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Welcome to Vieques!

A Caribbean island that offers miles of beautiful beaches and rolling hills full of the most colorful flora and fauna for you to explore! 
So let’s get off the beaten path and experience Vieques the way locals do…from the back of a smooth-gaited, island-bred Paso horse!  
Let the Caribbean Cowgirls show you there is no better way to enjoy the natural beauty of our island!

 

Scenic Beach/Trail Rides

Our guided rides will take you on a loop trail through the hills, open meadows, woods, river bottoms
and two special beaches in the Esperanza area; idyllic palm tree-lined Playa Coqual & remote Playa Negra.

We conclude the ride with a walk through our beautiful waterfront pasture, overlooking the south-side of
the island. From this unique vantage point you'll enjoy views of Playa Negra, Playa Grande, and
Monte Pirata to the west, and the village of Esperanza, Cayo Afuera and Cayo de Tierra to the east.

The pace of the ride can vary slightly, dependent upon the skill level of the riders. However, do keep
 in mind that our purpose is to take-in the scenery on winding trails and soft sand beaches, so we'll
maintain a walk for the majority of our ride. When appropriate, we move it up a notch, to the paso corto
(the speed equivalent of a trot, that is a very smooth gait, specific to the Paso Fino breed).

Known for their willingness to please and gentle nature, Esperanza Riding Company's island horses are
perfect for first-time riders, vacation riders, experienced equestrians and children alike.

• Take note of meeting times in your confirmation email:
• Maximum tour size is 10-12 riders.
  
  
• 1.5 hour Group Trail Ride is $90 per person.
  
  
• 2 hour Private Trail Ride is $150 per person (see details below).
  
  
• We have a strict weight limit of 225 pounds, due to the small, more narrow stature of our Spanish steeds, and we must consider height and experience level, especially when weight exceeds 200 pounds.
  We realize this is a sensitive subject, but please understand that the safety of our horses and riders is very important to us and we reserve the right to refuse service.
  
  

• Please dress for the occasion. Long pants and shoes that stay on your feet are advised. Appropriate attire is recommended for your comfort and safety, but not required – if shorts and sandals are all you have!
  
  
• Children ages 7 and under are better suited for our family farm ride or pony rides (see below).
  
  
• In order for children ages 8 years and up to join a trail ride, they
  must have had some experience in the saddle, have the confidence and ability to control their own horse, the listening skills to take
  their guide’s instructions and the endurance and attention span to
  ride for almost two hours. We do NOT allow children to ride with adults or guides.
  
  
• Helmets are provided and are mandatory. No exceptions.

 

Private Trail Rides

Are you celebrating a special occasion with friends or seeking a romantic experience with your partner? Perhaps you are a group of experienced riders looking for more freedom within your ride. On the private tour we'll take you on most of the same trails as the group tour, with the addition of a scenic hilltop loop and walk through the quaint village of Esperanza. You'll experience breathtaking and expansive vistas of our central valley, the eastern most Wildlife Refuge, Mosquito Bay (the brightest bioluminescent bay in the world!), and Sun Bay from high above. On the clearest days you'll be lucky to catch a glimpse of the St. Croix mountains, 45 miles away. Other special features include more opportunities to pick up the paso corto, or just walk the entire time; your choice. There will be more chances to take photos and you'll have your own personal guide. The tour is approximately 2 hours long, $150 per person and offered at 8AM & 4PM daily.

 

Pony Rides

For small children, ages 3-8 years old, we offer a 15-minute hand-led "mini trail ride" on our most docile horses. The cost is $20 per child and offered at 10:00-10:30 AM. Exact meeting time is determined by the morning trail ride schedule. Please email or text us when you arrive on the island to schedule.

 

 

Family Farm Rides

Parents, you have young children and you all want to ride, but the kids aren't ready for our multi-hour trail ride. We have a solution! You each get on your own horse, we can hand-lead the little ones (if necessary) and we take you for a 20-minute loop around our beautiful waterfront pasture overlooking Playa Negra and the south shore of the island. The cost is $30 per person and offered at 10:00-10:30 AM. Exact meeting time is determined by the morning trail ride schedule. Please email us just prior to your arrival on the island to request a reservation. Please include the dates you'll be here, and a height, weight and experience level for each rider, as well as an age for each child.

 

Special Occasions

Is there a special occasion that you would like us to help you with? Perhaps you’d like to propose on horseback
at sunset or even exchange your nuptials on horseback! Do you envision your wedding party riding beautiful horses down a palm tree-lined beach?  Engagement and “Trash the Dress” photo shoots can be arranged also! Present us with your ideas and we will do our best to make it happen!

 

 

Your Guide

Elizabeth Buyrn, from The Eastern Shore of Virginia, has called the island of Vieques home since 2006. Although she grew-up training and showing Arabian horses, she has found her calling astride the local Paso Fino-bred horses. She is happy to combine her love of horses, people and adventure to bring you a unique, personalized experience that you won’t forget. Happy Trails!