Experience the ride of a lifetime and help out a non-profit while you’re at it! With Cruzan Cowgirls, you will get to ride a rescue horse through the jungle, on the beach, and even in the water. This ride, though exciting, is actually very peaceful and educational as well. 

About Cruzan Cowgirls Non-Profit

First and foremost, Cruzan Cowgirls is a horse rescue foundation. They save horses that are retired, homeless, or being abused and provide them with food, shelter, purpose, and most of all - love. Their staff and team of volunteers work to nurse these malnourished, physically ill, and abandoned horses back to life. Their foundation is a no-kill, non-profit rescue. 

Getting There & Cost

The team at Cruzan Cowgirls is highly responsive through text message, where you will be able to most easily contact them. After scheduling your tour, you will receive detailed instructions and tips for your ride. In these instructions, you will find directions to the ride site. If you haven’t been to the West end of St. Croix, it may be a bit confusing so we’re here to help. 

The cost for the ride is $125/person for a regular 1 ½ hour tour. Private tours and rides for more advanced riders are also offered for $175/person. All of the tours will take you through the forest, beach, and ocean. You may also schedule a longer or more customized tour by contact them directly. Before paying for your tour, you must reach out to Cruzan Cowgirls to confirm your reservation date and time. Then, you will pay for the tour online via Paypal. It’s important to note that via Paypal, the ride is paid for as a donation since they are a non-profit. 

The Horses

At this time (July 2022), Cruzan Cowgirls have a total of 29 horses in their care. In addition, they have 2 cows and 1 pig. They range in size, age, and disposition. After arriving at the site, the Cowgirl team will pair you with the perfect horse to match your frame and experience level. As a 5’3” female beginner, I was paired with a beautiful light brown horse with white accents named Alien. Alien got his extra-terrestrial name from being the most transformed after going into the Cruzan Cowgirls' care. They said he was so unrecognizable that they decided to name him Alien! One of the Casago team members was paired with a strong horse named Dragon who got his name from being one of the favorites.  

The ride begins at Cowboy Beach, the starting point next to Rhythms at Rainbow Beach. From there, you start your journey into the rainforest. Here, horses have the right of way, so any time you cross the street, cars are required to stop for you. To give your horse directions, the following actions are explained:

• Pulling the rope back is the signal to stop or go backwards
• Kicking with the side of your foot means go
• To turn left or right, tug the rope in the desired direction

The Ride

Once you arrive at the rainforest, you follow a lovely path while listening to fascinating information from your tour guide. All the Cruzan Cowgirls guides are knowledgable about the trees and animals within the rainforest. Our tour guides were Lauren and Jenny who were fantastic - they gave us so much information and made great conversation throughout.

You'll spend most of the tour riding along a private street and in the rainforest. During our ride, it even began to rain in the rainforest which was so interesting because it didn't rain anywhere else on the island! After that, you'll head to the beach where they stop for a photo-op. You'll get the opportunity to snap some gorgeous shots on your horse with the beach behind you. Then, comes the real exciting portion of the tour - taking the horses into the ocean!

When the horses get in the water, they start to make loud chuffing-type sounds. This is because the pressure that the water puts on their lungs. At first, I was a little worried for them, but was assured that they are totally fine and enjoy being in the water! This was our favorite part of the tour because the scene was perfect. The sun was setting behind us, providing the most stunning backdrop.

Tips: Make sure you wear close-toed shoes or ride barefoot. If you wear sandals, they may be lost to the ocean. It's important that you only bring items that can get wet. So, if you want to take water or your phone, make sure they are placed in a waterproof bag or case, or left back at your rental. In the ocean, the horses go in pretty deep - you will be about hip deep.