Horse Riding in Reunion Island: 3 rides at Piton Maïdo, 2026 prices

The easiest way in: €35 per person for a 1-hour taster ride, perfect if you've never been on a horse. You spend 25 minutes at the stables learning to handle the horse, the basic riding position and your first steps at a walk in the arena, then 30-35 minutes riding through the cryptomeria forest of the Maïdo highlands, mostly at a walk, with a little trotting if everyone is comfortable.

The setting is stunning: at 2,200m, you ride through unspoilt forest with sweeping views over the Mafate cirque on one side and the beaches of Saint-Paul's west coast on the other. The horses (Les Chevaux du Maïdo is a registered brand) are chosen for being calm and reliable with novices, something Manawa reviewers mention again and again: "a gentle approach with the horses", "very calm and very gentle horses".

Who it suits: anyone who has never ridden and wants to try in a spectacular setting, families with children aged 9 and over (the minimum age at Les Chevaux du Maïdo), and couples looking for a gentle activity to pair with a Maïdo hike. Who it doesn't suit: riders already happy at walk, trot and canter (the €60 intermediate ride is better) and children under 9 (there's nothing for younger children here).

Manawa price €35 per person, rated 4.7/5 from 36 Manawa reviews, with reviewers often praising the instructors and the calm horses. Included: a qualified instructor (BPJEPS), a helmet and chaps. Bring long trousers, closed shoes and a jumper or light waterproof (it's cool at 2,200m, especially in the southern winter). The stables are a 45-minute drive from Saint-Gilles or Saint-Paul.

The mid-length option (2h30 in total, 1h20 in the saddle): €65 per person to enjoy riding at a relaxed pace, open to beginners from age 8. It's more of an experience than the 1-hour taster, because you get your horse ready before setting off (grooming, watering) and really get to know it before the ride.

The big draw is the sunset option. Depending on the weather, you'll see the sun set over Maïdo with incredible colours over the ocean (clear sky) or ride through a mysterious misty forest (cloudy sky, just as magical). The unspoilt trails through the cryptomeria forest are ridden mostly at a walk, with some trotting if everyone is comfortable.

Who it suits: reasonably fit beginners who want a proper ride rather than a quick taster, couples and families with children aged 8-15, and photographers keen to capture the Maïdo sunset from the saddle. Who it doesn't suit: people who have never ridden (start with the €35 taster) and anyone hoping to canter (the €60 intermediate ride covers all 3 gaits).

Manawa price €65 per person, rated 4.5/5 from 10 Manawa reviews. Included: a qualified instructor (BPJEPS), a helmet and chaps. Bring long trousers, closed shoes and a jumper or light waterproof (it gets cool at altitude at sunset, so bring a windproof). You meet about 1 hour before sunset (the operator gives exact times when you book, depending on the season).

The ride for people who've ridden before: €60 per person, 2h30 in total with 1h40 in the saddle, from age 10. The trails are more technical than on the beginner ride (real climbs and descents, varied ground), so you can use all three gaits (walk, trot, canter) depending on the terrain and weather. It's ideal if you have some experience and want to get back in the saddle or try a canter.

This listing is rated 4.9/5 from 24 reviews, the best score for horse riding at Maïdo. Reviewers mostly praise the horses (well schooled and responsive) and the instructors, who match the pace to the group's real level (no cantering if some riders aren't ready). It's also available at sunset on request.

Who it suits: riders who've had at least 5-10 lessons or done several hacks, anyone after a proper trek with a bit of excitement (cantering on suitable stretches), and experienced couples or friends who want to ride together. Who it doesn't suit: complete beginners (the €35 taster or €65 beginner ride is better) and children under 10 (a strict minimum age for this ride).

Manawa price €60 per person. Included: a qualified instructor (BPJEPS), a helmet and chaps. Bring long trousers (compulsory), closed shoes and a jumper or light waterproof for the highlands. The instructor checks each rider's level at the start (a short trot in the arena) before deciding where to canter on the trail.