The Myths and Tips about Horseback Riding

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It’s also important to note that just because anyone CAN horseback ride, it certainly doesn’t mean that anyone SHOULD horseback ride. There are a couple of considerations one should take before getting up on horse.

• 1. Horses are Animals:
• 2. Those with back problems should not ride
• 3. Very young children should not ride unsupervised or alone.

Horses are Animals:

Anyone allergic to any sort of animal fur should definitely consult their doctor before thinking about riding a horse. But allergies are not all….there are other considerations that one should take into mind before riding a horse. One huge one is asking the trainer about the animal, i.e. how long they’ve had the animal, if it has any health problems,….these sorts of questions could save you some grief should the animal be one that doesn’t “like” to be ridden. Also be aware that as animals, horses may do things that, well, animals do. I’ve definitely been on an adventure where the horse I was riding decided that it just really “liked” the female horse in front of the group. Suffice it to say, the trainer was a little embarrassed. I wasn’t on the horse at the time, but had I been, well, I would have had an interesting ride. I’ve also ridden many horses that suddenly decide they want to eat a patch of leaves right under a low hanging branch. In these instances it is important to call for the trainer or guide and have him or her take control, or if you know the proper procedure with the reins, to apply it.

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Horseback Riding with Back Problems:

Just don’t do it. There have been studies, countless studies, of people developing spinal cord or spinal column. A horseback riding vacation should not include an exacerbation of pre-existing health problems. Though, not an expert on the matter, I do know that many horseback riding companies do offer the option of riding a bicycle instead of a horse. Whether or not a bike is better for you or not, I’ve no idea, but it is an option.

Young Children on your Horseback Riding Vacation:

Why? The first order of business would be to recommend that you not bring children under the age of 12 into the Jungle for a horseback expedition. Riding in the US is one thing, but riding in the middle of a jungle in a third-world country is something completely different. One of the major issues that most people encounter other than low hanging branches and leaves that knock them off the horse is ticks. There are plenty of ticks to go around in the jungle, and the probability of NOT getting one on you during an hour excursion is less than 1 (one) percent, or better stated, you will get at least one tic on your body before the horseback riding tour is over. Small children with weaker immune systems are just not cut-out for Mayan jungle horseback riding. Unless you have very mature, almost precocious kids, don’t bring them. It’s for their own health and safety that we highly recommend no one under 12 to embark on a horseback riding vacation in the middle of the Mayan Jungle.

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What Horseback riding in the Mayan Jungle is like:

Horse back Riding It’s pleasantly slow. This should not come as a surprise, but it is not a fast paced tour. The Mayan Jungle is very dense with green flora. Some of the paths will be cleared and you may move a little faster than walking speed, but the narrower, almost non-existent paths will more than make up for advancement on clear paths.

A big plus to Mayan jungle horseback riding is that the phrase, “the horse knows the way” rings very true in these part of the world, and specifically in this industry. The guides typically stick to a few to several routes that the horses learn within months of traveling. This makes your life much easier as neither the guide nor you will have to worry about re-directing your horse, especially in larger tour groups.

The pace and tranquility of the tour, in conjunction with the horse’s knowledge of the trail creates an experience unlike any other you’d find in the industry. Keeping in mind that you don’t become completely oblivious to the process going on below you, you should find that taking pictures, enjoying the scenery, or just taking it all in is just plain easy and enjoyable.

If you have any further questions about horseback riding in the Mayan Jungle please contact us via email or telephone: