If you're riding with a child under 13, Amelia Island Horseback Riding is the Peters Point outfit that takes riders from age 6 on its guided beach rides. Debbie Manser founded the business in 1993, and Robin and family now carry on the rides she started. Every ride begins at Peters Point Beachfront Park on the south end, where the guides meet you in the far left corner of the parking lot with the truck and horse trailer.
The regular rides each last about an hour, and no experience is needed for any of them:
- Golden Hour rides head out as the day winds down. They're the most popular and run year-round.
- Daybreak rides start early, while the beach is still quiet.
- Day rides go out during the middle of the day.
Proposal rides, private rides and corporate outings are booked by phone. The company also gives riding lessons in Western and English styles for beginner, intermediate and advanced riders.
The rider rules differ from those of the other outfit that rides from Peters Point, so check them before you book:
- Riders from 6 to 96 are welcome. Children under 13 need an adult or guardian along, and anyone under 15 wears a helmet, which is supplied.
- Every rider has their own horse and their own ticket, so there's no riding double.
- The weight limit is 270 pounds.
- Long pants and closed shoes are required, and wet swimsuits aren't allowed.
Rides don't go out in inclement weather or when beach conditions are too poor to be safe. If yours is called off, you'll be offered another time, and the deposit is refunded if none works. Happy Trails Walking Horses rides Tennessee Walking Horses from the same park with a minimum age of 13, so it suits a group of teens and adults. If the ride is a proposal, reservations and bookings help can line up the dinner table for afterward.