We had the great fortune of meeting Paul and Jill for their horse riding tour. Both were some of the friendliest people we met on the whole island. They greeted use warmly and gave us a super-through overview of the horses we’d be riding. My family and I have done 4-5 horse riding tours in different countries (we're all novices) and Paul and Jill‘s horses are easily the most mild-mannered trail horses we’ve ever been on. We enjoyed every bit of the time, not only on the trail ride, but also in their company. Speaking of the ride, my whole family loved the stuffed monkeys on the trail. Oh and as a bonus, we got handfuls of fresh mangos at the end.
Paul and Jill were wonderful hosts. We were guided as to what to do and felt very comfortable. They were very accommodating! Jill led the ride and was a great guide - telling us about the rainforest and some St Croix history. She has little surprises planted along the ride to entertain the children. We rode through the rainforest and onto the beach a bit. Jill took the time to take pictures of everyone while we were on the beach. That was a nice touch.It was a slow pace, which was okay but I would have liked to cantor a bit more. There was one very short stretch where the horses could run but it was very short. All in all - a very nice time.Another note - Jill and Paul rescue animals so they have a lot of dogs and cats. Several of the dogs accompanied us on the ride, which was pretty cool!
My mother and I chose Paul & Jills after reading reviews and doing our research. There are a few other options on the island but I am happy with our choice. Jill was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. We were able to canter on the beach which was fantastic! I rode Sushi (an ex-race horse) and he was so sweet and kind. We both felt very comfortable on our ride and Jill made a great guide. She pointed out many exotic plants and trees throughout the ride. We ventured through the rain forest and to the beach. Being experienced riders, it was nice to have some freedom to canter on safe horses!
Paul and Jill were wonderful hosts and guides. Our group consisted of 2 adults and 1 teenager. Jill provided all of the details on the phone when we called to book from our cruise ship the night before. This excursion is cash only so make sure to hit the ATM machine before you arrive. My daughter enjoyed visiting with the rescue dogs while Paul saddled up our horses. Water bottles were provided for each guest and they came in handy. Jill took photos of us with our horses on the beach. Everyone had a great time and would go on this excursion again!
We wanted to book with Paul & Jill after reading they rescue animals, including the horses we rode on. Once we arrived, they couldn't be nicer. I was very pleased with how Jill matched up her horses with each member of my family (2 adults, 2 kids (6,8) and my elderly parents. When my father realized he wasn't able to ride on them, Paul was kind enough to stay with him, discuss the history of the area as well as take him down to the beach to meet us. We went on a great tour thru the rainforest, Jill shared lots of interesting info about the trees and the history of her property, ending with a lovely ride on the beach. Highly recommended!
I am so happy I read all of your wonderful reviews about Paul & Jill's Stable and booked this amazing horseback ride for my family. Not only do they accommodate all levels of riding, but my 3.5 year old daughter was able to join us on the ride too, sitting in front of my husband! I have never found a stable that would allow for such a young rider and my daughter still talks about her horseback ride adventure every day! My older daughter and I were able to canter on the beach (Sushi - you are an amazing horse!) and my husband, who has no riding experience, was able to easily hold back Mr. McGregor and then catch up with us later. The horses are so well trained and it was amazing to experience this as a family (rather than my husband and younger daughter having to miss out). Paul and Jill are so friendly, so knowledgable, and everything about it was amazing. I highly recommend you try Paul and Jill's, you won't be disappointed!
As an advanced rider, it is really a challenge to find places that will let you do more than just walking on a trail ride. I called Paul and Jill's before coming to ensure that I could run around and handle a less than bombproof horse, and they went ABOVE AND BEYOND. I rode Sushi (ex-racer thoroughbred) who was calm, yet brave enough to go ahead of the pack. On top of seeing a beautiful rain forest and beach, I got to CANTER and GALLOP around meadows and paths while still on a ride with my family of novice riders. It was absolutely wonderful. Sushi was great too because he knew exactly where he was at all times and absolutely loved running. Note: This is the only stables on the island that will let you go faster than a walk! Novice and beginner riders get to trot if they want to. Intermediate and Advanced riders get to Canter and Gallop (depends on how fast your horse and you want to go).So if you are going to Saint Croix and want to see the island from the back of a horse, book with Paul and Jill without any hesitation!
My family and I came to the island on the Royal Caribbean Jewel of the Sea. We were hesitant to try this, because it wasn't an excursion that the cruise had. I am to this day trying to figure out why they don't have this. It was one of the best experiences of my life. Jill was great! I felt like "her home was my home." She was great by scheduling us around the time out cruise came and left, and even gave us hats to cool us down. She has a wonderful rainforest that led to the ocean, and I never thought I would get to experience something like this in my whole life. Our pictures that we took looked like they were from a book. This was once and a life time. You are CRAZY not to go here. I wish I could do it all over again. Money well spent! This should be the #1 activity in St.Croix.
We have been on many trail rides throughout the Caribbean and beyond. We can say hands down that Paul and Jill's stable is one of if not the best. Unlike many facilities the horses are well cared for and it is obvious the owners love their equine pets and know what they are doing. The ride was 1 1/2 hours through rain forest, past plantation ruins and on the beach. Jill, our guide, entertained us with stories and impressed us with her knowledge of the native flora and fauna and island history. I would highly recommend Paul and Jill's to anyone visiting the island.
I booked a horse ride with Paul and Jill whilst in St Croix for the day on a cruise. So glad I did, I was the only one booked on....result! Jill was accommodating and insightful and allowed my husband and daughter to join us for part of the ride walking alongside us in the rainforest whilst Jill shared her knowledge of the island. We rode along a beautiful beach and i was able to have a bit of a canter on the way back through the forest. It was a really enjoyable morning which I would reccomend doing if your in St Croix. To top it off Jill sent me away with a bag of fresh mangos..... Lovely!