Horseback Riding in St Maarten

[MagicMouseketeers]

Has anyone ever done any horseback riding on St Maarten ?

From what I've read it seems likes its a fairly popular activity on the island, however DCL does not have any excursions.

I would be interested in any feedback any has per location, cost etc...

Thanks

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

There are two operators that I know of, but one of them prefers not to business with Americans. Here's a link to the other...

www.stmaarten.org/Activities/Stables.html

 

[MagicMouseketeers]

Thanks for the information Dave. The link points to Lucky Stables. Has anyone ever ridden with them. The description sounds like great fun.

 

[MagicMouseketeers]

bump

 

[atigeg]

Hubby and I rode at Lucky Stables quite a while back. We found out about it via the tourism bureau and took a cab there (it is pretty far from the dock, on the Dutch side). We didn't make reservations...we just showed up and were lucky that we were the only ones there. I can't remember if they had Western saddles or if we had to ride English, which often happens in the islands. The ride was all walking, and the horses were a bit high strung. It was quite a strange ride, as part of the trail went through an oil refinery! On the way back, dirt bikes were racing on the refinery roads, and my horse was getting pretty hyper about it. You do get to go to the ocean, which is a lovely photo opportunity. To get back to the ship, the stable told us that we could take a bus instead of a cab, as the bus stop was not too far away. We headed over there but saw no buses. Eventually we asked someone, and she clued us into the differing definition of "bus"...basically, it's anyone with a van who wants to make some extra money! She flagged a "bus" down for us, and we climbed in along with assorted natives. It is only a dollar for a ride to town. When we told the driver we were heading to the ship, he took us as close as he could get (he was not allowed through the secured area), so we have him a nice tip.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[MagicMouseketeers]

I'm not sure from your post, If you enjoyed the ride ? It would be myself, DW 42, DS 11 and DD 9. We all have ridden before, but are definitely amateurs.

BTW what is the difference between Western and English saddles ?

 

[atigeg]

We liked it, but not nearly as well as the one we did in Cozumel. I have owned horses for over 20 years, but I am a timid rider because I have ridden my horse Cochise for so many years that I am too used to him and get nervous on strange horses (he is cruise control). The horses we rode were a bit high strung for my tastes, but they may have calmer ones for the kids.
Western saddles have a horn (the thing that sticks up in front), and English ones don't. English saddles are much smaller and you have a lot more contact with the horse...they are the ones that are used for jumping and dressage.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[CruisinKate]

Dave,

First off, thank you for all your kind contributions to this group. Secondly, I'm curious as to why one of the horse riding gentlemen does not like to do buisness with Americans. It might be a bit enlightening to know.

As we travel through the world now, we are, more than ever, Ambassadors for the United States. It would be in everyone's best interest to always try and put our best, kindest, most tolerant and understanding selves forward as we become guests in other's homes and countries.

Kate

 

[Cruise]

Originally posted by CruisinKate
Dave,

First off, thank you for all your kind contributions to this group. Secondly, I'm curious as to why one of the horse riding gentlemen does not like to do buisness with Americans. It might be a bit enlightening to know.

Kate,

The information about the other stable in St Maarten is based on a previous thread here on board:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=257935

HTH,
Julie

 

[MagicMouseketeers]

Interesting thread. It's amazing how some business cna justify throwing customers and $$ away all for the sake of ??