Horseback Riding at Casa de Campo

Dozens of horses including 15 for jumping and over 80 polo ponies fill the stables at Casa de Campo, which makes finding the proper pony as easy as a trail ride. Scenic romps include a one-hour golf course ride, a two-hour ride through tropical trails by the Chavón River and two three-hour advanced rides; one through sugarcane fields to the cane-cutter's village and the other a ride outside of the main resort at Rancho Peligro (three days notice is required).
Expert staffing is on hand for lessons in English or Western-style riding, jumping, dressage and polo. Guests of Casa de Campo may also request instruction in grooming techniques, rodeo stunts or sign up for a hilarious game of donkey polo. Private guides can be arranged for individuals or groups.
For young children, rides are available on Anita, Juanito and Miguelito, the center’s three ponies. Special private trail rides can also be arranged.
If you’re seeking the thrill of polo, the Casa de Campo facilities are among the best in the Caribbean. Consisting of three playing fields, one practice field and the largest string of polo ponies under a single brand in the world, there is no place better to enjoy this rigorous and engaging sport. Equipment, group instruction and personalized training are available for beginners and medium-goal players. Guests may hire ponies for stick and ball tournaments and families can compete against each other in matches held each week.
Regular polo matches are played throughout the week during the season, which begins in early November and ends in April. Domestic cups and international tournaments are organized during the season and all teams are encouraged to enter.
Please note: long pants and closed shoes are required to ride at the center. Children must be over seven-years old or have prior riding experience.

English or Western saddles are available.

The riding program is run by Enrico Canobbio, Manager of the Casa de Campo Equestrian Center. Mr. Canobbio was born in Italy and has been at CDC for the last 6 years.

ONE HOUR TRAIL RIDE

It is available seven days a week at 8:30 am. 9:30 am. 10:30 am., 3:00 pm., 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. The one hour trailride takes the guests from the Equestrian Center stables to the area behind La Romana Country Club, the Golf course and back

TWO HOUR TRAIL RIDE:

It is available seven days a week at 8:30 am., 9:30 am., 3:00 pm., and 4:00 pm. The two hours trailride takes the guests from the Equestrian Center stables to the shores of the Chavon River an back. Another option for the two hour ride, for repeaters, is from the Ranch to the nearest cane field and back.

THREE HOUR TRAIL RIDE

It is available seven days a week at 8:30 am. and 3:00 pm. only. The three hour trailride takes the guests from the Equestrian Center stables up to the north area of the resort, bound to the sugarcane fields and the canecutters village of "Cacata", next to the location of the new airport, currently under construction.

SUNSET TRAIL RIDE

This special ride is available only on Wednesdays at 6:00 pm. This trail ride takes the guests from the Equestrian Center stables up to Altos de Chavon, crossing by the Country Club and several villas backyards. Upon arrival at Altos de Chavon, guests enjoy dinner at Café del Sol Pizza Place, returning later by shuttle bus to the hotel main area.

PELIGRO RANCH TRAIL RIDE

For experienced riders only !. One of the most beautiful ranches in the eastern region of the Dominican Republic, with more than 1,000 head of cattle, rivers and wonderful nature. Guests are transferred by van from the hotel to "Rancho Peligro", in the countryside, where saddled horses are ready to take them into a great experience. Departure from resort is at 8:00 am., returning at 1:00 pm. Morning refreshment is included.


PONY RIDE

For children under 8 years old, pony rides are available from 8:00 am. to 6:00 pm within the Equestrian Center perimeter. Three friendly ponies, "Miguelito", "Juanico", and "Juanita" are available for a half hour ride on site trails and polo fields.

RIDING LESSONS:
Riding lessons are available at different levels for beginners, experienced and advanced riders. Daily lessons are schedule on a one to one basis, according to the level and needs of the guests. Reservations are required. Schedule for lessons is 8:30 am, 9:30 am., 10:30 am, 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm. one hour or half hour. Excellent schooling horses for children available. (Extra charge)

SHOWJUMPING:

The Equestrian Center features a show jumping school. Guests are welcome to practice in the jumping ring or to take jumping lessons.

DONKEY POLO MATCH:

The Equestrian Center gives you the chance of riding on…donkeys! The donkey polo match is a hilarious game organized only for groups or large families traveling together. Donkey Polo is a replica of a polo match, using brooms instead of mallets, plastic toy balls instead of polo ball and donkeys instead of horses.

GENERAL REGULATIONS

· Helmets are mandatory for all rides and are provided by the Equestrian Center
· Long pants, either riding pants or jeans, are mandatory.
· Closed shoes, either sneakers or riding boots, are mandatory.
· Riding with Ranch Guide is mandatory. Guides are provided at a 6:1 ratio.
· All these trail rides are included under the UNLIMITED HORSEBACK RIDING package feature.