FREQUENT QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS:
Thank you for inquiring about Bayside Riding Club’s beach rides.  I receive so many
e-mails that I can’t answer them fast enough.  Also, Internet service is not always
available on this beautiful island.  I hope the following information makes you want to
ride with us.  If this doesn’t answer all your questions please feel free to contact me at
tracie@baysideridingclub.com.  I look forward to the possibility of greeting you at Bayside.  
Sincerely, Tracie Brink, Owner

At Bayside we want to make sure your ride with us is fantastic.  Our one and a half mile
white sand bay, with scenic trails through the nature reserve make the location one of
the best in the Caribbean.  This is your dream ride!  

Most of our horses are rescues or have been sold to us because the owner knew the
horse would have a great home.  Some of the horses here are over twenty years old and
still going strong.  Our horses are  very important to us.  Their care and well being is our
first priority.  Due to the cost of keeping them they must earn their living by the beach rides
we offer.  These incredible animals are like very large dogs and become very loyal and
gentle when treated well.  Visitors are always welcome.  Horse treats (horse cookies)
are on sale in the office and it would be unthinkable to not spoil them

At Bayside we welcome first time riders—Our group rides are a perfect beginner ride.
An easy ride with a little trot if you wish.  Spend your time enjoying the feeling of being
on horse and enjoy the scenery.  You won’t miss the clear waters and great view of
St. Barth’s at this pace.

For intermediate or experienced riders—Our private rides are “a horse lover’s dream”.
Canter a long stretch of white sand beach and then cool off with a refreshing swim on
your horse if you wish.
Newly wed—still ? Take a private ride for two at your own pace. You can add champagne.

Q. What is the difference between the one-hour and two-hour group ride?
A. Both rides go through St. Martin’s Nature Reserve—a one and a half mile white
sand beach  with scenic trails running next to the bay,  This takes about one hour.
Price 50.00 Euros or $70.00  per person

The one and a half-hour ride includes a stop for swimming ON your horse, and a
complimentary drink is offered after your return at Bayside.  
Price 70.00 Euros or $90.00  per person

Q. If I reserve a private hour ride am I guaranteed to canter?
Our private one-hour ride, allows the more experienced rider a chance to trot and
canter. This passes the time quickly enough for a swim too if you wish.  
Only experienced riders will be allowed to canter.  Le Galion Bay is one and a half
miles long.  Your guide will determine if you are capable.  A full out gallop back to the
stable is scary and dangerous.   Our horses are well cared for and do have plenty of
energy when they canter.  Your safety and that of the horses will always be our first
concern.  A private ride can also be considered if you want a nice easy ride together
and not with a group of other riders.
Price 70.00 Euros or $95.00  per rider

Q. Is the afternoon two hour ride hot compared to the morning ride?
A. Bayside is three minutes by horse to the beach.  Le Galion Bay enjoys a great breeze
year round from the famous Tradewinds.  Don’t worry about the time.  We would not
send our horses out if it was too hot.  (P.S. We do care about you too!)  Our horses
have a cool fresh water shower then lunch break between 12:00 and 2:00 pm. (That’s
the hottest part of the day.

Q. Do you accept Dollars or Euros only? How about Credit Cards?
A. We currently accept Dollars at $1.40 to Euros 1.00.
We accept VISA and MASTERCARD.  There is a small  fee.

Q. How long does it take to get to Bayside from Phillipsburg and the Cruise Ship
dock?
A. Approximately 25 minutes by taxi or rental car.  For the 9:00 am ride we recommend
getting off the ship early enough to allow for driving time and at least 15 minutes check in
time when possible. Taxi fare for two persons is about $36.00 round trip. 4 persons = $7.00 per
person one way    /  6 persons - $6.00 per person one way

Q. Is there a discount for children?
A. At Bayside our main goal is safety for every rider.  In particular young children
(age 7 years and up) require more attention and responsibility. We charge per horse, not
per rider.  Since all the horse feed, equipment and even the horses are imported to the
island, we need to make our extensive budget per month to care for the horses.

Q. What to wear?
A. At Bayside we are very casual:  shorts and a T-shirt over a bathing suit is best.
Sneakers or back-strap sandals are best footwear but flip flops are tolerated.

Q. Should we bring Beach Towels and a hat?
A. No, because you will not need them. You’ll dry quickly after your swim.  
Some horses are frightened by loose flapping clothing, loose hats, plastic bags and beach
towels hanging off the saddle. If you do have them with you, please leave them in your bag,
which can be stored in the office while you are riding. Valuables can be locked in a locker
cabinet in the office.

Q. What if I bring my camera? Will it get wet?
A. Bring your camera! During the two hour ride your guide will stop at a specific location
on the beach where you will dismount.  Your guide will take the saddle off two horses
for swimming.  You will take turns swimming.  You will have the chance to take off the
clothes you want to keep dry, your shoes and your camera can be passed to the
guide or fellow riders to take pictures of you swimming.  

NOTE: If you get a great picture we are always looking for new pictures to put on our
website. Please send them to: tracie@baysideridingclub.com with permission to use them
and you might be featured in our advertising or website.

Q. Will you make exceptions to you weight/height limits?
A. Rider weight and balance is important for safety.  If you have many years experience
riding an exception might be made. Because of the cost of keeping horses on the island
we use smaller horses which cannot carry as much weight.  There are a few larger
horses which we can use for taller and therefore heavier riders.

Q. What else do we need to know?
A. Bring and use lots of sun block. The sun in St. Martin is stronger than it appears,
especially on the beach where the sun reflects off of the clear water. Nothing can ruin a perfect
vacation like a painful sunburn.

Q. Are reservations required?
A. It is recommended to make a reservation.  At Bayside we take 6 riders per guide
and only a maximum of 12 riders per time slot.  This allows for better quality and
safety on the rides. The best way to make a reservation is to call the stable directly
(from the US) by dialing 011 590 590 873664.  The Bayside receptionist can answer
any questions  you may have and book the ride at that time.  A credit card will be
requested in order to confirm your reservation.  

WHAT ABOUT AFTER THE RIDE?
Bayside is located right next to a Butterfly farm! The gardens are beautiful and the
butterflies love citrus so wearing yellow or orange will attract them to you.
The Old House Museum—around the corner—takes you back to the old days of
St. Martin and is a study on the island’s culture and Rums of the world.
Pierre Beauperthuy is a master of the past and can tell stories you
would not want to miss.

Tropical Wave Restaurant is located at the edge of the Nature Reserve.  
Patrick Turner and wife Tracie can offer you a wonderful lunch and beach chairs
as well as windsurfing, or snorkeling.  It's a quiet beach and very safe for children.

Orient Beach is just around the old salt pond.  It is the most famous beach on the island.  
Clothing optional on one end and the Riviera on the other side.  It offers many great
restaurants, shops & water sports.  You won’t regret making Bayside and the
surrounding area your day trip on St. Martin.  
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: