Good ride...on horseback. Recommendations?

[RockRobster]

We're thinking about giving Rhodes a try next week and if we do, I'll post a report. Have heard nothing but good things. We're horse folks as well.

[Johio]

Another option, if they are still in business, is Country Western Horseback Riding. When I asked about riding back in 2009, a TA poster gave a rousing recommendation for them. Sand gravity kept us from giving them a try, but this is what they posted about it...

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Before our trip I posted about the best horseback riding in Negril since my 12 1/2 year old daughter is a REAL rider and would not be happy with a basic tourist trail or beach walk. Several people recommended Country Western and I want to say a huge THANK YOU for the recommendation. It took some effort to get in touch with them because they do not have a website. Beaches Negril only arranged horseback riding through Chukka and did not provide a phone book in the room to find Country Western. An internet search finally did the trick. The phone number is 876-955-7813 and Wade or George will help you. Country Western will pick you up at your hotel which costs much less than cab fare.

The grounds of Country Western are spectacular. They have 900 acres filled with donkeys, goats, an ostrich, the beginning of a crocodile farm, fruit trees, exotic birds, lots of baby animals and trails through native mangroves ending at a long gorgeous calm private beach. The best part is the riding! Our guide, Rudy, was an EXCELLENT instructor. Not only did he get ME on a horse (something I swore would never happen) but he had my daughter cantering, galloping, swimming with her horse, standing on her horse in the water, and diving off the horse! Rudy was one of the gentlest souls I have met in Jamaica and I would have had no fear sending my daughter off riding with him on her own. I was surprised to learn that Rudy works ONLY for tips. We went to Country Western 3 times and while I always tip riding guides, after our 3rd trip I tipped him REALLY well.

If you go, wear or bring a bathing suit and towel. Also mosquito repellent is a MUST. I have never had a problem with mosquitoes in Jamaica but this was in the country in August near lots of greenery, streams, etc. My daughter and I each had about 90 bites after the first ride (we wore shorts-big mistake) but had no further trouble when we returned 2 more times wearing water repellent OFF. Wade was very helpful in giving us fresh lime to nurse our bites and we had anti-itch cream back at our hotel.
Country Western is not as well represented at most of the local hotels that seem to push tours with Chukka or Rhodes Hall. My thinking is that George and Wade are just not great businessmen (I told them they needed a website and am almost tempted to make them one). They hope to turn the property into an eco-tourist spot with beach bungalows but I suspect this will take a LONG time.

I really do think this IS the place for the perfect ride. My daughter takes weekly lessons at home and learned a lot. I am a klutz and not physically fit and learned to enjoy a slow paced ride. We went 3 times in 9 days and on our last day we were joined by honeymooners from Couples whose travel agent arranged their trip because she knows Jamaica well. They had barely ridden before and both had a wonderful time, astounded by the beauty of the very long private beach.

Finally, the transportation is excellent. On the way home, George had no problem stopping for me to change some money and pick up local food to bring back to our hotel. A second time Wade took me to a small grocery to stock up on basics.
I just cannot say enough about these people and this wonderful place to visit! Forget the guys on the beach who will walk you on a horse or the other places. Country Western is the place to go for an uncrowded unique Jamaican horseback riding experience!