Turks and Caicos Horseback Riding at Provo Ponies

Looking for a horseback riding outfitter in Turks and Caicos? Look no further than Provo Ponies. They are the ultimate location for horseback riding in the entire Caribbean! Having a horse crazy teen means  finding horseback adventures when we travel. And a sore bum for the novice riders. But as much as it’s a pain in the butt literally once you are finished riding, it’s anything BUT as an experience! For a scenic ride on a secluded beach and a cool dip in the ocean ON horseback, this is the ultimate riding adventure.

Making a Reservation

Provo Ponies offers two guided rides Monday-Friday, 9:30 am and 3:00pm (3:30 in summer). Reservations must be made in advance by sending an email to Provo Ponies (camille@provoponies.com) or calling (649)241-6350. They will promptly email you back to confirm date, time, and details.I had to change our reservation date and also add my son, so I emailed them A LOT. They were always prompt and patient with my constant contact. Visa or Mastercard holds your reservation. If you cancel the day before, the card is charged 50%, and charged in full if you cancel the day of the ride. (Medical emergencies or inclement weather are the exceptions). Kids seven and up are welcome, and if 13 and under, they must be accompanied by an adult unless they are advanced riders. Allow 2-3 hours for the whole excursion.

Cost: $ 96 per person for 1 hour ride; $ 118 for 90 minute ride.

Getting There

Located on the southeast end of the island of Providenciales in Turks and Caicos, Provo Ponies is convenient to the popular Grace Bay Beach area. Transportation to and from your resort or hotel can be arranged by Provo Ponies for an additional $ 10 per person. From our resort Beaches Turks and Caicos Resort Villages and Spa and other Grace Bay hotels to Provo Ponies will take about 15 minutes, including potentially stops at other resorts. Want to learn more about Beaches Resorts? Read my review.

What You Need to Bring

-Long pants recommended

-Full shoes (but they have all sizes available if you don’t have them)

-Sunscreen and sunglasses

-Camera

-Money (for a souvenir shirt and tip)

Safety First

Any outfitter or company offering an experience of this type earns raves from me when they emphasize safety. That was evident the moment we arrived at Provo Ponies. They spent lots of time explaining what to expect, determining skill levels, and getting us sized with helmets. Kids 17 and under MUST wear helmets, but for adults, it is optional. Not for me: my daughter insisted that I should wear one and I was glad she did. It was that extra reassurance that if I did take a fall, my head would be protected. Each rider is given a horse or pony-no double riding is permitted. Another huge plus: groups never exceed 12 riders.

Everyone is paired with a horse or pony that matches his or her level of experience. You have ample time in the ring to get one-on-one instruction and tips before leaving for Long Bay Beach. The barn prides itself on knowledgeable guides who genuinely love horses and take such good care of them, and it shows. You feel good knowing that the horses aren’t being overworked and all look healthy. Believe me, my daughter knows and looks for that!

“I Had the the Ride of My Life”

To borrow the lyrics from “I Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing, it truly was the ride of my life. Our horses, named Mango, Squeek, and Sunshine, escorted us on a sightseeing tour unlike any other because it happened from a saddle! Although I am a horse novice, I loved how safe I felt riding and the sense of calm and relaxation I felt. The serenity of the beach was palpable despite being in a group of 12 riders.

Long Bay Beach is a secluded strip of 4 mile beach that seems an idyllic setting for a jaunt on horses. From the barn, you travel paved roads and a windy short trail through foliage to the beach. Once we arrived on the beach, we made our way into the ocean. You could tell the horses loved this part of the journey! Our guides took photos with our cameras. Camaro even rode his horse backwards and kept us in stitches with his shenanigans. He was so kind and attentive to my 10 year old son even when my son got miffed he couldn’t go canter on the beach like his sister.

As a more experienced rider, my daughter got to canter her horse on the beach. She was in her element and loving life.

Be forewarned: when you are in the water, the horses will (ahem) use the bathroom. Then you may have to play a game I call “Dodge the Poop.” (Keeping it real, people). Hey, you’re out in nature, and it happens!

Compared to our horseback riding experience in the Dominican Republic, Provo Ponies was far superior. The horses were spread out in a long line and not close to one another, not bunched up and three wide like in the Dominican. The staff at Provo Ponies were far more meticulous in pairing us with our horses. The overall ride was WAY more enjoyable, and the bonus was getting to take the horses into the ocean.

 

Not surprisingly, Provo Ponies has received 5 out of 5 reviews on Trip Advisor-as good as you can get!

So my daughter has the right idea in giving the Shaka sign because one of its meanings is “I like this!” If you like horses, adventure, and don’t mind getting wet, then this is the ideal excursion for you! You’ll be raving about it for years to come!