Where in the World is the Best Horse Riding on the Beach?

Beach Riding in Africa

Cantering along pristine coastline, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face and the sounds of the waves crashing beside you, is an image that appears on almost every riders bucket-list…

But where is the best horse riding on the beach? And is it all it’s cracked up to be?

Growing up in the UK, I’ve found, that often beach riding can end up being a bit let down. Beaches full of meandering walkers, totally oblivious to the fact that you’re itching to wizz along running them down. Deep sand meaning you can’t get out of a gentle trot for fear of tendon injuries. Health and safety rules and regulations dictating all the fun. The huge palaver of having to travel your exceptionally excited and frisky horses.

Beach riding in Africa is a totally different ball game.

Not only is it a great deal warmer (always a plus!) but it also avoids many of the issues you can find with horse riding on beaches. Here is your chance to really fulfill that childhood dream. Pristine, untouched and empty coastline reaching out in front of you, ready to be cantered along.

Rules and regulations controlling horses on the beaches? Hah – its Africa, you don’t have to worry about that! Bliss!

My two favourite places to beach ride in Africa are:

Along South Africa’s stunning Wild Coast:

I had the honour of riding along some of this spectacular coastline in October 2016. The beach riding here is second-to-none, and many consider it some of the best beach riding in the world. Rough, rugged and truly ‘wild’ the coastline challenges and rewards you in equal measures. Cross rivers, swimming alongside your horses, canter down kilometers of empty hard sand beaches, on horses that know the area like the back of their hooves. It doesn’t get much better than that.

Once on top of the wonderful cliffs and ridges, enjoy the panoramic 360 views – and as if things couldn’t be more spectacular – look out to sea and watch a pod of dolphins jumping in and out of the waves. The Wild Coast is wild but if you’re looking for an adventure, my goodness is it worth taming!

Horse Riding in Mozambique:

Whilst the beach riding in Mozambique could not be more of a contrast to the Wild Coast. It does have many of those all-important elements that make for the perfect beach riding; empty beaches, stretches of hard sand, stunning views, and the opportunity to frolic in the sea with your four-legged friend!

Here it is all about those bright white beaches, turquoise seas and those all-important Pino Caldas. You will get to know the local cuisines, cultures and way of life while relishing wondrous luxury. This is the perfect escape for those looking for relaxation, teamed with exciting horse riding. Stay in a villa with views across the sea, and be hosted by the brilliant Pat and Mandy Retzlaff. Mandy is the author of the book 104 Horses – Well worth a read before you head here!

Of course, no beach riding dream is fulfilled without a good horse swim. Frolicking in the turquoise waters to cool off after a brilliant day in the saddle.

So what are you waiting for?! Time to tick beach riding off the bucket-list 😀

You can easily team either of these beautiful beach rides with horseback safari. With a short flight you can find yourself from bush to beach. It can be the perfect end to what will have no doubt been an epic safari adventure.