Imagine riding along the pristine beaches of Cabuya or wandering through a 200-acre sanctuary beside the sea, all while forging a genuine bond with some of the happiest horses you’ll ever meet. That’s what awaits you with the Costa Rica Horseback Riding Experience at Horse Spirit Healing, located at Resonance Ranch in Santa Teresa. For $175 per person, you get about four hours of adventure, healing, and connection—a perfect blend of scenic riding and soulful interaction.
What we really love about this experience is how it balances scenic beauty with meaningful human-horse relationships. The first is the breathtaking setting—being able to explore a lush sanctuary and beachside trails that are both peaceful and visually stunning. The second is the emphasis on connection and healing, which makes this more than just a ride; it’s an opportunity to understand and appreciate horses beyond their role as transportation.
One potential consideration is that this experience is quite intimate and personalized, which means it requires a minimum booking of two people for a private session. If you’re traveling solo, you might be joined with others, but the focus remains on creating a meaningful, customized experience. It’s best suited for those who appreciate authentic, soulful encounters—whether you’re a seasoned rider or a complete novice eager to learn about the true nature of happy horses.
If you’re looking for a tour that combines scenic beauty, spiritual connection, and learning, this experience offers a memorable way to spend part of your Costa Rican journey. It’s especially well-suited for open-minded travelers ready to connect deeply with animals and nature alike.
Key Points
- Deep connection with horses: The focus is on authentic relationships, not just riding.
- Beautiful scenery: Ride on beaches and through a lush 200-acre sanctuary.
- Healing atmosphere: Horses are empowered to share their gifts, fostering joy and transformation.
- Knowledgeable guides: Led by Letitia Watson and her team, experts in horse behavior and healing.
- Suitable for all ages: From children as young as 6 to elders.
- Private or group experience: Bookings start at a minimum of 2 people, ensuring personalized attention.
An In-Depth Look at the Costa Rica Horseback Riding Experience
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The Setting: A Sanctuary for Happiness and Healing
From the moment you arrive at Resonance Ranch, you step into a space dedicated to mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing for both humans and horses. This isn’t your typical riding stable—here, the focus is on creating a sacred environment where horses are free to express their natural joy and authenticity. The sanctuary spans 200 acres and includes the stunning beaches of Cabuya, which provide an idyllic backdrop for part of the ride.
The setting alone is worth the trip, with lush greenery surrounding you and the sound of waves crashing nearby. This mix of land and sea offers a calming effect, making it easier to relax and open yourself to the experience. The sanctuary is a safe space—guided by Letitia Watson and her team—where the emphasis is on mutual respect, intuition, and healing.
The Experience: What to Expect
Once you arrive, you’ll be welcomed into this sacred space with a brief introduction to the philosophy behind the experience. The first part of the tour involves learning The Whisper, a method of understanding the relationship between humans and horses, emphasizing what makes a horse truly happy. This educational component sets the tone for the deepest level of connection.
Following this, you’ll meet the herd of 16 horses, each with its own personality. The guides will help you observe their behavior and understand how they express joy, stress, or contentment. This step is invaluable—it shifts the focus from riding as a sport to listening and communicating, which is appreciated by both novices and experienced riders.
The highlight of the tour is the bareback ride, either along the beach or through the sanctuary. The guides will help you select a special horse—a process that feels very personal and empowering. Many reviews highlight that the guides are not only knowledgeable but also attentive to individual needs, ensuring you feel safe and connected throughout.
The Horses: Authentic Partners, Not Just Animals
What makes this experience stand out is how the horses are treated and viewed. Reviewers repeatedly mention that the horses are happy, relaxed, and eager for contact. Letitia’s approach involves listening rather than instructing—her herd is described as “magical” and seeking out human interaction. Many guests report profound emotional and spiritual breakthroughs, crediting the horses’ authentic joy and trust.
During the ride, you’ll experience the intuitive bond that develops when you listen to your horse’s cues rather than commanding it. This approach not only makes riding more pleasurable and less stressful but also opens the door for self-discovery.
The Guided Components: Education and Connection
Before mounting, you’ll learn about the true nature of happy horses—how they heal and empower humans through their innate gifts of joy and presence. This grounding is essential for developing mutual respect and understanding.
Once riding begins, the guides continuously support and encourage personal connection, helping you step into a partnership with your horse. The experience is not about training or performance but about mutual choosing and friendship.
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Who Should Consider This Tour?
While the experience is accessible to all, it’s especially suited for people interested in spiritual growth, emotional healing, or authentic animal encounters. The focus on connection makes it ideal for those seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and others, including kids as young as six and older adults.
The Practicalities: What You Need to Know
- The tour lasts about 4 hours, giving plenty of time for learning, bonding, and riding.
- It’s a private experience with a minimum of two participants; groups are also possible.
- The cost is $175 per person, which includes helmet and guide services.
- The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
- No alcohol is included, but you’re welcome to bring your own if you wish (note that the tour itself is alcohol-free).
- Confirmations come within 48 hours, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance.
Why This Experience Offers More Than Just a Ride
Beyond the scenic beauty sits a transformational journey. Reviewers describe it as “the most transformative experience of my life” and emphasize that it’s about connection and self-awareness. The guides’ deep understanding of horses makes the experience feel less like riding and more like a dance of mutual respect.
The focus on emotional and spiritual healing differentiates this from traditional horseback tours. Many guests mention that their encounters with the horses helped them see themselves differently, often leaving with a sense of joy, peace, and clarity.
The Power of the Guides
Letitia Watson and her team are praised for their intuitive approach. They listen carefully to each guest, ensuring the experience is tailored to individual needs. Her confidence, safety measures, and genuine care foster an atmosphere of trust and openness.
The Authenticity of the Horses
Guests repeatedly highlight how the horses seek out human contact and are free to express their happiness. This isn’t about performance riding but about mutual partnership. The horses’ relaxed, joyful demeanor speaks volumes about the care they receive and the environment Letitia has cultivated.
Who Will Benefit Most?
This tour is perfect for mindful travelers, animal lovers, and anyone curious about spiritual or emotional healing through animals. It’s less about sports or adventure and more about self-discovery and connection. Ideal for those who appreciate authentic, soulful experiences and want a meaningful story to take home.
The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?
In the end, the Costa Rica Horseback Riding Experience offers a rare opportunity to connect deeply with horses in a beautiful setting designed for healing and joy. It’s a chance to gain insight into your own nature, guided by experienced, compassionate professionals. The scenic rides combined with the authentic bond with joyful horses create a lasting memory that can be both transformational and uplifting.
This experience is best suited for those seeking a soulful, mindful adventure—whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or someone new to horses. The personalized attention and deep respect for animal wellbeing mean you’ll leave feeling more connected—both to nature and yourself.
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children as young as 6 can participate, making it a wonderful family experience focused on learning about horses and connection.
What do I need to bring?
You just need comfortable clothing suitable for moderate physical activity and an open mind. Helmets are provided.
Can I participate if I am a beginner rider?
Absolutely. The experience emphasizes connection and mutual respect rather than riding skill, making it perfect for novices.
What does the tour include?
It includes a helmet, guide services, and about four hours of scenic riding and connection with the horses.
How long is the ride?
The guided experience lasts approximately 4 hours, including time for learning, bonding, and riding.
Is it private or group?
It can be private with a minimum of two people, or you might join a group if traveling solo.
Is food or drink included?
No, but alcoholic beverages are not included; you can bring your own if desired.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Horse Spirit Healing Road, Cobano, Costa Rica, and ends back at the same meeting point.
How physical is the tour?
Participants should have a moderate level of physical fitness, as it involves some walking and riding.
Whether you’re craving a peaceful connection with nature, seeking emotional healing, or simply love horses, this Costa Rica Horseback Riding Experience offers an authentic and deeply memorable adventure. It’s an opportunity to unplug, connect, and perhaps even discover a new part of yourself amidst one of Central America’s most beautiful settings.