LIHUE, Kauai Kauai has been part of Hawaii’s paniolo (cowboy)
history since the early 1800s, and today’s visitors can get their
own taste of paniolo life by booking a horseback ride with one of
the following ranches.
Esprit De Corps Riding Academy
Dale Rosenfeld started teaching riding in 1986 while working in
New York City for an ad agency. She moved to Kauai and bought five
acres in 1989, and today her Esprit De Corps Riding Academy
comprises 10 horses, 4 ponies, 3 dogs and a cat on the east side of
the island near Kapaa.
Rosenfeld’s company took about 1,000 people on horseback trips
last year. “We appeal to experienced trail riders who want more
than a nose-to-tail walk, since we allow trotting and cantering,”
said Rosenfeld. “We offer true eco-tours, because we keep our
groups small and we explore a lush mountain forest reserve.”
For beginners, Rosenfeld’s trail rides start with a mini-lesson
in the arena. Riding boots and helmets are provided. She puts
together children’s games on horseback, spiritual exploration
rides, weddings on horseback and day camps. Esprit De Corps’
three-hour Taste of Kauai ride costs $112 per person. For
experienced equestrians, the four-hour Fast Half costs $150, while
the six-hour Wow Ride costs $215. The eight-hour All-Day Adventure
with lunch is $346.
Lessons start at $60 per hour. Travel agent rates range from 20
to 50 percent off rack.
808-822-4688; www.kauai horses.com. Princeville Ranch
Stables
Established on the North Shore in 1978 by island natives Donn
and Gale Carswell, this family-run 2,000-acre working cattle ranch
offers exclusive access to ocean and mountain views through a
variety of horseback rides. “Our mission is to provide visitors
with an activity that preserves and promotes Kauai’s natural
beauty, history and culture,” said Princeville Stables spokeswoman
Gale Carswell.
Gale’s son David handles the horsemanship program at
Princeville. “David considers the perspective of the horse and
builds trust and respect through understanding and communication,”
said Gale. “He teaches riders skills and habits that help achieve
unity with the horses.”
Princeville Stables’ four-hour waterfall picnic ride costs $120
per person (three hours for $110). The 11/2-hour Country Ride
across ranchlands is $65 per person. Clients can help round up a
herd of cattle at sunrise by booking the City Slickers Paniolo
Adventure for $120. Two-hour private rides are $125 per person; and
David Carswell customizes horsemanship lessons for various rates.
Travel agents visiting the ranch get a 10 percent discount on
rides.
808-826-6777; www.princevilleranch.com.
Other companies on Kauai include CJM Stables on the South Shore,
run by Joyce and Jimmy Miranda. They present two- and three-hour
excursions to Mahaulepu Beach ($75 and $85, respectively); and they
put together small private group rides, Western theme parties,
mini-rodeos and a cattle drive with a cookout. 808-742-6096;
www.cjmstables.com.
Silver Falls Ranch, set on 400 acres on the North Shore,
features a leisurely two-hour trail ride for $81, a two-hour ride
to a waterfall for $109 and private and group rides.
808-828-0131; www.sfrkauai.com.