I was welcomed to the wacky world of horse-surfing on the back of a trusty, grey steed dubbed "Batman." After Batman and I shared a canter on the sands, we waded into the waters of Palma Sola Bay (in Bradenton near Anna Maria Island) with some friends and helpers.
The water lapped at his knees but rapidly deepened. When it reached his withers, I grinned; it was time. Batman snorted as I crouched on my knees and wobbled. A moment later I was standing atop him like a circus rider, bare toes dug into his slippery, wet coat, waiting for him to wiggle and plunge me into the drink – I was horse-surfing!
Well, for a second, anyhow.
The adventure didn't end there. Afterwards, our horses swam back to shore with us aboard. I cannot begin to express how utterly strange it is to have a mullet leap out of the water inches from your horse's nose, or to have a Jet-Ski cruise by.
If this sounds like your cup of craziness, you're in luck. Thanks to Timothy Mattox's Beach Horses, you too can now try the new sport that's hit the shores of Bradenton like a tidal wave.
This seashore adventure is rarer than a snowflake in Orlando.
Just riding on the beach is not allowed in most locations, and when you can, you're often not allowed to even wade into the shallows. Here, you can swim with your horse and cap off the swell with fun surfing. As far as anyone can tell, Bradenton is the only place on the planet to try it.
Here, you can swim with your horse and cap off the swell with fun surfing. As far as anyone can tell, Bradenton is the only place on the planet to try it.
Not sure you're up to the adventure?
If you're nervous, have never ridden, are getting long in the tooth or have young children, don't get your beach towel in a twist. Great World Nature Tours can probably accommodate you. If you have fewer than 50 hours of formal riding instruction, your horse will be on a lead line the entire time. Enjoy a leisurely ride on the beach and add wading, swimming or surfing according to your wishes; rides are geared towards you.
Restrictions: You must weigh less than 240 lbs. Anyone under the age of 16 must wear a helmet (provided). If you have over 50 hours of formal riding instruction, you can trot and canter.
What to wear: How wet will you get? If you plan on surfing, the answer is soaked. Swimsuits and board shorts are appropriate attire. You can don a pair of sandals but most folks ride barefoot.
Other Equine Adventures: Great World Nature Tours offer a boatload of fun besides their beachside equine adventures. Explore the forest in a Jungle Safari along the Myakka River or escape on a private ride almost anywhere within 100 miles of their farm. Restrictions apply and gift certificates are available.
To check out other local watersports, click here.
To go horse-surfing, visit Beach Horses (941-907-7272) at www.beachhorses.com. (The only way to book a ride is online.)
