If you've got family or guests who want to ride on the beach, Happy Trails Walking Horses runs guided rides from Peters Point on the south end of the island. The business now operates as Amelia Island Beach Rides, a veteran-owned company that acquired Happy Trails, and every horse in the string is a Tennessee Walking Horse, a breed known for its calm temperament and smooth, even gait. According to the company, many of its horses descend from Trigger, the horse Roy Rogers rode in his Westerns.
You're on the horse for about an hour, and that includes a short riding and safety lesson before a guide leads the group out along the shore at Peters Point Beachfront Park. Along with daytime rides, there are Good Morning rides timed for sunrise and Good Evening rides at sunset.
The rider rules are firm, and they're spelled out on the company's FAQ:
- Riders have to be at least 13 years old and at least 4 feet tall, and kids can't ride double with anyone.
- Riders 15 and under ride with their guardian, and a legal guardian has to be there to sign the waiver for older teens.
- The weight limit is 240 pounds.
- Closed-toe shoes are required, and helmets are provided.
The company suggests booking at least a week ahead in winter and about a month ahead between March and Labor Day, then arriving 15 minutes early to check in and get fitted for a helmet. Current ride times, rates, and the booking calendar are on happytrailswalkers.com. Amelia Island Horseback Riding also leads beach rides from Peters Point, so it's worth checking both calendars in a busy week.
If the ride is one piece of a bigger visit, concierge service can line up the reservations and the logistics around it.