By JACQUI LEYVA-HILl
Special to the PARADE
Visitors looking for a different way to experience South Padre Island can explore the shoreline on horseback through South Padre Island Adventure Park.
The company was founded in 1989 by Doyle Wells and began as a small operation with only a few horses, according to Rudy Gonzalez, general manager for the park. Today, the business has more than 100 horses and offers several riding experiences for individuals, families and groups.
“All of our rides go out onto the beach, which is the main attraction,” Gonzalez said. “It is really nice to be on a horse on the beach.”
Rides range from one hour to an hour and a half. The park’s first ride of the day begins at 9:30 a.m., and private rides are also available. Gonzalez said private outings are sometimes requested by families who want to ride alone or by guests planning marriage proposals.\
The park’s Spectacular Sunset Ride begins along the beach before moving through the dunes toward the Laguna Madre Bay. Gonzalez said some of the dunes are high enough to provide riders with views of both the Gulf and the bay. The ride is timed so guests reach the bay as the sun is setting.
“It is really, really nice,” Gonzalez said. “I’ve been on it quite a few times, and I’ve taken pictures. When I show my friends, they don’t believe the pictures are real.”
Most guests are first-time riders, Gonzalez estimated, but he said the Park’s horses and guides are well trained. Guides assess each rider’s height, weight and experience level before assigning an appropriate horse. The park can accommodate children as well as adults, and group rides may include as few as one rider or as many as 40 guests.
Unlike some trail rides that require guests to remain in a single line, Gonzalez said riders at the Park have more room to stay near family members and interact with others. Guides ride at the front, back and sides of the group to assist guests and answer questions.
Reservations may be made online, and Gonzalez said the system generally allows bookings approximately two hours before a scheduled ride. For information or reservations, visit southpadreislandadventures.com.