Local Spotlight: Bandon Beach Riding Stables

Whether you're an animal lover or just want to check horseback riding on the beach off your bucket list, we totally recommend Bandon Beach Riding Stables. It’s a family-owned stable bought from an old cowboy in 1979.

The operator, Jesse, says he’s been riding horses before he was even born.

“I’ve pretty much been riding since my mom was pregnant with me, which I don’t recommend.”

While Jesse doesn’t recommend riding while pregnant, he believes that he was born to ride. After 10 years in the air force, he took over the stable from his parents and has been caring for about 20 horses and giving daily tours on the beach. Here’s what to expect when you show up.

“Once customers show up, they sign a release form, we give them a briefing, and then we match them up with a horse depending on their leg length, size, height, and weight. And then after we match them up, we take them to the beach and back.”

We asked Jesse his favorite thing about his job, and it’s clear he loves what he does.

“I like being able to offer something for a beginner that doesn't know horses, the opportunity to come and ride. And not only just ride a horse, but ride horses on one of the most probably beautiful beaches on the Oregon coast," he expressed.

"So interacting with the horses, training them, getting them ready to where they're ready for a six-year-old kid that's never ridden before or a 95-year-old grandma that just wants to sit there and enjoy the beach on a horse without having to walk down there. So that's kind of what drives me to support those that can't do what we do every day.”

The horses at Bandon Beach Riding Stables are some of the best-kept and well-trained horses in the area. No wonder they have 4.9 stars and over one hundred reviews on Google!

If you’re nervous about getting on a horse for the first time, Jesse has a few words of encouragement and some great feedback he’s heard from customers.

“It just depends on how you act around them. Animals are very therapeutic for people. That's why we have service dogs – horses play into the same kind of thing," he expressed.

Most of the customers who visit say the horses are very gentle, well-trained, and very healthy. Luckily, we were able to see it for ourselves when we rode with Bandon Beach Riding Stables during our last team retreat.

You’ll be blown away by all the paints they have available as Jesse calls them.

“Another thing I’ve heard people talk about is how many paints we have. We have a lot of the brown and white, and gray and white paint pinto-looking horses. It catches people by surprise. We have a black and white one that sometimes people think he's a cow. Just horses here, no cows," he said.

You're not riding a Cadillac, you're riding a 1930s jeep, it's bouncy.

Horses are beautiful and powerful animals so here are some safety tips you should definitely follow. Rule number one; enjoy the view but stay alert.

“They're probably some of the most gentle horses you'll ride. But at the end of the day, they're still a flight or prey animal, and it's their natural reaction, no matter how long they're trained, to revert back to their natural instincts," he shared.

"As a safety concern, we're always wanting people to be ready in case they spook. Having their weight in their feet, ready to catch themselves and ready to slide their hands back down and pull back on. Because that's what gets them under control.” 

Before heading to the stables, here’s what you’ll need to know. Dress warm, wear regular close-toed shoes and book it online. Alternatively, you may contact Wander Concierge to help you make the booking.

Jesse advises guests to dress warm because the beach is cold. He also added that hiking boots don't really fit so it's best to wear tennis shoes.

They also don't allow wearing hats without chin straps. "Hats are huge safety hazards. Everything's got to be secure when you're getting on a horse. You're not riding a Cadillac, you're riding a 1930s jeep, it's bouncy. And everything's got to be secure, zipper pockets work best," he added.

If you’re nervous, it might be a good time to consider whether you want to go on the ride. Jesse explained, "because someone who is nervous can usually panic and that's never good on a horse. We're pretty good at coaching people through it and making them feel comfortable.” 

Hit up Wander concierge at 737-377-3205 for any personalized recommendations for different activities in the area!

All photos by Wander.