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On the other end of the spectrum is a full-service stable at a five-star eco-resort. Borinquen, in the popular tourist region of Guanacaste, has a full-fledged stable with more than 50 horses. On a recent trip, the request for a "good horse" yielded a horse with smooth gaits, hair-trigger sensitivity to almost motionless hand-signals, and the willingness to move from walk to canter when the rider simply shifted her weight.
The ride is fairly challenging, as it winds its way up and down steep hills. (Lean back going down [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], forward going up, and don't be surprised if the horse decides to make the hill go by a bit faster by taking it at a trot.) The ride pauses midway, and riders dismount to hike to a waterfall.
Riding at Borinquen Resort, Guanacaste
Advanced horseback riders have a frustrating problem on United States and Canadian equestrian vacations: In a litigious society, it's risky for equestrian outfitters to let advanced riders go off at a brisk trot or a satisfying canter. Trail-riding guides worry that riders who declare themselves to be advanced may turn out to be shaky intermediates without much control. Lawsuits lurk as a possible consequence of accidents. As a result, many trail riding operations decide on the side of caution: Trail rides lumber along at a pokey walk.
This is a steep downhill hike, and while the waterfall itself is pretty, not to mention rejuvenating, the hike shouldn't be attempted by riders who are out of shape [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], because the walk back up is grueling in the hot sun. (Bring mosquito repellent, too). After the hike, riders re-mount their horses and ride back to the main house, where a typical home-cooked Costa-Rican lunch of rice, beans, meat [link widoczny dla zalogowanych], and salad will be waiting.
Horseback riding is different in Costa Rica.
The horseback riding outfitter at Cataratas Namu (Cataratas means "waterfall") is a family- owned facility, with 18 horses. Don't expect magnificent thoroughbred steeds here. But the horses are well-tempered, mostly suitable for beginners, and a few of them will move at a nice canter. Experienced riders can increase their chance of getting a good match by describing their riding ability to the guides. Be honest: Having ridden three times in summer camp 20 years ago doesn't make anyone an expert. But riders with extensive experience should say so.
Trail rides at Borinquen lead thro
Horseback Riding is a Costa Rican Tradition
Costa Rica is an ecotourism haven filled with low-impact activities and family-run businesses that try to leave as small a carbon footprint as possible. Riding fits the bill, and it is available throughout the country. Indeed, horseback riding is one of Costa Rica's most popular tourist activities, along with zip-lining, birdwatching, and surfing. Trail rides are offered at eco-resorts and at small mom-and-pop stables through out the country.
A look at two outfitters in different parts of the country gives an idea of two different horseback riding expeditions.
And, in a nutshell, that difference in attitude is one reason why riding in Costa Rica can be so satisfying for advanced equestrians.
Riding in Perez Zeledon
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"But how can you sue someone because you fell off a horse?" wondered a Costa Rican trail guide. "That wouldn't happen here."
Perez Zeledon is a relatively undeveloped tourist area in the mountains just south of San Jose. The Pan-American Highway straddles the Continental Divide here. Many of the tourist facilities are low key and family owned The whole province has the feel of being off-the-beaten track.