Horseback Riding Vacation at Hacienda Andalucia, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Horseback Riding Vacation at Hacienda Andalucia

While  guests of Hacienda Tres Rios resort in the Riviera Maya, Mexico we were treated to an afternoon of horseback riding at Hacienda Andalucia Equestrian and Polo Club and a visit to the stables of  Hacienda La Esperanza.  Hacienda Andalucia is not a tourist’s horseback riding vacation on the beach experience. This is a serious equestrian center with clinics for beginners to experienced levels in polo, dressage and jumping, as well as lessons in English, Texas and Western riding styles.

Horseback Riding Vacation Tour for Beginning Riders at Hacienda Andalucia

We’ve never been on a horseback riding vacation, so we saddled up for a “horseback walking” tour through the back roads to the Mayan low jungle, across a grass polo field and we visited the estate and stables of Hacienda La Esperanza. There are two polo fields; one is sand, the other is a grass field.

The various stables are home to over 100 horses of 15 different breeds, including quarter horses, appaloosa, appendix, thoroughbreds and warm bloods. Horses are matched to your level of horseback riding experience. Much to my delight, we were assigned gentle, well behaved Heinz 57 mutts.

Different Styles of Horseback Riding

Our guide, Hector, taught us about the different styles of riding, the different types of saddles and the various breeds of horses in the stables.  Joel, our second guide, was kind to take photos of us while we were on our horseback riding vacation. The more interest we expressed in learning, the more in depth the guides were in their explanations.   Gratuities were appreciated and nicely framed photo keepsakes were available for purchase.

On Thursday nights the Hacienda Andalucia presents a Mexican Fiesta.  The evening includes a full buffet of Mexican dishes with open bar, a market of local artisans, roping demonstrations, folkloric dancers, a dressage demonstration, mariachi and fireworks. Reservations and transportation can be arranged with your hotel concierge.

What to Bring on your Hacienda Andalucia Horseback Riding Vacation

If you are planning on taking horseback riding lessons at the Hacienda, be sure to bring your cowboy boots or closed toed shoes, wear a hat, long pants and a long sleeved shirt and don’t forget your sunscreen!  Clinics are offered in English, French, Italian and Spanish.  Lessons are customized to your level of ability, desire and time available.

Here are some of the lessons available for your horseback riding vacation at Hacienda Andalucia:

Jumping I (beginners)
-Initial test (riding skills)
-Introductions to the horses
-Introduction to the gears
-Techniques of position
-Conduction
Includes:
horse, gears and helmet

Jumping II (Advanced program)
-Seat
-Helping program
-Jumping techniques
-Gymnastics
-Distances
-Fields
Includes:
horse, gears and helmet

Polo I (beginners)
-Skills test
-Polo and equestrian techniques
-Learning to use the maze
-Performing the SWING (Wood horse)
-Grass field game
Includes: Horse, maze, Helmet

Polo II (Advanced program)
-Polo and equestrian techniques
-Using the maze (static points shooting)
-Game strategies
-Performing the SWING (Wood horse)
-Grass field game
Includes: Horse, maze, Helmet

Level III POLO (Professional)
– Maximum 8 people per match
– Maximum 4 chukkers
– Includes: coach, horse, mallet, and helmet
– Price: $80 usd per chukker
– Chap rentals: $5 usd

Drassage Clinics

-Available Tuesday through Sunday
– Schedule: 9:30 am, 12:30 am, 2:30 pm
-Includes: Instructor, helmet, bottled water
-Use of the 50 x 40 M training ring
-Round trip transportation (optional)
Dressage Clinic
-Routines (turns, semi-turns, diagonals, figure eights, etc) in different
canters such as walk, trot, and gallop.
-Advanced stepping, such as Spanish style, laterals, piaffet, passage
etc

Prices for Equestrian Services
(duration 1 hr)

1 Clinic $100 usd
3 Clinics $90 usd each hour.
5 clinics $85 usd each hour.
10 clinics $75usd each hour.

I would definitely recommend Hacienda Andalucia for those who wish to  improve their horseback riding skills or for a fun filled equestrian evening out.

What are your favorite things to do in Cancun, Mexico?

If You Go:

Hacienda Tres Rios 1 (800) 494-9173

Carretera Cancun-Tulum KM 54

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77760

Related Posts:

Horseback Riding in Cancun, Mexico

Things to Do in Cancun, Mexico

This guest post was submitted by Stephanie Diehl of  Travel Designed. Photos courtesy of Hacienda Tres Rios.