Caribbean
Jamaica
Saint Ann Parish
St. Ann's Bay
Things to Do in St. Ann's Bay
Hooves - Guided tours on horseback
See all things to do

Hooves - Guided tours on horseback

See all things to do
See all things to do
Hooves - Guided tours on horseback
5
Full view
About
Hooves is a family owned attraction in operation for over 20 years, committed to offering our guests a unique experience on horseback. Members of our staff have been with us for more than fourteen years, and are very experienced, and able to give you the best of care. Many of our horses are rescued and brought back to good health, happy to take you into the sea. We are located in St Ann's Bay on the north coast of Jamaica near to Ocho Rios hotels and cruise ship pier. Guests also come on special tours from the cruise shop pier in Falmouth which provides an opportunity to see other attractions au route. Located on a World Heritage Site and sanctioned by The Jamaica National Heritage Trust and the Jamaica Tourist Board we are humbled by the task we have to provide our guests with accurate information on well trained horses with modern equipment for a safe and wonderful experience. Hooves has many return guests, some who have come on our Honeymoon ride, returning years later with their children. Often we have guests asking for particular horses and guides and when asked if they had been with us before, they reply "Oh a friend recommended you" Trip Advisor has been a wonderful help to us with the many kind comments made, so please remember to add to those. We are continually striving to improve our service and you comments are taken seriously.
St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica
Features animals
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listing
Hooves - Guided tours on horseback
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show options
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
435 reviews
Excellent
365
Very good
52
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
5
Eponymist13
Bloomfield, NJ68 contributions
Hooves is a very good company.
Aug 2020
I had gone on a private ride with a guide prior to this time, but I must admit Niccolo really took the time to give me more information about the fauna, and the history on the location. Niccolo is also a very good rider and very personable, and I think once he realized I knew how to ride he relaxed a bit. Hooves is not top heavy with personnel, and they follow all of the protocols in keeping their riders safe. I always get a little nervous when I get on a horse I have not ridden, however their horse was well trained , and responded immediately. We rode through the forest, and then on the beach where we took a rest. If you are an experienced rider, you will be able to go at a different pace from the other guests, and cold bottled water is offered .The driver that came to pick me up at the hotel was on time, and was there waiting when I finished my ride.
Written August 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Samantha A
Waterford, Canada87 contributions
Another Amazing Beach Ride
Feb 2020
I am a regular here at Hooves and on my 4th (!!) beach ride, took my step daughter with me. We come to Jamaica almost every winter and almost always book a ride with Alicia @ Hooves.
As always, it was fantastic. I was very happy to see Desroy is still greeting customers at the gateway and starting the day off with his friendly smile is always the best! On this particular tour we enjoyed Marcel as our guide (sorry Danny but you had the day off). He was very knowledgeable and even tho I have memorized most of it, my step daughter was a first timer so she got a great experience. We sang Bob Marley songs on our way through the jungle and learned about all-spice, jerk, the Jamaican flag and history! Last year my husband rode "Loverboy" and this year his daughter rode him, while I had "Rifleman" a former race horse.
I was also super pleased to see Cheap Charlie is still at the beach selling his souvenirs!
The water part of this ride is always the highlight of my trip, nothing is better than riding a horse while it is swimming, a most amazing feeling!

Our hotel (Moon Palace) and most hotels I have stayed at in Jamaica always book your horseback with chukka and don't even know about Hooves, don't be misled, Hooves is a local operation and is the best!
Written February 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tomhooves
Welcome back and many thanks for your review. All of us value reviews such as yours with the detail you take the time to write. Enjoy the rest of your stay. Happy trails
Written February 11, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Fiona G
London, UK14 contributions
What a way to spend an afternoon!
Mar 2020 • Couples
Booked this trip last minute on the recommendation of another guest at our hotel. What an amazing experience. Danny was our lead guide with Mikele bringing up the rear. There were only 3 couples on our ride so it was a really personal experience. I rode for many years back home but gave up about 10 years ago and had missed the feeling of being in the saddle. Danny was very informative, helping all of us on and off the horses, explaining where/what we were riding through and singing a great soundtrack to the start of the ride. After reaching the beach, we took a short break on the sand before mounting back up for the sea swim - what an experience, running backwards and forwards along the shore in the water. Can't recommend this experience highly enough. It was an absolutely amazing way to spend a Jamaican afternoon.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tomhooves
Thank you for taking the time to write a wonderful review. We treasure them. All that’s good
Written March 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rosie
Wales, UK6 contributions
Seahorses
Feb 2020 • Friends
Spent a great afternoon here, the team are really helpful and they match you up to a horse I met "Diamond" we set off through the shady forest.. The guides showed us different plants and herbs as we passed by old sites and relics from the sugarcane days. At the shore the horses get rested and its a opportunity to get some souvenirs at a better price than the shops.. That's why they call him "cheap Charlie". I still can't believe we rode into the ocean, the horses all seemed to love it. At some point I was concerned that we were going out too deep but the horses instinctively knew the route and stuck to the plan.
We had a time we'll never forget and the guides are all so happy to meet guests and help them enjoy the day.
The horses all appear in good condition and well groomed.. 🇯🇲.
Remember to take Jamaican dollars for a souvineer or two... And tips for the guides... Put your phone in a plastic pocket the guides will take pics to help you remember a fab day out.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tomhooves
Thanks for you commentary. We always try our best as a small company. Happy trails
Written March 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Carrie
2 contributions
Giddy up saddle up
Sep 2020 • Couples
We did the Hooves tour on our honeymoon and had an amazing time! The guides took extra precautions like hand sanitizing and wearing masks when we couldn’t social distance. We had a private tour with Marcel and he told us so many interesting things about Jamaican history and culture. We loved riding in the ocean and smelling different local leaves/spices that Marcel found among the path like allspice. Also Marcel was a great photographer and helped us pose for cute photos!
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
karimuj
Los Angeles, CA2 contributions
Loved it!
Jan 2020
I've gone horseback riding in every place I've traveled and this is the best ride I've ever had. The guides, Nicoloe and Marcel, were informative and watchful. The horses were healthy, strong and well-behaved. The route through an old plantation offered history and beauty. Finally, the ride in the ocean was a "first of its kind" experience for me. My horse seemed to enjoy it as much as I did. Try Hooves and ask for Nicoloe and Marcel. Bonus: Not only will those two keep you engaged, informed and safe - they are both charming and awfully good looking!
Written March 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tomhooves
What a wonderful review of our little company. Thank you so much. Happy trails
Written March 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Z I
Lac-Brome, Canada103 contributions
Riding tour with my daughter
Nov 2019
I did this tour before with my wife. It was just great.
So, my wife and I made our daughter a birthday present with this horseback tour. It was great again. we loved it, we had a private tour and I had the same horse as the first time, his name was the uncle.
It was an unforgettable experience.
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tomhooves
Welcome back and thanks for the review. Happy trails
Written February 12, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steven R
8 contributions
Such a good day!
Jan 2020
We arranged this trip through our hotel rep. It was such a good day.
You don't need to have ever been on a horse before.
Pablo (my horse) was friendly enough.
Really nice staff and they even take some pictures for you.
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tomhooves
Thanks for taking the time to review us as they mean a lot to our business. All that’s good
Written February 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mary H
Manitou Beach, Michigan2 contributions
Not to be trusted
My daughter and I went to Hooves on January 26, 2005. Before getting onto the horses our group was told to put all our belongings into a big tub that would be driven to the beach by truck. Once at the beach we could get our things and take pictures or change for the ocean swim. There is no restroom there. In the bushes is a drape hung up with a pit (about a foot deep) dug in the ground for releiving yourself. The actual ride and swimming with the horses was fun. However, after returning to the stables and collecting our belongings from the tub my daughter noticed that her $600.00 camera was missing from her purse. Naturally she became very upset. When she started to cry I told her we wouldn't leave until we found it. A few minutes later one of the guides went to the truck and returned with the camera. He asked if this is what we were looking for. He said it must have fallen out of her purse. Her purse was not only zipped shut but also had a flap over the top with a buckle similar to a seatbelt. No way it fell out. Anyway, on we went to Dunns River Falls. When we arrived there I went to purchase a souvenire and discovered that I was missing $200.00 from my wallet. My daughter was furious and wanted to return to Hooves. Since it was cash and I couldn't prove they took it we did not. My advice to anyone planning to go to Hooves in the future is, no matter how akward it is, carry your belongings with you while riding the horse. As a result of our experience I would not reccommend this trip.

After notifying the company "Shore Trips" about my experience with Hooves, they contacted them to report the incident with the missing money from my wallet. It was discovered that the theft was due to a temporary employee and they were happy to refund my missing $200.00. A big thank you to Shore Trips and also to Hooves Stables.

Written February 7, 2005
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Seaside15320
3 contributions
A tourist treat that puts something back!
As horse owners we looked forward to riding on the beach on our holiday at Riu Ocho Rios. Our visit to 'Hooves' was not only the fulfilment of our wish but also our tourist pounds ($) offer a small contribution to the care of abandoned horses that would otherwise have no quality of life. Also the employment of less advantaged jamaicans is a valid demonstration that tourism can benefit at all levels.

After a safety talk from Patrick (the archetypal laid back, humerous Jamaican) we were shown our horses and mounted up. I was delighted to see that the horses looked well fed, properly shod and tacked (although some of the saddles looked very worn - anyone who has horses and plan to visit -if you have some old tack that you do not need, stirrup leathers, reins, numnahs etc - then if you were to donate it I am sure it would be well received!).

We had, as did all the small groups, 2 staff to make even the most inexperienced riders feel safe. The historical info they passed on (and offering straight from the tree some spiced leaves to smell) all added to the fun.

Our ride in the sea was sensational - cantering gently almost in slow motion - please support the photography/dvd services - as well as giving you an amazing memory to keep your payment helps local people.

We shall certainly visit 'Hooves' again on our next holiday in jamaica (wonder if we can fit a saddle into a suitcase?) Our best wishes to all the staff.

(Patrick - if you were anymore laid back you would be horizontal)
Written January 22, 2006
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2
…
Showing results 1-10 of 428

Hooves - Guided tours on horseback (St. Ann's Bay) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go