Horseback Riding on the Outer Banks: An Unforgettable Experience

Are you heading to the Outer Banks soon and looking for things to do? Horseback riding on the beach with Equine Adventures in Frisco will forever be one of my favorite memories from the time I’ve spent visiting the Outer Banks! 

I booked this adventure with my own money and am recommending it because I had such an incredible experience! I grew up riding horses and can assure you that Equine Adventures is the best place to go horseback riding on the Outer Banks.

You probably have lots of questions about horseback riding on the Outer Banks, so let’s get to it!

Disclaimer: This page may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Tips for Horseback Riding on the Outer Banks

You really don’t need to bring anything special, but here are a few helpful tips to ensure your tour goes smoothly:

• Wear closed-toe shoes — Something with a heel is preferable as it’ll help keep your feet from slipping in the stirrups.
• Wear pants — Saddles can pinch, so avoid wearing shorts!
• Wear a hat — Something that won’t fly off if it’s windy. FYI — Riders under 18 are required to wear a helmet, which Equine Adventures will provide.
• Don’t forget bug spray & sunscreen — You’re going to ride through a maritime forest and then out on the beach, so apply bug spray and sunscreen before your ride.
• Take a small fanny pack — I advise taking a small fanny pack (any small crossbody bag should work) to hold your phone while you ride so you can take pictures. Your hands will be occupied by the reins and it’s hard to put things in your pocket when you’re sitting in a saddle. Also, leave your valuables (anything you don’t want to drop or lose) in the car.
• Leave your fur babes at home — Pets cannot join the ride or sit in your vehicle for 2+ hours.

Why Equine Adventures?

I think there are a few different Outer Banks horseback riding tours, but I highly recommend booking a tour with Equine Adventures in Frisco (get directions)! FYI – Reservations are REQUIRED.

This Hatteras Island horseback riding tour operator has reputable and knowledgeable guides. It’s a fun thing to do regardless of one’s experience level.

Equine Adventures will take care of you and make you feel at ease whether or not you have riding experience.

Before you go on your ride, you complete a survey. The survey allows them to match you with a horse that best fits your size and experience level, so be 100% honest!

My friend and I both had a blast. She has little to no riding experience, and I rode horses for 10+ years growing up.

Depending on where you’re staying, it might be more convenient to look for horseback riding near Kill Devil Hills or Duck. However, venturing down to Frisco (Hatteras Island) is worth the trip.

Horseback riding is just one of many things to do in the area! You could even cross off a few of the Outer Banks lighthouses on your drive.

Read More: 12 Adventurous Things to Do in The Outer Banks

Do you need to have riding experience?

The short answer is no! You do not need to have riding experience to go horseback riding with Equine Adventures. They have beginner-friendly horses!

As I said, you need to be honest about your riding experience when making your reservation since they match you with a horse based on the feedback you provide. Horseback riding on the beach is supposed to be fun and relaxing, but that might not be the case if you feel uncomfortable.

What are the age/weight requirements?

Riders must be at least 10 years of age and 4’8″ tall. In terms of weight, there is a 200 lb. weight limit.

Please note that these are non-negotiables to ride with Equine Adventures! If you have any questions, you can give them a call at 252-995-4897 or email them at info@equineadventures.com. 

How much does it cost?

As of 2022, the cost is $150 per rider for a 2-hour ride (pricing is subject to change). You can save $10 per rider if you pay with cash.

It’s easy to book online and you can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled activity.

IMO, this is a steal for this experience! A guided horseback riding tour is a great way to see an area from a new perspective and learn from a local guide.

Horseback Riding on the Outer Banks Recap

My friend and I decided to book a horseback riding tour at the very last minute (the day before we were heading home), and I am SO glad we did.

This experience will forever be one of my favorite memories from the Outer Banks! Equine Adventures goes above and beyond to ensure you have an amazing time.

Pro tip: Treat yourself to an apple ugly from Orange Blossom Bakery before or after your ride. Going to Hatteras Island without stopping by Orange Blossom Bakery is basically a crime! They’re open seven days a week 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM during peak season.

Before the ride:

Make sure to arrive 15 minutes before your ride to ensure you’re all set. They’ll already have your horse tacked up and waiting on you, so don’t worry about that.

You’ll meet your horse, and your guide will share some important information about the ride before you take off. Use this time as an opportunity to ask your guide any questions you might have.

Your guide will be with you throughout the entire ride, so don’t worry if you have questions that come up along the way!

The ride:

The best part! Throughout your 2 hour ride, you’ll walk through the maritime forest of the North Carolina Coastal Reserve and along the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

Fun fact: Equine Adventures has to have a permit to operate through the National Park Service (NPS) since Cape Hatteras National Seashore is managed by the NPS.

After a 45-minute ride through the woods (keep an eye out because you might be able to spot deer and osprey along the trail), you’ll be at the beach!

The beach portion of the ride lasts for around 30 minutes. We galloped on the beach and took our horses into the ocean! Even as someone who grew up riding horses, this experience was really special.

After our time on the beach, we circled back to head back to the barn!

After the ride:

Once you get back to the barn, you’ll be able to say goodbye to your horse before departing. Make sure to give him/her a big pat for taking care of you!

Tipping your guide isn’t required, however, they do A LOT (prep horses, answer questions, adjust tack, etc.) to ensure everything goes smoothly. A tip is a nice way to thank them for a great experience!

Have you ever booked a horseback riding tour while traveling? I never did since I grew up riding horses, but I’m so glad I decided to change that. A guided horseback riding tour is a great way to see an area from a new perspective and learn from a local guide. Now that I’ve been horseback riding on the beach, I have to do it in the mountains somewhere! I think my top pick would be Jackson Hole, WY 🙂 What about you?