Arrival at the Ranch

The sun was just beginning to cast its golden glow over the Caribbean as I found myself being whisked away from my resort by Kurt, our friendly driver. The air-conditioned van was a welcome respite from the tropical heat, and Kurt’s easy-going demeanor set the tone for what promised to be an unforgettable adventure. As we approached the ranch, the sight of the ocean in the distance was a tantalizing preview of the coastal ride that awaited us.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by the ranch’s unofficial mascot, a spirited dog named Puppy, who seemed to have appointed himself as our tour guide. The ranch itself was a picture of tranquility, with well-kept stables and horses that exuded health and vitality. After a quick stop at the office to stow our gear and fill out some paperwork, we were introduced to Candy, our experienced guide. Her passion for the horses and the island was infectious, and I couldn’t wait to get started.

Riding Along the Coast

With a gentle nudge, my horse, Candelossa, and I set off on our journey. The proximity of the ranch to the coastline meant that within minutes, we were riding alongside the breathtaking views of the ocean. The sound of the waves crashing against the shore was a familiar symphony to my ears, reminiscent of my days spent surfing the Caribbean waves.

Our small group of four riders made the experience feel intimate and personal, almost like a private tour. Candy’s expertise shone through as she gauged our riding abilities and allowed us to pick up the pace, galloping along the sandy trails with the wind in our hair. The thrill of the ride was matched only by the stunning scenery that unfolded before us, from the historic Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins to the pristine beaches of Wariruri Bay.

Kurt, doubling as our photographer, captured every moment of our adventure, ensuring that we had plenty of memories to take home. The additional charge for the photos was a small price to pay for the treasure trove of images that documented our ride.

A Memorable Conclusion

As our ride drew to a close, we followed Puppy back to the ranch, where we were given the opportunity to reward our horses with carrots. It was a small gesture of gratitude for the incredible experience they had provided. We also had the chance to meet the newest additions to the ranch, two adorable baby horses that were the offspring of the horses we had ridden.

Back at the office, we were treated to cold bottles of water and a chance to view the photos from our ride on a computer screen. Each image was a testament to the joy and exhilaration of the day, and I couldn’t resist purchasing the entire collection.

As we made our way back to the resort, Kurt shared his recommendations for local activities and dining spots, rounding off the day with a touch of local insight. Reflecting on the experience, I couldn’t help but agree with the sentiment that this was indeed the best ride on the island. The combination of stunning scenery, well-cared-for horses, and the camaraderie of our small group made it a day to remember. I left with a sense of fulfillment and a promise to return for another ride before my time in Aruba came to an end.