Equus Rides Horseback Riding St. Croix
Equus Rides Horseback Riding St. Croix
Equus Rides Horseback Riding St. Croix
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About
Equus Rides offers a unique horseback riding experience on St. Croix's magnificent north shore. Join The Cane Bay Cowboy, Stephen O'Dea, and his team of experienced guides. Ride trails to hilltops with breath taking views. Mosey or canter along a beautiful beach. Finally, experience the ultimate... A swim in the Caribbean Sea on horseback! Equus Rides caters to riders of all levels. We also have horses available for private parties and wedding ceremonies. Happy Trails!
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- msmith132022Annapolis, Maryland14 contributionsAmazing TourThis is was a high point in our trip. Tour guides were very enthusiastic and engaging with our group. They are very knowledgeable about the area and horses. It was a pleasure to meet Cowboy Steve and Jacquline who were attentive to us. Jacquline took pictures and videos of us so we could focus on the views and enjoy the horses in the water. Horses were sweet. We loved every part of this tour and would definitely recommend.Visited September 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten September 22, 2023
- VinceD6101 contributionMuch more than expected!I came to St. Croix with my dad and to visit my daughter, who moved to the island in May. My dad wanted to take his granddaughter horseback riding. She suggested we go with Cowboy Steve and Equus rides and it was a great suggestion. My daughter had never been on a horse prior to this trip. Cowboy Steve, Jacqueline and Jeremiah were great and they explained everything so we all were comfortable. I will be visiting again in December with my wife and we are booking the ride then. Like I said “much more than expected”Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten September 25, 2023
- Michelle CPhoenix, Arizona7 contributionsGreat ExperienceCowboy Steve and Jacqueline made our riding adventure extra special! They took such good care of three unexperienced riders. This was an amazing, memorable experience. We cant thank you enough.Thank you Michelle, for bringing Sydney and Annajean to us, and for making our day special in your bright light and positive presence. We hope to see you all again, and Sydney was a real highlight and a sweet soul we will always remember! Big love, Cowboy Steve & JacquelineWritten October 5, 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited September 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 1, 2023
- Rea H1 contributionOutstanding experience!!Loved the whole experience!! I received a crash course on horseback riding which I very much appreciated. Thank you, Cowboy Steve and Jeremiah, for your friendliness and providing a fun and safe ride for me and my granddaughter. Our favorite part was riding into the ocean!! And of course, meeting you two. God bless you!!Visited October 2023Traveled with familyWritten October 9, 2023
- Kagan R1 contributionA Dream Come TrueCowboy Steve, Clayton, and Jeremiah made this horseriding experience unforgettable! We were on our honeymoon and fulfilled our dream of riding horses on the beach and in the water. Would highly recommend this to anyone at all levels of riding. They were very professional and friendly, and the horses were healthy and beautiful. 10/10 experience!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 10, 2023
- Tash L1 contributionHorse ride in the waterGreat experience and Dublin was the best horse for my first time ever. The water was beautiful and bit salty after a splash. I would recommend to everyone visiting and cowboy Steve and guys made a great time !!!!Visited October 2023Traveled soloWritten October 15, 2023
- ximena d2 contributionsCowboy Steve !Cowboy Steve !!!! This was such an amazing adventure. I would recommend this to everyone visiting. He is an amazing tour guide and a great person. He explained a lot of history about the island. Can’t wait to come back and do this again!Visited October 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten October 25, 2023
- Leslie BRome, Italy2 contributionsFun ride, but so much more!Cowboy Steve and Jacqueline made our experience so amazing! We learned so much about St. Croix history and the local environs, and even sampled the cashew fruit! Oh, and the horses! Dublin and Ginger were gentle and very obedient. Highlights for us were splashing in the water on horseback, and then watching from the water as turtles popped up around us! Another way to experience the awesome island of St. Croix. Thank you, Cowboy Steve, for an adventure we will never forget!Visited October 2023Written November 1, 2023
- LyzmillicanFletcher, North Carolina1 contributionUnforgettable experience!If you're wanting to ride horses in st croix this is the place to go. Cowboy Steve and Jacqueline were amazing and they truly love the horses. Learn a little about the history of the place and enjoy the spectacular views. I can't say enough good things about these guys! Definitely would recommend for all experience levels. I can't wait to come back!Visited November 2023Written November 9, 2023
- Susan B2 contributionsBest day with the best guides.This was an awesome experience. Cowboy Steve and Jacqueline shared so much history and their love for the island. The horses were perfect for us and the ride onto the beach and into the sea was something we will never forget. Get off the beaten tourist path and go do this - you will be so glad you did!Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten November 9, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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1 contribution
Jun 2021 • Family
Steve was blatantly rude to me and my family. We were constantly told and picked at about how we could ride differently. He raised his voice at us multiple times and targeted my family only. The other people on this tour got different guides and had a much more enjoyable experience. We payed far too much money to simply ride on the road only and be treated poorly. When we finally got to the beach Steve pressured me into standing up onto my horse and posing for a picture. It must have taken 20 minutes out of my tour to pose for a picture only for him to harass me to go farther. First he requested I stand on my horse and yelled at me to get down when he was satisfied. Then he said I should pose with my arms out. Finally he suggested I get on two horses and once and balance between them. He forced the other people to go and get wet in the water after they said they clearly did not want to go swimming. I had enough and ended up having him pull my horse back. This was not an enjoyable experience and I do not recommend this tour unless you want to be yelled at and harassed.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott H
Pottstown, PA4 contributions
Jan 2020
Steve and his assistant Andrea were wonderful! Steve provided patient instructions for us, and fascinating points of interest about the creatures and history of the island on the north shore. We then rode the horses onto the beach for an evening ride, and into the ocean, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! The horses were lovely and clearly well cared for and respected by Steve and Andrea, two expert horsepeople.
My husband and I have wonderful photos to go with our memory of the experience and highly recommend you try Equus Rides!
My husband and I have wonderful photos to go with our memory of the experience and highly recommend you try Equus Rides!
Written January 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
stevenmanis2021
Green Bay, WI1 contribution
Feb 2021
My fiancé and I booked the sunset horse back riding with Steve while on vacation on Saint Croix. He was awesome, full of stories and knowledge and being new riders made us feel confident on our horses. We rode into the Caribbean Sea and saw sea turtles come in to nest. Very cool experience!
Written February 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travis J
1 contribution
Jul 2022 • Family
When I booked our family vacation in St Thomas, I wanted find an experience beyond the standard beach activities. We are a family who loves horses but are not very experienced riders. I found Equus Rides online and saw that we would be able to ride in or near the ocean and I knew that it was something we had to do. You can take the ferry or a sea plane from St. Thomas to St. Croix. We booked the ferry. It's a 90 minute ride through the deep sea and if you get sea sickness, be sure to be prepared for big water. My kids and I loved it but it wasn't as easy on my wife haha She made it just fine and still thought it was well worth the experience. Equus put me in contact with a taxi company called Prince Taxi, you look him up. Prince picked us up at the ferry dock, he is an awesome guy and we had some excellent convos as he drove us to the ranch. It is rustic and rugged like a real ranch should be. Everyone welcomed us with a warm and happy reception. We began the time as they gathered us for a huddle, a stretch, meditation and affirmations. This wasn't expected but set the tone for an amazing day. If you looked at me, you wouldn't guess that I would be the type to appreciate a meditation so much but it was one of the best parts of the experience! The ride was beyond what I expected! We were placed with horses based upon our experience level and given great pointers on improving our riding abilities. The ride took us through some historic sites and down to the water. You can tell that Cowboy Steve and his crew love every moment of the ride as much as the participants. It was all smiles and joy with all of us as we rode through the beautiful Caribbean water. You could feel the energy of the horses that they were happy to be in the water too! My kids stood on the saddles and jumped into the sea! My wife and I got the most incredible photos!! Be sure to secure your belongings in a pouch and bring a waterproof camera. Do not leave keys or anything in your pocket that could potentially fall into the ocean. We are a well traveled family and I am not exaggerating that it was one of the most memorable experiences we have had on a vacation. I want to be back there in that moment right now!!
Written July 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gerald S
Ohio, United States4 contributions
Feb 2020
The horse back riding only amounted to walking down the road about half a mile steering the animals to the right and left on the road with cars coming past us which we felt was quit scary.
Before we even got to be introduced to the horses, we were led out on a beach with large rocks and told to build a structure with them. It was something we really did not want to do plus it was hard to maneuver over the stones for fear of falling.
Then to waste more riding time, we were asked to make a circle and told to close our eyes and breath deeply for several minutes and then ask to tell about ourselves. I didn't pay $100 to breath heavy.
Finally, we were taken to the beach thinking we were going to ride on the beach; but, NO; half of us sat there while several young ladies were taken aside and were instructed to stand up in their sattles which we felt was not only dangerous but quit foolish and another waste of time.
At last, we were led out into the water which our horses did not really want to do so one of the guides had to take us one by one out into the deep water to force our horses to swim with us. That was fun but that was it......It was over.
Before we even got to be introduced to the horses, we were led out on a beach with large rocks and told to build a structure with them. It was something we really did not want to do plus it was hard to maneuver over the stones for fear of falling.
Then to waste more riding time, we were asked to make a circle and told to close our eyes and breath deeply for several minutes and then ask to tell about ourselves. I didn't pay $100 to breath heavy.
Finally, we were taken to the beach thinking we were going to ride on the beach; but, NO; half of us sat there while several young ladies were taken aside and were instructed to stand up in their sattles which we felt was not only dangerous but quit foolish and another waste of time.
At last, we were led out into the water which our horses did not really want to do so one of the guides had to take us one by one out into the deep water to force our horses to swim with us. That was fun but that was it......It was over.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Trae Hawkins
2 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
It appears everyone on the island loves Cowboy Steve; he's a local celebrity. I was diving with Cane Bay and all the employees recommended him. We would go to restaurants, everyone recommended him.
Everything they said was true. He's effusive, friendly, patient, his horses are well cared for, and he has a deep connection with them (FYI, he was a real Texas cowboy on a Hill Country ranch for more than a decade).
You get history, a nature lesson, and more before you get on the horse. He and his staff were very professional. We didn't leave the stable until everyone was comfortable, from beginners to experienced. Every stirrup was right, every girth strap tight, and he took time to explain basic skills to the beginners. I was with my 16 year-old daughter and he took extra time to help her get settled.
The ride takes place over an old plantation, past the ruins, then onto the beach, and back. He tells you more history and stories along the way. I was on Whisper, who likes to run and get out in front, and took a little work to rein in. You'll see in the picture that he's a big boy and his intellect is bigger than his belly. I took him out into the deeper water up to his withers. Finally, him snorting and growling, after getting smacked by a tall wave, I let him have his head and go back in a little ways. He was a great horse, loved being in the water (just not so deep). He also eats like a horse. Every time we stopped and he had a chance to graze he was the fat man at the buffet.
Steve is a character. He adores what he's doing, loves his horses, loves his staff, just loves people in general. It was worth every penny. He's in no hurry, the ride takes as long as necessary. They want you to truly enjoy the experience.
My daughter and I will probably still be talking about and bonding over this experience 20 years from now. No wonder everyone on the island recommends him.
Do it. Book before you go or you're liable to miss your chance. If the site had a 10 Equus would get it from me.
Everything they said was true. He's effusive, friendly, patient, his horses are well cared for, and he has a deep connection with them (FYI, he was a real Texas cowboy on a Hill Country ranch for more than a decade).
You get history, a nature lesson, and more before you get on the horse. He and his staff were very professional. We didn't leave the stable until everyone was comfortable, from beginners to experienced. Every stirrup was right, every girth strap tight, and he took time to explain basic skills to the beginners. I was with my 16 year-old daughter and he took extra time to help her get settled.
The ride takes place over an old plantation, past the ruins, then onto the beach, and back. He tells you more history and stories along the way. I was on Whisper, who likes to run and get out in front, and took a little work to rein in. You'll see in the picture that he's a big boy and his intellect is bigger than his belly. I took him out into the deeper water up to his withers. Finally, him snorting and growling, after getting smacked by a tall wave, I let him have his head and go back in a little ways. He was a great horse, loved being in the water (just not so deep). He also eats like a horse. Every time we stopped and he had a chance to graze he was the fat man at the buffet.
Steve is a character. He adores what he's doing, loves his horses, loves his staff, just loves people in general. It was worth every penny. He's in no hurry, the ride takes as long as necessary. They want you to truly enjoy the experience.
My daughter and I will probably still be talking about and bonding over this experience 20 years from now. No wonder everyone on the island recommends him.
Do it. Book before you go or you're liable to miss your chance. If the site had a 10 Equus would get it from me.
Written December 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mtnrydr13
Bailey, CO7 contributions
Jun 2020
We are planning on retiring to St. Croix in the next 5-7 years. Part of living anywhere is meeting your neighbors. My wife and I were interested in horse-back riding on the beach. Cowboy Steve met us 20 minutes before our scheduled time and asked that we follow him to a second location. It was someones house! Steve took us around 2 properties and pointed out various trees, explaining mangos, cashews, hibiscus, prickly pear cactus and we were able to sample some fresh picked fruit. Another short ride to an old sugar plantation where we got a history lesson. He's an Irishman and it shows, he's got the gift of Blarney. Then onward to a shady area where we met his assistants. We are horse novices and were made to feel at ease. Steve gave me a quick rundown on handling Ginji, who I think handled me quite well. He spent the excursion guiding Dublin with my wife who was a little nervous about the whole thing. I appreciated his tending to her inexperience. The additional help he had was informative and friendly. The whole time spent with Cowboy Steve and Equus was a delight. If I were given the opportunity to pick a neighbor, it would be Cowboy Steve. Similar to listening to my uncles swap stories around the campfire, I could spend hours listening to his bits of his life's experience.
Written June 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura V
Fort Lauderdale6 contributions
Jul 2021 • Friends
This is an incredible experience! Cowboy Steve has a teaching gift. His patient knowledgeable guidance and positivity is stellar. Healthy, beautiful horses know his cues and the rustic country stable is truly a happy place. He keenly matches each rider with a compatible horse and it’s ALL fun!
Dublin was my buddy and he took me in the sea and for a magnificent trot. The big blue sea meeting the sky at dusk in tropical paradise made it worth it to travel a little extra to lush, inviting Cane Bay. Thanks so much! Hope to be back someday ❤️ Love, Laura Van Epps Instagram: reggaebabi
Dublin was my buddy and he took me in the sea and for a magnificent trot. The big blue sea meeting the sky at dusk in tropical paradise made it worth it to travel a little extra to lush, inviting Cane Bay. Thanks so much! Hope to be back someday ❤️ Love, Laura Van Epps Instagram: reggaebabi
Written July 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mrs. P.
2 contributions
Feb 2020
We had the best time ever! Cowboy Steve and Andrea were great, they made us feel so welcomed and comfortable and the experience unforgettable. From building our stone monuments to riding the horses into the ocean with a beautiful sunset and a double rainbow, it was truly magical!! My husband and I were the only two on the tour and they could have easily canceled but they didn't, we had the experience of a lifetime. Steve was even gracious enough to give us a ride back to our hotel and on the way stopped off at Christopher Columbus' landing site and gave us a brief history lesson. We highly recommend you give this experience a try, you won't regret it!! Thank you Cowboy Steve...GOD Bless!!
Written March 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nicole
4 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
As a local I always recommend cowboy Steve to friends that visit. He knows so much about the island, takes great care of the horses and gives back to our community. Our adventure riding with Dublin & Gingy was absolutely amazing. We had fun and felt safe the entire time. I would 10/10 recommend you add this experience to your itinerary when visiting St.Croix!
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I have a 5 year old and was wondering if she has to get into the water with the horse? Can it be optional for her? I am afraid she will be scared and scare the horse.
Written January 11, 2023
They really seem to be accommodating and helpful. We had 1 person that they held on to the horse and only took it far enough to get her feet wet. The operators of equus rides was formerly a preacher and he does not require you to do anything you are not comfortable with.
Written January 12, 2023
Are you allowed to ride the horse freely or do they move in a line?
Written May 22, 2020
we moved in a line to start, but if you are an experienced rider there was some freedom to trot or canter. it was a great experience. i figured we would ride the horses along the edge of the beach, but we went in pretty deep where the horse had to actually swim a little. the ride was fun and cowboy steve is very informative and entertaining!!!
Written May 23, 2020
We are coming on a cruise are you near the port. Jean
Written January 28, 2019
No. They are on the Northshore on Cane Bay
Written August 2, 2019
Do you have Height and Weight restrictions on your riders? If so, what are they?
Written April 15, 2016
There is a 200 lb. weight limit.
Written March 6, 2020
Hi, my wife and I are coming to St Croix in a few weeks with my in-laws and our 3 kids. Can little kids ride along with an adult (our kids are 7, 4, and 2)? Thanks in advance!
Written April 12, 2016
Thank you for contacting Equus Rides. The seven year old would be fine on a horse. We do have a donkey that we can saddle up an have the two younger ones ride on. We can have a guide lead them. Two may be a little young to want to go along for the whole 2 hours. I would recommend you call and talk to Bonnie (340-513-7816) who does the booking. We can see if we can come up with something that would be enjoyable for the whole family.
Written April 12, 2016
I would love a picture of Steve and Noah......could you take one and email it to me.......my email address would be bboop123 and thats at aol mail
or send to 515-210-9449
Thanks
Betty Hesseltine
Des Moines, Iowa
Written April 3, 2016
Mtravels623
Chicago, Illinois
My husband would like to ride but my 8 year old isn't comfortable riding - is there anything there for me & daughter to do while husband rides?
Written February 1, 2016
We have a very gentle donkey named Eeyore who we can saddle up and have your daughter ride along with a guide leading on foot.
Written March 4, 2016
Dking2014
Silver Spring, Maryland
My husband and I are taking a cruise on Adventure of the Seas we arrive into St. Croix on Wed. 1/25, we'd love to take your tour. Would it be possible to schedule a tour @ 10:00A? Do you provide any transport to and from the port?
Written January 8, 2016
Thank you for contacting Equus Rides. Our tours are fantastic! They are 2 plus hours from start to finish and are $100 per rider cash or check only. We ride Through a beautiful Plantation to a hilltop sugar mill and other ruins. Then, down to the beach where you ride along the shore before taking the horses into the water for a swim. There is nothing like swimming on horseback in the Caribbean Sea! We have horses for all riding levels. We offer a 10 am ride to accommodate the ship's schedule. We recommend water shoes or sneakers you don't mind getting wet. Shorts are fine and bring a camera. There are taxi vans at the pier to bring you to Cane Bay. the ride is $9 per person each way. we meet you at the drop off/pick up spot at Cane Bay beach at 10. Let me know if you want to confirm your reservation.
Warm regards,
Bonnie
40-513-7816
Written January 11, 2016
We are coming in on the Adventures of the Sea on 9/6. How can I make reservations for two adults and how to arrange transportation? Are there set times?
Written August 28, 2015
Tnank you for contacting Equus Rides. Our tours are fantastic! They are 2 plus hours from start to finish and are $100 per rider cash or check. We have a 10 am tour to accommodate the ship's schedule. there are taxi vans to bring you from the port to Cane Bay where the horses are. We meet you at the drop off area. Please feel free to call 340-513-7816 to reserve I have 4 spaces still available.
Regards,
Bonnie
Written August 31, 2015
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