A lover’s ride

A romantic horseback ride along the beach with Kelly Seahorse Ranch

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A backdrop of Mother Nature can make any romantic excursion a little more whimsical. Weave in some ocean air, the soft roar of waves and a rambling trek on horseback, well, you might have yourself a Harlequin romance novel.

You might also have yourself a reservation at Kelly Seahorse Ranch in Amelia Island.

The Kelly Seahorse Ranch is the only state endorsed horse ranch located on the beach in the entire state of Florida. All year long they offer beach trail rides, although business really picks up in February. The romantic nature of the excursions is not lost on Jim Kelly and Kelly Robinson, owners of the family-owned business for the past 20 years.

“I think its nostalgia,” Robinson said. “When you set foot in that stirrup and get on a living, breathing, powerful animal like that you kind of become one. They can feel your every move, even your heartbeat through the reins.”

Treks through the Amelia Island State Park first take riders through salt-washed cedar skeletons and a moss-draped canopy of live oaks before heading over the dunes and onto the remote beach. For many, the ride is their first on a horse. Robison is quick to point out her spotless safety record and individually trained guides. “This is not a hobby,” she said. “We're horsemen first.” 

Robinson said she has been riding since she was a little girl and the effect of being on a horse has yet to wear off. Her secluded ranch houses over 20 horses, and she admits her attachment to them has prevented her from selling any. While for many guests of the ranch the ride is a dream-come-true, hers was the ranch itself.

Riding horses in nature is just a magical feeling, she said.

“It's a one-with-the-universe kind of thing.”

 Visit www.kellyranchinc.net to make reservations or learn more about Kelly Seahorse Ranch.

Photos provided by Kelly Seahorse Ranch