I was in Barbados for business and wanted to do something active over the weekend that would allow me to see some more of the island than just the South Coast. I chose Ocean Echo because of the great tripadvisor reviews, and still, it was better than I could have possibly imagined! I took a two-hour ride, just me and Bernard and the beautiful landscape of Barbados' East coast. Bernard really is a font of information on local flora and fauna, not to mention history. He was also very considerate of my needs; I have lots of experience riding, but am rusty after a few years out of the saddle, so he was careful to go at a pace that worked for me. We took a quick canter on the trail itself, and another two on the beach, which the horses seemed to really love.Speaking of the horses, they were lovely and seemed quite happy and well-kept. I rode with Chalice, the pretty palomino gelding, and he hardly needed the bit at all. After we left the beach, we had a lovely mosey back to the stables, chatting and snapping photos and enjoying the view. I really enjoyed my ride and am terribly excited to go back. I highly recommend a visit.
The stables are run by lovely people, really friendly with lovely happy horses. We had a great 2 hour beach ride to bath beach - wonderful to be riding along the sand and shore. Amazing views from the start of the trek down to the beach and some lovely poetry along the way. We forgot our camera but Samantha is going to kindly email me some photos taken along the way. A great trip to in Barbados and a lovely way to take in the more rugged east coast/atlantic side of Barbados.
We had a great time. Bernard was really knowledgeable about the local plants and history. You get a combination of some trail riding and riding along the beach. Be careful though, they use small English riding saddles with little to hang on to. My wife's horse started galloping with no input from her and she slipped off the horse into the water. Only minor injuries, but could have been much worse. She's an experienced rider, but the saddle and total surprise at the horse galloping threw her off. Samantha drove her car to us on the way back and offered to take my wife back in her car, but she was a trooper and decided to remain on the ride.
This experience was full of positive vibes from beginning to end. Bernard picked me up from my hotel in Christ Church. Since I hadn't been to Barbados since I was a child, he gave great explanations of the natural environment, culture, and differences among the parishes. Once we got up to St. John, Samantha and the young man working at the stable were very welcoming. It was my first time riding a horse, and everyone was patient and helpful. My horse (Zorro) was on a lead at first, then I rode some of the way without it. Bernard went at a slow but steady pace that was perfect for a beginner. The scenery we saw during the trek was gorgeous, from the pastures and palm trees to the beach (where Bernard took lovely pictures). He also pointed out many of the health benefits of various plants in our surroundings. Bernard was a down-to-earth guide; we chatted about topics like history and poetry! As a poet, I really enjoyed hearing his rhythmic, thought-provoking poetry. Back at the stables, Samantha prepared delicious fruit juice. I loved learning so much about the island with a knowledgeable guide, and I definitely recommend visiting Ocean Echo Stables.-Angela B.
Thank you Samantha and my mount, the aptly named, 'Star'. Simply wonderful ride through some of the most beautiful countryside and coastline of Barbados. Lovely horses and Samantha a great guide. Not to be forgotten. Regards. Jonathan.
My daughter & I have horses in the uk , we decided to have an afternoon from sitting on the beach so we booked a trip to horse riding.So glad we did, we both had a fantastic afternoon with our guide telling us lots of information about Barbados and reciting us poetry...Bernard was fabulous (our guide) The horses were well looked after and clearly loved. Galloping on the beach in the sea in the sun TOTALLY AMAZING! I would like to point out one thing truly state your level of experience to get the best from your tour! This tour would be for novice to experience riders.. And is great value for money.
We had the pleasure of a family visit to Ocean Echo stables during our visit to Barbados in early August 2014. From the moment we arrived we were all made to feel welcome and comfortable by Samantha and Bernard. The Bath beach riding tour was simply amazing and the staff at Ocean Echo were an absolute pleasure - thank you to all for such a pleasant experience, we look forward to visiting again
I should have written this review a long time ago but I am only just writing up my notes from my visit to Barbados in December 2011. The few hours I spent riding with Bernárd on a beautiful horse called Chalice were among the most special of my whole trip. The scenery was beautiful and Bernárd was the perfect companion - knowledgable and interesting but sometimes just staying silent so I could take everything in. Samantha was warm and welcoming and the stables were a little peace of paradise. I wished I could have stayed longer but we are planning to come back next year so I'll definitely be coming for another ride. Thank you Bernárd and Samantha for a day I'll never forget. (The date below is incorrect but it wouldn't let me put the correct date of my visit which was December 2011).
Wow what an experience, Bernard – a poet and a man of nature – took us out for a couple of hours, riding through fields, forests and on the beach whilst he cited his poetry and taught us about the medicinal properties of many of the plants and introduced us to some new fruits (to us) directly from the trees, a lovely guy and a wonderful experience. If you can ride, tell him so clearly before you go to make sure you're on the right horse.
My husband and I had a great couple of hours with Bernard. The east coast of the island is very picturesque and we spent 2 hours trekking through the hills and down on to the beach, even taking the horses for a quick splash in the ocean. The views were breathtaking and Bernard is very knowledgeable on local history as well as flora and fauna. He also took endless photos of us too which are a fantastic memory of the day. Both of us are pretty inexperienced riders, but the horses were very well trained and we just took it at a slow pace. Stables and horses are all lovely - would highly recommend!