I am going to Kauai (again! yipee!) in November with a friend who is an experienced, avid rider. She would like to ride while on the island. She's tentatively thinking of
Espirit d'Corp, but reviews are mixed. Would appreciate info (pros and cons) of this, or any other riding expenience. This is her first trip to Hawaii and I want it to be wonderful!

Until they have Clysdales on Kauai I'm barred from this activity.

If you go into your local bookstore and look in a travel book titled The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook by Doughty, you will find objective reviews of 5 or 6 horse riding adventures. They are in the section called "Activities".

You didn't say if you were staying in the North or South (or the middle), but we really enjoyed our ride with CJM Stables in Poipo. They are located on the dirt road past the Hyatt. You ride along the ocean and lithified cliffs in that area. At one point you ride right along the beach.

I just spoke to Dale Rosenfeld recently who owns Espirit d'Corp and it doesn't sound as if she is in business any longer doing the horseback tour thing. I'd try either CJM Stables on the South Shore (even some beach riding) or Princeville Stables up on the North Shore - both are excellent. I'd give a thumbs up to CJM because of the wonderful trail along the ocean and the chance to be on the beach even if it is just for a little bit.