Providenciales, Turks and Caicos is a pretty laid back, chill atmosphere. So when we were on the hunt for a few activities to do on the island, one of the highly recommended ones was beach horseback riding with Provo Ponies. So we embarked on a half-day ride with Provo Ponies leading the way.
Provo Ponies picked us up from our resort and took us to the horse stables. We were greeted by a large stable and a number of horses of various sizes.
The horses were so sweet. I have to admit, I was a bit nervous about the whole thing, as I hadn’t ridden a horse sine I was a child.
The horses were assigned to the various riders. As I scanned the stable of horses, I came across a massive, beast of a horse. Turns out, his name is Thor (of course)… and turns out he was my assigned horse.
Of course he was.
Thor was 2000 pounds. Yes, you read that right, 2000 pounds. He was rescued from Grand Turk and had a commanding presence in the stable.
We mounted the horses, and when I say to you Thor was the widest, biggest horse in the world, I mean just that. He. Was. Massive. My legs were sore for the rest of the day and the stairs at the resort were a huge no-go because my quads were screaming. LOL.
Thor and I, and the rest of the pack, headed out along the dirt roads to the beach. It was quiet and peaceful. When we reached the beach, we trotted in. We were told that the horses love the water more when it is about chest deep, so in we went.
It was so much fun! We trotted for quite a while in the water. Thor, at times had a mind of his own. He cracked me up and had me working steering him away from seaweeds. At one point he started walking further into the ocean towards the horizon. Of course he did.
One tip: Have ALL OF the bug spray in the world on you. All of it. Because otherwise the mosquitos may come for you, even if you didn’t send for them. Carry the bug spray. They will still come for you, but at least it will be more reasonable.
It was so much fun trotting with and talking to the ponies. Mind you, we definitely had to steer around the other ponies’ poop while frolicking in the ocean, but it was hilarious. We took pictures and had a blast in the turquoise waters. The beach was absolutely beautiful and the water was so clear.
Thor and I had a unique relationship. It was just what you would think it would be riding a 2000-pound horse. Sometimes he listened to me; sometimes, he didn’t. Sometimes he would take unauthorized pit stops and detours for plants or seaweed; sometimes he played it straight. In all honesty, he was in control, and I was just along for the ride. And I can’t even front, for a couple of hours afterwards, I was feeling the effects of that horseback ride. Do you know how wide a 2000-pound horse is? It worked muscles I hadn’t worked in ages, honey.
You can tell that the employees at Provo Ponies really care about the horses. It was a fantastic ride and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. And tell Thor I said hi.
Horseback riding is so much fun, especially on the beach. It looks like you had a blast!
I love horseback riding. I have not done it in years, but the last time was on a beach in Jamaica. Beautiful experience and yes to all the bug spray!
We rode horses when we went to Jamaica. It was…scary LOL! Especially since I had never ridden a horse!
Admittedly, I was a bit nervous! But it ended up going pretty well, LaShawn.
I am waiting for my time to horseback ride in the ocean. I would really like to do that. I will keep the bug spray in mind for sure.
Girl, yes, bug spray is a must. Because the horses do best when the water is about chest deep, your feet and part of your legs will definitely be submerged. The right back is for the mosquitos to eat!
Simply amazing. That is such a beautiful pic of you on the wow of a 2000lbs horse.
Thanks Donna! It was definitely an experience!
I always say I am going horsebacking riding on vacation and never do.. looks amazing!!
I’m so jealous right now. I long to horseback ride on the beach. Nevermind the fact that I’ve never been on a horse at all. It seems so cool, so romantic, so relaxing. Turks & Caicos is totally on my short bucket list.
Mimi, it was so much! TCI should definitely be on the short list. I am trying to hit new places, but I would definitely go back even this year if I had the chance.
I just returned from a weekend trip to Turks and Caicos and have said I’d like to go back. I’m going to try this next time.
Kimberlee, I am aching to go back as well. So relaxing!
LOL, “Sometimes he listened to me, sometimes he didn’t.” I would definitely check them out when I visit. #BucketListAddition
I love horseback riding in the islands. It is so beautiful and fun. Looks like you have a wonderful time.
I have never been horseback riding before. Will add that to my list of things to do before the year is out.
I’ve done lots of horse back rides on trips, but never at the beach. It always looks so much fun – sounds like you had a great experience!