Beach Riding in Paradise: Destination Turks and Caicos
A couple takes an exciting and romantic honeymoon horseback ride on the secluded beaches of the Providenciales in the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands.
By Susan Friedland-Smith
In July of 2010, following our backyard wedding at a friend’s Chicago home, my handsome groom and I jetted off to Turks and Caicos to honeymoon in the Caribbean. We knew our destination had pristine beaches, turquoise waters (hence the name) and world-class scuba diving and snorkeling. We also knew that we could use US dollars, even though we’d have to drive on the left side of the road due to its British history. The pleasant surprise we discovered came cantering along “our” section of beach.
A view of Grace Bay from the saddle. Puffy clouds, shimmering sea, and perked horse ears. What could be more perfect?
About three days into our trip as we sunned on the shore of the Windsong Resort at Grace Bay, a cluster of horses and riders loping along the alabaster sand riveted our attention. This was a remarkable sight for us Californians! We frequent Orange County beaches where even dogs are not usually allowed. So to see a band of horses thundering past, not far from snoozing sunbathers and people playing in the waves, was quite peculiar.
The previous day, I had been a good sport hanging out on a scuba boat in spite of my propensity toward seasickness while my husband explored the reef. With my display of bravery, I figured he could reciprocate by joining me on a horseback ride. And so after a quick conversation with the resort concierge, we newlyweds were scheduled to go on our own ride.
The next day, the Windsong van shuttled us to the rental stable a few miles away. The owner, a young woman, greeted us cheerily, introducing the guide and the horses that we would ride for an hour on the shore. Our mounts were small and formerly wild—Mustangs of the Caribbean. My husband’s steed was a blue roan and mine was a chestnut; they were cute.
The wild horses are called Grand Turk Ponies and are a feral population on Grand Turk Island, perhaps the descendants of horses used for salt raking when the industry was booming, generations ago. Ours were well-mannered, standing calmly when we climbed aboard the Western saddles. As we began our journey, it was apparent they were both very steady and surprisingly responsive. They reminded me of ponies from the beloved Misty of Chincoteague stories.
My husband, a Dallas Cowboys fan, was thrilled to pose as an actual cowboy. Never mind the swim trunks, scuba booties, and tennis visor. Is his Grand Turk Pony lowering his head in humiliation?
Due to various riding mishaps over the years ranging from a broken nose to a mild concussion, I religiously ride with a hard hat. I hadn’t packed one in my post-wedding getaway bag, nor did I think to add paddock boots. Instead I rode with my straw hat and tennis shoes. I reasoned that since the horse was more of a pony, a fall would be a very short distance from the saddle onto the fluffy sand. In fact, it might land me in the warm water which might even be fun.
My riding outfit was not entirely appropriate, but at least I didn’t commit an equestrian fashion faux pas like my husband did. He had only packed flip flops and thus had to wear his Neoprene scuba diving booties so his feet would be covered. And he sported his swim trunks, rash guard shirt and Nike visor.
The guide, dressed like an island cowboy complete with boots and hat, rode a spirited gelding. The big chestnut executed a fusion of some dressage movements––unintentionally. Our island ponies were much mellower.
We began at the walk, crossing over the powdery sand down to the shoreline. The horses were honest, and after a fair amount of walking and a little trotting, we got to gallop when there was a stretch of uninhabited beach. My husband, the non-equestrian, hung on to the saddle horn and was fine. Boats scudded past and parasailing balloons swooped through the air in the distance, while the ocean gently caressed the shore. The horses, obviously used to the beach distractions, didn’t look twice.
Newlyweds “cooling down” the rental horses in 83 degree Caribbean water in Turks and Caicos. The archipelago of over 40 islands is located approximately 600 miles southeast of Miami.
At the half-way point which was another resort, the guide tied up his horse, went to the beach bar, and brought back sodas for us. We took a break and sipped our drinks. Then we turned around and the horses picked up their walking and trotting cadence a bit, knowing that they were heading back home.
After one more gallop along the dazzling surf, the Caribbean cowboy said to steer our horses into the water to cool them down. My husband’s hands held high and wide apart looked like he was directing marionettes as we both direct reined our mounts into the surf. It felt just like bath water.
We walked the horses the last quarter mile until home, had our photo snapped with the guide, dismounted and gave a pat—to the horses, not the guide. I wished I had had an apple or carrot to say thank you to our mannerly new pals. It occurred to me that these horses had a fantastic life, probably the envy of many an American human. They exercise a few hours a day, take long walks on the beach, dip in the salty waves, and are constantly in the company of their closest friends. Also, they reside on beachfront property with amazing sunrises. Oh to be a Grand Turk Pony!
How you can go: Provo Ponies and Caicos Corral are riding stable that offer horseback riding on the beachs of the Providenciales in the beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands. Reserve well ahead during peak season (Dec-May) to ensure you don't miss this riding experience!!
About the Author: A horse lover since 10, Susan Friedland-Smith has owned three: a Quarter Horse, Appaloosa, and tall, dark, and handsome Thoroughbred who was the love of her life for 16 years. The Kentucky-born gelding was Susan’s faithful companion through dating adventures while she searched for the right man. A few months after the honeymoon ride, colic snatched him away. Following a three year horse hiatus, with husband in tow, she is now on a quest to find her next equine love. Join her musings on horses, love, and the quest for the right one on her blog Saddle Seeks Horse or Twitter @susanwordlover.
