pack a water bottle in something you can carry like a small backpack if you want to come prepared.

You will love it!!

 

[rae519]

Buckaroo's Dad went with his son to Nicki's at Grand Cayman and raved about both the riding and her. Last year we reserved but Hurricane Lili diverted us, so we are trying again this time (August 2).

For 90 minutes of beach riding, $60. sounds pretty good. Nicki takes children from age 7 up and adults weighing in at less than 225.
She has a 9AM and 4PM ride schedule and does pick up and deliver back to the dock.

Rae

 

[shagee]

Hi,

I went with Niki's last year, I can't see how Buckaroo's dad wrote raving reviews, her horses are small horses, shouldn't take more then 190 lbs, as far as the cantering, she does a short canter and does not go all the way to the end and in the water, where as we went with HOney Suckle Trail Rides this year with Penny and her husband and had the best time. The ride was on the beach and we did go into the water and did a full canter/gallop on the beach. I am an experienced rider whereas my husband isn't, so Penny's husband stayed back with my husband and another family who didn't ride and chatted while I went running with Penny.

I would highly recommend HOney Suckle Trail Rides. They have assorted breeds and sizes to match your needs. Their ride was 90 minutes, Niki's was not 90 minutes even though she stated it was. Check out the reviews at caymanislandsdiscounts.com

 

[rae519]

There was a negative report on a previous thread about Honeysuckle a week or so ago. Since I have known Buckaroo's Dad for some time, I know that he wouldn't have written a report he didn't feel was accurate to him at the time. I will write a report after I come back and as a horse owner, put in my own 2 cents.

My 8 year old son rides his very large 6 year old gelding very well; but I have a small 11 year old mare that is just right for a beginner.

Rae

 

[vcasey]

Thanks so much for all your replies so far. Rae I'm very much looking forward to your report when you go.

We were looking at Honey Suckle but would only be able to go in the afternoon since we will be snorkelling in the morning. They were willing to pick us up from the snorkel place and set a special time so we could make it back in time to the ship. That all impressed me.

I guess what really prompted me to write this is, we just got back from WDW and it was so hot and sticky, both DD & I got greatly concerned about what it would be like on the islands in August. When we realized that one of our excursions would be sitting on a horse out in the sun we got a bit worried not to mention that because it would be our 2nd excursion in Grand Cayman I was also thinking budget.

So you've all given me opinions regarding whether the actual experience is worth it but I'd appreciate hearing more about what it would be like in August specifically if anyone knows. Also when they take you through the water do actually get wet.

 

[shagee]

Hi again,

I read the same post, but you know there are always two sides to a story and they did say they had a great time otherwise. There were also other posts about people going on the ride with Honey Suckle with no complaints. I heard about Honey Suckle on Cruise Critics and other message boards with great reviews. This one on Disney was the only negative one. Remember there was also someone else that was booked with Nicki's last year and went with Honey Suckle and liked Honey Suckle better. There were no "demanding" horses. Penny's husband just explained to all of us about all the horses and if any of them had any vices, remember there is no such thing as a "perfect horse". I own horses and these horses were great, especially for trail horses.

The info on the water, we go through the water, depending on the tide on how much you get wet. Penny told me they also offer a swim ride for the experienced rider that you actually swim the horses. I guess if you need more info on that I would email her directly at pennyhon@hotmail.com. I would definitely recommend Honey Suckle to anyone, it is a family owned business.

If there is anything else please post again.

Nancy

Have a great trip.

Rae, when are you going on your horsebackride?

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

I can't see how Buckaroo's dad wrote raving reviews

Guess I'm just easy to please.

Since I have known Buckaroo's Dad for some time, I know that he wouldn't have written a report he didn't feel was accurate to him at the time.

AND, I have no affiliation with Enron, WorldCom, Martha...

but I'd appreciate hearing more about what it would be like in August specifically if anyone knows.

Hi vcasey. I'm neither a meteorologist nor undecided (weather vs whether) yet unless the Earth's weather patterns change drastically, it's more than likely gonna be hot and humid on Grand Cayman in August.

HOWEVER, my son and I didn't find it so stifling as to be a valid reason to stop from riding. We're planning to go again after our Captain Marvin's adventure. Hopefully you and DD will join us.

Also when they take you through the water do actually get wet.

It's a lot like the other cliches on life, vcasey:

Cut me, I bleed.

Love me, I smile.

Take me through water, I get wet...

 

[Verandah Man]

Welcome Back BD!!!

 

[Buckaroo's Dad]

Welcome Back BD!!!

ty Andy.

 

[rae519]

BD - ole pal, ole friend, old ......well, you are younger then I am so I'd better cut the "Old" part out!

Hey you have been missed! Very much!!!!

Have you heard that our piano guy - Fidelio will be at Dueling Pianos for your cruise?! We are so excited!!!!!!! Try to take in the show (family and later adult), he is phenomenal!

Also, I am set with Nicki and am so glad you found the e-mail address.

There are always people who have preferences to where they ride, etc, etc, etc, But knowing you, I think we will stick with Nicki!!

We got another horse last weekend - a black mare I've named "Jynx". So now Michael and I can ride together almost every day!!!!!

My appointment is scheduled at 9AM with Nicki, so heat or not, we will have a ball. I don't care if we get into the water or not - just having a safe and enjoyable ride is all we are looking for!

BD - so glad you are back! We definitely missed you!!!!!!!!!!
LOTS!


Rae