Riding

Exploring the Railway Trail and beachside dunes can be a leisurely outing on horseback through Spicelands Riding Centre (50 Middle Rd., west of Warwick Pond, tel. 441/238-8212, spicelands [at] northrock [dot] bm). The center runs five guided trail rides on weekdays, but times vary according to season and sunrise time (summer’s first ride usually starts at 6:30 a.m., winter’s at 7:30 a.m.). On Saturdays, only morning rides are offered. Each ride is 75 minutes long and costs $65. Private rides, like the one former Bermuda resident David Bowie and his wife Iman enjoyed, are 90 minutes for $130 per person. Moonlight rides and special group rides are also popular.

Early birds will prefer the first ride of the day—it’s the only one that leads along the water’s edge of Warwick Long Bay [1]. Horses are generally banned from beaches May–October. Western saddles are used for comfort, but English-style tack is also available. Helmets are provided. Wear sneakers and pants or shorts. The facility, home to 63 horses and ponies, also offers riding instruction.

Bermuda Riding for the Disabled, at WindReach Recreational Village (57 Spice Hill Rd., tel. 441/238-7433, fax 441/238-7434, www.brd.bm [2]), provides therapeutic riding free of charge to children with special needs. The nonprofit group, funded by public donations, has five horses and ponies and two full-time staff members, at a newly expanded Equestrian Centre, complete with stables and show-ring. Visits and rides should be arranged well in advance.