Yes, there
is horseback riding on the Grand Strand although most of us have probably never
seen anyone riding a horse on the beach.
That is because horseback riding on the beach is restricted to the
months of November through February to prevent the trampling of unsuspecting
tourists.
If you have
ever fantasized about riding a horse on the beach with your special someone, we
have several horseback riding outfitters that can make that happen for
you. Most outfitters provide everything
that you need for a horseback ride which includes the horses and saddles. You should go dressed appropriately in jeans
and closed-toed shoes.
Spending a
day riding a calm, patient horse is a fun experience for the entire family,
couples or groups that will provide you with unforgettable memories. Most of the outfitters have photographers
that will capture your horseback riding adventure for you.
A rider may
have limited or no experience because experienced guides and lead horses will
maintain close control over the pack.
All riders and horses get acquainted in a safe environment before they
begin their journey on the beach or trails.
Children can ride alone or in a buddy seat with an adult.
Some
outfitters have inland trails where you can ride through scenic woodlands and
wetlands while others have access to
private stretches of beach that you can ride horses on year round. Regardless of which experience you
choose, you will make memories that last
a lifetime.
There are
also outfitters that will allow you to bring your own horses to ride their
trails. If you decide to bring your
horse for a weekend, you can do that also.
Just bring your hay, feed, bedding and any additional supplies needed
for your horses’ stay, and you will be provided with a stall. You do have to clean up behind yourself and
your horse.
If you
prefer to sit back and relax, some of the outfitters also offer a horse drawn
wagon or buggy ride. Leisurely rides on
the Grand Strand farms or trails are available as well as rides along the
coastline. The wagons are wheelchair
accessible with room for three or four additional riders.
Below are
some of our horseback riding outfitters in the Myrtle Beach area:
Grand Strand Horseback Riding, LLC, 2131 Hughes Gasque Road, Aynor,
South Carolina, 843-358-4002, are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. – 8:00
p.m. They offer beach riding from
November 17 through February 28 as well as trail horseback riding. Trail rides wind around the countryside,
through wooded trails, along canals, and around crop fields, beautiful pastures
and ponds. Families with children under
4 years old are welcome to book a wagon ride. They also have buddy seats for
children 4 – 8 years old (depending on size) to enjoy a ride with a parent on
horseback. Rides are approximately 1.5
hours. All riders will receive pictures of their ride via text or e-mail
immediately following their ride. For
more information, go to grandstrandhorsebackriding@gmail.com.
Horseback Riding of Myrtle Beach is based on the outskirts of Conway, about a half-hour
drive inland from the beach, this
outfitter features large stables surrounded by wilderness trails designed for
all experience levels. Patrons can select from beginner, intermediate and
advanced levels of horses and trails, and the scenic countryside provides the
perfect backdrop for a horseback riding adventure. Those trails are available
year-round, but the beach tours run from November 1 through February 28, when
horses are permitted on the beach throughout Horry and Georgetown County. Buddy
seats are available for ages 3-8. Tours depart from the Garden City Beach area
and into Murrells Inlet. Reservations are required. Call 843-997-1876. For more information, go to www.myrtlebeachhorserides.com.
Inlet Point Plantation, 5800 Highway 236, North Myrtle
Beach, South Carolina, 843-249-2989, has access to Waites Island just off the coast, so beach rides are
available year-round. Enjoy tours of the island and Sunset Beach, the
Intracoastal Waterway and inland trails. The most popular tour is a two-hour
ride over the dunes and Dunn Sound onto Waites Island, which is a nature
preserve and research center for aquatic science. See birds of prey, sea
turtles and other unique wildlife along this tour. You can also bring your own horse for $25
per day or stable them overnight for $35 per day at Peachtree Equestrian
Facility. For more information, go to http://www.inletpointplantation.com/.
Wampee Stables, 1518 State
Highway 57 South, Little River, South Carolina, 843-241-8768, located about five miles inland of North Myrtle
Beach, this rural stable is surrounded by scenic trails through swampy
stretches of the South Carolina Lowcountry. Trail rides are approximately 1.5
hours long and require reservations. Wampee Stables also offers riding lessons
for kids and summer camps if your child is interested in equestrian sports.
Wampee Stables can incorporate a romantic horseback ride into your wedding if
you want. For more information, go to www.wampeestables.com.