Known as the island of wild horses, Isla de Vieques of Puerto Rico is home to about 2,000 Paso Fino horses. Find out everything you need to know about the wild horses of Puerto Rico and discover the true magic of the island.
History of the horses of Vieques
The Paso Fino horse, meaning “fine step”, is a breed of horse brought to the Caribbean from Spain. The wild horses of Vieques Puerto Rico are descendants of the horses that the conquistadors brought to Vieques in the early 16th century. The horses are known for their gait and outstanding energy. Their exceptional gait is what separates them from other breeds and is what makes them great riders. The special breed was developed over a period of 500 years on Puerto Rico and is a blend of several other horses, including the Spanish Jennet.
Are the horses of Puerto Rico wild?
This is a common question posed daily by visitors to Vieques. Generally speaking, the horses are not wild, but a lot of the owners don’t hold their horses on their land. Because horses tend to return to the same grazing area with herds sticking together, the horses’ owner will often know where to look to find them. Plus, most of the horses are branded so everyone is aware of who’s the owner.
For visitors to Vieques, the Caribbean life comes complete with the tranquility of the “wild” horses galloping along the beaches and splashing in the blue sea. Visitors will often find the horses strolling on the beach, grazing in fields, and wandering by the roadsides. It truly doesn’t get more picturesque than that. It’s one of the most beautiful aspects of the island.
Horseback riding
Most likely, you will see locals riding the horses around the island and visitors along for the ride, on a horseback riding adventure. Horseback riding is a great way to see a lot of Vieques Island. Enjoy riding through lush tropical forests, free from the crowds on a secluded beach. All this is waiting for you with Vieques horseback riding tour guides ready to take you on your next adventure.
Visit these Vieques horseback riding outfitters to start your next adventure on the island – Esperanza Riding Co. and Colon Horseback Riding.
Stay at Hacienda Tamarindo
When you stay at Hacienda Tamarindo, peer out your room’s window, and you are likely to see the wild horses of Puerto Rico roaming in the outlying fields along with beautiful scenes of the Caribbean. It doesn’t get any more picturesque than that!
Our small luxury hotel features 17 rooms, each creatively designed and decorated with imaginative details from a lifetime’s accumulation of art, antiques, and collectibles. Plus, spacious rooms feature plenty of windows to let you take in all the island beauty. Book your Vieques Island vacation with Hacienda Tamarindo and let us show you how to live the island life!
