Horseback riding in Jamaica

Gallop along the shore or tour through banana, sugar cane and coconut plantations.  Ride along a hilly trail where at the top you're treated to a stunning vista.  Your guide leads the way as you enjoy horseback riding in Jamaica in  warm Caribbean waters.  Ready to giddyap to the nearest horseback riding stable?  They are found in resort areas.  Most resorts can arrange rides.

Chukka Cove Polo Club located between Runaway Bay and St. Ann's Bay is a world-class polo and horse riding facility.  Beach rides with options for riding in the water or along mountain trails are popular.  both options are offered by Chukka Cove and Hooves Ltd. of St. Ann's Bay.  A tour on horseback some 1,800 feet above sea level along a "bush doctor" trail is a prescription for what ails you.  It takes riders into the heart of Jamaica and is offered by Hooves Limited.  Put on your swimwear for Chukka Cove's beach ride, one of the most popular excursion offered by Safari Tours combines horseback riding on former polo horses at Prospect Plantation and river tubing.

Other horseback riding in Jamaica facilities are also found in Montego Bay, Negril and the South Coast Area, offering options for riding into the hills, through working plantations or on the beach.

Polo matches take place at regulation polo fields on island.   Matches pit mounted four-man teams (called chuckers) against each other.  Each chukker begins with an umpire bowling the ball between two teams.  The team that scores most goals wins.  Ponies must have stamina, speed and the ability to accelerate, stop and even turn quickly.

Players from the Caribbean and England will compete in a tournament hosted by the Jamaica Polo Association in April-May at Chukka Cove.  The annual Hi-Pro Family Polo Tournament & International Horse Show at Chukka Cove is set for July.

Remember to save room in your suitcase for winnings you could take home from horse racing at Caymanas Park in Portmore, west of Kingston.  Thoroughbreds go to the post at mid-day on Wednesdays, Saturdays and public holidays throughout the year.  Reserved seating is less than US$5 and you can put down win, place, quinella, exacta, trifecta and other exotic bets.  Race card is usually 10 races.  Check with  your hotel's front desk for more information.

The above text was taken from
Destination Jamaica
The official visitor magazine of the Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association
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