Equestrian Bucket List: Beach Ride

We all have a bucket list; a list of things we would like to do and experience in our lifetime. My bucket list changed quite a lot last year when I became an equestrian. Many horsie things were added to my list and one of the things at the very top was to ride on a beach.

When my #crewlife took me to the Caribbean last month I had the chance to tick that item off of my list and my excitement was through the roof, as those who follow me on Snapchat witnessed (snapchat name: polopeopleplace )

I found that there are two stables on the island of Saint Martin, one on the French side and The Seaside Nature Park on the Dutch side. After driving by the one on the French side and seeing that there wasn’t much around we decided on Seaside Nature Park on the Dutch side. My Captain is also an equestrian and has loved horses and showjumping since he was a child (I have of course already convinced him to give polo a try). When I told him my plan he was completely onboard with it and the First Officer came along for his second time ever on a horse.

A pro, a beginner and a newbie on a trail ride.

The stables are quite simple and rustic, as most things on a Caribbean island are. The 40 horses live outside all year as the climate is mild, in the summer they have shaded areas and with the constant sea-breeze it is a very pleasant home for them. During the day they are kept in the pens, but at night they are let out to roam free in the 30 acres of land that belongs to The Seaside Nature Park.

Happy horses in their paddock with the best view

We started with a trail ride to the top of the hill with some fabulous views that simply took my breath away.

Selfie-time

Breathtaking views in every direction

Stopping for a little pat on the back- Caramel was a sweetie

After our 40 minute-ride in the hills with the hot Caribbean sun on us, we were yearning to get cooled off in the blue waters. We were instructed several times to not let the horses smell the sand as they would then be inclined to roll in it! So we quickly headed straight to the water and it was such an amazing feeling, horse and rider being submerged in the cool and crystal clear water.

The best view is the one between two ears (the crystal clear water ahead doesn’t hurt either)

We walked one round in the shallow part and then once more guiding the horses out where they couldn’t stand and had to actually swim, now THIS was a cool experience! Feeling this large animal beneath you become completely weightless and smoothly move along the water almost floating was quite extraordinary.

Three stooges in the water

I told Alan (the FO) to take as many pictures as he could, he took it quite literally 🙂 Thank you Alan!!

The Caribbean Sea is pretty much like a giant swimming pool of crystal clear water. Caramel and I were very happy to dive in.

All and all a great first beach ride experience! As I am not an experienced rider this was perfect for me and a great start, but now I have a new thing on my bucket list: to gallop bareback down the beach and go swimming with my own horse! One day for sure 😉

*This post was sponsored as our ride was free. All opinions shared on PoloPeoplePlaces.com are true and honestly reflect the experience we had.*