HORSEBACK TRAIL RIDES
General Information
Trail rides are limited to 5 guests, ages 10 and up. Rides go out Monday through Friday, morning and afternoon, starting at our ranch and moving up into the mountains. We reserve the right to determine suitability of ride for trail conditions and rider’s expertise. Riders must meet appropriate height and weight ratios. There is a two person minimum on all rides; singles may book and we will add others to your ride. All rides begin with an orientation lesson in the arena, and go out rain or shine; rain gear is provided. Long pants and sox are required (available for rent at a nominal charge); riding helmets and boots are required and provided at no cost. Bottled water is provided on all trail rides.
Pricing
All prices per person, child or adult, inclusive of Hawaii state trail fee. Tax additional. Tips are acceptable and greatly appreciated. All rides must be guaranteed with Visa/MasterCard.
Prices subject to change.
Please give 24-hour notice of cancellation to avoid charges on A Taste of Kauai or The Fast Half Ride; 72-hour notice of cancellation to avoid charges on The Wow!!! Ride, The Spiritual Exploration Ride or The All Day Adventure.
Proceeds help support our children’s riding program on Kauai.
3 hours
$130 per person
8:30 or 1:00 check-in
Peek into the interior of the island while enjoying a ride geared to horse lovers and photographers. There are so many opportunities to capture the images of Kauai! Some trotting and cantering are possible, depending on group dynamics; this may be taken as a walk only ride for less experienced riders. No riding experience necessary; families of mixed abilities and guests who have not ridden in many years will enjoy this ride. A lesson on stopping, turning, and trotting your horse in the arena is incorporated before venturing on the trail, with fun and education assured. 2 hours approximately on the horse.
FAST HALF RIDE
4 hours
$170 per person
8:30 or 1:00 check-in
On this faster paced ride equestrians will trot and canter into a Hawaiian forest reserve. Enjoy panoramic ocean and mountain views, sights of untouched deep lush valleys, and glimpses of fern covered canyons. Taste a guava, smell camphor, and feel the paper bark trees. Edible and medicinal plants are highlighted. This is an exceptional opportunity to learn about Kauai’s history and culture. All riders must be ready to trot and canter. Not necessarily experts, but experienced riders only please. 3 hours approximately on the horse.
THE WOW!!! RIDE
6 hours
$270 per person
8:00 check-in
A fast pace, including trotting and cantering, brings us up into the mountains where looking around you continually say “WOW!!!” Each view is more amazing than the last. Ride on ancient lava flows and see ferns from dinosaur times. Snack on local fruits and nuts while you stretch your legs and mind, and savor the lush beauty surrounding you. All riders should be fit, ready to trot and canter, be able to mount and dismount their horses and be comfortable with heights. 4.5 hours approximately on the horse.
SPIRITUAL EXPLORATION RIDE
6 Hours including meditation
$270 per person
8:00 check-in
This ride is customized to allow for a guided meditation overlooking Mt. Waialeale. Ride with a higher level of awareness for all that surrounds you on our incredible healing island of Kauai. It is said that Kauai is the center of a spiritual vortex, and we open ourselves to all positive possibilities on this horseback ride. Starting by setting intention, and wrapping Hawaiian salt in a ti leaf, we carry our talisman with us up into the mountain. On a volcanic ridge looking into the interior of the island, we meditate and cast out our ti leaf offering. This ride can be done at a fast or slow pace, but is best for those who are at least comfortable being on a horse. All riders should be fit, ready to trot and canter, be able to mount and dismount their horses and be comfortable with heights. 4 hours approximately on the horse.
ALL DAY ADVENTURE
8 hours w/ lunch & swim
$390 per person
8:00 check-in
On this all day adventure for the spirit and the spirited, we start of at a brisk pace, trotting and cantering an easy stretch of trail. We then ride up and down the volcanic ridges and across knife passes high in the mountains, with unspoiled views of the interior of Kauai. Spectacular sights await you! After 3 hours in the saddle, we arrive at a mountain swimming hole where a deli lunch is served. Guests should bring swim gear and towel; a private changing area is available. On the ride back photo opportunities abound. Extra film is a must for this ride. All riders should be fit, ready to trot and canter, be able to mount and dismount their horses and be comfortable with heights. 5 hours approximately on the horse.
PRIVATE RIDES/HONEYMOON RIDES
Private custom rides are available for the less experienced or those desiring a completely personalized ride. Honeymooners, we can create a special time for the two of you, including instruction in the arena or on the trail, special photography, or just a leisurely private ride.
Call us at (808) 822-4688 to discuss your vision!
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
Our insurance company limits us to 220 pounds, since our horses are not very big. Although we do not have a weigh-in, we are very good at the carnival “guess the weight” routine. We also rely on the honesty of our guests and their intent to have our horse’s well being in mind. Also considered is the height to weight ratio, extremely important on our faster rides where a short, heavy rider may be top heavy and unbalanced.
SAFETY
Our trail guides are all first aid trained for people and horses, and carry emergency kits including a cell phone.
TACK
Our trail saddles are close contact Western saddles with center hung stirrups that allow both a rising trot and the ability to attach a pommel pack to hold a camera, water, and rain coat. Insurance requires we use only Western saddles on the trail. Riders are welcome to direct rein if they prefer.
Contact us:
Esprit De Corps Riding Academy
P.O. Box 269
Kapaa, Kauai, Hawaii 96746
phone (808) 822-4688 • fax (808) 822-2309
