Horseback Riding in Jamaica

Riders with an interest in history can combine both loves on a horseback tour at Annandale Plantation (Ocho Rios. 876/974-2323). The 600-acre plantation is high above Ocho Rios and today serves as a working farm, although in its glory days it hosted dignitaries such as the Queen Mother. In the Braco area near Trelawny, between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, Braco Stables (Duncans. 876/954-0185. www.bracostables.com) offers guided rides including a bareback romp in the sea. Two estate rides are offered a day for $70, and riders are matched to horses based on riding ability. The trip also includes complimentary refreshments served poolside at the Braco greathouse. Experienced riders can also opt for a mountain ride ($84) for a more-rugged two-hour tour.

Ocho Rios has excellent horseback riding, but the best of the operations is Chukka Caribbean Adventures (Llandovery, St. Ann's Bay. 876/972-2506. www.chukkacaribbean.com). Horse trainers at Chukka Cove originally exercised polo ponies by taking them for therapeutic rides in the sea; soon there were requests from visitors to ride the horses in the water. The company now offers a three-hour beach ride that ends with a bareback swim on the horses in the sea from a private beach. It's a highlight of many trips to Jamaica.

Hooves (Windsor Rd., St. Ann's Bay. 876/972-0905. www.hoovesjamaica.com) has several guided tours along beach, mountain, and river trails. One of the most interesting offerings is the Bush Doctor Mountain Ride, which takes visitors back into rural Jamaica for a two-hour look at the countryside, where residents still often depend on the services of local herbalists who utilize local plants for treatments. Rather than be part of a guided group ride, you can opt to rent a horse by the hour at Prospect Plantation (Ocho Rios. 876/994-1058. www.prospectplantationtours.com), which offers horseback riding for $58 per hour; advance reservations are required. For the adventurous, Prospect Plantation also offers guided camel rides.