~ New lessons for adults and kids at Seaside Nature Park ~
This season is a great time to pursue a new hobby. How about one that gets you out into nature, keeps you active and lets you connect with a rich tradition and a noble creature? We're speaking, of course, about horseback riding – and there's no better option for this sport on The Friendly Island than Seaside Nature Park, located along the south shore, in Cay Bay.
Weekender visited Seaside's riding instructor Vera Verbruggen this week, to check out the latest developments and their plans for the near future. They've been busy rebuilding and growing the programs – and it shows. The beach is clean and broad, the shaded veranda is ideal for relaxing, eating lunch from the snack bar or holding an event, and the riding grounds have been refinished with a safe, soft material designed for riding-learners. It’s a gorgeous and peaceful spot with a lot of potential.
Horseback riding along the coastline trails and “swimming” through the water are not just for tourists, although Seaside does a lot of tourist rides and gets great feedback from the island's visitors. There is a lot more going on, and local families and individual residents should get in the act!
They offer riding lessons at any level: from beginners to advanced, for both children and adults. It’s possible to have an individual lesson, join a group class, or organise a parent-child lesson, all for very reasonable prices. Choose the type of lesson you are interested in: Learning the art of dressage, western riding, or agility skills. You can also learn how to care for a horse, discover what they eat and the best way to groom the animals.
Vera suggests beginner-adults go straight to western riding and she has a fun and less expensive option for intermediate or advanced riders ages 12 and up called “Carousel.” This involves team riding, making figure eights and riding in formation – something that in time may develop into a show group for parades or other events. Other plans include offering therapeutic horseback riding for those with disabilities or emotional issues, running fun riding competitions for the students, and even something called “vaulting.”
Vera: “It’s like doing gymnastics on a horse. It’s very popular in Holland. Look it up on YouTube, you'll be amazed!” They will also soon open their Discovery Farm again, and that is a unique place where local kids can learn about all kinds of farm animals and can even take care of them, like our grandparents did when they were kids!
Back to horseback riding: If you want to try it out, the local prices for trail rides are very wallet-friendly, and you can book directly with them via phone or email. Trail rides go on all day every day from 8:30am until 4:30pm. There are also Champagne rides at sunset which include a campfire and roasting marshmallows – call for that schedule and price. Small group lessons are offered on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and you get four lessons and a trail ride for $95.
Seaside Nature Park is located at 64 Cay Bay Road (drive past the GEBE plant). Call them at 1 (721) 581-0118, or visit their Facebook page or website: seasidenaturepark.com
