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“I’ve traveled and ridden all over the world and I can honestly say that Elizabeth’s rides on Vieques are some of the best I’ve ever experienced! The scenery is beautiful and riding allows you to explore parts of the island inaccessible by vehicle. The 2-hour ride took us into the interior of the island, past Sun Bay, and right through the Esperanza Malecon. On the 3.5-hour ride we went deep into the dense, tropical forest on the western end of the island and were able to see the bunkers, radar station, sugar mill ruins, and even some wild horses. Elizabeth’s horses are fantastic! They are docile and comfortable enough for novice riders, like my travel companion, but responsive enough to be fun for an experienced rider like myself. Their smooth pasos were a great new experience! I highly recommend Esperanza Riding Company to all visitors to Vieques, riders and novices alike.” -Alexa Briscoe

 

 

“Roo and I very much enjoyed the ride on Friday afternoon. I’m so glad you are offering this opportunity. Ever since first coming to Vieques in 1994 I’ve longed to have the Paso Fino experience. You made it a very enjoyable and comfortable time. Thank you!” – Ellie Harold, Local Artist

View more of Ellie’s beautiful oil paintings on her website.

 

 

“We were surprised and impressed by the quality of riding experience. The horses are obviously well cared for and the ride was terrific. Since both of us have some riding experience under our belts, we feel like we have a reasonable basis of comparison. We would recommend your trail rides highly to any and all. In fact, we already have!”
– Greg Hagen & Leslie Brayton

 

 

Our high school group had a great time on our trail ride with Esperanza Riding Company; from absolute beginners to experienced riders. Elizabeth and her assistants gave instructions in a clear and timely way that made it easy to ride intelligently. The horses were lively, happy animals and fun to ride, even in the rain! The ride itself was a varied and interesting route, along the roads, through the woods, across the beach, and through the pasture – the latter part with the company of other Esperanza Riding Company horses in the field, which was fun. Esperanza Riding Company was easy to work with and very reliable as far as communications, logistics, and costs. They at all times displayed respect for our group (which was mutual!), the horses, and the beautiful island of Vieques. I would certainly recommend Esperanza Riding Company to other visitors to Vieques.” – Bonnie McClelland, High School Trip Leader

 

 

“We knew while planning a trip to Vieques that we wanted to ride the famous Spanish Paso Fino horses, and when we found Elizabeth Buyrn and her stable, we made our plans. She took us for a three hour tour of the beautiful hills and beaches that we will not forget, and we’re hoping to return next year. And if so, we’ll take more than one ride!
Thank you Elizabeth!” -Penny Reneson

 

 

“We thoroughly enjoyed our ride, and the variety of the island we were able to see on horseback. Your horses are wonderful too-so calm and well-mannered, yet ready to run when asked. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.”-Lori von Schmeling

 

 

“We had a great time riding with Elizabeth! I had been drinking all day, but she let me ride in flip flops, so I felt safe. Oh, and she carries a big knife.” -Pretlow Majette

 

 

“If you are looking for an extraordinary experience on Vieques, then you MUST put Esperanza Riding Company on your itinerary. Elizabeth is a true professional, who deeply cares for her horses and her clients. I AM NOT A HORSE PERSON…AND I HAD A WONDERFUL TIME. Elizabeth carefully matches the rider to the horse; gauging personality as well as other obvious factors. She gives careful, clear instructions. The 2-hour ride takes you up through the “back country” behind Esperanza, down to the beach, through the town, back into the woods, out to the beach and ending on a knoll with one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen. It was amazing. Would I go again? Yes, absolutely and I am not a re-do type of person. This ride has inspired me to accompany my wife on other horse-back riding excursions on our travels. It was that good.” -Evan Griffiths

 

 

“Many of my guests had been giving rave reviews of the horseback riding tours by Esperanza Riding Company. So when two of my guests suggested I go with them on this tour, I finally decided, after 10 years of procrastinating, to go riding. It was a wonderful experience – made possible by my very gentle horse, “Rescate” (Rescue in English), and the skill and confidence of Elizabeth, the owner and tour guide. She gave us very clear instructions about how to manage the horse using the reins and our heels. It was a thrill to trot through the hills and the beaches of Vieques. If I can do it, you can too!” -Kathy Gannett owner of Casa de Kathy Guesthouse

 

 

“My newly wed wife and I rode with Elizabeth Buyrn and saw the most spectacular views of the island and learned a great deal about the area per her guidance and strong knowledge base. We already booked our return trip and aim to ride with our newly found friends in Vieques. To anyone looking for a great way to start your vacation there, this is the best way to do it…hands down. Esperanza Riding Company rocks!” -Melissa & Kevin

 

 

“We loved every minute of this ride through the forest, beaches, hills, back roads, and pastures of Vieques around Esperanza. All four of us in our group were impressed by the beautiful, obviously well cared for, horses, and the variety of scenery that we got to see. Speaking for myself, I have never seen such a spectacular view as the one at the end of this ride as we came out on top of the hills of the horses’ home pasture by the ocean. Thank you for such an amazing experience!” -Caroline Maggi

 

 

If you too feel so inspired, please email us your pictures and/or thoughts on your experience with us!