Horseback Riding in Dominican Republic

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Horseback Riding

The El Rancho Equestrian Center (PuntaCana Resort & Club, Punta Cana. 809/959-2262. www.puntacana.com) is across from the main entrance of the resort. The rate for a one-hour trail ride is $25; it winds along the beach, the golf course, and through tropical forests. The two-hour jungle trail ride, which costs $40, has a stopover at a lagoon fed by a natural spring, so wear your swimsuit under your long pants. You can also do a three-hour full-moon excursion. The stock are Paso Fino horses.

The 250-acre Equestrian Center at Casa de Campo (La Romana. 809/523-3333. www.casadecampo.com.do) has something for both western and English riders -- a dude ranch, a rodeo arena (where Casa's trademark "Donkey Polo" is played), guided trail rides, and jumping and riding lessons. Guided rides run about $35 an hour; lessons cost $56 an hour. There are early morning and sunset trail rides, too. Handsome, old-fashioned carriages are available for hire, as well.

Guavaberry Equestrian Center (Guavaberry Golf & Country Club, Autovia del Este, Km 55, Juan Dolio. 809/333-4653) has a clean stable with professional European management, good stock, and English and western saddles. Delightful hour-plus trail rides throughout the extensive grounds of the resort cost $25; riding lessons, from beginning to advanced, are $50. Complimentary transportation is provided to all Juan Dolio hotels and to the Hamaca Coral by Hilton Hotel in Boca Chica.

Rancho Isabella (Las Terrenas. 809/847-4849), on the Samaná Peninsula, can give you either a western or English saddle for one of its 15 mounts. A 1 1/2-hour ride along the beach is $10. The nocturnal full-moon ride to Boca de la Diablo will be remembered and includes drinks and a Dominican feast on the beach, with chicken, goat, and shrimp for $46. This is a simple, local operation, but it's fun, scenic, and priced right.

The upscale Sea Horse Ranch Equestrian Center (Cabarete. 809/571-3880) is a professional, well-staffed operation. The competition ring is built to international regulations, and there is a large schooling ring. An annual invitational jumping event is sanctioned by the Dominican Equestrian Federation. Lessons, including dressage instruction, start at $35 an hour and endurance rides start at $30 for 90 minutes, $50 for three hours, including drinks and snacks -- but make reservations. The most popular ride includes stretches of beach and a bridle path across a neighboring farm's pasture, replete with wildflowers and butterflies. Feel free to tie your horse to a palm tree and jump into the waves.