Horseback Riding in Santa Teresa: Bareback on Cabuya Beach

You choose one horse from a herd of 16 and ride bareback together.

A four-hour bareback horseback riding experience at Resonance Ranch in Santa Teresa where you meet a herd of 16 horses, choose one to bond with, and ride along Cabuya Beach or through the 200-acre sanctuary. The session begins with instruction on what makes a horse truly happy, then moves into the connection and bareback ride itself. Minimum two people per booking, or you join a group ride. Ages 6 and up can participate, and the guide speaks English and Spanish.

The experience

The experience starts at Resonance Ranch, a healing sanctuary next to the sea where the focus is on the relationship between horse and human rather than on technique alone. You'll spend time with the herd of 16 horses first, learning what a truly happy horse looks like and how horses heal and empower people. Then you choose one horse that captures your attention, and that choice is mutual: the horse responds to you as much as you respond to it. From there, the bareback ride unfolds along Cabuya Beach or within the sanctuary grounds, depending on conditions and preference.

Letitia Watson and her team guide the experience, which is designed for both experienced riders and complete novices. The bareback format (no saddle, just you and the horse) creates a different kind of connection than traditional riding, and the 200-acre setting gives you room to move at a pace that suits the bond you've built. A helmet is provided and required. The ride takes four hours total, so bring water and wear clothes that let you move freely.

This is a private experience when you book with at least two people. If you're booking solo or as a pair and prefer not to wait, you can join a group ride instead. The ranch is accessible by public transportation, and all areas are wheelchair accessible, so mobility needs don't rule it out. Children as young as six can participate, and the guide will adjust the experience to their level and comfort.

What’s included

• Helmet.
• four-hour guided experience with a live guide in English or Spanish.
• access to the herd of 16 horses and the 200-acre sanctuary or Cabuya Beach riding route.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 14:00

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meet us at the Check In At the Sanctuary Of Resonance Ranch”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated 15 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Horse Spirit Healing

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English and Spanish, so language is not a barrier whether you're a native English speaker or more comfortable in Spanish. The bareback format and the focus on connection over technique make this suited to riders of any experience level, from age six onward, as long as you're comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What's the difference between riding at Cabuya Beach and riding in the sanctuary?

Cabuya Beach offers open water views and sand riding. The 200-acre sanctuary provides a more enclosed, peaceful setting among the ranch grounds. Both are bareback rides with the same horse you've chosen, and the guide will help you pick based on conditions and what appeals to you that day.

Do I need to know how to ride a horse before I book?

No. The experience welcomes both experienced and novice riders. The guide teaches you what you need to know about the horse's nature and how to move together before the bareback portion begins, so complete beginners are comfortable here.

What happens if I book alone or as a pair?

The minimum private booking is two people. If you're booking solo or as a pair, you can either wait to gather a group of at least two, or you can join a group ride with other travelers on the same day.

Is the ride suitable for children?

Yes, ages six and up can participate. The guide, Letitia Watson, tailors the experience to each person's age and comfort level, so children ride at a pace and intensity that works for them.