Horse Riding: your experience?!

[Lanuu]

I'm thinking about doing a horse riding shore excursion (on Jamaica or Mexico - because of the western caribbean tour).
The last time I was rding is about 5 years ago but I think I still know how it works. But is it worth to pay about 80-100 $ for them. Is it possible to take part on this activity for my mam (she has no experiences with horses and riding) or is it only for people who have learnd how to ride?!
Thanks!!!

[Lanuu]

I'm thinking about doing a horse riding shore excursion (on Jamaica or Mexico - because of the western caribbean tour).
The last time I was rding is about 5 years ago but I think I still know how it works. But is it worth to pay about 80-100 $ for them. Is it possible to take part on this activity for my mam (she has no experiences with horses and riding) or is it only for people who have learnd how to ride?!
Thanks!!!

[Oggy Boy]

For the most part, the horses used for these shore excursions are very rideable and docile. I don't think anyone would have trouble riding them. One word of caution however, be sure to take the ship's shore excursion rather than simply getting off the ship and then renting horses.

I had a group in Tahiti a few years back and one of the companions rented a horse on one of the islands, was thrown and hurt her back. Since it was not a shore excursion of the ship's, they required her to get a doctor's approval before they would allow her to board the ship to continue her cruise.

Had she been on a ship's excursion, they would have covered the medical cost and assumed responsibility. In the case of high risk activity (horse back riding, SCUBA diving, etc.), it is my opinion you should always book the ship's shore excursions.

Have a great cruise!

Tom

[Lanuu]

thank you for your answer!
One question concernig the ship's excursion:
In the case that the ship arrives at the island later (too late for the excursion) what's about my money?! (because I think that I have to pay for it before them?!)

[Oggy Boy]

If you booked it with the ship's shore excursion desk, they will give you a complete refund. Ditto if the weather causes a cancellation. The ship will charge your "onboard charge account" when you book the excursion and then issue a credit if something happens that you cannot take it.

If you book it through an outside company and the ship is late, you lose the money if they cannot re accommodate you.

Tom