Provo Ponies
Dolphin Lane, Long Bay, Providenciales
One of the most popular activities when visiting the Turks and Caicos Islands, Provo Ponies is a small horseback riding stable on Providenciales that caters to visitors from the age of 7 and older.
If you are the type of traveler to comprehensively research a place before visiting, you’ve likely come across beautiful images of people riding horses and gently strolling through the calm, azure ocean for which the islands are known. A tour with Provo Ponies—consistently hailed as one of the top outdoor activities to book in Turks and Caicos—is a unique experience and one that any animal lover, regardless of horseback riding experience, is sure to enjoy.
Riding experience is not required before booking a tour with Provo Ponies, as the horses are well accustomed to skill levels of various sorts. The stable’s riding instructors pair each rider with a pony that is suitable to his or her riding ability. The Provo Ponies team also makes sure that riders are well briefed prior to the ride, that safety equipment is properly worn, and that the ride down from the stables to Long Bay Beach is thoroughly supervised to ensure everyone’s comfort and safety. Riders under the age of 18 are also required to wear a helmet.
Owner and equestrian Camille Slattery started Provo Ponies as a rescue operation more than 20 years ago after finding that a number of horses imported from the Dominican Republic were suffering abuse, and the task of caring for them had overwhelmed their original owner.
After some much-needed TLC, it was clear to Camille that these now-healthy, young horses were far too young for retirement and in need of regular exercise. As a result, she started Provo Ponies from her home in Long Bay Hills. Today, the riding stable has more than 20 horses from the Dominican Republic, Grand Turk, South Caicos, and the U.S., with donkeys now also making up part of the herd. Beyond offering visitors the unique and memorable experience of horseback riding in the world-famous waters of Turks and Caicos, Provo Ponies also offers a safe environment for its horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Tours and Riding Locations
A number of packages are available to reserve at Provo Ponies. The stable offers two guided tours every weekday—one in the morning and one in the afternoon—with Saturdays reserved for teaching local children at the stables, and Sundays being a rest day for the horses. Rides usually last between two and three hours. The group rides are particularly popular with those with little to no horseback riding experience. Groups are capped at 12 people and include a peaceful ride along Long Bay Beach.
More experienced riders, or couples in search of an intimate activity, can reserve a private ride that also takes visitors from the stable through the quiet residential roads of Long Bay Hills, and down to the secluded Long Bay Beach—which is known for its usually calm and shallow waters. Beyond riding along the shore, guests usually have the opportunity to ride their horses into the water (weather permitting), so if you’re booking a Provo Ponies excursion, be prepared to get wet. If you wish to document your experience, be sure to bring a camera—the riding instructors are happy to snap some photos for you during your ride.
Experienced riders are also given the opportunity to trot and canter along the beach, although guests are advised to book close to low tide should they wish to do so. Special requests for proposals and engagements or photoshoots can also be accommodated.
If you’re planning a trip to the Turks and Caicos, it’s best to book your excursion with Provo Ponies well in advance. Due to its immense popularity, it’s usually difficult to book a tour with only a few days’ notice, particularly during the high season (which, for Provo Ponies, is December through August). However, it’s recommended you book in advance regardless of when you’re visiting.
Getting to Provo Ponies
Transportation can be arranged for guests staying in the Grace Bay area, however, the stables are easy to find. Long Bay Hills is located just off the main highway. From Long Bay Hills Highway, make a left on Lignum Vitae Drive (the second road), followed by another immediate left on Dolphin Lane. You’ll find the Provo Ponies stable at the first driveway on the left.
Located in Long Bay
Long Bay is a coastal residential region in southeast Providenciales. The area supports a low density of homes and rental villas. Long Bay Hills is the interior part of this region, and Long Bay Beach lines the south coast. The luxury Shore Club resort and South Bank Marina are both located here.