How to spot a stable that cares
A short checklist for choosing a riding stable anywhere in Saint Lucia, or anywhere in the world. None of it needs expert knowledge: just a few minutes of looking and a few good questions.
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.”
What to look for
Body condition
Look for a rounded, well-covered horse. You shouldn’t see hip bones or every rib, and the coat should look healthy.
Tack
Saddles and bridles should be clean, in good repair and fitted with care, with no rubs, sores or bare patches where the tack sits.
Hooves
Feet should be trimmed or shod, not cracked, overgrown or uneven.
Rest
Ask how often each horse works. A horse ridden once a day has time to rest between rides; one going out again and again doesn’t.
Rider matching
A good stable asks your experience, height and weight before choosing your horse, and won’t put a beginner on a horse that isn’t suited to them.
Shelter
Horses need shade from the sun and somewhere to shelter from the rain between rides.
Water
Clean water should always be within reach, including on hot days and after work.
Temperament
Relaxed horses with soft eyes and ears that move towards people are usually horses that are handled kindly.
Questions to ask before you book
- How many times a day is each horse ridden?
- How do you choose which horse I’ll ride?
- How often does a vet see the horses?
- What happens to horses when they’re too old to work?
- What happens if the sea or the weather isn’t safe on the day?
A stable that cares will be happy to answer every one of them. Here’s how we answer them at Roots.
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.
“The horses are well fed, well shod and the tack is always put on with care.”