Horseback riding FAQ: age, weight, experience and safety

Before people book a ride with us, they usually ask the same handful of questions: is there a weight limit, how old do you have to be, do I need to know how to ride, and is it safe? These are the right questions to ask, and it is much better to sort them out before the day than at the stables. Here are honest answers for our two rides from San José Manialtepec, the shared sunset ride and the private ride.

Do I need riding experience?

No. Most of the people who join the sunset ride are beginners, and many have never sat on a horse. The horses are calm, used to riders of every level and know the trail well. Before you set off, your guide gives a short briefing on holding the reins, steering and stopping, and the pace stays relaxed, mostly at a walk.

What helps is telling your guide your level, whether that is "never ridden", "a few times on holiday" or "I ride at home". Guides match horses to riders, and they can only do that well if they know who is who. Experienced riders sometimes hope to gallop; this is a guided trail ride for mixed groups, so expect a calm pace rather than a fast one.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum rider weight is typically around 100 kg (220 lbs). The limit is about the horse's welfare and your safety: carrying a rider for four hours through a river, up a jungle trail and along soft sand is real work, and a horse carrying more than it should is more likely to tire or stumble.

If you are close to the limit, or not sure, mention it when you book. It is a normal question, nobody will be embarrassed by it, and it is far better than finding out at the stables that the ride doesn't work for you.

Is there a minimum age?

On the private ride, the minimum age is 8 years, and children ride their own horse. For the shared sunset ride, and for any child under 8, ask us before you book: tell us the ages and whether they have ridden, and we will tell you honestly what is possible. Families will find more detail, including which ride usually suits kids better, in our guide to horseback riding with kids.

Am I too old to ride?

Age on its own matters less than mobility. The real questions are whether you can get on and off a horse with a little help, and sit comfortably in a saddle for a ride that lasts a good part of the afternoon. Plenty of older riders enjoy it at a walk. If you have doubts about your hips, knees or back, read the next question and ask us before booking.

Can I ride with back problems, an injury or during pregnancy?

Riding is gentle at a walk, but it is still a physical activity, and a horse can move unexpectedly. If you have back or knee problems, a recent injury or surgery, or you are pregnant, check with your doctor before booking. We can tell you what the ride involves; only your doctor can tell you whether it is a good idea for you.

Also let your guide know about anything relevant on the day, such as a bad shoulder or an allergy. It helps them choose your horse and keep an eye on you.

How does the ride stay safe?

No activity with animals is risk-free, and we won't pretend otherwise. What we can tell you is how the ride is set up to keep the risk low:

• Calm, well-kept horses that know the route and are used to beginners.
• A riding helmet for every rider, included in the price. Your guide helps you adjust it so it fits snugly.
• A briefing before you ride and a horse matched to your level.
• A bilingual guide with the group the whole way, who sets the pace and leads the river crossing.
• A relaxed pace, mostly at a walk, on a trail the horses ride regularly.

Your part is just as important. Follow the guide's instructions, keep your place in the line, don't walk behind a horse, and keep your phone in a pocket that closes rather than in your hand at the river. And please don't ride after drinking; save the mezcal for dinner.

What if I get nervous on the horse?

It happens, especially in the first ten minutes, and guides are used to it. Say so. They can ride beside you, give you a few extra pointers or simply slow down until you settle. Most nervous riders relax once they realize how calmly the horses walk. A few minutes reading our tips for first-time riders before the day also helps a lot.

Will I get wet?

On the sunset ride, the river crossing is shallow, so expect splashes rather than a soaking. On the private ride you get wetter: you cross the Manialtepec River twice, and the horses swim across a branch of the lagoon while you cross beside them by boat. Either way, bring a swimsuit and a change of clothes for the drive back.

What should I wear?

Long pants (jeans are ideal) and closed-toe shoes, ideally with a small heel. Shorts let the saddle rub your legs, and sandals are unsafe in the stirrups. Add sunscreen and insect repellent. The full list, with the reasons behind each item, is in what to wear for horseback riding in Puerto Escondido.

Can I ride alone, or bring a group?

The shared sunset ride needs a minimum of 2 riders. If you are traveling solo, message us on WhatsApp and we will try to pair you with another group. If you would rather have the guide and the pace to yourselves, the private ride is just your group; our comparison of the sunset ride and the private ride explains the differences.

Does it run when it rains?

The ride operates year-round. During the rainy season, roughly June to September, the trail may vary a little depending on conditions, and your guide always has the final word on what is safe that day. On the Oaxacan coast, rain usually comes in the late afternoon or at night rather than all day.

Quick checklist before you book

• Every rider is under roughly 100 kg (220 lbs), or you have asked us.
• Children are 8 or older for the private ride, or you have asked us about younger kids and the sunset ride.
• Anyone with back or knee problems, a recent injury or a pregnancy has checked with their doctor.
• You know which ride you want: shared at sunset, or private at 8:00 AM or 3:00 PM.
• Long pants and closed-toe shoes are packed.

If everything on that list is fine, you are ready. Never ridden before? Start with our 10 tips for your first ride.