Swimming on horseback on a Caribbean equestrian vacation in Jamaica.
“On the count of three, we are all going to reach for the manes and pull ourselves up on to our horse’s back. The horses will step onto the seabed momentarily and stand up. Are you ready? Here we go…one, two, three, Grab!” shouted our Jamaican guide, or more importantly the person to whom I had entrusted my life for the last ten minutes while swimming on horseback three hundred yards off the beach in Jamaica’s Caribbean Sea.
As we reached the beach after a short trot through the breaking waves, I was smiling from ear to ear, still unable to fully grasp what we had just done. I have ridden on many beaches all over the world, and along shorelines, cantered along the water’s edge with splashing hooves and sand sprays, but never a ride like this. Absolutely incredible!
The day started back at the Equestrian center at Half Moon Resort. We met our horses and guides who spent a few minutes watching me and my daughter ride in the Equestrian Center Arena to ensure our competency before leading us down a royal palm tree lined road towards Sunrise Beach. Our guides, Chase and Rhoan, were eager to educate us about the island and our surroundings and told us about Jamaica’s national bird (the hummingbird), pointed out a mongoose scurrying across the path, explained where Blue Mountain coffee originates.
They also taught us some Patawah – Jamaica’s language. In Patawah, or speaking Patois, a (ah)- means many things from a, to, is, it, the or will ‘A’ is said before action will or has taken place. This is the main Jamaican preposition for nearly everything. So of course we had to learn a few of the most commonly used:* A go (ah go)- Going; Ah sey one (ah seh won)- Emphasize the statement that will follow; Irie (I-ree) which means everything is alright and an expression of feeling great or cool. Mon- perhaps the single most important word represents every person in Jamaica. Yah mon, nah mon, for yes and no.
We waved to other guests traveling on bikes and in golf carts. En route, Chase and Rhoan picked us both a vibrant rose-colored hibiscus flowers for our hair, less commonly known as a rose mallow. We paused to view the dolphin cove from a distance before heading down to Sunrise Beach. We removed our helmets and stripped to our bathing suits while the guides untacked the horses. I was happy that we were given life belts as we were to head out quite a ways, so that it would be deep enough for the horses to actually start swimming.
Chase explained that he would be letting us know when to let go of the reins and only hold the mane one we got deep enough. The Resort regularly clears a path in the sea grass for the horses, visible from the shore out to the deep water. This is so that the horses do not risk stepping on large rocks or sea urchins, which are plentiful in these waters.
With the ocean now lapping up over my knees, I had second thoughts about this adventure as I watched a giant stingray gracefully swim by. There was no time for second thoughts though as I watched the beach get farther and farther away from us. The waves broke at my waist and my thought of turning back was lost to our guides saying, “Ease-up (relax) and Let go!” I grabbed for the mane and was immediately pulled back as my horse started swimming beneath me.
The four horses swam side by side and were vigorously snorting the water away from their nostrils, as they kept their heads above the waves with ease. Our guides motioned for us to let go of the mane completely and slide back to the horse’s rear and grab the tail. In any other riding encounter this would not end well but since the horses were swimming, we floated off their backs and grabbed the tails before they could swim away from us. For a moment I worried about getting kicked, but the hind legs were churning well beneath the horse down and not back as when at a canter. As we were pulled along, it seemed like time had stopped and it was the most beautiful moment, recognizing a truly unique and amazing experience of being out in the ocean with a horse.
Back on the beach, we took some photos with the horses in the water. I paused to enjoy the tranquility of the moment: the turquoise and blue clear waters, the sound of the palm trees rustling in the breeze, the smell of the sea salt in the air – the sights and sounds you see in movies that you think aren’t real actually do exist. You just have to head to Jamaica and swim with the horses to experience it. And just when we thought things were coming to an end, one of our guides climbed a palm tree and descended with coconuts. With one slice of a machete and a poke of the thumb, we were sipping fresh coconut water in our bikinis on the beach, with the horses grazing on the dried seaweed in the shade behind us.
If swimming with the horses proves a bit too daring, you can visit the Half Moon Equestrian Centre, where pony rides and polo lessons are just two of many options. Suitable horses and instruction are provided for beginners and experienced riders. Helmets are provided. For more information visit Half Moon Resort or Half Moon Equestrian Center.
Read Part II- A Caribbean Equestrian Vacation in Jamaica
