Is there anywhere in the Outer Banks that has hourly (or even half-day) horseback rides. My group will be staying on Hatteras Island, but anywhere in the Banks would be great. I've heard that there is a place in Buxton that actually has rides on the beach, but I haven't found them yet.

In 1993 my husband and I were on vacation in North Carolina. We visited Cedar Island where I planned a romantic horseback ride along the beach at sunset. I don't know what went wrong, but the horse I had went out of control and threw me. I landed on my face in the sand. Thank god I am alive to talk about it and do not have any major brain damage. We could not sue anyone due to NC laws. Pleae be ver careful!

Sorry about your experience with the horses. How long has it been since you were riding? How much riding have you done?

Your comment "I don't know what went wrong, but the horse I had went out of control ..." raise a couple of things for me. We train and rent horses, and we always try to know what went wrong, whenever anything does go wrong, and it certainly does from time to time. We try to teach the riders to "always control" the horses, which is really the essence of the sport.

Sorry that you had a bad experience, but glad that you were not hurt. Even the very best of riders have been thrown. Have you gotten back on?

If you really want some riding, try www.akorn.net/~wilsonlaw

I agree with Matt- even the best of riders will occasionally be thrown, and you ALWAYS have to get back on! I've been riding for 20+ years, and I've lost count of how many times I've fallen off, and 98% of the time it was MY fault, not the horse! Just because you fall off doesn't mean you have the right to run out and sue the operator. You can't sue an "Equine Professional" here in Texas, either. We have a law that prohibits this due to the "inherent dangerous nature of participating in such an activity."

One thing to keep in mind- if you're not an expeerienced rider, don't go any faster than a walk. Although running a horse ont hebeach may look fun, you can get hurt if you don't know what you're doing.

There is a place I think called the Buxton Stables. If nothing else call the Dare County Chamber of Commerce. Or I know my friends at Outer Beaches Realty will help. Call @1-800-627-3150 or e:mail [email protected] You can also talk to them about renting a place to stay!

We are visiting North Carolina from England in mid September. Can anyone recommend a good trail riding centre, suitable for experienced riders. Many thanks.
CMF