Imagine the gorgeous tropical mountains and the sea beyond after a wonderful horseback tour of the island. Jamaica is known all over the world for its long tradition of equestrian sports, like Polo and Show Jumping. A more simple and peaceful way to really see and know the island is through horseback riding. Guided tours take Villa Vacationers through some of the Caribbean's most spectacular scenery, but of course you can take in the longest stretches of deserted beachfront as well. Your Villa Vacation consultants will be happy to arrange meetings with any of the following fine Jamaica horseback specialists, including several who share the same resorts that you may plan to visit.
Chukka Cove Adventure Tours: www.chukkacaribbean.com
With adventure tours all over the island, the folks at Chukka Cove are happy to pick up guests at any of the Villas in Jamaica. With tour centers in Montego Bay and in Ocho Rios, Chukka Caribbean Adventures is always happy to introduce the natural side of the Caribbean with unique and sensational experiences. Their signature tour, the Horseback Ride N’ Swim, is renowned as much for the Chukka horses - many are retired polo ponies - as for the stunning scenery and refreshing Caribbean swim on horseback.
http://www.bracostables.com/ Experience the beautiful rural Jamaican landscape like never before. For the whole family, Braco Stables offers horseback tours throughout the countryside, as well as along Jamaica's extensive shoreline. Many of their horses just love swimming and know the very best private beaches for romantic rides, or for the whole.
Jamaica is fortunate to have an outstanding equestrian facility in Chukka Cove (PHONE: 876/972-2506), near Ocho Rios. This resort offers riding, polo, and jumping (starting at $50), as well as hour-long trail rides ($30) and three-hour beach rides ($55). During weekends in-season this is the place for polo (and social) action.
In Montego Bay, you can saddle up at the Rocky Point Riding Stables which is located at the famous world class resort, Half Moon. (PHONE: 876/953-2286), which is east of the Half Moon Club.
Tom and Tina Williams formed Hooves Ltd. in 1993 when they wanted to offer visitors to the island better access to the beautiful rural countryside. With plenty of private tours, deserted beach rides, rainforest trails and honeymoon specials, they're the pride of St. Ann's Bay.: (876) 972-0905 Fax: (876) 972-9204 http://www.hoovesjamaica.com/
Guests at the Villas at Half Moon can - and should - take full advantage of the Equestrian Centre on the grounds. Fully equipped for riders at every skill level, the center offers lessons and equipment for children all the way up to riders who'd like to practice jumping, dressage or polo. 30 horses share the resort with guests from all over the world, and they are each as happy to explore the trails as you'll be. Your horse may even want to venture into the sea after a long walk up the beach.953-2211
Miles and miles of trails lead off from this stunning plantation near Falmouth. With jungle, mountain and river trail rides, it's some of the quietest and most thought provoking vacation experience anywhere. Of course, guests in any of the Villas are frequently enchanted by the stables and the chance to explore the jungle and the beach with one of the Plantation's permanent residents. 610-5798