Horses first: ethical, rescue-led horse riding in Saint Lucia
Every horse at Roots is family. This is how we look after them, the horses we’ve brought back to full health, and the national framework we’ve put forward to help every horse on the island.
Rates from US$125 per person
Every ride is private, with your own guide, photos and videos of your ride, and a horse ridden once a day at most.
“These horses are so well looked after and it really shows.”
Our five promises
These hold on every ride, every day, whoever is booked.
- Each horse is ridden once a day at mostSo every horse has time to rest, graze and simply be a horse.
- Every rider is matched to their horseBy experience, confidence and size. Tell us everyone’s age, height and weight when you book.
- Vet-checked, wormed and tick-treated on a scheduleWith regular care from our vet, Dr George Joseph.
- Young horses aren’t ridden until they’re readyOur youngsters grow up in the herd and learn at their own pace.
- Old horses retire hereWhen a horse’s working life ends, their home at Roots doesn’t.
Rescue stories
Several of our horses came to us in poor condition. Drag the slider to see how far they’ve come.
Saffron arrived too weak to eat. Today she’s a mum.
Saffron came to us in June 2024, severely malnourished and unable to eat feed. With time, the right food and patient care she got her strength back, and in May 2026 she gave birth to Wasine, the first foal born at Roots.
Miracle and Magic, together from the start
Miracle arrived in September 2025 with her foal, Magic. Both were severely malnourished, and Miracle had a heavy worm burden and hair loss. Today Miracle is part of our riding herd and Magic is one of the nosiest teenagers in the yard.
Palee, our wise soul of the sea
Palee came to us in September 2024, severely malnourished and in poor condition. He retired in January 2026 and now spends his days with the herd; his favourite place is standing quietly in the sea.
More second chances
Other horses came to us needing care too. Dubai was rescued malnourished and is learning, slowly, that he’s safe. Jeffrey survived being hit by a car and is now a guest favourite. Messi arrived with ticks and an old leg injury, and today he runs the herd.
Meet Dubai · Meet Jeffrey · Meet Messi
How the herd is cared for
- Regular care from our vet, Dr George Joseph.
- Whole-herd blood screening, with treatment wherever it’s needed.
- Routine worming and tick control on a set schedule.
- A written welfare inspection of every horse, every day, covering condition, feet, eating and behaviour.
- Youngsters aren’t ridden until they’re ready.
- Horses who can no longer work retire here, with the herd.
Foals born at Roots grow up surrounded by people and horses they know.
The National Equine Welfare Framework
In August 2026, Lauren Laurent MSc, BSc (Hons), MBPsS, FRSA, Founder, and Gabriel Laurent, Co-Founder, submitted the National Equine Welfare Framework to the Government of Saint Lucia’s Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism and Education.
Saint Lucia has an estimated 700 to 800 horses and no resident specialist equine vet. The framework sets out practical steps to raise standards for all of them. In plain English, it proposes:
- national horse welfare standards to support the Animals Act;
- a voluntary certification programme for equestrian tourism;
- better access to veterinary care;
- education and training for owners, handlers and young people;
- protected riding routes and coastal access;
- research into the island’s horse population and welfare;
- recognition for the equestrian industry; and
- a National Equine Advisory Group to bring everyone together.
Rates from US$125 per person
Every ride is private, with your own guide, photos and videos of your ride, and a horse ridden once a day at most.
“The horses are well fed, well shod and the tack is always put on with care.”
How to spot a stable that cares
Wherever you ride, a few minutes of looking will tell you a lot: the horses’ body condition, their tack and feet, whether they have shade, water and rest, and whether you’re matched to a horse that suits you.
How you can help
Many owners on the island struggle to find well-fitting tack and basic supplies. We’re raising money to start Saint Lucia’s first horse tack and supply service for local owners, so more horses are ridden in equipment that fits and doesn’t hurt.
Or simply ride with us: every booking helps pay for the herd’s care.
Ride with horses who come first
Rates from US$125 per person
Every ride is private, with your own guide, photos and videos of your ride, and a horse ridden once a day at most.
“From the moment we were greeted by the Roots family, we felt instant excitement.”