Francis Family Farm – Your Sea Horse Experience

Francis Family Farm offers riding holidays for riders of all abilities. Located on Anegada’s west end, the tours treks on keen, trained, fit, forward-going and beautiful horses in excellent tack along the pristine waters and outstanding natural beauty of West End Beach.

There is a beautiful horse named Apache that you may find waiting alone at the starting point. If you get there and there is no one there but Apache don’t worry,  he is simply doing what he’s trained to do—he’ll head off to fetch your kind and generous hosts, Kenny Francis, owner of Francis Fanily Farm.

WBVI: WHAT MADE YOU GET INTO THIS TYPE OF BUSINESS?

FFF: When I started out as a entrepreneur I had a scooter business. While on tour with some guests in 2008 one of them asked me if there were another business I would like to get into and with out hesitating I responded, “I would like to do horse back rides on the beach.” That has always been my dream.

All the guests laughed at my response because coincidently that is what they do in the United States. They teach people to ride and take care of horses. They told me if I am serious about this, they will room and board me and teach me everything at no cost. So, I jumped at the opportunity and trained with them for three months.

WBVI: HOW HAS IT BEEN SINCE YOU OPENED?

FFF: Honestly in the beginning it was kind of rough, but I believe that’s how it is with most business startups, but giving up is not an option when you have a dream.

We opened in August 2017 right before hurricanes. The hurricane gave us a licking, so we didn’t actually open until 2018.

Before COVID our business came from people on the yachts who visited Anegada.  We only offered sunrise and sunset rides at that time as that is the coolest times of the day. So, to ride with us you would have to stay overnight in Anegada.

During COVID, with closed borders, we had to come up with a new strategy.  Our local residents were reaching out to us which made it easy. They requested rides during the day to accommodate the curfew. So we accommodated them and to this day, we provide short rides to persons who just make a day trip to Anegada as well as the long sunset and sunrise rides.

WBVI: WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU OFFER?

FFF: We offer long and short sunrise and sunset rides on West End Beach, Anegada. A recent feature we have introduced is the Swim Option where you ride the horse out into the sea to a depth where it swims. In the future our plan is to open up the farm as a petting zoo because we now have other animals on the farm.

WBVI: DESCRIBE YOUR BEST HORSE-RIDING TOUR EXPERIENCE.

FFF: I have many but my best experiences is with skilled riders who cantor or gallop as it’s much faster and our horses love the exercise.

WBVI: WHAT IF YOUR GUEST HAS NO RIDING EXPERIENCE – HAS NEVER BEEN ON A HORSE, HOW DO YOU HANDLE THAT?

FFF: If you can’t ride or have never been on a horse, I simply walk with that person holding the horse for the entire ride. By the end of the ride most persons can hold the reins and walk the horse themselves.

WBVI: WHAT ARE THE DOS AND DON’TS ABOUT RIDING?

FFF: Never make loud noises near a horse. Always approach the horse from the front. The one that I emphasise the most is to never kick the horses to get them going. They are not trained for that and may buck you.

Another don’t and this is a big one. No cell phones usage during a ride, especially if you are a novice. Cell phone in one hand, reign in the other, you are taking selfies and video chatting, that’s a definite no. So it is always best for beginners to have two hands on the reigns at all times.

WBVI: SO, WHAT’S NEW FOR YOU IN 2025? 

FFF: I’m excited to offer a unique opportunity for young boys, especially those from single-parent homes, to connect with horses and other animals. The goal is to mentor them through hands-on experiences, teaching them responsibility, care, and life skills in an outdoor setting. On the last Sunday of every month
They will have the chance to ride horses, learn how to care for them, and take care of other animals on the farm.
We’ll provide transportation on Anegada and lunch for the boys. The ferry cost will be the responsibility of the parent.
This will be an enriching experience—far more than just a day outdoors. It’s a great alternative to spending hours indoors playing video games. Boys will learn about patience, responsibility, and teamwork, while also gaining the confidence that comes from caring for animals and the land.

For more information call Francis Family Farm can be reached via their website www.francisfamilyfarm.net or WhatsApp 1-284-346-9779.