Meet the Jamaican Swimming Horses’ Trainer

For many years, Jamaica has been one of the most popular Caribbean islands for equestrian activities. Trina DeLisser, Director of the Half Moon Hotel’s Equestrian Centre in Montego Bay, is the island’s leading horse trainer and the brains behind the island’s sublime equestrian pastime of swimming horses. Culture Trip got the opportunity to speak with her about Jamaica’s equestrian activities, including training horses to sail.

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Yes, horses, like people, are not natural swimmers, but some like swimming and are adept at it thanks to their muscular legs. One of the most challenging tasks is getting the horses to transfer from a pool to the sea, which is a controlled environment. This is when we discover which horses enjoy swimming and which do not.

Many of the horses we work with have been rescued from racetracks. They already know how to swim because they use it for physical treatment and fitness. We educate the other horses to swim by first allowing them to have fun in the water and then having them learn the technique from an experienced swimmer. Then, while swimming, we introduce a rider on their backs. It may take up to three months to complete the process.

At Half Moon Equestrian Centre, we take safety extremely seriously. The passengers are assigned to the various rides based on their level of experience. All guests must wear helmets when riding and are overseen and instructed by the gentlemen who work with us. Everyone in the water must wear a lifebelt. Additionally, the ‘Turf and Surf’ ride is only available to experienced swimmers. The guides that accompany the guests during the tour are likewise experienced.