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Last Update: 26 Aug 2011

Riding Holidays | Réunion

La Réunion is an island that sits on the Tropic of Capricorn in the Indian Ocean, to the East of Madagascar and close to Mauritius. The island is an overseas department belonging to France, and so the only official language is French, although many speak Réunion Creole. The geography of Réunion is mostly volcanic, with numerous active volcanoes creating a spectacular mountainous landscape of rugged peaks, lava fields, thick green forests and blue lagoons, surrounded by the awe-inspiring colours of the Indian Ocean. The tropical weather varies more here than on other nearby islands, due to the high mountains - so to avoid humid rains and cyclone season, the best time to visit Réunion is from May to August. 

The first evidence of horses being used for the transportation of people and goods on the island dates back to the early eighteenth century. The Mérens horse, native of the Pyrenees Mountains, is the most favoured riding horse in Réunion. This small, black horse is known for being rustic and versatile, and therefore very useful for navigating mountainous terrain.

There are various equestrian centres and riding schools offering horseback riding on the island. Centre Equestre du Cap provides hacks alongside the sugarcane fields, where horse and rider can enjoy gentle riding with extraordinary sea views. For exhilarating trail rides, head to Écurie du Relais, where you can ride through the majestic mountains and forests, catching a glimpse of life in the small mountain villages, with panoramic scenery of La Réunion. This centre also offers beach rides and coastal trails.

There are all sorts of activities and holiday options on offer in Réunion, whether on land or in the water. There are very few large hotel resorts and although tourism is important to the economy of the island, it is less well-known than neighbouring island Mauritius - so you can guarantee that a trip to La Réunion will provide an authentic experience in the unspoilt landscape of this fantastic island.