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Horseback riding South Padre Island, the best experience

Horseback riding South Padre Island is one of the best ways to discover this magnificent island, to get close to nature, and enjoy the sound of waves.

Horseback riding in South Padre Island is very rewarding.

It is something that everyone can do. When you are riding a horse, you can forget about your problems for a little while.

South Padre Island is on the coast of Texas near the Gulf of Mexico.

It has many beaches that are good for walking, sunbathing, and horseback riding.

Riding a horse at sunset on the beach is very beautiful and romantic.

You can listen to the waves and watch the sun set in the sea.

Horseback riding is not very expensive and it is something that people of all ages can try.

You don’t need to have any experience to ride a horse, so anyone can give it a go.

This article will tell you a few things about riding horses.

It is good for your health and it is really fun.

The best times to ride horses on South Padre Island are in the mornings and evenings when it is not so hot outside.

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Is it complicated to ride a horse?

You don’t need to be very skilled to ride a horse on your next trip.

First of all, you don’t need to be afraid of horses. They are gentle and smart animals that won’t hurt you unless they feel threatened.

Horseback riding South Padre Island
horseback riding South Padre Sand dunes

Just hop on the back of the horse and let yourself walk into a magical world without any worries!

There is a weight limit for riding a horse and also an age limit, as most of the stables ask the riders to have at least 6 years old and under 240 pounds.

Benefits of horseback riding South Padre Island

Horseback riding is not only simple and fun, but it also has many benefits.

You shouldn’t miss out on such an experience.

There are many benefits to doing this activity, both for your physical and mental health.

I’m going to mention a few of the most important ones.

Physical benefits

  • Your muscle tone is improved, especially in the legs, back, buttocks, and abdomen
  • Your muscle tension will simply disappear
  • Your sense of balance is strengthened 
  • Your body posture is considerably improved
  • The back, chest, and shoulders area is improved as your body stays in the right position
  • Your motor skills will be improved

Psychological benefits

  • Horseback riding improves your confidence and control over your emotions
  • Helps you overcome your fears and find solutions to your problems

5 reasons to try Horseback riding at South Padre Island

You might think, “Why should I ride a horse when I visit South Padre?

There are plenty of other things to do.”

Yes, that is true, but nothing compares with riding a horse on the beach.

You can forget about all your problems for a few hours.

I drop below 5 reasons why you should go for a guided ride horseback riding South Padre Island:

It is extremely fun

It is not a secret for anybody that you will have a lot of fun riding a horse, especially on such a scenic tour, as the ones from South Padre.

horseback riding South Padre for kids
horseback riding South Padre for kids

This experience offers you movement and freedom, not to mention the benefit over your mind and body.

The best anti-stress pill

Exploring the area on the back of a horse is the most relaxing thing you can do on South Padre Island. 

When you ride your horse on the beach, you can smell the ocean and feel the wind in your hair.

The sound of the ocean, the waves crashing on the beach, and the sun setting on the horizon is relaxing. It makes you forget about everything else.

These are the new essentials you have to pack for your trip

Get you out of your comfort zone

I know it is hard to get out of your comfort zone, but all the good things happen when you do this.

If you have never stayed on a horse, it is definitely a unique experience that makes you go one step away from your safety zone.

horseback riding soul treatment
horseback riding soul treatment

In the beginning, you might be a little scared, but it is normal; after a few minutes, you will start enjoying the experience and create a special connection with your horse.

Increase trust

Horses are gentle and straightforward animals whose presence has healing properties on your body and mind.

For this reason, horseback riding is such a popular experience, and people from all over the world like it and practice it whenever they have the opportunity.

Fitness

Well, horseback riding is quite demanding for your body, and if you think that only the horse is working and you are staying, then you are wrong.

An hour of horseback riding makes you feel like you’ve been for a few hours on the gym and practiced intensely. 

horseback riding horse
horseback riding horse

Believe me, riding a horse makes miracles for your back muscles, core, and bum, so you will burn some calories, even if you will ride for just an hour.

South Padre Island horseback riding experience

Any time of day is perfect for riding, but each moment comes with its pluses and minuses.

I present below the most popular tours available on South Padre Island so that you can pick the one that suits you most.

Morning horseback riding

This amazing ride is exactly what you need to explore the island in peace before the beach becomes crowded and noisy.

horseback riding morning tour South Padre
horseback riding morning tour South Padre

It is a good time to reconnect with nature, bond with your horse, and have a lot of fun.

This morning ride usually lasts for about one hour and a half, depending on how hot it is outside, as it is not very good for the animals’ health to walk in the sun.

This is one of the best price-quality horse ride experiences you can try when visiting South Padre Island, as you will spend a lot of time riding on the beach and can enjoy the moment more.

Horseback riding on the beach South Padre Island with the whole family

This is a shorter horseback riding experience compared with the morning ride, and it is perfect for younger kids and beginners.

The ride lasts for about an hour, and you will spend most of this time on the beach, right near the ocean, on the back of your horse, being one of family’s favorite horseback ride tours.

horseback riding South Padre beach
horseback riding South Padre beach

This one hour ride is also perfect for those of you who don’t have much time but still want to enjoy this unique experience.

Sunset riding tour

Nothing is more beautiful and romantic than riding a horse on the beach when the sun sets in the sea.

For sure, this is one of the most popular horses riding South Padre Island experiences you can try, and tourists generally rush to book their seats.

The ride generally lasts about 1 hour and a half, and the itinerary is almost the same for all companies operating in the area.

horseback riding South Padre sunset ride
horseback riding South Padre sunset ride

This ride leaves at dusk and is one of the most popular South Padre Island adventure experiences as you walk along the beautiful sand dunes when the sun sets into the sea.

Moonlight riding experience

This is one of the best experiences you can try when visiting South Padre Island, but it is not quite suitable for younger kids and families.

horseback riding at dusk South Padre
horseback riding at dusk South Padre

The tour is not available on a daily basis, but the phases of the moon determine it as it is generally organized 4 days before the full moon and during the full moon.

There is a pre-determined itinerary that goes along the beach and the sand dunes, and offers unparalleled view of the moon glisten off of the ocean waves.

The ride generally lasts for about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and it starts at dusk so that you can enjoy a short walk on the beach and reach the sand dunes when the moon is rising over the ocean.

Accommodation on South Padre Island

South Padre Island is one of the most beautiful places close to the ocean where you can run after a long and stressful week.

There are plenty of options when speaking about hotels on the island so picking the hotel with the most amazing view and the best price-quality ratio is quite complicated.

horseback riding in South Padre near the ocean
horseback riding in South Padre near the ocean

I drop below a list of the 3 best hotels from the area to be easier for you to pick your favorite one.

Comfort Suites South Padre Island

This is one of the best mid-range resorts in South Padre Island Texas, with a private beach and a great price-quality ratio suitable for everyone.

Comfort Suites South Padre Island is not located on the beach, so you must walk a few steps and cross the dunes to reach the private beach, but nothing to bother you.

Comfort Suites South Padre entrance
Comfort Suites South Padre entrance

Guests can relax near the outdoor pool or in the hot tub, or you can stay directly near the ocean.

A fitness center is available on the property, breakfast is complimentary, and plenty of options are available.

Comfort Suites South Padre breakfast area
Comfort Suites South Padre breakfast area

The rooms and suites are modern and spacious, extremely clean with comfy beds, and you have plenty of space to walk around.

Peninsula Island Resort & Spa

The resort has a private beach where you can perfect your tan, listen to the sound of waves and relax while reading a book.

Peninsula Island Resort overview
Peninsula Island Resort overview

The rooms and suites at Peninsula Island Resort & Spa are spacious, and all have a seating area and are equipped with a kitchenette, free WI-FI, and private balconies.

You will have a floor-to-ceiling wall in your room to admire the ocean and let the sunlight come in.

The on-site restaurant serves a wide range of dishes mostly inspired by Mexican cuisine, all cooked from good quality ingredients.

Peninsula Island Resort beach
Peninsula Island Resort beach

You can admire the ocean from your table and, in the end, sip a cocktail and enter the vacation mood.

 La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach

Located just a few steps away from the beach, La Quinta by Wyndham is definitely one of the best resorts in South Padre Island Texas, located on the northern part of the island.

La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach room
La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach room

This mid-range property where kids stay for free offers spacious and clean rooms and suites, and some have ocean views.

You have an outdoor swimming pool and a long list of outdoor activities you can do on and around the property so that you won’t get bored.

La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach recreation area
La Quinta by Wyndham South Padre Island Beach recreation area

The resort is perfectly located, close to the beach and the restaurants and bars area, so within minutes, you get to the place where all the action happens.

Conclusion

Horseback riding along South Padre Island is a popular tourist activity.

The island has long beaches facing the Gulf of Mexico and Laguna Madre.

You can choose to ride in the morning, at sunset, or during a moonlight ride. Moonlight rides are very pretty and romantic.

All these experiences are special and wonderful, but you choose your favorite depending on when you can go.

Riding a horse along the beach is a must-try experience when visiting this spectacular island in Texas, United States.

It’s a good idea to book your experience in advance at this island adventure park.

That way you can get the best price and make sure there are available slots during your next visit.

Logistical tips and tricks for your trip

Book your accommodation
We always use Booking.com as they have the best price-quality ratio and they offer a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and villas to choose from.

You will find here all types of accommodations, from the cheapest ones to the most luxurious.

Don't forget travel insurance
We never leave home without HeyMondo Insurance or Safety Wings Insurance as they offer the best services and a good value for money.

When we go for longer trips around the world we get Globelink Insurance as it offers a good cover for an affordable price.

Travel insurance will always protect you against unexpected costs caused by medical events like illness, injury, theft, or travel cancellation.

We never go on any trip without travel insurance and there were many cases when we had to use it.

Renting a car
We like to explore a country on our own and a car gives us the mobility and freedom to do that.

We always rent our car from Discovercars as they have free cancellation 48 hours prior to starting date and a wide range of car rental companies and options to choose from all over the world.

Tours and attractions
When we are looking for some adventure or we simply want to break up the monotony and discover new places, we always use GetYourGuide.

We love it because we always find the most amazing experiences, with free cancellation and a large variety of activities and tours to choose from.

Airplane tickets and holiday packages
Expedia is our ally when searching for the best price for airplane tickets as it works as an aggregator for a huge number of airlines and we always find the best price for our flights.

Travel tip: use Expedia when you are searching for holiday packages as they have many last-minute offers and great discounts for hotels, flights, and even the whole holiday packages.