Adventures underwater have always held a special charm for many. And while the idea of swimming with wild marine creatures is not uncommon, there's another aquatic experience that offers a thrill unlike any other – swimming with horses. Just imagine the exhilaration of gliding through the water alongside your equine companion.
Where to begin
The first question to ask yourself is, what are your end goals? For instance, are you a newbie, simply wanting to test the waters (pun intended), or an intermediate, wondering if this is the right step to take in your journey with your horse?
Maybe you’re just on holiday and have seen a group of people having an amazing time in the ocean on horseback, and you wanted to try it out but were intimidated by the level of skill it might require. Worry not, as we compiled a guide for all the things you need to know for your next aquatic adventure.
As we always say on MyCavago, there is something for everyone!
For the serious rider
Aside from the novelty, swimming with your horse offers a wide variety of benefits. Whether you are seeking an opportunity to build a deeper connection with your horse or whether you are simply in it for health benefits, a swim and ride is a fantastic option for both. In this part of the article, we'll delve into the incredible journey of swimming with horses and how MyCavago can help you find the perfect aquatic horse riding experiences near you.
The Physical, Mental, and Emotional Benefits of Horse Swimming
Did you know that, just like their human counterparts, horses require physical exertion for both their body and mind? Engaging your horse in an underwater experience will allow it to adapt its abilities to a different environment and develop skills that are very different from the kind required for on-land exercise. It’s also perfect for rehabilitating your horse's recovery and forging a deeper connection with your equine partner.
A full-body workout for your equine partner
Horse riding is renowned for its physical demands, providing riders with a comprehensive workout that engages various muscle groups. Swimming takes this workout to a whole new level. The natural resistance of water pushes the horse to work harder, increasing the capacity of the heart and lungs. The resistance of the water creates an environment where your horse's muscles are consistently activated, promoting strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance. As your horse moves through the water, it utilizes muscles that may not be as engaged during traditional riding.
Mental stimulation and confidence-building
Swimming with horses isn't just about physical exercise; it's also a mentally stimulating activity. Horses are intelligent animals that thrive on novelty and challenge. Navigating through the water requires them to adapt to a new environment, which in turn boosts their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. Furthermore, successfully conquering their initial hesitations in the water fosters a sense of accomplishment and confidence that carries over to their performance on land.
Strengthening the Bond
The bond between a rider and their horse is something truly special. Swimming together deepens this connection even further. The shared experience of entering an unfamiliar environment builds trust and communication. Horses are incredibly perceptive animals; they can sense your emotions and intentions. Swimming allows you to develop a heightened level of mutual understanding that will strengthen your partnership in all aspects of riding.
Therapeutic Benefits
Swimming provides a refreshing break from routine training and riding. The soothing sensation of water can have a calming effect on both you and your horse, reducing stress and promoting relaxation. Immersed in the tranquil waters, you can feel the cares of the world melt away as you focus on the rhythmic movements and the connection you share with your equine companion.
Rehabilitation and joint relief
Swimming holds remarkable therapeutic benefits, particularly for horses recovering from injuries. The buoyancy of the water reduces the weight placed on joints and muscles, creating a low-impact environment for exercise. This is invaluable for facilitating healing without subjecting the injured areas to excess strain. The controlled resistance of the water also aids in rebuilding strength, making it an essential part of the rehabilitation process.
Exploring new horizons together
Embarking on aquatic adventures showcases your willingness to explore and conquer challenges as a team. The memories forged while swimming will forever be a testament to your shared accomplishments. When you look back on these moments, you'll be reminded of the bravery and synergy that define your relationship.
Things to Keep in Mind
Horse swimming can be expensive and often be a logistical challenge to set up, especially if there isn’t an existing natural body of water for the horse to swim in. It’s also important to keep in mind any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries your horse may have and to consult with an equine professional or vet, who can help you gradually introduce yourself and your horse to swimming as a therapeutic tool. At MyCavago, we work with experts worldwide, many of whom provide state-of-the-art facilities and instruction to help you out.
For those who want to have a good time
Of course, after reading all that, you might think that swimming with horses is a very complicated endeavor reserved only for the most committed and advanced riders. That’s most definitely not the case! If you wish to experience swimming with a horse as more of a novelty instead, there are far fewer considerations to take into account since you’ll be signing up with professional guides who will be doing all of the hard work for you, ensuring that you only get to enjoy the fun part!
Yassine Cavalier
Our Sunset Beach Ride in Essaouira, Morocco, is just what you need! Hop on for a two-hour ride along the stunning coastline, and watch as the sun sets over the calm waters of the Atlantic Ocean. It's the perfect opportunity to capture breathtaking photos of you and your loved ones.
We'll make sure to capture every moment of your experience with our professional photography services. Imagine yourself on horseback, wind in your hair, and the sun setting behind you - it's a moment you'll want to remember forever.
The beach ride is a fantastic way to take in the natural beauty of Essaouira and a fun and unique way to experience a therapeutic experience with a horse.
Ludus Equus
2-hour riding Tour right next to Monsaraz Castle, with the most amazing view of Alqueva. Here, horses and riders can enjoy a refreshing dip in the water and finish their ride with a scenic picnic at the end.
Here's a review from one of the people who went on this tour:
"I booked a guided 2 hours riding tour near Évora, at the Alqueva Dam, via Cavago. The booking was not complicated, and I could make the trip early the next morning. The support and chat with Cavago were also very kind.
The next morning, I met him at the location at the seaside. He was there with two horses in his trailer, and the horses were already prepared for the tour. He also had a helmet for me for safety reasons. There was nobody else this morning. So I got a private Tour :). You could see that the horses were in very good condition. He asked me about my experience so far and gave me a short introduction on how to handle my horse.
If you are not experienced, he will take you with him, but if you are experienced, you can go by yourself. Mr. Barradas is a real horseman, and he has also participated in showjumping competitions and breeds showjumping horses. We had a tour along the river site area with some trot and canter along the river. He explained many things about the countryside area, Alentejo, how they have built the dam, and about Monzaraz. The highlight was to go into the river with the horses and to swim with them.
My horse at home is afraid of water so it was the first time I went swimming with a horse! This was a really great and fun experience. After the ride, he prepared a nice picnic with regional bread, and we had a talk about German jumping stallions."
If you want to have a nature experience with horses, go swimming with them, and see the countryside, it is definitely worth going with Ludus Equus."
- Nicole, Germany.
Salty Cowboy
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Have you ever dreamt of riding on a tropical beach? Well, this is your chance to do exactly that! Book a one-hour tour accompanied by one of our ‘Salty Cowboys.’ They will be taken care of according to your level of expertise in riding. What better way to experience Bali than with a beach ride?
Fortunately, there are also a wide variety of options available for you. Whether you’re looking to horse ride in Egypt or anywhere else in the world! MyCavago curates a wide selection of thrilling Swims and Rides all across the world with hosts that welcome beginners and experts alike to this experience.
And if you’ve never considered a swim and ride before, you definitely should, if for nothing else but for the once-in-a-lifetime photo-op with bragging rights! The visual splendor of swimming with horses is certainly a sight to behold. It is definitely not one you want to miss!
Swimming with horses is an extraordinary adventure that offers a multitude of benefits beyond the water's edge. From enhancing physical health and forging emotional connections to providing therapeutic relief and creating cherished memories, this aquatic experience awaits those who seek to elevate their bond with their equine companions.
So, why wait? Take the plunge, feel the exhilaration, and embark on a swimming journey that will undoubtedly enrich your bond with your horse and create memories that will be treasured for years to come.
