The new facilities include four 16-stall barns, two of which are for private boarders. They have done a nice job of integrating the stables into the natural surroundings and a great job planning for lots of space for the horses. Later in the afternoon after washing the sand out of my jodhpurs I toured more of the island, learned about Sea Island's expanding equestrian program, and got a sneak peak at the new stables. Laurie did a quick dive into the water while we held her horse and then we switched off. It's good that Georgia is not known for its big surf because the small waves were small obstacles. I had to grab mane a few times to keep my balance as we waded further into the ocean. I was very excited to be heading in for a swim and so was Cory. We were all comfortable riding bareback, so we waded into the ocean. Simons Pier, which offers views of Jekyll Island and migrating whales. Simons Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1872 after it was destroyed in the Civil War. It’s known for its salt marshes and sandy stretches like East Beach. If we were going in the water, we were going to have to take off our saddles and ride bareback. Simons is an island off the Georgia coast. Keeping tack clean is hard enough, but try doing it in the humid, salty environment of coastal Georgia.

They will be the first concert of the program, leading up to the Tedeschi. Sarah mentioned that we could actually swim with the dolphins. April 21 at Rainbow Island on Sea Island, as part of the Southern Grown Concert Series. I wanted to ride faster to stay beside the dolphins and watch them dance in and out of the small ocean waves. Another island resident rode with us, which allowed me to learn more about the island from another insider's perspective.Īs we trotted back to the trails' entrance and back to the stables, we saw a school of dolphins curving up and down in the water beside us.

Sarah grew up riding in the area and now teaches at the Sea Island Stables. This ensures the safety of guests and the horses. A few minutes later Laurie yelled that she had found one.Īt Sea Island you are tested before you are allowed to canter off onto the beaches and ride as a 'recommended' rider. I gave Cory a pat as we stopped to look for sand dollars. We cantered up and down the shore with a few yelps for the takeoffs and big smiles during the acceleration. I was told that there was almost one ton of weight beneath me. We were the only people on the beach, and it was low tide, so we had a lot of room to ride.Īs I felt Cory take off into our first canter, I knew that there was a great deal of power beneath me. Sarah told me a bit about the island's history and the great natural history. Once on the beach he was fantastic, except for the occasional head bob to try to chew on his reins.

Rainbow island, ga