By Katy Fassler
A sunset horseback ride along the beach with hair tousled by the sea breeze is a bucket list item for many. Carmen Herrmann Hanson of the Tampa Bay area makes that dream a reality. Hanson’s business, CPonies, allows visitors to ride the beaches and trails of Bradenton, Anna Maria Island, and more, not only to have the once in a lifetime experience but to also give back to the very horses they ride.
“Horseback riding on the beach is like a Florida-style trail ride – but better! Come ride our rescued Drum and Gypsy Vanner horses and even enjoy an exhilarating swim with these majestic beauties. Start with a ride into the beautiful water at Palma Sola Bay, right near Anna Maria Island. The tranquil, relaxing trip is sure to put you at ease, and the local sea life will amaze you!”
Carmen Herrmann Hanson, granddaughter of Col. Ottomar Herrmann (one of the first to import, breed, train, and exhibit Lipizzan Stallions in America), grew up surrounded by horses and was raised with a love for riding. Through the years, loving horses created a career of training new riders. Hanson started a riding academy, but it was by chance in 2012 that CPonies was created.
“On a beach outing one day with my horses, I noticed a crowd of onlookers watching and taking pictures. I was chatting with several people when an older woman explained to me that this was her lifelong dream, one of the things on her bucket list. Of course I offered her a horseback ride on one of my horses, even letting her swim with the horse. When we finished, the gleam in her eye and joy on her face kept me smiling for days.”
The horses of CPonies also come with a story. Hanson purchases most of the horses of CPonies for the purpose of rehabilitation. “Most of my beautiful horses have come from not-so-good environments. I truly believe these horses find me! 95% of our beach ponies have been bought with horrible skin conditions, neglect and abuse, starved and over bred. I have found the ocean heals almost all of the feather conditions (feather is the long hair around the feet) that neglect and bad breeding have created as well as healing their soul. The love they receive from us and, of course, our guests shows them that humans can be loving and caring, too.”
“Being born into a horse family, we always rescued horses here and there. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. The bond between a rescued animal is really like no other. I wanted to offer other horse lovers the experience of horses that are safe, gentle, and love to swim. So why not use the ocean to help rehab the rescue horses I purchased?”
“Well, this year we decided to buy a few (3) from kill pens. That’s where horses are bought that are going to slaughter. We bid and won on a Suffolk Punch gelding. He looked like a pretty good guy. We paid $4800 for him and another $1800 to ship him to Florida. We named him Grouper, and my vet confirmed he was at least 18 years old. We were told he was 8. This horse was the most dangerous horse I have ever handled. I knew if I couldn’t fix him he would probably have to be put down as he was too dangerous to rehome. With everyday training, in 3 months we took him to the beach. He loved it! He is now being used as a guide horse and has become one of our sweetest horses.”
Rehabilitation takes time, money, and patience. “The length of time it takes to rehab a horse depends on what condition the horses are in. We have had some take up to 6 months. The first thing is excellent vets. Each horse goes through our vet for blood work, deworming, and dental work. Hooves are x rayed and our farrier then starts his job.” The cost? “Oh gosh, anywhere from $4,000 to well over $10,000.”
“Every ride that is purchased helps us buy and rehabilitate another horse. Our horses love to do beach rides, and their favorite thing to do is swim. If for some reason we get one that doesn’t like the water, we retrain them and find the best home where they will be loved and have a purpose.”
ehabilitation takes time, money, and patience. “The length of time it takes to rehab a horse depends on what condition the horses are in. We have had some take up to 6 months. The first thing is excellent vets. Each horse goes through our vet for blood work, deworming, and dental work. Hooves are x rayed and our farrier
then starts his job.” The cost? “Oh gosh, anywhere from $4,000 to well over $10,000.”
“Every ride that is purchased helps us buy and rehabilitate another horse. Our horses love to do beach rides, and their favorite thing to do is swim. If for some reason we get one that doesn’t like the water, we retrain them and find the best home where they will be loved and have a purpose.”
C Ponies offers a selection of rides to suit the desires of the visitors. The most popular excursion is the Bradenton Platinum Excursion. Riders will meet and fall in love with the rare breeds rescued through CPonies. With this excursion, riders will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with their horse. “After a brief swimming lesson, our horses will swim while you ride them. The horses are never forced to swim; this is actually their favorite part! So grab hold of their manes and hang on tight! This almost feels like you’re flying through the air. Keep an eye out for wildlife, as it’s common to see manatees, stingrays, and dolphins swimming by. Palma Sola Bay is a natural breeding ground for our manatees! Enjoy the beautiful bay views as you ride with your gentle companion. Ask your guide about your horse’s story. You may even shed a tear when you hear some of the horrible conditions our horses came from.” This option is also available in the evening, making the excursion even more magical with the setting sun creating the backdrop of your ride.
Other options include a trail ride through Alafia River State Park. The former phosphate mine has transformed the landscape creating new landforms, including small lakes and steep grades. Deer Prairie Creek Preserve in Venice, a journey through preserved Florida, is a ride along the Myakka River. These trail rides are perfect opportunities to see the natural flora and fauna of Central Florida. A ride along the shoreline in St. Petersburg is also available. Included in all rides is a time to simply love on these rescue horses; carrots are encouraged to be brought along to show your love.
“I want to thank all of you. Every ride helps us rehabilitate another Drum horse. Every time you bring carrots, gently pat them on the neck, or hug them after your ride, you prove to them that humans can be good.”
For more information or to book your tour, please visit www.Cponies.com
