Advanced Horseback Riding on St. Lucia's Atlantic Coast

Four beaches, ocean swims, and canters along the Atlantic coast

Advanced horseback riding on St. Lucia's Atlantic coast is a 3-hour ride for experienced riders who can handle all gaits and any horse without guide assistance. You'll cross four different beaches, swim with your horse in the Atlantic, and canter along the shoreline while taking in views of Epouge Bay and Lapis Island. A local guide leads the ride, provides a helmet, and offers bottled water; weight limit is 220 lbs.

The Experience

This ride is built for riders who can confidently control a horse at all gaits, sit balanced without stirrup support, and handle a bolt or buck. On arrival, you'll fill out a quick questionnaire to confirm you meet the advanced level, then get a brief orientation with your horse and equipment check before heading out. The guide will be there, but the expectation is that you manage your own horse through the coastal trails without direct assistance—you're directing the ride, not being directed through it.

The trail follows the Atlantic coastline, passing country hillsides, grazing cattle, and local fishermen at work before dropping down to the beaches. You'll see Epouge Bay and the colorful camping cottages scattered along the peninsula, then ride out to Lapis Island nestled in the bay. Depending on sea conditions, you can swim with your horse in the Atlantic waters and enjoy a canter or gallop along the sand. The coastal views stay with you the whole way—there are scenic spots built into the ride for photographs, and the trails themselves are the point.

The ride happens rain or sun; if dangerous weather is forecast, the operator will contact you to reschedule. Bring a high level of fitness—three hours in the saddle at speed across varied terrain is not a walk. You'll get a helmet, bottled water, and a guide who knows the trails and the conditions. All weights must be declared at booking; the limit is 220 lbs, and anyone over it cannot participate.

What’s included

• Local guide in English.
• helmet.
• bottled water.

Good to know

Demanding physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Sandy Hoofs St. Lucia Riding Stables

Is this one for you?This ride is for experienced horseback riders who want to handle their own horse across challenging terrain and open water—not for riders who need guidance on controlling their mount. If you can ride all gaits confidently, manage any horse, and want three hours of beach and coastal riding without hand-holding, this is the one.

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Top questions

What does it mean that this is an advanced-only ride?

Advanced riders on this trail can correctly control a horse at all gaits without direct help from the guide, ride balanced at any pace, handle any horse, and sit a buck or bolt in either English or western tack. On arrival you'll answer a questionnaire to confirm you meet these requirements before the ride begins.

Will I get to swim with the horse in the ocean?

Yes, you can swim with your horse in the Atlantic waters—but only if sea conditions permit. Seaweed and rough conditions sometimes make it unsafe, so it is not guaranteed on every ride.

How many beaches do we ride on?

You'll ride out to four different beaches along the Atlantic coast during the 3-hour ride, with the option to canter or gallop along the sand depending on conditions and your pace.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my ride?

The ride operates in rain or sun as a standard outdoor activity. If the weather is forecast to be dangerous, the operator will contact you before your ride to reschedule for another day.

What's included in the price?

The ride includes a local guide who speaks English, a helmet, and bottled water. You provide your own riding ability and fitness level; the guide is there to lead the route, not to assist with horse control.