01
Earl des Alizés (L'Étang-Salé)
Half-day pony rides and treks in the L'Étang-Salé forest
Horse trekking · Reunion Island
Horse Trekking in Reunion Island: Gear for Horse and Rider
The right saddle, a sturdy halter, a riding hat and the right clothes: everything you need to ride Reunion Island's mountain trails comfortably, for you and your horse. Over 40 riding centres across the island offer rides and courses.
40+ riding centres€25-200 depending on ride lengthMay-Oct. best season
Reunion Island specifics
Why trekking in Reunion Island is different
Trekking in Reunion Island calls for slightly different kit from a typical riding-school hack in Europe. Three things shape your choices: the tropical climate (heat plus humidity means lots of sweat, so a thick, well-ventilated saddle pad and saddle are essential), the long climbs in the hills (up to 1,500m of ascent on some full-day treks) and the basalt sections, sometimes polished smooth and slippery, where hoof boots over normal shoes can be worthwhile.
For headgear (halters, lead ropes, bridles), a specialist like horse halters offers a wide range of styles (rope, leather, nylon, sizes from Shetland to draught horse), with matching or separate lead ropes.
To prepare for a trek properly, it's also worth reading this blog article written by the Hudada team (in French), which covers best practice for horse and rider from A to Z, from choosing your gear to getting both of you fit over several weeks before a proper trek.
For the rider
6 essentials for the rider
For short rides at a riding centre, the basics are provided. For full-day treks and longer, bring at least the following.
| # | Equipment | Use | Typical budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Riding hat certified to EN 1384 | Compulsory at riding centres, strongly recommended when riding independently | Provided by the centre · to buy €30-80 |
| 02 | Riding trousers with a reinforced seat | Comfort and less chafing on long rides | €30-100 (Decathlon, Equiline, Pikeur) |
| 03 | Jodhpur boots or long riding boots | Ankle support, secure grip in the stirrup, protection from scrapes | Jodhpur boots €60-150 · long boots €100-300 |
| 04 | Riding gloves | Protect your palms from rein rub | €10-40 |
| 05 | Rain jacket + light fleece | Changeable mountain weather (5-18°C in the southern winter) | Rain jacket €40-150 · fleece €25-80 |
| 06 | 1-2L water bottle + small backpack | Water, picnic and first-aid kit | €20-60 for the bag |
For the horse
8 pieces of tack for a trekking horse
On riding-centre rides, everything is provided. If you're riding your own horse, here's the full list with prices new. Look at second-hand too (riding clubs, specialist sites): you can save 30 to 60% on the saddle, the biggest expense.
| # | Item | Role | Budget |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Endurance saddle (or western) | Comfort over long distances, good leg support | Endurance €600-2,500 · western €800-3,000 |
| 02 | Thick, breathable saddle pad | Wicks away sweat in the tropical heat, protects the back | €30-120 (foam, gel or wool) |
| 03 | Girth + girth cover | Keeps the saddle in place on steep climbs and technical sections | €20-80 |
| 04 | Bridle or hackamore | Steering and control; choose according to the horse's temperament | €60-200 |
| 05 | Sturdy halter and lead rope | Handling on the ground, tying up at the overnight gîte | €20-70 |
| 06 | Hoof boots or studded shoes | Grip on slippery basalt and in lava tubes | Hoof boots €100-250 a pair |
| 07 | Endurance saddle bags | Picnic, first-aid kit, water, rider's clothing | €60-200 a pair |
| 08 | Cooling rug / rump rug | Rest stops at the gîte, cooling down after exercise, rain | €40-120 |
For beginners
How to steer a horse on a trek
Beginners often think the reins do all the work. They don't. Steering a horse means using three aids at once:
- The reins (gently). Light, steady contact rather than sharp tugs. To turn, move your hand towards the shoulder on that side, and soften as soon as the horse has turned. Keep your hands low, close to the withers.
- The legs (forward movement and bend). Pressure at the girth to go forward, further back to turn. Ease off the outside leg for a smooth turn. Heels down, calves against the horse's sides.
- Your weight (balance). The horse follows your eyes and your seat. Sit up straight, relax your shoulders and look where you want to go. On a technical descent, lean back slightly to stay stable.
On technical sections (a steep descent, a ford, steps cut into the basalt), give the horse its head and let it find its own balance. Pulling on its mouth while it's picking its way over unstable ground is the surest way to bring you both down.
Where to ride
Over 40 riding centres across the island
Reunion Island has more than forty active riding centres, mainly in the west, the south and the hills. All offer first-time rides, and most also run half-day and full-day treks. A few specialists organise 2-5 day treks with nights camping or in gîtes (rural guesthouses).
Here are six of the best-known and most active, alongside the many small family-run centres not listed here. Seaside or forest rides can usually be booked 24-48h ahead; for longer treks, allow at least 7-15 days.
02
Écuries d'Eldorado (L'Étang-Salé)
L'Étang-Salé state forest, shaded trails, family rides
03
Shaiena Centre Équestre (West)
Seaside rides and rides in the hills of the west
04
Écurie de la Savane (South)
Lessons, livery and rides in the wild south
05
Centres équestres du Maïdo (Saint-Paul)
High-altitude trails with views over Mafate, mountain conditions
06
Centres du Tévelave (Les Avirons)
Mid-altitude forest, shade and moderately technical trails
Beach ride
Galloping on the beach: myth and reality
Riding by the sea sounds like a dream. In Reunion Island, several centres offer beach rides, mainly at L'Étang-Salé (south-west coast), Saint-Leu and the wild south. The gallop is usually saved for the end, on smooth, rock-free stretches, with seasoned horses and experienced riders (Galop 4 minimum, ideally Galop 5 on the French grading scale).
On the beach: avoid high tide (hidden rocks), never gallop in front without checking the ground first, and rinse the horse with fresh water after a swim in the sea to avoid irritation. Hooves can pick up sharp shells, so always check them at the end of the ride.
Going further
Riding courses and training in Reunion Island
Beyond a first ride, several centres run week-long or fortnight-long riding courses: typically 2-3h in the saddle a day, mixing flatwork with outdoor riding, horse care and theory. Budget €400-800 a week, not including accommodation.
For children, riding centres use the French Galop grades (levels 1 to 7), which certify skills as riders progress. Summer courses (July-August, school holidays) often combine pony sessions for the youngest with Galop 1-4 courses for older children.
Frequently asked questions
Your questions answered
What's the minimum gear for a horse trek in Reunion Island?
For the rider: a riding hat certified to EN 1384 (often provided by the centre), riding trousers or leggings with a reinforced seat, jodhpur or long boots, a breathable rain jacket, a light fleece for the hills, a 1-2L water bottle, a basic first-aid kit and gloves. For the horse (usually provided by the riding centre): a comfortable endurance or western saddle, a thick breathable saddle pad, a sturdy halter and lead rope, a girth and a suitable bridle. Several specialist shops sell a wide range of halters in different materials and sizes.
Which saddle is best for trekking?
There are two main types. The endurance saddle is light and designed for long distances, giving excellent support without weighing the horse down; it's the default for full-day treks and longer. The western saddle is heavier but very stable, good on rough ground and for riders who like a horn to hold. For short rides at a riding centre, a general-purpose saddle is fine. Avoid a dressage saddle (uncomfortable over long hours) and a jumping saddle (stirrups too short for long rides at a walk).
How does a beginner steer a horse on a trek?
With three main aids and a bit of attention. The reins control the direction of the head (gently, never a sharp pull). The legs ask the horse to move forward and bend: pressure at the girth to go forward, further back to turn. Your weight affects its balance: sit up straight and look where you want to go. On technical sections (steep descents, fords, steps cut into rock), give the horse its head, let it find its own balance and focus on your seat. Beginners should really take a one-hour lesson before their first long ride.
What tack do you need to control a horse?
For a riding-centre ride: a rope or leather halter with a lead rope, a bridle or hackamore depending on the horse's temperament, and a suitable bit (snaffle, double-jointed or Pelham depending on how sensitive it is). For longer treks: a noseband if needed, a curb strap with a western saddle, and safety stirrups (breakaway or caged, so your foot can't get trapped in a fall). Your riding hat is still the number one safety item: never skip it.
How much does horse riding cost in Reunion Island?
Typical 2026 prices: a children's pony ride (30min-1h), €25-40; a 1-2h first ride for adults, €40-70; a guided half-day, €70-120; a full day with a picnic, €120-200; a 2-day trek with a night camping or in a gîte, €250-400 per person; a week-long riding course, €400-800. Riding centres in Reunion Island generally include the hat, water and a qualified guide in the price.
Where can you go horse trekking in Reunion Island?
The classics are the Maïdo area (forest trails and viewpoints over Mafate), Tévelave (shady forest, ideal in the hot season), Bourg-Murat and the Plaine des Cafres (open volcanic landscapes), L'Étang-Salé and its state forest (shade all year) and the wild south around Saint-Joseph and Saint-Philippe (basalt coastline). Several local riding centres run rides from 1 hour to several days, with or without camping, led by state-qualified instructors. For detailed trek preparation, the Hudada team's blog article (in French) covers best practice for horse and rider from A to Z.
Do you need riding experience to trek in Reunion Island?
Not for short rides. Many centres offer 1-2h first rides for beginners, with a calm horse and a guide in front. For rides of more than 3-4h or with a lot of climbing, a few hours' riding experience helps. For independent multi-day treks (the cirques, crossing the highlands), you need to be an experienced rider: Galop 4 or above (the French riding grades, where 4 is roughly a confident intermediate), able to handle your horse in any situation, with some experience of camping on horseback. A few days of refresher lessons before you travel is good preparation for a proper trek.
How do you prepare a horse that's new to trekking?
A riding-school horse isn't necessarily used to long distances and technical ground. Before its first real trek: build up gradually (1h, 2h, 3h, then a half-day), get it used to a thick saddle pad and endurance saddle bags so the extra weight doesn't surprise it, check the saddle doesn't cause soreness (test over time and check pressure points) and plan hoof boots if the ground is rocky. The horse must be in top condition, with shoeing, worming and vaccinations up to date. Ideally, allow 4-8 weeks to prepare.
When is the best time for horse trekking in Reunion Island?
The southern winter (May to October) is by far the best: mild temperatures, dry trails and generally clear skies in the hills. The cyclone season (November to April) limits your options, with heavy rain, closed trails and landslides. You can ride by the sea (western beaches, the wild south) all year, except in wet spells. Whatever the season, setting off early (7-8am) to make the most of the cool before the midday heat is wise in the tropics.
Go further